kernmantle advise wanted.

Evo,

Look at the elongation info for both ropes as the load increases. Then look at weight per foot and you will see the difference.

Tony
 
I just recently left my old ascent only system( rope frog ) and started to climb on the HH. So in the past I would climb up on HTP and bail onto another line 16/24/ or even fly line to ddrt...
Now on the HH I'm looking to use the same rope to SRT up and DDRT down.
Which brings me here, I have interest in a dynamic kernmantle for using in ascent and decent/ddrt.... It looks as tho wesspur is the only site claiming you can use Yale Kernmaster and Marlow aeris in Ddrt.

How do you guys feel about this?
Also do you know of any other ropes with this versatility?
 
I used Yale Aztec for almost a year and Yale Sumac for several months now all for SRT work positioning and ascent, but have used it DDRT as well. Works perfectly, very abrasion resistant and mechanical friendly.
 
This is a great read, guys. Thanks for sharing your insights. I only have two main lines and don't have a lot to invest in more, so hearing all this is great before retiring my srt rope.
 
evo said:
thanks for all the help. Can anyone compare climbing on kernmaster to arbormaster? Looking at the specs, it seems like the stretch is very similar. Does anyone make non tooth hand ascenders? I'm going to wait until I can get to these ropes in person to see their feel.
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Yale Kernmaster and Samson Arbormaster are both great ropes, but they are two different animals. The Arbormaster is a 12mm sixteen strand cover dependent rope, which means the majority of its strength is in the cover. Since the cover is so hefty it will stand up to a lot of abuse, and if it wears through you'll be able to see that blue core. It's supple and takes knots well and is excellent for Ddrt. The Kernmaster I've been using is 11mm, and it has a 48 strand cover, or mantle, and a unique braided core (kern) which has shock absorbing capability. The core is where most of its strength is. It also is supple and knots pretty well, so it works great for Srt and you can use Ddrt rope techniques with it. That being said, I haven't tied the tail of it into a Blakes, but I use an E2E hitch cord. It's quite a bit lighter than the Arbormaster which might be an advantage. It has been said that ropes are your most important tools, and it's good to have a variety for different applications. My all around rope is a variation of Poison Ivy called Arrowfrog from Treesuff. It's an 11.5mm 24 strand, all polyester, and it's a great for just about anything. Plus I love that color scheme!
 
Thanks. I did wind up buying a two hundred hank of the 11mm stuff. I spliced eye's in both ends, and I've been loving it. I alternate between the kernmaster and tachyon lately and on the rare occasion both. I haven't done much Ddrt with the kernmaster as I don't like the small diameter for it as much. I thought I would top tie srt and work my way down Ddrt more than I am. I'm kind of kicking myself for not going for the 12mm.
 
evo said:
Thanks. I did wind up buying a two hundred hank of the 11mm stuff. I spliced eye's in both ends, and I've been loving it. I alternate between the kernmaster and tachyon lately and on the rare occasion both. I haven't done much Ddrt with the kernmaster as I don't like the small diameter for it as much. I thought I would top tie srt and work my way down Ddrt more than I am. I'm kind of kicking myself for not going for the 12mm.
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Don't start kicking yourself yet! That Kernmaster is a very serviceable rope, and I think the trick for you is learning how best to use it. Are you using a pulley/hitch combination for Ddrt? Once you get up there, if you like you could switch over to Ddrt and use a Hitchclimber pulley and a nice eye to eye friction hitch. Works great! For the same weight and volume, you get 50 ft. more rope. My guess is that with a pulley and a hitch and a new technique you'll end up loving it.
 
I have no issues with the rope I just wish I got the larger size for my hands, that's all... I'm very happy with it, Wesspur is two hours away and they did not carry the 12mm. I was too impatient to wait to get the 12 from a different supplier. I do use a hitch climber w a vt Ddrt, and wrench for srt. I only use a blakes when I don't plan the climb well enough to bring a second e 2 e for my tail.
 
evo,

Try and find a piece of the 12mm to try before you buy. I was in the same position as you and felt the larger diameter would be better. I found that I did not like the larger diameter better, even though I could grip it better. Can't really put it in words (which is saying something for me, a lover or all things verbiage!) In the end, I discovered I really like the lighter weight and "feel" of the 11mm kernmaster over the 12mm. As stated above I just adjusted my climbing methods, use more mechanicals when I have to "grip" for extended periods.

Tony
 
I've noticed in the last few days that the 12 mil does not be have well in the rope wrench when wet. Seems like there's just slightly more drag than you want. But otherwise I really like it don't notice the weight much and my hands thank me
 
WestCoast Ryan said:
That tight slick cover on the Kernmaster causes some slipping with my 9mil RIT in a VT and diestel.

Suggestions?
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I tried an RIT thimble prussic on the Kernmaster and found the same thing. Maybe the RIT wasn't broken in yet, however it works fine on Poison Ivy. The HRC cord has been working out well for me as a hitch on Kernmaster.
 
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