How long before retiring a hitch hiker cord?

[jtc16]

These hitch cords look pretty burnt after just one climb on the hitch hiker 2. Hoping to get some opinions on how long its safe to climb on one.

 

[greengreer]

What cord are you using?

 

[jtc16]

Lately I've been using Pelican Technora I think it's called. Also use ice tail, bee line, and sterling

 

[jtc16]

They look burnt but I can't tell if it's actually burning through at all or not. they're all heat and abrasion resistant cords

 

[TheJollyLogger]

Might slow your descent rate a little if they're burning out that fast.

 

[greengreer]

I use hrc, but have tried several cordages. For me the hh makes cords last longer. Not sure if it's the device itself largely being a heat sink or if the fact that on srt I am putting roughly half the 'miles' on them in general.
I bomb out all the time and have had no issues with hrc, but have had some glazing on the poly cover cords like ocean's.
I would be more worried about the high modulus fibers (technora, aramid) self abrading over time with use than wear from the friction against your climb line. You, however are the judge of your own safety and if you would feel more comfortable on a new cord then it is totally worth a couple bucks to replace it.

 

[jtc16]

Ok thanks. How long do you stay on one?

 

[greengreer]

I've been on the same piece of hrc since June. Summer is by far the busiest time of year, and it's got alot of use. I don't see any reason to replace it at this time.
I have some icetail prusiks made up for other stuff and it's the same way, looks like crap after the first use but wears like iron.
Your mileage may vary

 

[jtc16]

Alright thanks, that's the answer I was hoping to hear, ill take it into consideration when I make my decision