rope for advanced hitch

[treeclimber165]

Has anyone here used the 8mm New England T-900 or any of the other Sta-Set ropes? I've been using T-900 based on another climber's recommendation and like how it handles. But I recently found some tech info showing that it can start losing strength at 150*. Some of the other Sta-Set ropes have a lower rated strength but higher heat tolerance and are much cheaper. Here is the page where I got this info. http://www.ropeinc.com/marine_color_guide.htm
T-900- 7300 lbs, Spectra has progressive strength loss over 150*
Sta-Set- 3000 lbs, progressive strength loss over 300*
Sta-Set X- 4400 lbs, progressive strength loss over 300*
Sta Set X Plus- 4400 lbs, progressive strength loss over 430*
T-900 is well over $1 per foot, the 3 others are from 39 cents to 63 cents per foot.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Brian,
I personally don't like T900 for a friction hitch. I find that it is just too stiff and holds a memory. It doesn't seem to grab really quick. Though I do like its high strength and high heat resistence. Yes it's true that spectra doesn't perform well in heat, but that's why they mixed the core with tecnora (only chars at 600*).

I still think that the one of the best cords for prusiks and friction hitches is 3/8 economy braid from NERopes. It will burn when you fly through the tree, but it's cheap. Besides, its sheath is made of poly, which is the same sheath as ultra tech and others.

 

[Yoav]

A New Fundamental Rope Question

Here's a tricky question....

What about using standard rigging static line- or even that amazing energy absorbing dynamic line for rock climbing- for arborist work with a friction saver/ false crotch as an anchor above. The major difference and reason for using arbo line is its sheath that runs over branches more regularly.
But if everyone is using false crotches with pulleys and carabiners instead of rough bark, is arbo line still worth it?

 

[davespencer]

Re: A New Fundamental Rope Question

Using a kernmantle nylon rope of that diameter can be really rough on the hands. I assume Mark and Tom have no complaints about the Fly but that is likely because of the poly construction. The nylon would probably burn through friction hitches faster too.

Dave

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Re: A New Fundamental Rope Question

Anyone that I've ever heard who used dynamic line for tree work felt that it was too stretchy. There are some static lines that seem to work for tree work. The limitation is the knot tying characteristics and splicability. That's what makes Fly such a nice development. The "hand" is really nice too, supple.

Tom

 

[treeclimber165]

I appreciate that input. I've tried 5/16" and 3/8" and like the 5/16" better. I think I've narrowed it down to NE Sta-Set or Samson XLS. The XLS is an all-polyester double braid with an identical cover to Ultra Tech. The Sta-Set has the same cover as T-900. Both of these are rated at 3000 lbs for the 5/16" and much less expensive than the 'exotic' braids. I haven't located the XLS for sale in this size yet, but still looking.