Spent a few hours today playing with this system and still can't believe how well it responds and reacts to running your normal hitch on a single line. We tried about 25 differet set ups from various climbing hitches, to different diameter climbing lines, to running the system with a 46 mm ring instead of the F 8 and in each case the system ran extremely smoothly for descent on a single line, the differences came in with moving the hitch upwards or inwards from a limb.
The fact that Kevins' set up allows you to run your normal hitch on a single line and allows you to climb on it full tilt just as you normally would still absolutely kills me. Until you try it you will never understand how well it mimics what you are using now on your doubled rope system. Descending on full swings is an absolute dream with this system and the fact that you can take that swing around a limb and never lose the smoothness of your hitch moving is nothing short of miraculous. There is no doubt in my mind that this system is going to be the foundation of fully applying SRT into everyday treework for climbers everywhere. Unlike every other SRT set up to date, the F 8 efficiently allows SRT working in a way that is virtually identical to what you are currently using...incredible to say the least !!!!
Where the Uni would give you the option of working SRT with a funky piece of expensive equipment that never allowed you the precise feel of a hitch, the Fate Revolver allows you to work SRT with the exact hitch that you are currently using with no difference whatsoever in the feel or performance of the hitch. The only small down side to this system will be in situation where you need to ascend a short distance. You really can't hip thrust with this sucker easily, but you can take it out, foot lock the short distance and then reset the system quite easily. The Unicender allows you to ascend much smoother on SRT than the Fate Revolver, but the feel of the hitch on swings and descending swings with the Fate is FAR better than anything the Uni or any other mechancial device can achieve.
Going to take the F8 for a ride tomorrow in some seriously storm damaged trees to see how well it performs. I plan to set the single line and work the sucker from the ground up using a modified Frog to walk up and then switch to the F8 to work it. I have no intention of posting pics until Kevin approves it, but I will certainly document what happens. Can't wait to get my mind blown even further by seing how well this system works!!!!!
