Static Lines

R

rangerdanger

Location
Lexington, Kentucky
Hey guys, looking at getting a static access line in the next month or two here. Going for a 200' length. Any recommendations? I'd like to go with either New England KMIII 7/16" or Sterling HTP 10mm since these are the two I've heard the most about, but I'm open to other suggestions. Thanks!
 
Haven't used KMIII but I use 200' of Sterling HTP for access on most trees where I'll be over 60' or 70'. It's most useful on tall excurrent trees that I won't be taking down.

Perfect for highlines since you can usually tension it by hand and go to work. Good addition to the kit.

I have Snakebite and I can't recommend it for work, you need it to be hi-vis because it's skinnier. Snakebite disappears, no exaggeration. Good for stealth climbs though.
 
Ranger,

I have used both KMIII and Sterling and will say hands down Sterling is the superior choice.

I agree with Blinky as well, get the rope in a visible color. Lots of suppliers out there.

Good luck let us know what you get!

Tony
 
I've used KMIII for years and like it a lot. When Tachyon came out the KMIII became #2.

Tachyon is about 20% lighter, takes up about 20% less volume in a bag and has a nicer hand.
Knots are easier to tie.
It can be used DdRT.
It can be spliced.

The stretch issue isn't something that I've noticed between KMIII and Tachyon. There might be an issue with TIPS above 70-80'. But, even so, it is a negligible issue and is offset by all of the better characteristics of Tachyon.
 
Stay away from the petzl vector. Sterling and KMIII are good choices. I'd wait and maybe take some time to try them out a little bit if you know some people with them.
 
I have been using sterling snake bite 10mm for about 6 months now. That said, I wish I bought an 11mm

I'm not a huge fan of the smaller diameter and neither are my ascenders or hitch cords.
 
I like the 10 mm stuff its actually easier to advance my ascenders.Footlocking can be more difficult but i like the smaller diameter and its lighter.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've used KMIII for years and like it a lot. When Tachyon came out the KMIII became #2.

Tachyon is about 20% lighter, takes up about 20% less volume in a bag and has a nicer hand.
Knots are easier to tie.
It can be used DdRT.
It can be spliced.

The stretch issue isn't something that I've noticed between KMIII and Tachyon. There might be an issue with TIPS above 70-80'. But, even so, it is a negligible issue and is offset by all of the better characteristics of Tachyon.


[/ QUOTE ]
I am also in the market for a access/SRT rope. I like the idea of using Tachyon. Anyone else have an opinion on this?
 
A year ago we had an SRT picnic here in Austin. There were many ropes in the tree. Bowlegs Bill had his Snakebite hanging and I used it. Nice rope. Later, we were talking about something and moving around on the ground. As I walked sideways I realized that there was a coil of rope on the ground. I looked down, between steps, and saw a rattlesnake coiled under my feet! I yelped and jumped sideways just as I realized that it was Bill's rope!!! I told him that I would bring a knife and cut it into little pieces the next time..kidding!

I would NOT use the camo or any disappearing rope. I want bright colors so that it is evident where the rope is.
 
Thanks for the help guys. Hopefully I'll be heading up to the Indiana comp here in a few weeks and can mess around with some ropes there. I know Luke over at Tree Stuff has some 7/16" KMIII I can feel. I've used HTP before, but not the 10mm version(at least I don't think it was) Nice rope.

As for Tachyon vs. static rope, the reason I'm looking for a static is so I can also use it for other applications besides just an access line. Like Blinky, I'd like to be able to use it for a highline type deal, and as a zip line for the occasional rec climb fun. I think Tachyon would just be too stretchy when the only tension applied would be by hand.
 
If i'm using an arborist line for static ascent it would be samson velocity. Low stretch and extremely light.

Out of all the static lines i've climbed on the best by far i think is New England static pro.

I think only CMC rescue sells it. very low stretch, not to heavy. It is a little stiff, but still holds knots.
Cmc rescue Static Pro

I wouldn't go below 11mm with any line i use for climbing, even doubled its going to be harder to grip. If you planning on single lining, its going to be very tiresome on your hands when footlocking. Just my personal opinion. and 11mm still runs good with ascenders and other equipment.
 
I have snake bite and I like it. Yea I agree on others about the bright colors but when i use it, I usually hang a pulley and have an anchor on the trunk and all the rest is in the rope bag. So it isnt a problem for me
 
I had piece of Sterling HTP that I HATED. Might have been a different batch, but the stuff was like a rubber band. I have 11mm KMIII now and its fine. I had a 10mm KMIII, but it was destroyed at a Limbwalker party when the drunks created a "zip line" from the shop tree out into the yard.

If you're only using it to access the top, a very static rope seems better than a 11mm climbing line. But a 200' rope that could be used as a access or climb line does have its perks. In that instance I'd go for Velocity, as Derrick suggested.

And along with Chip's suggestion, Hi-visibility is a must for a work rope. I've had too many close calls with ropes that blend into their surroundings.
 
I have 200' of KMIII (7/16") that I use for SRT and 150' of Tachyon (on the advice of Tom D.) and love them both.

The Tachyon gets used mainly for my DdRT climbing.
 
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