Which climbing rope?

[Tree_Frog]

I have a question concerning the quality of velocity and fly. Velocity is double braid and Fly is Kermantle, has anyone found a major difference while using ascenders or other equipment as well as overall preformance between the two? I have velocity but have not picked up any Fly yet.

 

[Lazarus2]

I use a fly in DdRT specifically because its a kernmantle, and I don't use e.g. velocity/blaze specifically because they are double braids. Ascenders were designed for kernmatle ropes, not bouble braids. Double braids tend to flatten out and have poor energy absorption for factor 1 falls. There is also a big question over sheath strength - I know my kernmantle sheath will shred in an ascender overload - vital energy absorption and core left intact. A very strong sheath could lead to chopping.

The Fly has a strong sheath, so I'm not so sure about that rope for SRT.

If in doubt, find out what rope was used for the specific ascender testing and use that - less life threatening variables that way.

 

[NickfromWI]

I recommend Blaze/Velocity over the Fly simply for the fact that they have a cleaner splice than does the Fly.

love
nick

 

[Leon]

The Fly is bouncier than Blaze/Velocity.

 

[treehumper]

I have noticed a bounce with the fly but I'm happy with it.
thanks for the input!

 

[PUClimber]

Yeah I have been happy with my dragon fly. Rich put a nice little splice in the end and other than the fact that I cut the first splice off of it. It has been great. I like my blaze but I think the fly has a better feel and grip much like that of the poison ivy.

 

[jerseygirl]

How do you feel bounce? can you explain that

thanks

jz

 

[Leon]

Jerseygirl, all arborist climbing ropes have a little bit of elasticity to them. Some are a little more or less "stretchy" than others. This is most easily noticed when you have a lot of rope above you. When hanging on a long length of line Fly seems to be a little more elastic than others, hence it's "bounciness". That's not a good or bad thing, more just personal preference.

 

[treehumper]

Leon nailed it. I like to set my line as high as I can to get started. I've been doing some ravine properties lately where my TIP is around 70'. When I start footlocking or stop on a descent i've noticed the give in the rope.

 

[Tree_Frog]

Thanks for the input. I'll have to pick up a lenth of the fly and give it a go.

 

[Lazarus2]

[ QUOTE ]
Leon nailed it. I like to set my line as high as I can to get started. I've been doing some ravine properties lately where my TIP is around 70'. When I start footlocking or stop on a descent i've noticed the give in the rope.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thats true. But consider that 'give' a good thing; a factor 1 fall on a single rope will be nicely taken care of. The same little drop on a doubled rope will be harsh - makes a little bit of give even more desireable.

If SRT bounce is REALLY a problem, run up a static line and incorporate a small energy absorber. Not really practicable on DdRT though. I find once the line has stretched, ascending smoothly is efficient.

But then I started my career on 3ply nylon and continued with it every day for 4 yrs, that taught me what 'inefficient bounce' during ascent really is, though moving round the canopy the stretch had distinct practical advantages.