APEX anchor

[SoftBankHawks]

A trunk anchored srt wp line is a wonder but throws up a few concerns, especially to those new to it, those that may not see how close they are to damaging their system or the tree. 5 or so designs in, my APEX anchor ticks a few boxes for me. It is still in the r&d phase for sure .. I have passed it around to personal friends and the ddrt climbers show similar concerns, what do you srt freaks think of it ??!

 

[Gorman]

Retrievable redirects are always a plus.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I wouldn't consider SRT freakish

SRT is normal...at least to me

The redi/anchor is clever. I can see how it would solve some problems.

Be sure to have a stopper in the tail of course.

In all the years of using FCs when climbing DdRT I didn't jam many. In those cases that I did jam I was prepared from the time that I set the FC to do a retrieval. If so, I would set it high, do the upper work, then move it down the tree to a union that wouldn't jam before descending to the ground.

Can you explain what you mean by:

"...those that may not see how close they are to damaging their system or the tree..."

What damage am I missing?

 

[SoftBankHawks]

System damage: I've seen many chainsaws bounce along the anchor leg as climbers ascend, certain trees need extra careful setting preperation, the simplicity of obtaining a top anchor (crotch) is a focus and often the position of the anchor leg is unconsidered.
Sap is not damage per se but sure is a pain for the belay system.
Tree damage: cambium is easily cut through.
It'd be cool to have a simple & retrievable device at the apex that could back up an anchor leg in the case of cutting it.

 

[treewill]

I like this idea a lot and see a lot of potential utility. I almost always prune with a basal anchor and can imagine lots of situations where it would be really nice to have this sort of retrievable redirect.

A couple design suggestions: consider using smaller cordage. Nobody is going to want to lug this tool around if it's bulky and awkward. Maybe consider using a screw link rather than a carabiner. I for one don't much care for hanging my life off remote carabiners if they will be moving around while I'm climbing.

Great idea and thanks for taking the time to post!

 

[treewill]

Actually this might be a good situation for this:
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?item=11154

 

[SoftBankHawks]

You are right but 10mm crept a little through the 26mm rings. Do smaller rated rings exist?
Duralock - yes, I wrote that on the pdf, shame they only make it on the larger shapes.

 

[treewill]

Haha yes I see now that you already spec'ed dura lock biners. Nice.

Smaller rated rings do exist, for instance I know SMC makes some. Two things I'm not clear on are what is the purpose of the floating ring in the setup, and also how larger/smaller rings would affect whether or not there is creep. I would think this would depend on the prussic cord and how it interacted with the rope body, right? I'm sure you could find 10mm or even smaller cordage that would behave well with 6mm ocean vectran.

 

[JontreeHI]

Any reason a delta link wouldn't do what the karabiner does and not be subject to cross load? I'm by familiar w the dura lock though so might be something I don't know.
I can definitely see the use for this; this is one of the reasons I often opt for canopy anchored rather than basal.
I'm imagining it retriever similar to the pulley saver? Am I on the right track?
Jon

 

[SoftBankHawks]

The floating ring and tied in ring together act like a stich plate.
I needed a loop and preferably one that wouldn't flatten around the rated krab on retrieval, hardening eyes/loops is possible but adds bulk. The placement of the retriever on the APEX anchor is crucial as the soft loop does not hinder retrieval at all.
If the cordage and ring are not compatible, ie cordage is too thin then the climbers weight will pull the loop to nothing. One no-no is to inadvertently have the loop pull so that the retriever snap ends up higher than the rated krab.
The reason for the 6mm prussik/floating ring adjuster is ease of adjustment mainly, plus the floating rings are COOL.
It retrieves differently from a pulley saver. The pulley saver motion is to twist and release, the twist is often hard to deal with in high locations.
I'll check SMC, thanks !
For Tom - The end is back spliced.

 

[treewill]

The floating ring and tied in ring together act like a stich plate.

Got it. Did not understand that before.