SRT system

D

d5md

Location
north augusta sc
I need some input on this srt setup. CMI hand accender attached to climbinging harness with webbing sling ,distel friction hitch as you would rig as always, and use a pantin foot accender for lift Does anyone use this sort of setup? Thanks David
 
Add an adjustable length foot strap to the handled ascender and you have the starts of a Frog Walker. Are you using your distel as an attachment from the front of your harness? If so, figure out a good way to use a slack tender below it.
 
Pretty smooth Fairfield,
Very nice.
I have but one question....for now


Is it ok to have your hands above the system?
I tried something similar today.
The results were quite hilarious.
It didn't feel right with my hand above the prussic and ascender but it was the only way i could do it....one hand on the rope above and the other on the ascender in conjunction with a foot strap. my other foot had a pantine.
quite confusing i must say. Foot locking looks better and better every day.

Maybe I'm old school
or Middle school
I want to graduate from the 5th grade some day
 
Awesome system fairfield!!! I had never thought of using a hitch at the harness before I read this thread! Gonna have to get up early tomorrow and try it out. Ive always used a sit stnad method with a Grigri at the harness. Really like this idea though.
 
I feel compelled to raise a safety issue, that I'm sure is going to go down like a lead balloon as usual:

Descending a single line on only a friction hitch is dangerous practice. Regardless of type of friction hitch. Normally the hitch will seize the rope and not want to move. If it is released, it can keep on going, very quickly, out of control.

This is why the rules for secured footlock state hands must be below the hitch, to prevent inadvertant release of the hitch.

Jeremy Barrell (a very experienced and accomplished climber)fell 40ft in such a way at the 1994 ETCC footlock event. Shattered a leg. This lead to the safety line being required for footlock.

There have been other similar incidents with the Footlock event in recent years, that didn't result in an accident, due to hitch/cord/rope combinations. This shows there are too many variables to make it dependable at gripping. Not to mention of the friction heat build up on, say, an 80ft descent!

The dynamics for DdRT are different and allowable.

All other work and sport at height respect the risks by not condoning it either.

I would never recommend it or allow it under my responsibility.

Please heed the warning!

Below is a link to an eventual relative discussion on the issue of friction hitches vs chest ascenders incorporated into SRT ascent:

http://www.treebuzz.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=130731&an=0&page=0#130731
 
Please put a marlin spike and crab under the ascender on the srt/drt setup when using the DRT. It will stop the ascender from moving down the rope if it slips.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Please put a marlin spike and crab under the ascender on the srt/drt setup when using the DRT. It will stop the ascender from moving down the rope if it slips.

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I understand where you are coming from with that statement, but I wouldn't apply it generally:

1. Some shelled cams are designed also as fall arrest devices that slip a little down the line when overloaded. A knot would stop this action. If I were to belay myself off this with a DdRT, a factor one fall could generate high enough forces to activate slippage, especially during a rescue. But there is no way of backing up the quick release mechanism that is now at a distance, amongst twigs etc. Not really dependable.

2. Belaying off a toothed cam with DdRT could overload the cam and cause shredding to the cover, especially during rescue. But a knot would stop any further slippage, and the device can be reliably secured to the rope via the top holes. Personally I have doubts and would like to undertake some testing.

I have had some success with clipping my DdRT system to a Rocker above my Frog handled ascender. This is secure at a distance once the cam is thumbed closed with the adjuster. But the cams must be removed below, to allow for slippage.

With the Eddy, its easier to run a limb walk off the SRT - Forget the DdRT.

For rescue though, with heavier loads (I haven't researched if the eddy can be used for rescue loads), An ID could be used.

Alternatively, I'd run up the SRT line with a butterfly knot in it to the limb walk level or beyond. DdRT can be clipped to this during set up, or after ascent (after ascent means the DdRT can be carried in a bag for rescue). Ascend SRT and then clip to the DdRT system and switch over. Some or all of the Frog system can be left on the line, to re-attach on return, and continue ascending SRT. Probably the best option for rescue loads. Would be nice to hear of it used in the comps. As long as the knot in the SRT line is equal distance or more from the DdRT re-direct, the casualty and rescuer can be lowered from the ground. Should be more points for that, especially as the victim can be given full attention with two hands, while a third party lowers.
 
I think that it is a great point that you make Laz. The only time i ever come back down on the hitch is in short drops. Even then you have to know your equipment very well. Also, 99% of the time i do use this system is for tree climbing and when i get to the point that i want to start working i switch it to a drt. I am sorry for not saying this before not very responsable on my end.
 
Arbor101, I like having my one hand above the ascender. I dont think i was shown that way but after messing with it a bit that is what became good for me. I know alot of climbers like having a second hand ascender or a double. For me less is more "climb light, climb strong all day" thought path. Getting back on track, my hand above is not load baring it is just to keep me more up right.
 
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