Thanks for posting that, RG! that device sounds like we're going to get it.
Now as for the ropes, I used to climb on 9 mm meaning 9 mm! I guess you can't get 9 mm double ropes, but you can get 9 mm single ropes now... what would speak against climbing with 2 identical 9 mm single ropes? I would prefer not to get and have to climb on two strands of spaghetti if I can.

Weight is the primary downside to double nines. Hell, double 8.5's are considered fat and heavy now. Another might be cost, although I don't know what the comparisons are.

Seriously, if you are going to get half ropes, get something in the 8--8.5 range.

So RG, your thoughts please: I feel like I've heard this movie before.

Spiffy new device comes out, engineered technology thing from Europe that nobody's heard of, highly endorsed by RG as the better way to go, works well, addresses some safety issues, and locks down even for double ropes.

I'm not saying the TRE wasn't neat, but ....

Why not just stick with thicker ropes and familiar belay devices?

I find myself doing this. An added bonus is that with all the attention on 9.small single ropes, the prices of 10mm ropes is looking good. Case in point - my latest purchase (60m x 10.0, non-dry) cost $82.

It's an option. The thinner ropes weigh less. If you do a long pitch and have two 50m lengths of rope hanging off you, you might notice it. For example, two 50m lengths of Beal Ice line (8.1mm) is 2.5 lbs lighter than the same lengths of Beal Joker (9.1mm). 50m of the Ice lines are going to weigh you down to the tune of about 9.25 lbs, the same length Jokers about 11.7 lbs.

Details, please!

I signed up for email alerts at Sierra Trading Post, and a week or so ago the special deal was 40% off anything + free shipping. And they always have ropes on sale, so I scored an Edelrid Hawk. At 62 g/m it's lighter than the typical 10.0mm cord. Within a gram of the last 9.8 I bought actually.

Rich I'll skip the boiled wool and opt for my wool sauteed with butter and garlic, and a little raspberry reduction drizzled on afterwards.

Dammit Rob, if folks like you weren't such slobs, we wouldn't have to keep boiling those sweaters. That raspberry stuff is especially hard to get out, not that the butter and garlic is exactly a walk in the park.

New Year's Eve is fast approaching---have a good one all.