Rappelling with oplux

[Ols]

What are some rappelling options that people are using with oplux? Or is oplux even ideal for rappelling? I'm new to all of this and want to explore rappelling as an option. I've seen a lot of posts on grigri, safeguards, atc devices, and more. What are the benefits of each and do any of these work well on oplux? Is there anything that works as an accender and rappel in one?

 

[Newhunter1]

I have switched my saddle bridge, tether and lineman ropes with oplux. I also have a 52' of oplux for rappelling and one sticking up and down the tree.

What are some rappelling options that people are using with oplux? Or is oplux even ideal for rappelling? I'm new to all of this and want to explore rappelling as an option. I've seen a lot of posts on grigri, safeguards, atc devices, and more. What are the benefits of each and do any of these work well on oplux? Is there anything that works as an accender and rappel in one?

Oplux is great for rappelling....in fact I don't use my 75' of predator rope or my 45' of HTP rope. Oplux is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

I have the safeguard and love it. I switched from using the 6mm TRC rope that was tied as a distel and or scwabish hitches. Worked great with those but the safeguard flat out works.

As far as benefits go...the rope TRC friction hitches work great if you are weight conscious...however the safeguard is better as it does not get hung up. I also back it up with an autoblock too.

I believe the safeguard works as an ascender and rappel device too

 

[iamcorey]

Any issues with Oplux not creating enough friction in an ATC?


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[Squirrels]

I have switched my saddle bridge, tether and lineman ropes with oplux. I also have a 52' of oplux for rappelling and one sticking up and down the tree.



Oplux is great for rappelling....in fact I don't use my 75' of predator rope or my 45' of HTP rope. Oplux is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

I have the safeguard and love it. I switched from using the 6mm TRC rope that was tied as a distel and or scwabish hitches. Worked great with those but the safeguard flat out works.

As far as benefits go...the rope TRC friction hitches work great if you are weight conscious...however the safeguard is better as it does not get hung up. I also back it up with an autoblock too.

I believe the safeguard works as an ascender and rappel device too

Everyone should be aware that the Oplux is not within spec for use with the Safeguard according to manufacturers guidelines. I use a Safeguard and 8mm rope (Oplux or Ultra-Tec). Not saying it will or won't work for people but everyone that recommends out of spec components of gear to people should make others aware that it is out of spec just so they know. With that said I've not had a single issue with mine yet. I may have an epic failure next time, but I know it's out of spec so I have no-one to blame but myself.

 

[Squirrels]

Any issues with Oplux not creating enough friction in an ATC?


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Very few, if any (there may be a couple) are rated for 8mm in a single rope configuration.

 

[iamcorey]

Very few, if any (there may be a couple) are rated for 8mm in a single rope configuration.

Any issues using a figure 8 or rescue 8?


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[Ontariofarmer]

Everyone should be aware that the Oplux is not within spec for use with the Safeguard according to manufacturers guidelines. I use a Safeguard and 8mm rope (Oplux or Ultra-Tec). Not saying it will or won't work for people but everyone that recommends out of spec components of gear to people should make others aware that it is out of spec just so they know. With that said I've not had a single issue with mine yet. I may have an epic failure next time, but I know it's out of spec so I have no-one to blame but myself.

Use an auto block when using a safe guard with 8 mm rope


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[Newhunter1]

Use an auto block when using a safe guard with 8 mm rope


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This is why I use an autoblock...

Everyone should be aware that the Oplux is not within spec for use with the Safeguard according to manufacturers guidelines. I use a Safeguard and 8mm rope (Oplux or Ultra-Tec). Not saying it will or won't work for people but everyone that recommends out of spec components of gear to people should make others aware that it is out of spec just so they know. With that said I've not had a single issue with mine yet. I may have an epic failure next time, but I know it's out of spec so I have no-one to blame but myself.

From the safeguard site:

For rescue / rigging use: 8.1mm to 11mm rope diameter
For climbing use: 8.9mm to 11mm rope diameter

While out of spec for climbing by .9mm it is .1mm for rescue. When I am climbing up a tree using the one stick method I don't use this for climbing. I use my short oplux tether with the TRC rope as a friction hitch.

When I get to hunting height...I switch over to my long oplux tether with the safeguard and the autoblock. I stay on this rope while in the tree as it does resemble a rescue situation. Quite comfortable with this, but I do it with the 6mm TRC rope as an autoblock and my backup safety.

 

[Squirrels]

Use an auto block when using a safe guard with 8 mm rope


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Yeah I already do that just making a PSA for new guys.

 

[Squirrels]

This is why I use an autoblock...



From the safeguard site:

For rescue / rigging use: 8.1mm to 11mm rope diameter
For climbing use: 8.9mm to 11mm rope diameter

While out of spec for climbing by .9mm it is .1mm for rescue. When I am climbing up a tree using the one stick method I don't use this for climbing. I use my short oplux tether with the TRC rope as a friction hitch.

