Dangerjudy wrote:I use a long micro-rack for shorter drops in cave and I love it. BUT for anything taller than Neversink I would use my 18" 6 bar rack. In fact for Neversink I would use it too. I get so much more control from the long rack... and I think if you are lighter you want more area to spread the bars not less...
Every one is different. I have the "long" micro-rack and I can't remember the last time I used my "standard" SMC 6-bar rack. I've done Neversink ( 164 feet?) several times on my micro. I feel I get very good control with the micro with the hyper bar.
I'm not into doing deep drops these days (I'm so out of shape - working way too much and not playing hard enough) but the last time I did Moses Tomb in AL (230 feet) I did it on my micro. I'd probaby use it up to about 350 feet. I loaned my micro to a 220+ guy at Moses Tomb who had somehow come to the pit with all his gear except for a rack and he did the pit using my micro.
I know a guy who did Fantastic Pit in Ellisons in GA on a micro. I'd probably do that on my SMC if I was in good enough physical conditon to climb back out.
Judy is correct that lighter people definitely need more space to spread the bars on a micro. Back when I weighed 140 lbs (don't ask what I weigh now ) I tried a "short" micro rack on a bluff practice drop of about 60 feet and I had to feed the rope the whole time.
Bottom line is before making a gear purchase you should try to test out the rappel device at a practice session prior to purchase. Of course, I have not always followed my own advice and have bought gear I've sold or given away.