using a 24 strand for both single and double technique

[Bart_]

Slightly off topic, the most ridiculous configuration I ever did was DRT with my powered ascender. Grind, grind, grind. Did it just to try it.

Was going to edit, but it's way back now, but for a non-isolated SRT TIP always have at least one or two fully capable tips in the mix and secondarily, or if you're forced to, have the catch TIPs plenty strong and keep your drop distance minimized. This concept comes from the around the trunk of a conifer - something will catch and stop you, you won't go all the way down. Well, maybe that's also keeping the branch load inboard too.

Very interesting discussion.

I just gotta say it " Mrs. Ddirt" "Stop calling me dirt, I'm not married and stop stuttering!"

 

[DGC]

Hi all,

Should I consider changing this up for any reason ? Buying a new rope and wanted suggestions. Currently I climb on a 200' samson vortex hot because I use the Haas +foot ascender technique for ascent and I like this rope due to the low stretch and thickness for primarily this reason. Once up top I either switch to double rope or just keep rocking the rope wrench.......**** My main question: Is there any harm in using the cam ascenders / knee ascenders on a rope like this over time? Do I really need one of those tough stiff static climbing lines because of the toothed cams? ***

edit this is the rope https://www.treestuff.com/samson-vortex-hot-12-7mm-climbing-rope/

Thoughts?

The Sherrilltree 2024 catalog lists Vortex as suitable for all types of tree climbing, both MRS and SRS, so if you like the rope, go ahead and wear it out. I have a 150' Vortex Cool that I've had a while. I too climb with the Haas and foot ascender but have always favored Fly as opposed to the Vortex. I just think the Vortex feels to soft and squishy, but that's just me. After reading all the comments here, I am going to give the Vortex another chance.

 

[Burrapeg]

The Sherrilltree 2024 catalog lists Vortex as suitable for all types of tree climbing, both MRS and SRS, so if you like the rope, go ahead and wear it out. I have a 150' Vortex Cool that I've had a while. I too climb with the Haas and foot ascender but have always favored Fly as opposed to the Vortex. I just think the Vortex feels to soft and squishy, but that's just me. After reading all the comments here, I am going to give the Vortex another chance.

'Soft and squishy' is exactly what I like about my Vortex Cool! Feels so good to the hands. Plays well with my adjustable BDB. Rather tricky to stuff it through my ZZ but once in there it works OK with that too. Some foot and knee ascender cams are a lot gentler than others, less sharp and spikey, and obviously that would be something to watch with a soft rope like Vortex.

 

[Matias]

So, for better or for worse, I am largely self taught. I was very honest about this with my current employer, and after a month of starting with him, he stopped asking anyone else to climb without spurs but me. I did all of the non removal trees for 5 months, until a non job related injury benched me for a while.

I trust that the various rope manufacturers know what they're selling well enough that if they say that a rope is good for both SRS and MRS, then you can trust those ropes for both systems safely, assuming you're following all other applicable safety protocols. I have been climbing mixed systems for two years now, but was using sterling workpro for MRS for a year while I was learning to climb. I have never had a knot slip or perform in any strange way at all, but I am slow and deliberate with everything I do, to the frustration of everyone I've ever worked with, and I set and dress my knots meticulously.

I would definitely say that the relatively thin covers on kernmantle ropes is inappropriate for MRS over natural crotches. I have limited personal experience with any other brands, but have experience with a few different ropes of each type/strand count from a few manufacturers, and it seems obvious to me that if you don't use friction savers, you should probably use a 16 strand. I am not liking how beat up my Vortex (cool) is getting since I stopped taking the time to set up my friction saver. I also prefer the reduced, though not entirely absent, friction from rings; pulleys feel weird.

I have not had trouble from any particular ascender, though I much prefer the dual ribbed cams of the Harken Ninja/Notch Jet Step.

Anyway, I would agree with those saying that any rope sold for dual use is safe to use for both systems, though I have climbed my 16 strand ArborMaster SRS with a system I devised with only hitch cords, and I thought it was pretty decent. Certainly usable if it's all you've got.

So, after all this time, i gotta say that my hank of Vortex, which got cut near the middle shortly after I made the above comment, is still holding up, and is the main rope I use for natural crotch mrs. It isn't a daily driver, but the rattiness plateued and it just keeps going. I like the rope a lot.