The bowline boys

[Kevin]

For you climbers using a single climb line secured with a running bowline, do you retrieve the climb line from the ground or switch to another tie in method to descend?

 

[treeclimber165]

I only ascend SRT, then switch to the traditional doubled rope to work the tree. I haven't found an ascending/descending device I like without spending almost $300 for a LockJack.

 

[Kevin]

Brian, why didn't you like using the 8?

 

[treeclimber165]

Too clunky and heavy, P.I.T.A. to tote it along all the time, time consuming to change over from a friction hitch, twists my rope more than my friction hitch, not as smooth as my friction hitch when I'm rapelling... Shall I continue?

I guess after 15 years climbing with nothing but a rope and saddle, I'm comfortable with rope on rope for descending. Now I just wish I could find a tres cord that will last as long as the tail of my lifeline did when using a tautline hitch. I love using the advanced hitches and wouldn't give them up but my tres cords only last me a week or so. I guess I gotta slow down on those descents. NOT!!!

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

It is just too fun to do a fast rap out of the tree and try to hit a target several yards
from plumb.

 

[Kevin]

That sounds like fun be we don't have any plumb, just the odd apple.

Doesn't appear too many are using the srt with the RB.

 

[mikecross23]

I've ascended on a single rope choked w/ a RB a handful of times per Brian's recommendation. I still haven't done it enough to decide what my preference is but when I do get to my tip, I re-tie w/ a split tail and then procede w/ the task at hand. In the past, I always used my 8 to come down on. Lately I've been relying on my friction hitch more for decent. Switching to the 8 is a pain for me. I'm learning that simple is often better for me and also a time saver.

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

I use munter from time to time, but feel that that rope on rope friction is pretty hard on the sheath.

I've got a Pirana now and have used it on some long rapps, I forget it more often then not still. Neat peice of gear, a descender you can keep on the carab when you load it. Sort of a V8 moment.

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

Hehe,
I used mine(pirana) once or twice when I first got it, today I forget how to use it.
My buddy laughed at me(not the first time) for carrying something I don't even know how to use.

 

[Greg]

I take the time to put on the 8. Like Brian, I like to get out fast, and doing that on rope will eat em up!! By using the 8 my split tails last me a good 4-6 months.
Greg

 

[Frans]

that 8 can be dangerous. Especially for a long decent. Although even a short fall can be deadly.
If you let go that 8 will let you go too.
Maybe switch to a decending device
Anthron double stop. That is one of a family of decending devices that allows you to decend by squeezing a handle- squeeze hard and stop, let go and stop. Right in the middle or "sweet spot" alllows you to decend. Easy on the rope too.
Kong makes one. Or Petzl to name a few.
frans

 

[treeguy347]

Petzl Gri-Gri is great for SRT. The cam locks nicely, and when you pull the lever, it makes for a nice and easy rappel.

 

[budroe69moni]

when i'm working, i always come down on
my distal hitch. but if i'm playing.........
i come down fast on my petzl stop.
that stop runs sooooo smooooooth!!!!
and stays nice and cool!
WHAT A RUSH!!!!!
budroe