Using a VT

[Al Cormack]

The two guys who work for me are interested in trying out the VT system.

 

There is plenty of info on here about setting up and tying etc, but nothing about how to actually use one.

 

Do you body thrust like with a prussik, or just pull up overhand, and then pull the slack through?

 

As I am a bit old skool and still on a prussik (not very often though these days), I am unable to tell them.

 

Has anyone got a video of the system in use?

 

Al.

[Mick Stockbridge]

Here ya go. Dont follow this vid to the letter though as I tend to go too far before tending the slack. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9V75732hsA]YouTube - mick vt.mp4[/ame]

[Mick Stockbridge]

Heres another.[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B13hi48xLUA]YouTube - vt.mp4[/ame]

[Johny Walker]

cant the groundie pull the slack for you ,would that not make a differance ??

[MattyF]

cant the groundie pull the slack for you ,would that not make a differance ??

 

they can but it gets annoying having a taught rope and its nice to have a quick breather! plus once you get to about 25ft ,if the rope is straight down to the ground without obstruction the vt should self tend..

[Johny Walker]

i dont mean yanking it tight,just taking the slack out

[Dean O]

he could - it would help on a long ascent

But i find that if someone else is tending the slack you have to keep an eye on the knot to make sure it grips when you stop and you both let go of the rope, putting your weight on the knot (as it can slacken off and not grip straight away without re-dressing)

hope that makes sense

[Johny Walker]

sounds like a dodgy set up will stick to mi prussik loops

[Mick Stockbridge]

Another way to do it so you dont have to tend is to have a short strop from the harness to the first krab so you pull from under the hitch climber, making it similar to climbing on a lockjack.

[Dean O]

it might be just me- i find the system has got quirks but loads of benefits when your used to it