Valdotain Tresse problems

oldsouth

oldsouth

Location
Charleston, SC
I am new to the climbing world and I am looking to try different friction hitches. I have been using a B-53 (a modified blake's hitch I am told) it is just not that responsive and alot of times it needs work to loose up. I have been online looking at what yall are using and I have tried the VT hitch but having no luck with it securing. The reason for trying this style of hitch is I would like to try and use a micro pulley with what ever hitch I use. I am using a 1/2 line (spark) and a 10mm Bee-Line. any info or advice would be great. thanks
 
I ahve had that problem with a new rope and or new tresse chord. I am a little heavier than most and I would use a 5 wrap then double braid for a few climbs while both pieces were still slick. You can also run your rope through a natural crotch a time or two and that will roughen it up. Hope this helps.
 
With my experience the VT is a work of art. You have to really watch how you use it. If it’s a new cord I use more upper wraps than I regularly do. My setup is 3 on top and 2 crossed the bottom. You might want to see if adding wraps either on top or on bottom will fit your line and your prussik cord. I do find that the VT will not "grab" immediately and you have to fix it here and there but once you get used to climbing on it and its small details you will never go back.
 
Before you go with a VT, maybe try a Distel. The VT has some subtleties in how it's tied that are best explained in person. If it doesn't hook up, the braids are probably wrong. You can figure it out but it's gonna be safer and simpler if you go with a more straightforward but sensitive hitch like the Distel.

One thing about the Blakes though, it should be tied with a tail that matches the climbing rope diameter, 10mm Beeline is gonna be really grabby on 1/2" line.

If you're new, you should find somebody to help you with this stuff, there are lots of potential mistakes you can make that could be disastrous. Most climbers are open to helping out new folks.

Do you climb for fun or is this for work?
 
distel or the schwabish is an idea for someone who needs to learn and I should have said something about it. What you have to worry about and is why I switched is, they bite and they can bite hard if you’re not using the right cord to rope diameter. I've come a crossed my schwabish locking up to the point of it being a danger to me in certain situations. Always go low and slow.
 
thank for the imput. And Blinky I use it for both. I prefer rec climbing but I am also getting into the arborist field. on the blakes hitch I use a split tail made from my spark line. I am just wanting to try new methods so I can personalize my climbing. I like to be well versed in things I do so I like to keep an open mind. again thanks for the quick responses!!!!!!
 
Mahk's got a couple of good links.

Thanks for listing your cord and rope combination. There are pairings that work better than others, and even in that, it comes down to personal preferences.

I found that care must be taken to not add twists to the cord as one wraps it around the standing line. By twisting I mean rotating the cord on its axis. I believe a more concise description on tying the knot is to add WRAPS.

Twisting 'up' or 'out' causes the VT to remain open and not lock while twisting 'down' or 'in' will not unlock when you need to advance-- especially when loaded. Similarly, I make benefit by puttin a 1/2 twist on each leg in the braid section before attaching to the carabiner to tighten it slightly.

In the beginning, low and slow.
 
I've been climbing on the VT for the last year or so, switched over from the distel. VT works so much better for me, I'm never going back.
I've never even thought about how twisting the Bee-line while tying the knot may affect the grabbing properties of the VT.
Great info,Thank you. I'll have to experiment with that.
 
Jim, could you expand on your last post about adding twists? I think I understand the basic concept of twisting, but could you explain the direction of twisting "up and out" as opposed to "down and in"?
 
thanks for all the great info I have tried a bunch of hitched and still looking for one I am comfy with. I am trying to get the VT right so I can see Y every one who uses it really likes it. I must be doing something wrong. I am planning on going to the TCC in march in atlanta. I am sure there will be people there to see it first hand. again thanks for the great responses!
 
i'd like to recommend skipping the non-self tending class and going for the Knut or TK of the self tenders; and actually would push towards Icicle and Sailor's Gripping hitches, that are also self tending. i do favour a Schwab to back up a Kong ascender, because both legs feed down the same side. But, other wise kinda leave the non self tending Distel and Schwab aside (with most versions of the VT).

Most of the dual legged hitches we use are of a common theme; a coil (4 uninterupeted turns, 3 would be a Double Round Turn, 2 a Round Turn..) preceded (with loading coming from underneath; that makes preceding under the coil in order of loading) some version of a half hitch/marl as another/ lessor grip. The Coil would give too tight a grip, and harder release; so i think the preceding hitching takes most of the loading; and then the Coil less, so that it is in it's 'tamer' / more friendly part of it's power band. A VT, uses the braids as a gauntlet of bends preceding the Coil for the same purpose i think.

So, compairison is harder between VT and rest. The VT must be 'tuned' more; so is probably best for someone that is more familiar with the other hitches; to have a wider field of play and understanding of the effects of slight changes. Mostly, i think the length of the cord must be just right; to make the braids lay just right. Too long or short, gives non-premium characteristics to how the preceding braids due their job; by the angle etc. they are put to. This also depends on your loading, rope and chord types, as well as just how you dress your hitch; so it is hard to give a precise answer...

i ride something similar to a VT; actually maid from a Sailor Gripping Hitch (with a Munter rather than Turn around bottom Round Turn); but pulls out to a VT kinda naturally. But, this makes said VT self tending(if the legs of the cord are wrong, the thing don't grab about at all sometimes, but when ya get it just right it tends like a dream, especially in 3/8 flat, twin braid Tenex IMLHO..). A long 7or so turn Coil/ French Prussik pulled down 'correctly' will turn into a VT; but; the chord will be tourqued to such an extent by this, that it will have yet different characteristics than a chord laid into the same length pattern IMLHO.

Some Heetches

i have yet to find one that descends smoothly/safely in SRT
 
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