justsomedude
Well-Known Member
ATC Sport
"Tubular Devices" are the most commonly used and are cheap. The "Sport model" only has one slot (Single rope). I have the Guide model which lets you use double rope if you want to. These are built for thicker ropes
Figure 8 style Descenders: Petzl Pirana, Micro 8, Rescue 8, Sterling ATS.
IMPORTANT DETAIL!
When you extend your rappel (more about that below) with a sling directly girth hitched to a harness, your device will be tuned to the side. NO FUN. Adding a carabiner to your harness or using a PAS chain type daisy can keep it straight (the extra carabiner is easiest to get right).
With a TUBULAR style like the ATC, this isn't an issue as you want the anchor side to be on the right (for right handed)
I am liking the Sterling ATS.
Carabiner is seated VERY firmly (needs a round biner) and you attach rope without having to unclip the device. It works on thinner rope and has more friction than the Petzl Pirana.
These work with thinner ropes and can be easier to tie off to temporarily pause to tear down gear. They also have more variables than the above ATC Tubular style descenders (More to screw up! PRACTICE).
Here is a comparison of a Sterling ATS and an ATC
EXTEND RAPPEL
If you aren't connected to a bridge (Evo or Guido for instance) you want to extend your connection to the rappel device. Usually done with a short sling from your harness. 12" is usually good.
AUTOBLOCK
I HIGHLY recommend Sterling Hollow Block
http://www.backcountry.com/sterlinghollow-block-6.8mm-x-13.5
It is a rectangular rope that compresses well and doesn't roll like regular Prusik rope. $10 well spent
It makes it EASY to control your descent and to pause as you descend to tear down gear.
A "French Prusik" is easier to rig and is easier to move on the rope than a standard Prusik.
http://climber.co.uk/skills/skills/how-to-prusik.html
For multi tasking it can easily be a Klemheist http://www.animatedknots.com/klemheist/#ScrollPoint or standard Prusik and be used in other parts of your rig while not on Rappel.
ROPE
Thicker static line is easiest to rappel, less likely to get twisted and easy to grip.
Bluewater Assault line is a standard but it is 11mm. Not small but SAFE.
The Shorty Spools of Edelrid 10mm Static from www.treestuff.com are a great value at less than 50 cents a foot.
I have some 9mm Bluewater black rope that works well and is lightweight but it is officially "accessory cord".
I also have a 30' Yale Bandit Tether that is excellent if you don't mind more bulk.
The Yale Bandit is a little 'spongy' with a Sterling ATS. Works better with a Tubular ATC
Semi Static line isn't a big issue on short rappel and you get more friction.
"Canyon Rope" is very tough and is generally 8mm or 9mm. Almost half the weight of Yale Bandit but not officially approved for use with a Ropeman.
This Imlay looks exceptionally good and
You could dye it.
http://www.store.canyoneeringusa.co...n-Fire-Rope-8-3mm/p/10914142/category=2490784
Some people are using a separate rappel rope from their tether. So you can have a large soft rope that works with a Ropeman, and then a smaller rope for descent.
I like the concept of 'less parts' so I am trying to just use a long tether for my rappel setup.
"Tubular Devices" are the most commonly used and are cheap. The "Sport model" only has one slot (Single rope). I have the Guide model which lets you use double rope if you want to. These are built for thicker ropes
Figure 8 style Descenders: Petzl Pirana, Micro 8, Rescue 8, Sterling ATS.
IMPORTANT DETAIL!
When you extend your rappel (more about that below) with a sling directly girth hitched to a harness, your device will be tuned to the side. NO FUN. Adding a carabiner to your harness or using a PAS chain type daisy can keep it straight (the extra carabiner is easiest to get right).
With a TUBULAR style like the ATC, this isn't an issue as you want the anchor side to be on the right (for right handed)
I am liking the Sterling ATS.
Carabiner is seated VERY firmly (needs a round biner) and you attach rope without having to unclip the device. It works on thinner rope and has more friction than the Petzl Pirana.
These work with thinner ropes and can be easier to tie off to temporarily pause to tear down gear. They also have more variables than the above ATC Tubular style descenders (More to screw up! PRACTICE).
Here is a comparison of a Sterling ATS and an ATC
EXTEND RAPPEL
If you aren't connected to a bridge (Evo or Guido for instance) you want to extend your connection to the rappel device. Usually done with a short sling from your harness. 12" is usually good.
AUTOBLOCK
I HIGHLY recommend Sterling Hollow Block
http://www.backcountry.com/sterlinghollow-block-6.8mm-x-13.5
It is a rectangular rope that compresses well and doesn't roll like regular Prusik rope. $10 well spent
It makes it EASY to control your descent and to pause as you descend to tear down gear.
A "French Prusik" is easier to rig and is easier to move on the rope than a standard Prusik.
http://climber.co.uk/skills/skills/how-to-prusik.html
For multi tasking it can easily be a Klemheist http://www.animatedknots.com/klemheist/#ScrollPoint or standard Prusik and be used in other parts of your rig while not on Rappel.
ROPE
Thicker static line is easiest to rappel, less likely to get twisted and easy to grip.
Bluewater Assault line is a standard but it is 11mm. Not small but SAFE.
The Shorty Spools of Edelrid 10mm Static from www.treestuff.com are a great value at less than 50 cents a foot.
I have some 9mm Bluewater black rope that works well and is lightweight but it is officially "accessory cord".
I also have a 30' Yale Bandit Tether that is excellent if you don't mind more bulk.
The Yale Bandit is a little 'spongy' with a Sterling ATS. Works better with a Tubular ATC
Semi Static line isn't a big issue on short rappel and you get more friction.
"Canyon Rope" is very tough and is generally 8mm or 9mm. Almost half the weight of Yale Bandit but not officially approved for use with a Ropeman.
This Imlay looks exceptionally good and
You could dye it.
http://www.store.canyoneeringusa.co...n-Fire-Rope-8-3mm/p/10914142/category=2490784
Some people are using a separate rappel rope from their tether. So you can have a large soft rope that works with a Ropeman, and then a smaller rope for descent.
I like the concept of 'less parts' so I am trying to just use a long tether for my rappel setup.
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