vt setup

[jamesw]

Hi everyone

 

I am after soom advice on the diameter and length of rope that should be used when tying a vt. I use 13mm and a blakes, now after reading about the vt system i would like to have a go myself. Plus a good place to purchase the rope needed.

 

 

cheers

James

[Jamie]

rope, honey brothers, proclimber, treeworker, fr jones...the list goes on

 

Jamie

[jamesw]

cheers for that jamie

 

but i actually wont to know what diameter rope can i use in a vt setup not just where to buy it! sorry to sound so sarcastic.

[Marc]

If your climbing on 13mm rope try some cheap 9mm polyester cord.

 

I'd also suggest trying a Knute first, its a good knot, a little less fusy to set-up.

Get used to that as climbing on a basket type hitch with pulley is a little different to a blakes.

[jamesw]

Cheers marc

 

How and where can i get the info on a knute knot/hitch? sorry not in my books under that name.

 

cheers james

[Marc]

As for diameter of whats best it varies, the stiffeness of a cord also plays a part.

 

As a rule i prefer 8mm for a VT and a soft cord as it grips reliably.

 

I climb on a knute now with 8mm ocean polyester cord, as it last longer for me, and is a little less critical about length of you cord you need to tie the hitch.

 

If you don't set a VT right it won't grip reliably, to many wraps and braids means it will grip reliably, but you lose what makes a VT so good, which is its ease of breaking and some self tending as you climb up or in. It can be a fine balance.

 

Not that i'm an expert on vt's mind

[jamesw]

cheers marc i am just after as much info so i can have a go with the vt low and most importantly safetly and make my own mind up. been working in an old school environment where now ideas are bad and no to time and labour saving devices.

cheers james:001_smile: