quote:Originally posted by DustinNWA: I second most of the suggestions on climbing gear. Just like getting started in traditional archery, talk to someone at a local shop like REI that sells climbing gear. Explain your exact need and they can be very helpful. Ascenders like the Petzel, Black Diamond, Jumar, etc... can be expensive, but having done single rope ascending in caves and up overhangs, they are worth every penny. NEVER buy used climbing gear. You do not *know* the history of the item. Carabiners can develop microscopic cracks if mishandled, a dynamic rope is considered done after a climb with a fall. Pretty much every climbing magazine, website, and climber I know agree on this 100%
Most dynamic ropes are rated for a number of falls of a specific type. I've never seen a climbing rope maker that would sell or even advertise a rope only rated for one fall....What would you do if you were in the middle of a multi-pitch climb and suffered a fall? Call for rescue? Of course not. Assuming nobody got hurt you keep climbing. Even the cheaper ropes are rated for 5 or 6 falls.
Of course, not all falls are equal. For example if you top rope a climber and he comes off the face and the rope is relatively taut its not really considered a fall. But someone who falls 10-15 feet in a bottom belay situation would obviously be considered a fall. But nobody I've ever climbed with would trash a decent dynamic rope after only one or two falls unless they were REALLY extreme--like 70 or 80 feet!
Posts: 316 | From: KY | Registered: Jun 2011
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quote:Originally posted by DustinNWA: I second most of the suggestions on climbing gear. Just like getting started in traditional archery, talk to someone at a local shop like REI that sells climbing gear. Explain your exact need and they can be very helpful. Ascenders like the Petzel, Black Diamond, Jumar, etc... can be expensive, but having done single rope ascending in caves and up overhangs, they are worth every penny. NEVER buy used climbing gear. You do not *know* the history of the item. Carabiners can develop microscopic cracks if mishandled, a dynamic rope is considered done after a climb with a fall. Pretty much every climbing magazine, website, and climber I know agree on this 100%
Most dynamic ropes are rated for a number of falls of a specific type. I've never seen a climbing rope maker that would sell or even advertise a rope only rated for one fall....What would you do if you were in the middle of a multi-pitch climb and suffered a fall? Call for rescue? Of course not. Assuming nobody got hurt you keep climbing. Even the cheaper ropes are rated for 5 or 6 falls.
Of course, not all falls are equal. For example if you top rope a climber and he comes off the face and the rope is relatively taut its not really considered a fall. But someone who falls 10-15 feet in a bottom belay situation would obviously be considered a fall. But nobody I've ever climbed with would trash a decent dynamic rope after only one or two falls unless they were REALLY extreme--like 70 or 80 feet!
Thanks for clarifying a bit. I was stating that for used gear specifically. Of course a climb with a fall does not get called in for SAR, but most if my old climbing friends back home are dead serious about retiring ropes. I was not a good climber (which is why I mainly do SRT on anything above a 5.3 or 5.4) so I was even more cautious with dynamic ropes. My statement on the 100% agreement was directed at used gear. Granted if you are really good friend with said seller you could get some good stuff, but why risk it? One of my goals in life is to get the Cabelas and REI crowds to learn from each other, so sometimes I get a bit "over-enthusiastic".
-------------------- 56" Striker Stinger TDL 51# at 27" If you're looking down a sight, and pulling a trigger, it aint a bow. Posts: 8 | From: Celina, Ohio, USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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I use 30 feet of 11mm static climbing rope and carry two prusik loops in my pocket of 5mm just incase...but it is a lot of work to go up/down a line with prusik loops or ascenders especially if you might be injured. The GriGri self belaying devise is one hand on a lever to lower yourself down.
Whatever system you use practice actually lowering yourself from a hanging position a few feet off the ground so you really know what to do in case of a fall!..tippit
-------------------- TGMM Family of the Bow VP of Consumption MK,LLC Posts: 6867 | From: Carlisle, MA & Aiken, SC | Registered: May 2003
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I second the recommendation for the Safe Tree system! I bought six for all my stands and never worry about an accident. I'm secure from the moment I take my first step up the tree. I always check for possible damage from squirrels and take the ropes down at the end of the season to avoid UV damage over the summer months.
Posts: 1922 | From: Eagleville, TN, | Registered: Sep 2006
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I researched this BIG TIME about a year ago. What I found was that by the time you paid shipping and bought eveythig you were better off with the following ;
Hunter safety systems - lifeline
-------------------- Tolerance is a virtue of a man without any Morals- unknown author Posts: 1003 | From: Scott Depot, WV | Registered: Sep 2007
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posted
After checking out the HSS, Summit SOP and STHS lifelines, I feel the STHS is by far the best rope and system. It uses Bluewater Assualt Line climbing rope and purpose made prusik cord. The prusik grabs hard and fast yet slides easily. None of them are "cheap", but four of the STHS rigs shipped to my house were much less than the other two brands even before tax or shipping.
-------------------- Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement.
"The next best thing to playing and winning is playing and losing."
When it comes to shooting well, the arrow is more important than the bow. Posts: 4284 | From: Rochester, IL | Registered: May 2003
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posted
Mobility challenges have made me retire from tree steps and hanging stands, and now I am either on the ground or cautiously up a ladder stand.
I have invested in a Rescue CDS system, and hope to convert to first-step-off-the-ground safety. How does this translate to a ladder stand?
If you tie the bottom to the tree, there would have to be a good amount of slack. If you tie off to the ladder bottom, seems like it could cause a Tarzan-like swing back into the tree.
Thought I'd rather ask than find out the hard way!
Daryl
-------------------- Daryl Harding "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Jim Elliot
Traditional bowhunting is game of seconds... and inches! Posts: 1507 | From: Central Illinois | Registered: Apr 2003
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