Moderator: Tim White
Evan wrote:Remember when working with friction devices a problem can be "heat". A fig. 8 cannot disperse the heat as fast as a rack thus racks are better on longer drops. The more dirty and stiff a rope is the more friction is created thus the more heat.
Evan wrote:Personally I prefer a micro rack or other in caving and leave the fig. eight for climbing.
wyandottecaver wrote:I much prefer my stainless long micro rack with hyperbars for most drops.
ek wrote:The longest I have rappelled with a microrack is 437' in Surprise Pit (Fern Cave, Alabama). I had no trouble moving, even at the top. I weigh 145lbs.
ek wrote:There are different styles of rack. The two styles that are most common--and, most people will tell you, generally best--are the J-rack and the micro-rack.
Chads93GT wrote:Great info. Looks like I should buy a rack before dropping into that 170 foot pit then ehh ;)
Do you guys have any suggestions for a brand? I kind of liked the Petzel unit as it had a $70 price tag. Any suggestions?
NZcaver wrote: This serves 3 purposes - being advised in person about the gear from someone who knows how to use it, trying it out yourself before you buy, and saving your money until you're happier parting with your hard-earned dollars because you know what you want. Good luck!
Chads93GT wrote:Do you guys have any suggestions for a brand? I kind of liked the Petzel unit as it had a $70 price tag. Any suggestions?
JoeyS wrote:Chads93GT wrote:Do you guys have any suggestions for a brand? I kind of liked the Petzel unit as it had a $70 price tag. Any suggestions?
I recently purchased a "J-frame" rack from a caving vendor for 60 dollars. It is a CMI brand, I think the model is called a "sport rack" with tie-off bar. I can't seem to find it online at this price, but I've seen it for less than 80.00. I've only used it twice now, and once to bounce that 437 foot pit in north Alabama.
I would stay away from the Petzl rack and spend a few more dollars and get a welded-eye 6 bar rack; it is just more versatile.
Ralph E. Powers wrote:The Petzl rack is probably better for experienced users since it has a way of threading that if done wrong can be disastrous.
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