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Do You Use Your Rappel Rope w/ Madrock As Tether or A Separate Tether?

H

Hellir

Well-Known Member
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Dec 3, 2020
Messages
237
I have seen differing opinions on this issue from people (in person). Not really sure why some people use a separate tether. When you rappel, you’re using a lot of pressure on the MadRock (which is what it’s made for) just as you would be if it you used it for your tether. I’m confused on the issue. Is it that people are worried about the duration of pressure being applied to the madrock for an entire hunt? Can’t be worried about the shock load from falling, because there is the same chance of that happening while rappelling. Just seems odd to have a tether and then a rappel rope, separately. But, I plan on using a lineman’s belt every time I climb up the stick. I know some would say that’s not needed and just climb up without it and slide the tether up. So is it just a preference thing? I’m no pro and am open-minded to others options. In the end I want to go home to my family after the hunt, so I’m not gonna be arrogant about anything.


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I agree with you on that . Don't see a need for a separate tether. And i think the shock load thing is kinda over talked about in the saddle world . I've seen rock climbers purposely jump off the wall with like 20ft of slack before just to show how there gear works . Unless it's just %100 your time to go I don't see the mad rock ever even noticing that your hanging on it for a couple hours and most the time maybe only half your weight is on it if your using a platform anyways
 
The best explanation I've seen is that having a backup is safer. I can't really argue with that, if the same safety-minded effort goes into making sure you're not ever un-tied while switching between them.

Other than a lineman belt, I don't use separate ropes - just learn how to tie off under the madrock in case it slips (mine never has - on smaller-than-recommended rope, with a bigger-than-recommended idiot attached).
 
JBDaddy said:
The best explanation I've seen is that having a backup is safer. I can't really argue with that, if the same safety-minded effort goes into making sure you're not ever un-tied while switching between them.

Other than a lineman belt, I don't use separate ropes - just learn how to tie off under the madrock in case it slips (mine never has - on smaller-than-recommended rope, with a bigger-than-recommended idiot attached).
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So you use the rappel rope as your tether?


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Razor sharp objects in close proximity to tensioned rope can quickly go sideways. In the tree working world if using a chainsaw, there must be two separate points of attachment. In the UK and some other EU countries two attachment points have to be maintained through the climb, with at lease one being able to reach the ground. The hand saws have become so sharp, some strap in twice when using them.
 
Brocky said:
Razor sharp objects in close proximity to tensioned rope can quickly go sideways. In the tree working world if using a chainsaw, there must be two separate points of attachment. In the UK and some other EU countries two attachment points have to be maintained through the climb, with at lease one being able to reach the ground. The hand saws have become so sharp, some strap in twice when using them.
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Yeah I can see a need for that, but we’re just talking saddle hunting in this specific scenario. Might have posted in the wrong forum? That’s ok though. Haha


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I’m new to one sticking and rappelling so just my .02¢ but using a typical tether rope while one sticking I already get the tail caught frequently on my stick steps as I’m climbing, even after trying to roll up the end and holding it together with a gear tie. It’s annoying enough I’m about ready to buy a new shorty tether just for climbing. I have thought already about the practicality and weight savings of just using one rope for tether and rappel but I think it’d constantly be in the way hanging down the tree while climbing. Unless you could somehow keep the tail coiled up neatly and out the way in a pouch. It’s certainly possible, I just haven’t figured out a way to do it conveniently.
 
Marmuzz said:
I’m new to one sticking and rappelling so just my .02¢ but using a typical tether rope while one sticking I already get the tail caught frequently on my stick steps as I’m climbing, even after trying to roll up the end and holding it together with a gear tie. It’s annoying enough I’m about ready to buy a new shorty tether just for climbing. I have thought already about the practicality and weight savings of just using one rope for tether and rappel but I think it’d constantly be in the way hanging down the tree while climbing. Unless you could somehow keep the tail coiled up neatly and out the way in a pouch. It’s certainly possible, I just haven’t figured out a way to do it conveniently.
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TETHRD is coming out with just that solution July 1st. They made a roll pouch to store the 35ft of rope during the hunt and then just let it out when you’re ready to rappel.


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Marmuzz said:
I’m new to one sticking and rappelling so just my .02¢ but using a typical tether rope while one sticking I already get the tail caught frequently on my stick steps as I’m climbing, even after trying to roll up the end and holding it together with a gear tie. It’s annoying enough I’m about ready to buy a new shorty tether just for climbing. I have thought already about the practicality and weight savings of just using one rope for tether and rappel but I think it’d constantly be in the way hanging down the tree while climbing. Unless you could somehow keep the tail coiled up neatly and out the way in a pouch. It’s certainly possible, I just haven’t figured out a way to do it conveniently.
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Here’s the video of the guy from TETHRD showing the pouch. This was the prototype. This is a great video of one-sticking as well. But he shows you how he keeps the rope in the pouch.



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I was at a recent Tethrd TNT event where they apparently showcased that prototype (regrettably I was late and missed all but the very end of the one stick demonstration) and people were asking when that’s gonna be on sale already haha. I’m eager to see how it does.
 
Marmuzz said:
I was at a recent Tethrd TNT event where they apparently showcased that prototype (regrettably I was late and missed all but the very end of the one stick demonstration) and people were asking when that’s gonna be on sale already haha. I’m eager to see how it does.
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Yeah I saw in the comments on that video that one of the people from TETHRD said it would be July 1. 2 more days. My guess is it’s gonna be like $40.


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phatkaw said:
I have a Beal Birdie and it just hangs on a hook on the wall, so would a SafeGaurd if I had one.
I climb with my tether and rappel with my rappel rope and a Figure of Eight.
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Would love to know your thought process on your rappel method.


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Hellir said:
Would love to know your thought process on your rappel method.


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I started a thread about my way a little while back. Type in 'Figure of Eight progress capture' in the climbing section...
 
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