want to try a new system

[sean1]

Hi Folks,
This is my first post on the buzz. To introduce myself I'm a climber in the northwest of England and I've worked in the states also. I'm still using the traditional blake hitch setup on the double rope because its what I'm used to and I trust it. I remember being sceptical about trying it out (in the prussik loop days). However, after seeing lots of pics of fancy looking setups involving small pulleys and such I want to get advice on what people prefer and why. Other climbers I've worked with in my neck of the woods tend to stick their nose up at other setups but I'm well up for trying new things. If anyone could help I'd appreciate it.

Cheers
Sean

 

[Colin]

Welcome to the Buzz, Sean! I'm simple when it comes to my rig, but they're plenty of other climbers here that like different hitchs.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Make any changes slowly. Add or change one component and then thrash it thoroughly before you make another change. That way you can tell exactly what effects you're working on.

Add a plain old dog leash snap for a slack tender. They are cheap and work just about as well as using a pulley. In time you'll make a jump to an advanced friction hitch, probably start with the Distel.

Good to have you on the Buzz!

 

[sean1]

Thanks chaps.
Pretty sound advice to start with. I'll get a lead first and take it from there. Thanks for the welcome

Take it easy

Sean

 

[Kevin]

My experience with the Distel is that it will slip with age.
With a new rope and a new hitch 3/2 will work but as the hitch wears it will lose it's friction on the rope and more turns are required.
You might consider a back up for that hitch.
One day you may drop out of a tree and not stop without it.

 

[treeguy020]

I like to climb with the Schwabisch knot. Really enjoyable in the tree. Have not had any problems with it.

 

[ezekiel]

I have been trying the distel in the past weeks and am very pleased thus far. A well made(lengnth seems to play a major role) VT is also nice. The TK works well but I like the action of the distel, it seems to grab very well but I change my line (friction) very often so the age issue has yet to become a problem. There are so many variations I have made a "sample" line. With a short section of climbing line I went thru and tied examples of all the frictions I could find and keep it in the truck to try ( and have examples) for myself and my climber to use on weekend rec climbs. I find it a great way to keep trying new systems. As Tom said, try it slow and low and you will find a vast world of wonderful friction set ups to chose from!! Happy climbing!