Geary wrote:Folks,
Have any thoughts on the maximum drop that you can pull down.
Hmm. Texas, eh? Big Bend? I know a certain canyon there...
Anyway, a friend in Spain has done 1500' pull downs (and has longer ones planned this year), so unless your rap is excessively vegetated/chossy/low-angle/cracky/knobby/flaky or otherwise complicated you shouldn't have many troubles. :)
Your technique sounds good overall - obviously critical how the lowering cord is attached to the bottom of the fat rope. If the canyon is wet (and the one I"m thinking of is...) then you might consider using a smaller diameter rope, say 9 mm or smaller (terrain allowing). I often use a 6 mm pull cord for canyon descents. Mine is made of Dyneema, but cheaper ones with some desirable properties (i.e. NOT nylon) are available
HERE
Why do the controlled lower thing? I've never done it but can see in theory how it might be useful. Would you elaborate?