rope choices for unicender

Z

Zack_Washburn

For the past year, I have been using a Unicender for SRT, primarily with Tachyon. I still find it difficult to modulate my descent with the squeeze and go mode.

I recently tried some old Blaze with the Uni and found that I had: easier release upon initial descent, smoother descent, and overall better control than with Tachyon. I am thinking that the smaller diameter Blaze works better with my 150 lb. weight. But, I don't think rope diameter is the only variable because I've tried HTP 10mm and 11mm and found poor performance compared to Tachyon and now Blaze.

I need a new climbing rope and was planning on trying something new to me, like Imori or Rocket Line, but now I'm thinking of another 200 ft hank of Blaze. My only concern, is the Blaze fits very loosely in the Uni. Does anyone have any advice on best ropes for use with the Uni? How about any thoughts on how rope diameter, rope construction, and climber weight effect Uni sensitivity and control?

thanks and I look forward to some interesting discussion on this topic.

zack
 
There is likely no universal 'best' rope. When this question has been asked over the years it seems like there is an even distribution of favorites between all of the 11mm ropes. This tells me that the 'best' Unicender rope is more dependent on the climber than the Uni.

climbing styles and the fully loaded weight of the climber as well as the type of work that's being done are all variables. If you're working the outer tips of low crown live oaks or cutting off limbs on a straight spar pine you'll find different performance.

I've used Tachyon with my Unis and it works just fine...for me :)
 
http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=294700&an=0&page=0#294700

Zack, take a look at this thread. In the last picture you can see a revolver carabiner in use. If you take a bite of your rope, slip a ring over it, then clip it back to the revolver, you will have a friction-sharing, self-tailing addition to the Uni. With this in place you will have much more control of your descents, and less wear on the Uni.
I do agree that the different ropes respond to the camming action of the Uni in different ways. This rope response is most noticeable when using the above-mentioned ring setup. Slight changes in ring size will produce quite different feels on the different ropes.
I am currently using Rocketline. It is a great feeling rope and works well but I don't have enough time on it yet to judge whether it will be my favorite, or not.

Dave
 
thanks for the input guys,

DSMc, I'm sure that a friction sharing device makes descent smoother, but I don't want to add additional gear to my setup at the moment. I used the F8/revolver system for a while and am enjoying the simplicity of the Uni.

I am really enjoying using Blaze with the Uni this past week. I almost feel like I'm using a trusty Distel on DdRT, well not quite that smooth, but pretty good.

My main concern is the relatively loose fit of Blaze in my Uni. I've tried various tests over the past few weeks to set my mind at ease, but do you think there is any chance that the Uni could fail to "grab" the Blaze under certain conditions?
 
Zack, though i'm not a uni user, the device is spec'd for 11mm-13mm ropes. blaze is within the spec so i say your safe. it is my understanding that with normal wear, you will notice a slight "creep" on rope not a failure to grab (unless you ignore the creep and continue to climb on a worn device).
 
The practice of tying a 'jam knot' or stopper in your rope below the Uni...or a hitch, for that matter...isn't a bad practice.

A slip knot works well. Be sure to tie it so that when the down rope is pulled the slip knot spills.
 
Zack, I am glad you are having success with the Uni by itself. It is how I use it most of the time.
Do you use the Uni on a tether or close to your bridge? On a tether with the Revolver/ring below, the Uni's one-handed squeeze control is greatly improved, plus it keeps the tailing rope running true even when working at odd angles.
Friction added above the Uni works, but only for going down. It is not a good combination for working the tree as it interfers with upward movement.

Dave
 
Tom,

Thanks for the reminder. I tied safety knots for the first few weeks using the Uni. Occasionally, I still tie them. Maybe I will use them more while I'm testing the Uni with Blaze.
 
Dave,

I use the Uni with a tether. I have the Uni "extended" on the tether for SRT ascent (Texas sit/stand) and then usually attach the Uni directly to my bridge for working the tree. I have a few revolvers and a selection of rings(from my F8/revolver days) and I will try your suggestion soon, maybe even tomorrow.

thanks for the input

zack
 
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