by Eager » Sat Mar 06, 2010 10:35 pm
While timely and efficient the "magic x" anchor will extend if one of the anchors breaks, and can shock load the remaining anchor. It serves a purpose as a multi directional self minding anchor and may be suitable if there are no questions with anchor strength (bolts, large trees, bombproof placements). However, if building an anchor of two or three marginal gear placements or ice screws it is much more prudent to equalize the anchor by tieing it off with a figure 8 , so that if any piece breaks there is no extension minimizing shock load to the remaining anchors.
Freedom of the Hills is a good resource for anchors as well as the Petzl website, but proper training and experience is usually the best teacher.