VT Variations

[chris_girard]

I know that this has been covered here before, but I can't find the link.

I was wondering what variations other climbers are usinfg for the VT. I know that this is very subjective, with many different variables to consider.

I use a four-wrap, three-braid combo on 8 mm OP cord with a HitchClimber pulley and 16 strand ArborMaster line. I will be switching to Tachyon soon.

My problem is that I'm still generating too much friction when descending and its not as smooth as it could be. I use a friction saver most of the time and know that there is a transfer of friction to my climbing hitch.

I weigh 170lbs and was thinking of trying a four-wrap, two-braid combo, or something else.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[tomthetreeman]

I use three wraps and three braids of Ice on Tachyon. I am going to start mixing in 1/2" Safety Blue for some climbs, which has the same coating as Tachyon (I think), so I'm hoping for the same results.

You could also try the XT (pic attached) for another option.

-Tom

 

[treebing]

i use a 3:2 4:2 or a 4;1. shorter length hitch than commonly sold at the store.

 

[Blinky]

I use the the same wrap/braid configuration in Tom's picture from the top down until you get to the second braid. I put a full twist on it, pull the legs on the other side of the rope and hook up (no third braid). 8mm Ocean on Velocity and PI.


Normally I like less wraps and one more braid but I'm using a longer hitch cord than usual.

I had this one HRC cord that was PERFECT when it was tied 3 over 2.

 

[Adkpk]

Not a great pic of the whole hitch but...

I use my eight to take my weight(180) off the hitch when descending. It'll make the bee line last a lot longer.

 

[moss]

[ QUOTE ]
I use a four-wrap, three-braid combo on 8 mm OP cord with a HitchClimber pulley and 16 strand ArborMaster line. I will be switching to Tachyon soon.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tachyon has a much smoother cover than 16 strand 1/2" so you'll see dramatically different performance than what you're getting now. So far pro climbers I know who've switched from VT to XT haven't looked back. As usual you have to tune the e2e cord length and number of wraps to perform best with your cord, rope, body weight, climbing style etc.
-moss

 

[tomthetreeman]

PS, Moss, that was your pic I used of the XT.

-Tom

 

[chris_girard]

Thanks again for the info guys. I'll try some different combos out when I get the Tachyon later this week.

 

[Crazy_Jimmy]

I like the 8 and 10 m beelines on tachyon 4-3 and 3-3.Also like hrc and ice tail,the knut and xt are cool to.I get bored easy so i like to switch things up every now and again.The velocity with 8m beeline(while new)is the smoothest combo around 32or 33 inch cord with a 4-3,like butter.

 

[moss]

[ QUOTE ]
PS, Moss, that was your pic I used of the XT.

-Tom

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool, glad you you found it.
-moss

 

[John_Paul_Sanborn]

I will often reverse the direction of the braid under the barrel to keep a loop from dropping.