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Figure-eight descenders for aerial silks
Assembling a custom aerial silk setup or replacing the rigging connector on your sash? In this category, you will find certified figure-eight descenders for aerial silks, designed for safe and stable fabric installation.
Sourced from trusted hardware manufacturers, these high-strength aluminum figure 8s protect fabric fibers from friction wear, properly separate the two silk tails, and provide a secure attachment point for your carabiner.
The Role of Figure-8 Descenders in Aerial Silk Rigging
A figure-eight descender is a connecting element between the fabric and the rigging system, which may include carabiners, swivels, and suspension points. It helps keep the fabric securely attached and allows both silk tails to hang freely.
Classic Figure-8 vs. Bent-Ear (Horned) Figure-8
Both types can be used with home aerial silk sets and professional aerial silks. The choice mainly depends on your preferred fabric arrangement.
- Classic Figure-8: A simple, compact design without side horns. It provides a secure attachment point for the silk, while the two fabric tails remain positioned closer together.
- Bent-Ear (Horned) Figure-8: The side horns help separate the two fabric tails and keep them positioned on opposite sides of the descender. This makes the fabric easier to organise and helps reduce tangling during use.
Connecting a Figure-8 Descender to Your Rigging System
To attach the silk, pass the folded fabric through the larger opening and secure it around the neck of the figure-eight descender. Connect a locking carabiner to the smaller opening. Typical configurations include:
- Standard Setup: Suspension Point > Carabiner > Figure-8 with fabric.
- Swivel Setup: Suspension Point > Carabiner > Swivel > Carabiner > Figure-8 with fabric.
Hardware Inspection and Safety Guidelines
Aluminium descenders may gradually show signs of wear caused by friction. Before each use, inspect the surface and make sure it is smooth and free from sharp grooves, cracks, burrs, or other damage that could affect the fabric. Remove damaged hardware from use immediately.
