I never use the Stop as a braking device, using a Handy braking carabiner for that and just unlock and go. But the Stop handle hurts as it's just a bit of bent sheet with a tiny rubber cover, and holding it fully open on a long shaft is painful.

I use an ID for work, which is a braking descender, and that's much more comfortable, albeit a bit cissy when it comes to descending speed. But it is for work after all. I've often wondered about using it underground but wasn't sure if it would survive Peak District sediments.

I tried an Anthron a few years ago but I failed to descend due my meagre weight. Returned to supplier (ebay)

On a clean rope however, it's lovely.

I tried an Anthron a few years ago but I failed to descend due my meagre weight. Returned to supplier (ebay)

Anthron descenders are absolutely diabolical, wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.

I tried an Anthron a few years ago but I failed to descend due my meagre weight. Returned to supplier (ebay)

Anthron descenders are absolutely diabolical, wouldn't touch one with a barge pole.

Interesting about Anthrons - a friend of mine has one and on a descent the other day he was in danger of suspension trauma on a not huge pitch - clean dry rope.
He was moving better on the previous pitch but the rope there was, at the top at least, covered in what seemed to my rack to be Teflon loaded slime - 5 bars and the hyperbar needed!

That's not the one hanging down a pitch from a higher level. The one like a round file? I think I took about 2mm off my first 3 bars doing that pitch.