In reply to MrWayne:
> Smoother rappel and locking during rappel.
> Also when belaying you can rig it in a few different configurations to adjust friction. With an ATC device you just have the one option.
> In reality probably makes no difference but the fact is there's a multitude of ways to rig a fig 8 and really only one way to rig an ATC.
Well to counter that, with a Reverso one can:
1. guide mode belay, or indirect belay,
2. friction can be changed by adding in carabiners (in indirect mode only)
3. can be used to jug a rope
4. can be used as a floating plate lower
5. bring up two seconds safely
6. much better with double ropes.
I really don't think you can realistically claim a fig 8 is more versatile. One thing a small fig 8 is good for is rapping above 7000m when you can't take your gloves off.