Tether for Repel Line questions

[Kevin2]

I'm seriously considering going to a saddle 1 stick set up where I'd repel down afterwards, like Carl Kossuth. I see that the STERLING 8MM OPLUX is the choice of his and others. Just wondering why? Just because it is the strongest and most compact? IF you are using something different, then why?

 

[sliberato77]

I'm using 9mm Mammut climbing rope that a friend of mine gave me. It's stiff and very strong.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

 

[arm breaker]

I'm seriously considering going to a saddle 1 stick set up where I'd repel down afterwards, like Carl Kossuth. I see that the STERLING 8MM OPLUX is the choice of his and others. Just wondering why? Just because it is the strongest and most compact? IF you are using something different, then why?

Many folks use it for the reasons you describe. It is pliable, light, and strong for its size. It is, however, out of spec for the mechanical belay devices most folks are using (including Carl in that video). That is something to be aware of going in. That is what leads many of us to use 9mm Canyon C-IV. It is similar on all the good characteristics, and it is in spec for most all belay devices.

 

[Kevin2]

OK, that helps. I'm actually reading another thread about short static falls, and wondering about using Dynamic rope for the tether now??

Many folks use it for the reasons you describe. It is pliable, light, and strong for its size. It is, however, out of spec for the mechanical belay devices most folks are using (including Carl in that video). That is something to be aware of going in. That is what leads many of us to use 9mm Canyon C-IV. It is similar on all the good characteristics, and it is in spec for most all belay devices.

 

[DeerLaughAtMe]

Oplux does not work well for rappelling with a safeguard when the rope is wet. You will have a jumpy ride down. I use Oplux for my tether, bridge, and lineman’s but switched to C-IV canyon rope for my rappelling line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[neonomad]

Oplux does not work well for rappelling with a safeguard when the rope is wet. You will have a jumpy ride down. I use Oplux for my tether, bridge, and lineman’s but switched to C-IV canyon rope for my rappelling line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m doing ok so far with RescTech 8mm with figure 8 descender and TRC schwabisch hitch behind it. Admittedly have not done it soaking wet though. OP check out the strength rating of RescTech vs Oplux.

 

[arm breaker]

OK, that helps. I'm actually reading another thread about short static falls, and wondering about using Dynamic rope for the tether now??

I can understand why you are concerned about this, but you will want static rope for our applications. The key is to never have slack in the rope.

 

[arm breaker]

Oplux does not work well for rappelling with a safeguard when the rope is wet. You will have a jumpy ride down. I use Oplux for my tether, bridge, and lineman’s but switched to C-IV canyon rope for my rappelling line.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree on the Oplux getting even more challenging to rappel with when it is wet.

 

[Kevin2]

OK. Why is the static better for this application though? TO calm the nerves I must ask!

I can understand why you are concerned about this, but you will want static rope for our applications. The key is to never have slack in the rope.

 

[arm breaker]

OK. Why is the static better for this application though? TO calm the nerves I must ask!

There are people here more qualified to answer this than me, but I will give it a shot. Static lines are designed for constant tension on the rope for things like moving up and down the rope. Dynamic lines are designed to have slack that is taken up by a belayer or some type of anchor in the event of a fall. The dynamic line would not hold up all that well with constant pressure on it (like how we use a tether, linesman's, rappel, SRT, etc) and the elongation of it would probably be weird and likely somewhat challenging to use. It will also be elongated with the tension on it, and at that point the functionality would be similar. You can do the math on the elongation and how much that would matter on a relatively short fall.

Some people have built legitimate fall arrest devices into their systems. I have not, but hopefully some will comment here if you cannot find it in the search. Again, I am not an expert on dynamic ropes so please make sure to do what you think works best for you.

 

[Brocky]

Diameter of the dynamic ropes generally determines how stretchy, the smaller the more stretch in a fall. Edelrid came out with a dynamic rope with aramid in the cover, with 5.5 % static stretch, it’s about the size of 9mm HTP but stays flexible after use. The nylon in the cover also makes Technora cover hitch cords grab better than the Oplux, from personal use.

 

[neonomad]

OK, that helps. I'm actually reading another thread about short static falls, and wondering about using Dynamic rope for the tether now??

I use a shorty screamer connected with a mini shackle, screamers absorb energy, about the size of 2/3 a bratwurst.

 

[Kevin2]

yep, I already have one book marked from "The Dangers of Short Static Falls" thread. Need more ideas like that, thanks!

I use a shorty screamer connected with a mini shackle, screamers absorb energy, about the size of 2/3 a bratwurst.

 

[WaSouthPaw]

My experience with rappelling is limited to rock climbing related activities. Which for obvious reasons was not done during wet conditions. Therefore no wet rope experience here.
I've always used a figure 8 backed up with a friction knot when rappelling. This setup is hand fed and I do not believe a wet rope would make a difference. Since I live in Western Washington, I will find out soon enough. LOL.
I've never owned a mechanical dissender and doubt I ever will.

 

[neonomad]

My experience with rappelling is limited to rock climbing related activities. Which for obvious reasons was not done during wet conditions. Therefore no wet rope experience here.
I've always used a figure 8 backed up with a friction knot when rappelling. This setup is hand fed and I do not believe a wet rope would make a difference. Since I live in Western Washington, I will find out soon enough. LOL.
I've never owned a mechanical dissender and doubt I ever will.

Has anything sketchy ever happened? So far I’ve felt very safe and controlled with the same setup, half dozen or so descents this season.

 

[WaSouthPaw]

I have always had 100% control using a figure 8 with a friction knot on the tag end of the rappel rope. But I have never rappelled using a rain soaked rope.

I find this subject thread interesting and I am following it. I might go over to my old rock climbing forum and research it.

To be honest, this question is best asked of those inexperienced in vertical rope rescue techniques.

 

[D.AKINS]

Not to de-rail the subject...but, what is the purpose of using a steel quick link on the rope versus using a loop tied in the rope .?

 

[Kevin2]

If you are talking about the tether, in this case for me a tether on a 1 step belaying down system, you can open and close that tether onto the tree without having to feed 40 feet of line threw the tied loop. Not sure that is what you are referring to. Does that help?

Not to de-rail the subject...but, what is the purpose of using a steel quick link on the rope versus using a loop tied in the rope .?

 

[D.AKINS]

If you are talking about the tether, in this case for me a tether on a 1 step belaying down system, you can open and close that tether onto the tree without having to feed 40 feet of line threw the tied loop. Not sure that is what you are referring to. Does that help?

Gotcha, makes sense now.

 

[sliberato77]

Not to de-rail the subject...but, what is the purpose of using a steel quick link on the rope versus using a loop tied in the rope .?

It makes it easier to recover your line. Rather than pulling your 30+ ft of rope through the loop you just open the link. Also, some argue the side strength of a quick link is safer than a carabiner when used as a tether.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk