Bridge rope construction

[moss]

For the discontinued 10mm Globe 3000 originally stock bridge on the Tree Motion the "intermediary" soft polyester sleeve between the braided Dyneema core and the fairly burly braided polyester cover protected the Dyneema from being abraded by the inside of the polyester cover. There's a reason why it's a good idea to go with harness manufacturer stock bridges, there are a lot of subtleties into what makes the best and safest bridge cordage.
-AJ

 

[robinia]

I'm a big fan of 16 strand for bridges. Why not be able to inspect clearly something so critical?

 

[hammsarborcare]

I’ve always used 16 strand for my bridge. I’ve been told that 24 strand is not recommended and seems to make sense based off its construction. I’m wondering if something like beeline as a bridge is also not recommended. I really just wanted to use it as a secondary lightweight bridge that wouldn’t see too much action, more just to hang things from or the occasional second tie in. Would love to hear what people have used and how it’s help up over time

I’m currently using 16 strand with good life. I’ve used Beeline in the past with good longevity. The cover tends to frey in time. I found the core to be solid upon retirement. Just replace before the cover comes apart.

 

[moss]

I’m currently using 16 strand with good life. I’ve used Beeline in the past with good longevity. The cover tends to frey in time. I found the core to be solid upon retirement. Just replace before the cover comes apart.

Aha, makes me think the Beeline bridge failures in the past had more to do with the cover wear exposing the core. Just looked up Vectran flex fatigue resistance and it is good.

Anyone remember the details of the Beeline bridge failures?
-AJ

 

[colb]

Platinum line takes away the potential problem of the core slipping through whatever stopper knots are used to anchor each side of the bridge, I believe it is the only advantage.

I think New Tribe started using it when they developed the Onyx harness as a way to avoid the legal/safety issues Teufleberger had around people buying their 10mm Dyneema core bridge by the foot instead of paying for the stock bridge which was stitched through the core on each end to prevent slippage through the anchor knots. Anyone who has spliced Dyneema core cordage knows how slippery it is through the cover.

Polyester cover with a braided Dyneema core makes a very strong and flex fatigue resistant harness bridge allowing for the smaller 10mm diameter cordage (used for the OG Treemorion) as opposed to arborist line polyester double-braids which are 11mm or greater to meet generally accepted work at height strength requirements.

Several full or partial bridge failures happened with climbers using 10mm Beeline, the core material is not flex fatigue resistant and is dangerous for use as bridge cordage.
-AJ

Funny thing is that my first Onyx shipped with a bridge made of something similar but different... I didn't know any better, but when I realized that bridge construction (and duration of use) matters, I replaced it with Platinum.

 

[Crimsonking]

Funny thing is that my first Onyx shipped with a bridge made of something similar but different... I didn't know any better, but when I realized that bridge construction (and duration of use) matters, I replaced it with Platinum.

I think they started with Yale bandit, blaze’s counterpart.

 

[colb]

I think they started with Yale bandit, blaze’s counterpart.

Yes, it was Bandit - thanks!

 

[hammsarborcare]

Aha, makes me think the Beeline bridge failures in the past had more to do with the cover wear exposing the core. Just looked up Vectran flex fatigue resistance and it is good.

Anyone remember the details of the Beeline bridge failures?
-AJ

In general double braid construction doesn't do well under friction. That's why I switched back to 16 strand. Like another comment above, why not have simple construction to inspect on something so critical. the only thing it needs to do is hold me, no other factors really matter

 

[Seth McPherson]

If you're just sitting there the second bridge holds the weight well. but in my opinion, it's pretty stupid when you go to do anything but sit there. And if you're just sitting there, why the hell aren't aren't moving or cutting.

Crane work is usually the only time I hang a big saw from it. Most often it’s heavy rigging equipment

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

16 strand, what you see is what you have. Simple, functional, inexpensive and durable. Done.

 

[moss]

16 strand, what you see is what you have. Simple, functional, inexpensive and durable. Done.

Yep, except for harnesses that can’t fit 13mm bridge cordage.
-AJ

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

A

Yep, except for harnesses that can’t fit 13mm bridge cordage.
-AJ

Most 16 are 12mm vs 11.7 so yes, I'd consider that in my purchase decision. I truly like to see what I've got.