Descending

[updown]

I have been climbing for about 2 years and am moving on from the "traditional" climbing technique that I was taught. I learned on the Tautline hitch and have been using a Blakes, which has been a big improvement. I also have been experimenting with VT and XT Prussiks and SRT. One thing that's great about the Blakes is being able to ascend and descend on the same system. It looks like a lot of focus in the forum, in videos and articles is on ascending, but I need some info on descending. Can I descend on a VT or XT? What about the other hitches like Distel? Do I need to use a descender when using these other hitches?

 

[southsoundtree]

No. These hitches are designed for ascending with, hopefully easy pulley tending, and descending. You will wear you hitch by descending on it. Its replaceable. You will need to be aware of your descent speed. Some people choose an alternative descending device on long descents to save their hitch cord.

Some SRT (F8/Figure 8/ Feight Revolver) utilizes a hitch that is typically used on DdRT (doubled Rope Tech.) by spreading some of their friction to the alternative device. These DdRT hitches don't typically function well with full, rather than half, body weight. Some don't work at all.

Fine tuning for your hitch cord, your weight, rope, and rope condition (wet/ sappy/ wear/ ...) is the name of the game.

Low and Slow for testing, and/ or independent belay line.

Welcome to the Buzz!!

 

[whiz]

Sean that was awsome man!

 

[southsoundtree]

Pretty much all stuff I've learned from people here, and at other forums. Paying it forward, that's all.

 

[updown]

Sean,

Good info. I will have to do some more video watching/research to see exactly what you are talking about. In person with a demo would be best, but I'm getting the picture.

Thanks for the welcome.

Gregg

 

[blakeaferd]

how can you fine tune a hitch, like, what will a smaller, or larger hitch cord gain me?

 

[Adkpk]

You fine a hitch by tying it right. Smaller diameter would be less strength, maybe. While lager diameter might give more to grip.

 

[Roger_Barnett]

And, if you make your own, you can fine tune the length of the cord.

Also, the number or wraps, braid, direction, or combo thereof, can all be altered.

 

[blakeaferd]

Thanks a lot, im still trying to get my xt perfect...till then im gonna ride the distal