Moderator: Tim White
GroundquestMSA wrote:BrianC wrote: I have used 8's on caving rope in a controlled outside setting, and am lucky to still be here.
Oh dear. Myself and planty of others on this forum have used 8's on caving rope without the slightest issue, and will continue to. Just not 600 footers.
I am 220 Lbs. without gear and love the 8 for short (under 100ft. ) drops. I use the steel. For some reason it seems to have the perfect amount of friction, even for a fat boy like me. I also prefer it for training new people above ground because they do not have to worry about friction adjustments on initial rappels.They can get familiar with being on rope first before introducing them to friction adjustments. I have been vertical caving since the 80s and have used the 8 extensively here in the short Indiana Pits and never had the first problem. Love the fact that it is compact. For longer drops , I use a standard rack. But for most of the this Indiana stuff it is the compact system of the frog and figure 8. Also love the 8 for TAG multi drops like Thunder Hole where you have several shorter drops. Much easier to drag through a cave like that than a rack. Of course for pull downs you need a rack. Let the debate begin. After 30 years of using the 8 and I am still very much here and alive ,my mind will not change.GroundquestMSA wrote:I used it with new PMI pit rope at 80' drop. A few weeks ago. No problems.
Then again I am likely much lighter than you. Or most people.
Scott McCrea wrote:Elliott-Hellmann wrote:to the guy who said my ppicture was inapropriate for this forum
Joke, dude. It was a joke. It's a silly picture and deserves to have some fun poked at it.
BTW, how are your changeovers? The ability to change from descending to ascending and vice-versa is your best option for saving yourself should you get in trouble. Practice with a weighted (~40lbs) rope in the tree.
sandcast69 wrote:I'm glad to see your getting a rack. I am curious what style ascension system are you planning on using to get back up?
Chads93GT wrote:Also don't cut the rope till AFTER you've used it several times. That 600' rope is going to shrink 5 to 10%. You will lose upwards of 50' of rope due to this after it gets wet several times.
rowland7840 wrote:Personally, I value my life more than a few hundred bucks or even a few thousand. I would also recommend you purchase a helmet with a chinstrap. If the hard hat you are using just happens to fall off while you are climbing not only are you w/o a helmet you are w/o your light!
Elliott-Hellmann wrote: Now that caving is becomming a serious hobby I'm ready to get right gear for it.
Elliott-Hellmann wrote:I read that the two guys who died in this cave last year either didn't know how to preform a change over or were not equiped to do so. That's why they got stuck in the waterfall and caught hypothermia.
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