BOLA

I make 2 types of BOLA, both intended as lanyard adjuster. The first BOLA uses a cantilever that makes it grippier (but harder to release) and will grip MRS and SRS ( abrupt release if fully loaded SRS). (I am currently out of parts for that one), The second BOLA 2.0 has no cantilever and is designed for MRS and has an easy and smooth release.

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The wrench needs enough room to be able to rotate downwards into the neutral position for tending and ascending. I tried it with the zk-1 which is longer and it wouldn't tend at all, just jammed up. When I compress it like this it really reminds me of the Runner, with the Rope passing through 3 points, frictionless...

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Muggs said:
It works mint, I quickly move the bola to my bridge ring, slap the wrench on there, and go full srt mode...

The bola is even more versatile than the Bone in my opinion, it's a mechanical hitch, I love it......
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This is a really interesting statement. I have to confess the geometry differences between the two are feeling rather subtle and hard to grasp, if I'm being honest. Is the thing that makes the Bola more versatile than the Bulldog Bone the extra attachment point at the top, which allows you to connect the Rope Wrench tether to it?

What would prevent the use of the Bola/Rope Wrench combo as your multicender for your primary climbing line, instead of just being used as a lanyard adjuster? Robustness, perhaps, if that is even a word? Thanks in advance for any answers you choose to provide. Thanks also for taking the time to share all of your photos, and what might possibly be another great idea that moves climbing systems forward.

I would love to see you post more stuff about this arrangement you are using, as time goes on, to see how you feel about its use long term, and about any lessons you are learning in its use along the way, if any. Amazing stuff, Muggs. Tim.
 
To me, the bola does everything that a zigzag does: it's a mechanical hitch with a top attachment point and a swivel, and it's not midline attachable. But it's smaller. And it can run srt with the addition of a wrench. (I've never had a zigzag by the way so I may very well be missing something important in this analysis). The biggest question in my mind is whether it will hold up to actual climbing over time. As a lanyard adjuster it wouldn't see that much wear and tear necessarily on the friction pins. But as a primary climbing device it certainly would. So time will tell in that regard.

That being said, I love the versatility that it affords me on a 25ft lanyard, it gives me so many options. Yes you can do all these things with a hitch cord and a pulley, but this device is so consistent: it grips reliably, it releases smoothly, and it tends slack beautifully. I think anyone who has transitioned over to mechanicals for their main climbing system(s) will instantly recognize the advantages of a mechanical lanyard device. This little thing does everything I need and does it very well, just needs a better name.... :cool:
 
Curious to hear answers too. I've had trouble finding a reliable pairing for mine. I've tried Yale Blaze, KMIII Max, and two different Yale 11.7s and so far they all creep a little. I'm about 160lbs in the birthday suit so probably 170-175 fully geared up. Let me also say that I haven't added any friction to it like a wrench for example, so expecting it to work as an SRT device is above and beyond, just wondering if anyone has found a combo that doesn't require additional friction.
 
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