Good thread, something I was wanting to start one about too:
- I used RM1s for a few years (both LB and tether), but hate the bulk of the 10 mm rope when daisy chained. Also, 10 mm plus rope does not take some knots as much as I like. Not a fan of using a life support device out of spec, so I personally wouldn’t run a RM1 on 8 mm rope. That’s just me.
- On my tether, I originally backed the RM up with a loop at the end of the tether that I clipped into the biner as well. Never liked the length of the tail on skinnier trees though (hunt those a lot). So, lately I have changed to an alpine butterfly under the RM that I clip into the biner with the RM. Keeps the potential fall distance as short as possible.
- I changed my tether to a RM2 with 8 mm static rope a couple years back. The difference in bulk when daisy chained is amazing. BUT: I hate how the RM2 rips up my rope. Would NOT want to use / recommend this for a LB. Also, I sometimes use my tether as second LB when I climb around limbs (ALWAYS stay attached to the tree!) and hate the RM2 then for the same reason.
Now, here are some things I am pondering, and it would be great to get some feedback on:
- I just got a Kong Duck so I can change my LB to 8 mm static as well. Like it so far - just wrapped the biner that goes into it with camo tape from DanO. No problem with noise this season, but haven’t found the perfect biner for it yet (due to width of the biner hole in the Kong) Any suggestions?
- Thinking about running a Kong on the tether as well (IF I find the right biner). Is anybody here doing this and has some pointers?
- I am thinking about tying a modified Blake’s hitch to the tether above the ascender and clip this into the biner with the RM/Kong. Reason is, this would back me up in case the RM does something to the rope that leads to rope failure, not only RM failure. Of course, that is EXTREMELY unlikely to happen, but then I have a lot of ‘face time’ with my ascender in the tree with time to wonder. Plus, why not? Any comments?
I am sure a lot of the guys here have been there, done that, so any comments / pointers welcome. Also, don’t be shy to tell me I’m full of it - would rather hear it here than realizing while accelerating on the way down ^^