When I get to hunting height...I switch over to my long oplux tether with the safeguard and the autoblock. I stay on this rope while in the tree as it does resemble a rescue situation. Quite comfortable with this, but I do it with the 6mm TRC rope as an autoblock and my backup safety.

Not arguing with you, just stating facts. I’m comfortable with it as well. Just wanted the guy to know is all.

 

[Newhunter1]

Not arguing with you, just stating facts. I’m comfortable with it as well. Just wanted the guy to know is all.

Oh I know. Didn’t think you were arguing. You’re good.

 

[Gumbymedic]

This is why I use an autoblock...



From the safeguard site:

For rescue / rigging use: 8.1mm to 11mm rope diameter
For climbing use: 8.9mm to 11mm rope diameter

While out of spec for climbing by .9mm it is .1mm for rescue. When I am climbing up a tree using the one stick method I don't use this for climbing. I use my short oplux tether with the TRC rope as a friction hitch.

When I get to hunting height...I switch over to my long oplux tether with the safeguard and the autoblock. I stay on this rope while in the tree as it does resemble a rescue situation. Quite comfortable with this, but I do it with the 6mm TRC rope as an autoblock and my backup safety.

Is there a specific reason why you switch from a tether to the rappel rope after the climb and not just climb with the same rope you rappel with? Is it to save wear on the rappel rope? I have the same setup: Oplux, Safeguard and a hollow block as an Auto-block. I was planning to use the same rope as tether and rappel rope. I notice that everyone seems to do it a little differently as far as switching from tether to rappel or just using one rope and would like to hear all the reasons why. Thanks

 

[Newhunter1]

Is there a specific reason why you switch from a tether to the rappel rope after the climb and not just climb with the same rope you rappel with? Is it to save wear on the rappel rope? I have the same setup: Oplux, Safeguard and a hollow block as an Auto-block. I was planning to use the same rope as tether and rappel rope. I notice that everyone seems to do it a little differently as far as switching from tether to rappel or just using one rope and would like to hear all the reasons why. Thanks

Great question.

I only use the rappel rope if I have multiple branches to go around or if I have a tree that has a split trunk. I only switch once I am up at hunting height. I like to have my longer tether on just in case I have a failure of some type with the platform. ThT way I can just rappel.


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[Gumbymedic]

Great question.

I only use the rappel rope if I have multiple branches to go around or if I have a tree that has a split trunk. I only switch once I am up at hunting height. I like to have my longer tether on just in case I have a failure of some type with the platform. ThT way I can just rappel.


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Thanks. I might have to try that. It does seem maybe a little easier (in terms of rope management) climbing with the shorter tether and then switching to the rappel rope at height.

 

[Ols]

So far it's sounding like the safe guard is the best mechanical option in this situation?

 

[Ontariofarmer]

So far it's sounding like the safe guard is the best mechanical option in this situation?

The biggest error would be to feed the rope through incorrectly
Or release the brake hard. It is likely the best device IMO


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[Newhunter1]

The biggest error would be to feed the rope through incorrectly
Or release the brake hard. It is likely the best


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This is correct. You’ll know instantly if you install it incorrectly and then try and move it up the rope.

With the brake hand, if you panic and release the brake you’ll come down quick. This is why I put an auto block on the rope. I tried to fall off my platform...the auto block will not let you fall further than your platform if you have it right.


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[Squirrels]

Is there a specific reason why you switch from a tether to the rappel rope after the climb and not just climb with the same rope you rappel with? Is it to save wear on the rappel rope? I have the same setup: Oplux, Safeguard and a hollow block as an Auto-block. I was planning to use the same rope as tether and rappel rope. I notice that everyone seems to do it a little differently as far as switching from tether to rappel or just using one rope and would like to hear all the reasons why. Thanks

I climb, hunt, and rappel with my 36’ rope. Only rope I carry anymore. Best way to reduce weight and bulk in a system is carry less stuff.

 

[Bwhana]

I climb, hunt, and rappel with my 36’ rope. Only rope I carry anymore. Best way to reduce weight and bulk in a system is carry less stuff.

Ditto! I will add that due to carrying the @mtsrunner pocket hoist with me now, I sold my Doyle's hoist and will use the end of the Oplux rappel rope for pullup and the dynaglide for the hoist to double as the pull down for the rappel rope.

 

[cspot]

This is correct. You’ll know instantly if you install it incorrectly and then try and move it up the rope.

With the brake hand, if you panic and release the brake you’ll come down quick. This is why I put an auto block on the rope. I tried to fall off my platform...the auto block will not let you fall further than your platform if you have it right.


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What length do you use for your autoblock?