Sticht Hitch

[Brocky]

Yes a Pusik Hitch is configured to set and hold that's all. Once you get into hitches that need to perform as adjustable hitches under load the variables explode.

I don't think what you're describing has anything to do with breaking in the hitch cord (or climbing line).

Important factors to consider for a functional adjustable (under load) hitch system:
a. hitch cord construction and diameter
b. climbing line construction and diameter

Sterling HTP (you mentioned possibly trying that) is not a great choice for the foundation of a multicender climbing system. The Sticht Hitch is acting as a multicender. The HTP core has been behaving badly for many climbers using multicenders. Been a while but you could probably find some discussion about that on the 'Buzz.

As far as the problem with a hitch not grabbing SRT (or SRS depending on what you call it) if there is load on the line from a foot ascender, the hitch may not grab, the hitch needs to be taking all the load to grab consistently.

This is a very subtle aspect of climbing SRT with a hitch and a foot ascender. I you sit back on the hitch during ascent you need to lift your foot slightly so your leg is not loading up the line at the moment you want the hitch to grab. I think experienced climbers do this automatically without realizing what an important moment that is in the climbing motion.

Typically climbers are not sitting back on the hitch during ascent cycles, only when they stop to rest, or for any other reason. If a climber sits back on or loads up the hitch every cycle during ascent they have to be more aware of lifting the their foot ascender up a little so the hitch (if well configured) grabs.
-AJ

When the rope is weighted it stretches and gets thinner, it can also happen towards the bottom of a longer descent.

 

[southsoundtree]

Which diameter?

11mm, maybe.

I'm out of town, at the moment. I'll look later.

 

[Webfoot]

What is the function of crossing the cord below the coil before it enters the ring for the first time?

 

[Brocky]

It works if they go straight down, crossed seems to keep the top wrap from uncoiling, maybe just personal preference.

 

[Webfoot]

@kludge Just realized I didn’t really answer your question, I’m using the eight in the sport mode, doesn’t give as much friction as the normal use, but hand brake and some use of hitch gives a controlled descent.
View attachment 71403

I feel like I am failing a basic intelligence test here. What is the difference between the Lock and Release modes in the lower right?

 

[Brocky]

Just rotating the small eye up causes the rope to auto bloc itself, down releases it. Clip into the large eye.

 

[Webfoot]

I think tied the stopper on the Soft Sticht correctly for the first time today. Before I put the strands on the outside of the cross as in #289 but today I passed the tails through an eye formed between the crossing strands which I think is what you show in #326. That makes for better tending doesn't it?

 

[Brocky]

I think it does, it lifts the twist off the rope, preventing the wedging. Same with the short pieces of tubing that were shown.

 

[Webfoot]

What dimension of tending ring is best for 8mm cord?

 

[Brocky]

Somewhere around 28mm-32mm.

 

[Lupin_IV]

I cannot believe this discussion is still as ongoing as it is. The problem with the sticht is the endless variables and that’s why people hate on it. A pinto spacer below helps tending but will get disoriented eventually. Simple is best. I don’t climb much anymore and went back to other stuff for work, but I work climbed on this for at least 6 months straight. Supreme tending and adjustability. Descents aren’t quick but I was never one for a quick descent anyway. Tighten the double overhand for more grab, loosen for less. The sticht is supreme for lanyards and hook lines. With less additions, you can hand tend in all directions. Pictured ring is too small if you want to tend with a chest harness, I think it was the CT medium blue ring was the best. Effortless tending with quick grab.

 

[Lupin_IV]

I saw stuff long ago about the wear that happens on a certain spot. Climbers that do this sort of thing should be buying bulk hitch chord and replacing often anyway. I’ve experienced similar wear using regular hitches MRS. No disrespect to anyone and their designed devices but anyone who spoke against this wants you to drink the greater industries koolaid and buy their shit. If you’re not an everyday climber but want the versatility of a multicender this is it.

 

[Brocky]

I cannot believe this discussion is still as ongoing as it is. The problem with the sticht is the endless variables and that’s why people hate on it. A pinto spacer below helps tending but will get disoriented eventually. Simple is best. I don’t climb much anymore and went back to other stuff for work, but I work climbed on this for at least 6 months straight. Supreme tending and adjustability. Descents aren’t quick but I was never one for a quick descent anyway. Tighten the double overhand for more grab, loosen for less. The sticht is supreme for lanyards and hook lines. With less additions, you can hand tend in all directions. Pictured ring is too small if you want to tend with a chest harness, I think it was the CT medium blue ring was the best. Effortless tending with quick grab.

On page 16, posts 317 & 319 show an updated version, that tends much easier.

 

[Lupin_IV]

On page 16, posts 317 & 319 show an updated version, that tends much easier.

I humbly step down. Will test!

 

[JFin15]

Wow, been 3.5yrs since I visited this thread last and it's still going! Brocky your hitches have ascended to legend status, pun intended! The stitch is still my full time srt go to.

 

[Brocky]

There have been a few developments since then.

 

[snunyabizness]

the big ring on the figure 8 is captured below the wraps on a distel hitch. not midline attachable. tends smoothly. (the snap biner is for demonstration only). @Brocky probably knows the correct hitch to use instead of the distel.

 

[Knotorious]

I cannot believe this discussion is still as ongoing as it is. The problem with the sticht is the endless variables and that’s why people hate on it. A pinto spacer below helps tending but will get disoriented eventually. Simple is best. I don’t climb much anymore and went back to other stuff for work, but I work climbed on this for at least 6 months straight. Supreme tending and adjustability. Descents aren’t quick but I was never one for a quick descent anyway. Tighten the double overhand for more grab, loosen for less. The sticht is supreme for lanyards and hook lines. With less additions, you can hand tend in all directions. Pictured ring is too small if you want to tend with a chest harness, I think it was the CT medium blue ring was the best. Effortless tending with quick grab.

I think the Sticht hitch is absolutely legendary, however, I think it's best suited for lanyards or moving rope systems. I tried climbing on it on and off for several months SRS and there was simply too much friction. I'd much rather use a wrench.

As you mentioned, tending the Sticht was a bit of a challenge sometimes with a chest harness or neck tether. I ended up deciding that I'lll stick with a rope wrench when it comes to climbing SRS with a hitch.

But again, excellent for an adjustable lanyard and for MRS climbing systems like the Hitch Climber setup.