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Originally Posted by D Mc  Pro, I don't know quite where to start on a response to your post and like everyone else, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. |
For not knowing where to start, I think that you did quite well.
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Climbers today should consider themselves very fortunate that training and equipment has evolved to such a high degree. The information available is truly impressive. For the first 35 years of my climbing career I used a tail-tied prussik hitch on 1/2" rope; so I understand people's reticence to change from what has worked for them in the past. However, as my body started reminding me of my advancing years I explored and experimented with the new equipment and techniques that were becoming available.
When you have an abundant amount of over-use injuries the reduction in energy and strength requirements becomes more of an issue. And actually I am positive if I had implemented some of these methods sooner I would be in better condition than I am.
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Hell, you can laugh at me all you want, but I am just under 30 years of age and I already can feel a difference in my condition vs 6-8 yrs ago. With just a little forethought, I can definitely understand where you're coming from.
On the other hand, a good friend of mine (who I used to work with) is alot like you, 35 years experience and still climbing on his old Buckingham 4-Dee with a self-made buckstrap flipline and a 4 wrap Prussik. And let me tell you, the old man can out climb me on my fastest day.
I'm not offended if you don't agree with me. I just think that the greater the risk, the greater the return has to be. It seems to me that an advanced hitch (VT or I use Knut) gives only slightly less, if not similar performance, and seems to be much more reliable [s]and "foolproof"[/s].