Exactly! The experience of those reading cavechat vary from Spelunker Sam to Beginner Ben to Elitist Edward.NZcaver wrote:I don't agree it's a "non issue." If this topic educates even one person, it was worth Steve posting it.
The precautions of Roger are good but the final decision to use a questionable rope or rigging lies with each of us.cavedoc wrote:Buy from a reputable dealer… In the cave... Some paranoia about ropes you find in caves is justified… If you can cut off a few inches you can see who really made somehting.
For example, we ran across questionable ropes during a trip sponsored by the municipal government of a town wanting to introduce its caves to regional tour agencies. The cave guides’ ropes were very spongy, about 20mm in diameter with multi-colored fibers twisted in varying diameter bundles for the core and a sheath was broken in places exposing the core.
Half of the group declined to use the rope for the 2nd drop of the 1st cave. For the 2nd cave, the rope was rigged in the middle and both ends were dropped into the two separate entrances. The whole group used the rope except me so I was able to take these photos.
For me, YEP! We need to decide for ourselves and be aware there are wolves in sheep’s clothing that can bite us unexpectedly… don’t be a sitting duck.rlboyce wrote:What do you do if you are unable to perform one of these unnecessary checks? Don't chance it, turn around and go home?
Another time I decided not to drop a pit was ON VINE! Exploring Sison, Pangasinan caves.