Moderator: Tim White
dutchcontractor wrote:This seems to be a tricky question, but is there a alternative device for rappelling long drops? (As in 400+ feet)
Scott McCrea wrote:I read once about some cavers that invented a rappel device that squeezed the rope. Two plates with a screw to tighten them together... or something like that. Tighter=slower and vice-versa. It didn't work, IIRC.
dutchcontractor wrote:This seems to be a tricky question, but is there a alternative device for rappelling long drops?
Looks like the scarab may be an alternative? Seems to work in their tests but that's a very slow rappel, also makes me wonder if you'll be pulling yourself down at the top of a big drop due to rope weight.
Not that I am personally looking for an alternative, I am perfectly happy and comfortable with my 18" rack, just seeing what other peoples experiences are.
Scott McCrea wrote:I read once about some cavers that invented a rappel device that squeezed the rope. Two plates with a screw to tighten them together... or something like that. Tighter=slower and vice-versa. It didn't work, IIRC.
chh wrote:And as far as people complaining about what a hassle it is to rappell 800 feet with this or that device, I say "meh". I've always found the climb out of anything even approaching that depth WAY more of a hassle.
LukeM wrote:Read "THE BATTLE OF THE GOUFFRE D'APHANICE" from the link below. In this case Petzl Bobbins (Simples?) were used for an 820ft portion of an 1100ft drop, but not without a bunch of hassle.
chh wrote:The good thing about Simples is that after you log a few miles of rope they get easier to use on longer drops because you wear a groove in the bollards that is the size of the rope that you most often use... "Dang, self, I really needed that braking carabiner on the bottom there!" Guess it's time to flip them.
gdstorrick wrote:There are several issues on long drops.
(2) heat dissipation:
gdstorrick wrote:(4) How much do you weigh? If you are tall and overweight like me (200 lb), you might notice that many of the people who like Simples are shorter and lighter (150#). Some devices work better for smaller people.
In my mind, the question should not be "how long a drop can I use a(n) _______ on?" A better question is, "What is the best device choice for this drop?"
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