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OpLux with friction hitch options

A prusik will absolutely release when you squeeze it. Although not as good as an autoblock, it is used as a backup on rappel. The advantage of the distel over the prusik is that it's easier to release if you want to move it UP your rope.
Yes - all of these hitches, to a greater or lesser extent, release when grabbed. If you panic death grip any friction hitch this can be a problem for sure. Do everything you can to prevent this from happening, and have a backup in place in case it does.

And I agree with the sentiment that pulling on the tag to take some load, and gently releasing the hitch partially is an easier, safer adjustment than unweighting completely and moving an ascender.
 
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My primary hand grab is a toothed ascender (photo). These don't seem to sever the cover the cover on ropes like the RM1.
I also have tried a Primal step as a handgrab which worked well but is an additional thing to carry.
I need the Petzl ascender to get up the tree anyway so it serves double duty.
 
My primary hand grab is a toothed ascender (photo). These don't seem to sever the cover the cover on ropes like the RM1.
I also have tried a Primal step as a handgrab which worked well but is an additional thing to carry.
I need the Petzl ascender to get up the tree anyway so it serves double duty.
Note: toothed ascenders will almost universally cut the rope sheath, from the tests I've seen around 6kn.
 
Once my prusik has taken my full bodyweight, it is difficult to release. I could grab the knot and lean over backwards and it will not release. I have to unweight it and twist the knot to release. More so when I used a 4 turn prusik with the Beal Jammy.

The Beal Jammy is only 5.5mm, it's going to grip tighter and tighter as the diameter of your main rope increases. It has the tendency to flatten out compared to more traditional materials. That gives it the ability to get tighter which may or may not be preferred depending on the user. Seems to work just fine with the 8mm OpLux with all the friction hitch options I've tested out (The Jammy and the Beal cordelette which is the same material according to DanO).
 
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When I click on your link all I get is "Bad Request".
If you look at my setup, I am not using the toothed ascender as my primary support. I am using the Madrock Lifeguard or Safeguard or GriGri for that.
Sure - just noting that toothed ascenders are not that different from ropemans in their behavior.
 
These posts have gone away from the original question about grabbing frictions hitches with your hand if you start to fall. My hand ascender will not release if grabbed. Most friction hitches will, I guess. I will not try.
 
These posts have gone away from the original question about grabbing frictions hitches with your hand if you start to fall. My hand ascender will not release if grabbed. Most friction hitches will, I guess. I will not try.

Actually, the original post was providing solid options for anyone using OpLux as a tether or LB. If you want to start another thread warning people not to use friction hitches in favor of a mechanical devise then feel free to do so. However, friction hitches are the simple and safe industry standard. The fact that you can safely lower yourself under load is a benefit, not a hazard. Please don't turn this thread into a thread filled with misinformation, thanks. OP
 
Actually, the original post was providing solid options for anyone using OpLux as a tether or LB. If you want to start another thread warning people not to use friction hitches in favor of a mechanical devise then feel free to do so. However, friction hitches are the simple and safe industry standard. The fact that you can safely lower yourself under load is a benefit, not a hazard. Please don't turn this thread into a thread filled with misinformation, thanks. OP
Misinformation??? Wow.
 
Has anyone used Oplux 8mm off spec to repel with using a mad rock safe guard. How much smaller does the Oplux pack compared to the HTP 9mm


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Has anyone used Oplux 8mm off spec to repel with using a mad rock safe guard. How much smaller does the Oplux pack compared to the HTP 9mm


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I haven’t used it to rappel with my Safeguard but some have, hopefully they’ll opine.

I did speak to someone at Sterling and he mentioned the reason for the diameter rating has more to do with what’s mainstream and available for the Safeguards specified use. And that there is no reason OpLux wouldn’t work. BUT, I’d call them yourself if you want to try and make up your mind based on your conversation.

I personally use an ATC to rappel even when I ascend with my Safeguard. I wouldn’t hesitate to ascend with OpLux but I prefer the stiffer HTP for SRT.

OpLux packs up significantly smaller than HTP.


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Has anyone used Oplux 8mm off spec to repel with using a mad rock safe guard. How much smaller does the Oplux pack compared to the HTP 9mm


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A lot when talking about 35-40 foot of rope
 
Correct. Or partially loaded might be more accurate. If all of your weight is on the friction hitch it would be extremely difficult to tend.

In fairness though, you can't easily operate a ropeman when full loaded either.
 
I'm a fan of hitches these days, but man sometimes it's a struggle to get them to move even with a tender! FWIW its a TRC hitch on 9mm HTP.
I'm running beal cord on htp with a 4/1 destel currently. Like it alot on lmb. A bit grabby on tether for my taste. What hitch are you running on tether? I'm gonna try a 3/1 distel and also evaluate the trc I have. 7mm cord works really well but wanted to play with the smaller stuff (and consider testing oplux)
 
The Beal and TRC work well on OpLux. The OpLux sheath is very different from HTP though. I use HTP but only for SRT. I’m using Sterling Hollowblock under an ATC on rappel. Works great but if you come to an abrupt stop it can lock up pretty good. As designed.


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I'm running beal cord on htp with a 4/1 destel currently. Like it alot on lmb. A bit grabby on tether for my taste. What hitch are you running on tether? I'm gonna try a 3/1 distel and also evaluate the trc I have. 7mm cord works really well but wanted to play with the smaller stuff (and consider testing oplux)
I like the Schwabisch for both tether and LM. I tend the LM but prefer to adjust tether by hand. Typically only adjust tether during setup.

Maybe i should switch to 7mm on LM hitch. Then it should be less grabby
 
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