Do you use a backup for descent?

Blinky

Blinky

Location
Chapel Hill, NC
I generally don't but the Shunt thread reminded me that some folks do.

It makes sense I guess but I've rappelled a lot of rope without any backup so I'm just used to it and I lower on a hitch the same way.

If you backup, what do you use?
 
For really long descents I might backup. For typical climbing, no.

Something that arbos don't seem to have been taught is to always use a brake hand. Rock climbers, not always gym climbers, have a solid tradition of using a brake hand. This is something that should be re-emphasized in tree climbing.
 
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For really long descents I might backup. For typical climbing, no.

Something that arbos don't seem to have been taught is to always use a brake hand. Rock climbers, not always gym climbers, have a solid tradition of using a brake hand. This is something that should be re-emphasized in tree climbing.

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That never occurred to me but yeah, I can see how learning to descend on mechanicals or hitches would leave that out. Even with a hitch I use a braking hand.
 
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Even with a hitch I use a braking hand.

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With your rock climbing background it's 'normal' to use a brake hand
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This leads to ANOTHER topic, WHY aren't there MORE trainers/educators in the game. My bet would be liability issues.

I can just hear the Europeans now, "take 2-3 yr out of your life and go to school". Not a bad plan, but N, American life style (kids at a young age, prior to education) and the cost of survrving (basic human essentials) pre-empt adult education, IMO
 
Tom has hit the nail on the head. After descending a few times with a split-tail, I switched over to a figure-8 for descending. Only when I am finished though. After many, many years of rock climbing, I just trust the feeling more than the split-tail.
 
I use a gri gri mostly for descent. With 1/2 inch lines you would be hard pressed to get out of control. I'm thinking of moving over to a smaller diameter climbline, but would still feel plenty comfortable with the Gri Gri.
 
Sean,

The Gri Gri is rated for 10-11mm rope. Even the skinniest half inch arbo rope is larger than 11mm.

Following manufacturers standards is important.

In the case of the GG with a larger rope the cam action is changed and could result in a decrease in grabbing/holding capacity.

Cams are curved levers. If the fulcrum is changed by using a larger rope you could consider the ride you might get if Fat Albert were to slide off the other end of the teeter totter.
 
Just bought a petzel prianha which i hope to use for descents mostly for footlock training. Mostly i have relied on the hitch but i run the rope tail through my boots reverse footlock style to reduce heat on the hitch. I like to drop down slow anyway
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Yep will have to use brake hand when using the prinaha thanks Tom for the reminder.
 
Does the piranha work on a doubled line? I thought about buying one for footlock descending but it looked too small for double line when I had it in my hand.
 
I doubt that the Piranah would work with doubled half inch lines, maybe with 11mm. Go to the manufacturers website or read the paper work that comes with it. Pick the language you prefer, there seems to be a dozen :)
 
Petzl Pirana
From the Petzl web Site

Specifications

Weight: 90 g
For use with single ropes between 8 and 13 mm in diameter
Can be used on double ropes, but certain braking positions may not be usable depending on the ropes' diameter
For use with a locking carabiner having a 12 mm cross section (ATTACHE or WILLIAM)
3-year guarantee

http://www.petzl.com/files/all/technical-notice/Sport/D05%20PIRANA%20D05500-02.pdf

The diagram seems to indicate between 8mm to 13mm.
My access line is 12.5 and yes you have to watch the braking.
 
Brake Hand, brake hand, brake hand...always use a brake hand. Learned this the hard way on cold wet rope and a blakes. Everything was fine until decent, when the rope that had been laying in the snow came up to meet my hitch I went for I ride!

Now I decend on a munter with brake hand, I leave my LJ in place and open it wide so it carrys no braking action and do all my braking with the munter/brakehand.

Increases the life of the lj clutch, increases my control and ease in leaving the tree and makes for a much more fun ride down the rope.
 
I have experimented with using a F8 on my right side D ring. It stays out of the way of my VT and HC. Left hand on the VT, right hand breaking on the F8. I only do this on long descents. I have played this over and over in my head how this could be a bad idea but I cant find any problems with the idea.
 
PS,

You are more than likely going to use the F8 on your waist d-ring for lots of descents and not have a problem. Then, when the lemons line up on the slot machine lines up and you have a sour descent. by using the side d you could be supported at an odd angle. Also, the harnesses aren't designed for support from only one d-ring.
 
Thanks for the insight Tom.
Its not something I have put into practice, just played with. I always figured I was backed up by the Hitch in case those lemons did line up. My biggest issue is having gear get all bunched up and stuck and then I am really in a pickle.

Lemons, Pickles. Its time for lunch.
 
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