Re: Rack alternative for long drops?
Posted: Apr 9, 2012 11:12 am
Just datapointing here, but I've used a standard 6 bar rack on the longest drops I've done (1550'). Devices like the Simple and the Stop don't work well for me, I find it very hard to control my descent on longer (250'+) drops. I have 3 different 6 bar rack setups with different bar configurations and my favorite is an oversize top bar, steel second bar, and the last 4 aluminum. I have excellent control on any length drop and I keep the aluminum bars at about 1/8 to 1/4 worn which gives an optimal balance of control and heat dissipation. With gear I'm around 100kg.
What a lot of people fail to remember is that while some fraction of the friction of the descent is in the device, a large percentage of that friction is within the body of the rope itself (both inside the rope as well as the surface) and the configuration of the device affects that variable.
I general though, I agree with Allen Padgett, there's a lot that *can* be done with various devices, but that does not mean that is the best application for them.
Anmar
What a lot of people fail to remember is that while some fraction of the friction of the descent is in the device, a large percentage of that friction is within the body of the rope itself (both inside the rope as well as the surface) and the configuration of the device affects that variable.
I general though, I agree with Allen Padgett, there's a lot that *can* be done with various devices, but that does not mean that is the best application for them.
Anmar