Temp. resistant climbing line

[Oxman]

I've been wondering..........
1)
Is there a 'super' climbing line coming in the next generation of rope construction?

2)
How would an ultra-tech or beeline prussik cord act when used as a climbing line in a little bit bigger size?

3)
The resulting low-stretch properties of a new type of climbing line would allow smaller diameters, as well.

4)
How would the lighter weight of line affect rigging?

5)
Will a change in friction properties of different ropes require development of new hardware?

 

[NickfromWI]

I've been looking at that for the past few months. First off, obviously you'll be sacrificing shock absorbing qualities found in nylon and polyester. But now you can get a 5000lb rope in 1/4". Bluewater makes a rope with a dyneema(spectra) core and a polyester/technora cover. That's 8mm.

I am looking at one of these for an ascent line for big trees. You can get a 400' piece of rope for less than 12 pounds! I'm excited about that. I just need a small piece to make sure my ascender will react properly with it.

I think the covers of ultratech and beeline are too loose and would be prone to picking when used around trees. Something with a tighter cover would be preferred.

Yes, of course new hardware would have to be developed. I'm making a filler to go in my ascender to make it take smaller ropes better.

love
nick

 

[Oxman]

Poison Ivy is a choice when needing an ascent line, then using it to double end on the way down. This rope is a multi-use solution for the need for flexible rigging options.

 

[RyanCafferky]

What I have thought about for big tree climbing is to use a piece of small diameter cord such as Ultratech or similar for the anchored end of the rope you are climbing SRT and then have your regular climbing line attached to the other side. That would save you quite a bit of weight on really long ropes.

The technology will inevitably get better so they can make rope strong enough in all types of sizes but how we use it and demand will depend on how big they make it. Just think about how hard on your hands small line is and imagine how you would have to design rappel devices or ascenders to fit that line. Would the current rappel devices disapate heat well enough to work with the lines if they were designed smaller?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

What's wrong with using 3/8" dia KMIII? A proven rope...

If anyone is condsidering using small diameter rope with the Kong ascenders be sure that you have your life insurance paid up. It is VERY easy to strip 8-9mm rope past the cam. I would never want anyone to use small dia. rope with an open shell ascender even if they were rated for small diameter ropes.