HRC, First impression... Daaaannng!

[Blinky]

I've been trying different friction setups and yesterday I used HRC on a V.T. for the first time. That is definitely the most sensitive, controllable rig I've used so far... descending swings are much easier to land precisely now. It's also very forgiving of sudden stops, at least while it's new it doesn't lockup even after a hot slide and a sudden stop. It's worlds away from the Blakes on Tenex I've been using.

I confess I spliced it incorrectly, I did a full bury on both eyes like you would do with tenex so it's only 25" long eye to eye and a little thicker than a factory splice. I'm liking the shorter length too.

Yesterday was kind of a basic test on a couple of TD's and a quick prune. Today it's three big willow oak prunes so I should give it a pretty good workout.

Thought it was worth mentioning.

 

[Treelimbjim]

What are you tying the HRC around?

I ran several lengths of HRC tied off w/scaffold knots to find my preferred length. The 'guts' of the HRC fray into a nice pompom so it can be worn as a fashion statement. As it seems you have found, allow for the splice to remain clear of the VT braid.

Using this setup, I hope you check your VT more frequently on the climb. Being as its new, you'll want to monitor how it performs in different situations and then keep it up as part of your routine.

I watch that the HRC is just wrapped around the climbing line and any additional [preferably none] twists put on it are consistent but not easily viewable. Twisting in one direction may cause it to open easier under slack but not lock off while the other direction will cause it to hard lock easier.

 

[Blinky]

Using it with PI, seems to work as well on brand new line as the old furry stuff.

I hadn't thought about the twists, I'll keep a close watch.

I'm just amazed at how secure and controllable it feels, so far it hasn't been finicky at all. When I tried a Michoacan with tenex it was like I'd never climbed before, it was just too sensitive for me and I couldn't get comfortable. Haven't tried the Mich with a smaller diameter hitch yet.

I'm an old fan of frayed rope as a fashion statement, kernmantle sheath makes the best dog collars ever. They just need to start making HRC in colors now.