BDB with Vortex Cool?

Burrapeg · Aug 2, 2021

Anyone using the big Vortex lines with their Bone? I got a chunk of the Cool from the free bin at WesSpur some time ago and made a lanyard out of it. And I was just playing with it in my adjustable Bone a bit. Fits and seems to work fine, and this big line feels really good in the hand. It actually weighs less than my other, smaller diameter ropes. Appears to milk quite a bit however and I wonder how it would actually do on a long descent or in regular use. Any of us using the stuff as a main line? Anybody experience issues?

DSMc · Aug 2, 2021

I used to use Vortex all the time. It makes a great climbing line. The BDB works on it but can be a bit stiff at times.

I now use Samson Tangent as it has the same feel, almost, and is lighter.

Acerxharlowii · Aug 3, 2021

I haven’t found a rope yet that the Bdb doesn’t vibe with

Burrapeg · Aug 3, 2021

Sounds good, thanks. I ordered a chunk just now. Looking forward to using it.

Burrapeg · Sep 19, 2021

An update. My 90 foot chunk of Cool came in and I have three climbs on it now with the BDB. It is the adjustable one fortunately because I had to back off on the bollard a bit. Everything works fine, no slipping with the Bone or noticeable milking, and this big rope feels wonderful to the hand. It is surprisingly lightweight too. I have to hike in to these various trees quite a ways and I was afraid of the added weight, but there doesn't seem to be much difference from my small diameter ropes.

Ob2 · Dec 8, 2021

Burrapeg said:
An update. My 90 foot chunk of Cool came in and I have three climbs on it now with the BDB. It is the adjustable one fortunately because I had to back off on the bollard a bit. Everything works fine, no slipping with the Bone or noticeable milking, and this big rope feels wonderful to the hand. It is surprisingly lightweight too. I have to hike in to these various trees quite a ways and I was afraid of the added weight, but there doesn't seem to be much difference from my small diameter ropes.

Interesting, I thought slack tending was an issue with vortex on the compact adjustable bone? Do you find it follows smoothly up the rope, and how much length your tail needs before it does?

Acerxharlowii · Dec 8, 2021

Ob2 said:
Interesting, I thought slack tending was an issue with vortex on the compact adjustable bone? Do you find it follows smoothly up the rope, and how much length your tail needs before it does?

I wish slack tending was a bit smoother with the cbdb like with the akimbo or rr. I know people have tried pulleys underneath it that didn’t work to well.

Burrapeg · Dec 8, 2021

Yes, The Bone does not compare favourably to lack tending with my Zigzags with their big lower pulleys. But works well enough for me on the Cool. And of course the ZZ's are not midline attachable which is often a major PITA.