Lucky in the Xmas Draw or was I

[Bretonboy]

Just heard I have won a prize, trouble is never used the said piece of kit before. So having looked up said piece of kit in action I thought why not give it a try. So now shelled out on the Hitch Climber Pulley.

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ydt-hUT6aGE]YouTube - Hitch Climber Set-Up[/ame] was the link I viewed, interested the experiences/ benefits of those of you who use this system. At present I'm a classic prussic loop kind of a guy.

Edited January 21, 2011 by Bretonboy

[Taupotreeman]

Yep, started using one of these last year instead of a blakes hitch and pulley system. Being slightly old fashioned and stuck in my ways it was something different for me and I found it great for going up but not so good for coming down the tree, especially at speed. It was also a bit unnerving at first as the knot doesn't tighten properly until you put your full weight on it so if your still holding on to the rope when you go to take your full weight in to the harness sometimes the hitch won't grip and you come sailing down the tree. Also, it's complete pants when it's gunked up with Pine sap.

[alex_m]

It's alot smoother, quicker and less effort than a prussic.

rather than having to pull up the prussic knot every time you ascend by half a metre, you can climb hand over hand for a couple of metres, then pull the slack through. it saves alot of effort and has cured many a climbers tennis elbow or other aches and pains on their arms.