Ropeman/Kong Duck Alternative - Carabiner as Prusik Tender

[Michael]

I have been using 11mm Tethrd ropes for lineman's/tether. I use my 9mm Canyon Elite rappel rope to climb when one-sticking, so I typically only carry the lineman’s rope with Ropeman 1 as an ascender, for one handed operation.

I've been wanting to go with an 8mm rope for packability, but that is out of spec for the Ropeman 1, so I’d either have to go to a 10mm or buy the Ropeman 2 or Kong Duck (or risk running out of spec.)

I came across a video of a guy showing how to use your existing carabiner as a prusik tender. I tested it out with the 11mm lineman’s rope and it works perfectly. (It also works for the tether.) It’s a MUCH cheaper option than the mechanical ascenders, and is one less piece of metal to clank around.

I’m sure this isn’t enlightening for the experienced saddle guys, but something to consider for anybody trying to figure out what equipment they need to get started.

[Arrowsmith]

Wild Country has introduced the Ropeman 4 which is compatible with 8mm rope. It It's almost an exact copy of the Kong Duck. I think they have address some problems that were identified by guys using the Kong Duck (side plate coming open).

"new, improved side plate grooved closure mechanism prevents lateral sideplate opening when ascending a rope, and ensures that no rope gets stuck between the sideplate and the cam, making it more efficient and safer than comparable devices".

Rope diameter range: 8-13mm Spring-loaded side plate for easy closure
Closure mechanism prevents lateral sideplate opening (the grooved sideplate locks directly into the cylinder
High strength stainless steel axle
Compatible with flat and tubular slings* from 10 mm to 15 mm
Stainless steel wire (2kN tested) with plastic sheath for safe handling
Compatible with ropes following EN892 standard
Compatible with HMS and Oval carabiners (EN 12275)
EN 567, UIAA 126 certified

I made some DYI tenders made from paracord and a small carabiner. I learned how to make them from a YouTube video They work great on my bridge, tether and lifeline. I still prefer the Ropeman 1 on my 11mm linesman's rope.

It's pretty obvious I am snowed in today. 😀

[Michael]

I've ordered the 8mm Predator lineman's/tether (I'm going to use the same rope for both, in conjunction with my rappel rope.) I went ahead and ordered it with a prusik tender (before I watched the video I posted above), so I'll see how well that works compared to the Ropeman.

I've considered climbing with a tether and then changing to the rappel rope to descend after the hunt, but I can see a few potential hazards with that. I prefer the idea of being attached to the rappel rope from ground up and back down. Seems like there's less of a chance for user error to come into play.

[Trumpkin]

That's real slick! I accidentally discovered this trick in the stand last fall.