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Found a video of Ropeman Failure (unclear if it is a ropeman 1 or 2)

This is apples and oranges on that video. He is testing to Fall Factors that just won’t be reached in a saddle hunting situation. See pic below and article. We are top roped and do not get above our contact point.
View attachment 39921


Now this doesn’t mean a ropeman cannot fail, it’s just that we would not put these fall factor stresses on our system unless you are doing something really weird or dumb. A different test would be needed than what was shown in the video.
I believe the video showed a .25 factor fall... it is also my understanding that fall factors are not that important with static ropes, the impact force is more a function of raw distance fallen and weight of the climber. It is also my understanding that even short falls onto static rope can generate forces that exceed even high factor falls on dynamic rope.

I guess I just need a high speed camera and a tower and weight so I can test this stuff.

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I believe the video showed a .25 factor fall... it is also my understanding that fall factors are not that important with static ropes, the impact force is more a function of raw distance fallen and weight of the climber. It is also my understanding that even short falls onto static rope can generate forces that exceed even high factor falls on dynamic rope.

I guess I just need a high speed camera and a tower and weight so I can test this stuff.

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Testing in a saddle situation would be good to see. That would be much better data than what was presented in that video.

The big takeaway and something I always try to practice is don’t have large (or small) amounts of slack in your rope, especially during fall likely times (i.e. getting on and off platform). If it’s a fall likely time, have a backup. I use my lineman’s belt at those times.
 
I looked long and hard at the ropeman for some saddle applications. Then I started working with prussic tenders- kinda lost my desire for the ropeman and really ANY mechanical device. Tough to beat the basics.
 
Once I get to hunting height, I tether in before pulling my platform out. Put the tether as high as possible. When stepping onto my platform I pull the slack as I step up with one foot. I don't even put my other foot and all my weight on the platform until all the slack is out of the system. There will not be a .25 fall factor. A rope grab is safe if used correctly. One sticking is a different story. I cringe every time I watch a one stick video. Fall factor .50 all over the place with static rope and no screamers.
 
It has a roller instead of the tensioned cam, used for tending the hitch like a pulley.
 
I did play with a regulation Ropeman below a hitch, I do something similar with a chest ascender for tree climbing to push up a hitch. The Ropeman grabs instantly with no sit back that you get with a hitch, then take off the device when you reach the height you want.
To descend without taking it off, the cam can be manually held to prevent contacting the rope. I first put the cord ends in between the cam and the rope to keep the ridges from biting for a longer descent. A bonus is the cam without grabbing generates enough friction that the hitch can be used to descend. Here is a piece of cover being used in place of cord ends.
9C079498-8092-4FD2-AE16-BA1CDF125711.jpeg
 
Already had the first gen RM not going to be used while having a new one, only have about $5 into it.
 
Once I get to hunting height, I tether in before pulling my platform out. Put the tether as high as possible. When stepping onto my platform I pull the slack as I step up with one foot. I don't even put my other foot and all my weight on the platform until all the slack is out of the system. There will not be a .25 fall factor. A rope grab is safe if used correctly. One sticking is a different story. I cringe every time I watch a one stick video. Fall factor .50 all over the place with static rope and no screamers.
Does it have to be a bad scenario? If a guy moves his rope as he climbs the stick he's fine right? Its that whole ..Climb to the top of the stick- THEN move the tether thats sketchy. The zip tie handles in red-beards video make it "easy to be safe." AND a linemans belt really mitigates the chance of an issue if used right.
 
Does it have to be a bad scenario? If a guy moves his rope as he climbs the stick he's fine right? Its that whole ..Climb to the top of the stick- THEN move the tether thats sketchy. The zip tie handles in red-beards video make it "easy to be safe." AND a linemans belt really mitigates the chance of an issue if used right.
No it doesn't have to be a bad scenario. Most of the pieces are in naturally in place to make it one of the safer climbing methods.
 
No it doesn't have to be a bad scenario. Most of the pieces are in naturally in place to make it one of the safer climbing methods.
Right? When I FIRST saw one stick climbing...I was like WTH???? and then the guy RAPPELED out of the tree! But as you look at it...and Im coming around...... it is really a clean system. Just have to pay attention!

Im a worry wart to an extent on this tuff. I do get that many of the same issues apply to 'conventional" stands and climbing. But this arena has made more aware in those disciplines as well. I actually now carry self rescue/rappel gear in conventional set ups. Imagine taking a dive in a climber, where all your harness "ride down" threads pop? No mans land! cant go UP..cant get DOWN!

A friend told me something once that kinda shaped my thinking on all things extreme/deer hunting. He camps for a week and bow hunts deer. I said- " dont you just want a shower to get "Scent Free???" His answer kinda threw me for sec. "I dont hate deer that much." In other words- I love hunting - but this aint war. They aren't the enemy. Its not worth life and limb. Enjoy yourself. Along those lines- Saddle hunting is a great tool and Knowledge Expansion is always great. But reeeeeally gotta look at what we are doing at DEADLY heights. Only thing worse than dieing from a deer hunt- being crippled from it. Destroying your families finances and future to care for your bedridden carcass til you actually die. In the name of 40 pounds of meat and some horns.
 
Well said.
Can have a clean track record with decades of experience doing this, but one misjudgment is all it takes. It’s been argued that once experience is high, muscle memory takes over for some tasks and one is really comfortable in their position, it might be easier to get complacent. Makes sense to me.

Make sure someone knows where you are too. I had an arborist friend, the son of a former employer, accidentally cut his lanyard while working without a second tie in. He might have survived if a medical response was timely, but they say he hit the ground and laid there for maybe 5 hours before someone found him. This was in 07 and not everyone was on board the cell phone train. These days it’s easier to know your position and set up a little accountability system to check in with each others.

Of the two arborist friends and one acquaintance I’ve lost over the last 20 years, none of them were rookies.
 
Well said.
Can have a clean track record with decades of experience doing this, but one misjudgment is all it takes. It’s been argued that once experience is high, muscle memory takes over for some tasks and one is really comfortable in their position, it might be easier to get complacent. Makes sense to me.

Make sure someone knows where you are too. I had an arborist friend, the son of a former employer, accidentally cut his lanyard while working without a second tie in. He might have survived if a medical response was timely, but they say he hit the ground and laid there for maybe 5 hours before someone found him. This was in 07 and not everyone was on board the cell phone train. These days it’s easier to know your position and set up a little accountability system to check in with each others.

Of the two arborist friends and one acquaintance I’ve lost over the last 20 years, none of them were rookies.
My wife and best friend have my shared location all the time through my iPhone. It’s a degree of accountability in my marriage and safety when hunting.
 
Yeah...wife and phone location...thats almost and dangerous as falling from a tree...There are SOME risks I still enjoy taking!

I make a habit of pointing my truck at my planned hunting location. I also leave a radio in my truck and its twin on me. finding my truck is easy. then lets hope my battery holds up!
 
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