footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled ascende

[marlinspiker]

At ISAs in rhode island I saw a mark bridge demo on ascent methods and he briefly displayed a method for double handled ascenders where one wraps their footlock prusick around the rope between the handles. This was the sole backup. What are your thoughts on this technique and has any one tried it?

 

[countryboypa31]

Pictures? I'm not understanding from your description

 

[marlinspiker]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

ill have to get on that tomorrow. my gear is at work. but basically the fl prusick is tied in a kleimheist around the center spine and both sides of the rope in the middle of the double handled ascender. ill take a pic tomorrow.

 

[Blinky]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

I don't like it going around the metal spine... but I can't say WHY specifically. In principle it should work as long as the Kleim can cinch the rope.

 

[countryboypa31]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

hmmm i think i understand. Interesting idea.

 

[marlinspiker]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

here is the picture. i finally remembered to bring my phone.

 

[Mahk_Adams]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

[ QUOTE ]
here is the picture. i finally remembered to bring my phone.

[/ QUOTE ]

It will work if the climber is sitting on the tether and both of the cams are functioning properly.

It will work if the climber is holding the handles and both of the cams are functioning properly.

It might, but might not, work if the climber is sitting on the tether and one of the cams is NOT functioning properly.

It will NOT work if the climber is holding the handles and one of the cams is NOT functioning properly.

So, if one of the cams failed during ascent, the climber would have to let go of the handles, and then the tether might, but might not, stop the climber from falling.

See the 'Warning!' at the very end of this article:

http://www.treebuzz.com/pdf/CC_Jun07.pdf


Since the tether is intended to be a 'backup' during ascent, I don't think it fulfills that purpose and I would discourage the use of this setup.

 

[rich_h]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

Is that Samson's Prusik Cord you are using for the Footlock Prusik? If so, I believe it is rated for 5,000 lbs...without any modifications. I'm surprised that it would be sold in a configuration where you have added two "stitches" but in essence you are climbing off of one leg. If there is any strength lost whatsoever with the stitches your cord would be under rated for the application.

When that cord first came out I thought it was to be used as a loop with double fisherman knots in order to always be climbing off of a doubled leg.

Of course I could be completely and totally wrong on this. Anyone have any clarification?

 

[Colin]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

i do not get it? why would you do that when petzle has a users manual that says how to back up a mechanical ascender. its fast efficient and takes no more than what you have. just tie a mid line knot in your rope right after you pull it over a crotch and insert throw line into mid line knot and tighten to crotch attach prussic to now girth hitched side of line and proceed to ascend. once at top of tree tie in and unclip from grithed side of line leaving ascender on line undo footlock prussic and clip to ascender. work the tree and descend to ground all while leaving ascender and foot lock prussic on ascent line when through with tree attack throw bag to ascent line and pull line ascender and footlock prussic out of tree safely and controlled

 

[rangerdanger]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

[ QUOTE ]
Is that Samson's Prusik Cord you are using for the Footlock Prusik? If so, I believe it is rated for 5,000 lbs...without any modifications. I'm surprised that it would be sold in a configuration where you have added two "stitches" but in essence you are climbing off of one leg. If there is any strength lost whatsoever with the stitches your cord would be under rated for the application.

When that cord first came out I thought it was to be used as a loop with double fisherman knots in order to always be climbing off of a doubled leg.

Of course I could be completely and totally wrong on this. Anyone have any clarification?

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe you're right Rich. It shows on Sherrill's website it's rated for 5,000 in the configuration pictured. Stitched at both ends, with the single leg.

 

[marlinspiker]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

im not advocating this method. im just saying that i saw an example of this at a demo at ISAs and thought it worth the discussion. the photo was just an illustration. I think the draw of the method is its simplicity. its basically a trad footlock with the aid of handles. yes the footlock cord is the one from sherrills.

 

[rich_h]

Re: footlock prusik wrapped around dlb handled asc

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Is that Samson's Prusik Cord you are using for the Footlock Prusik? If so, I believe it is rated for 5,000 lbs...without any modifications. I'm surprised that it would be sold in a configuration where you have added two "stitches" but in essence you are climbing off of one leg. If there is any strength lost whatsoever with the stitches your cord would be under rated for the application.

When that cord first came out I thought it was to be used as a loop with double fisherman knots in order to always be climbing off of a doubled leg.

Of course I could be completely and totally wrong on this. Anyone have any clarification?

[/ QUOTE ]

I believe you're right Rich. It shows on Sherrill's website it's rated for 5,000 in the configuration pictured. Stitched at both ends, with the single leg.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm certain that the product has been rigorously tested. It is definitely much more streamlined in this configuration than doubled up with the fisherman knots..