Friction Tests on canyon lowering devices

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is an educational tutorial on different canyon rope systems with Brent Roth, highlighting the importance of understanding various devices for twin, isolated releasable systems.
• 🔧 The video demonstrates the use of a line scale to measure force in pounds, using Freedom Units for practicality and ease of understanding, especially in the American context.
• 🤔 The importance of friction in rope systems is discussed, with higher friction potentially providing safety benefits in scenarios where someone might let go of the rope.
• 🔄 The video shows testing of different rope systems, such as the Joker, by changing their configuration to see how friction varies and affects the system's performance.
• 🔗 The use of carabiners and their impact on the system's friction is examined, with the demonstration of how adding or adjusting them can change the system's behavior.
• 🧗‍♂️ The practical application of these systems in canyoning is emphasized, including the need for experience beyond just book knowledge to choose the right system for a given situation.
• 🔄 The video compares different devices like the Joker, Totem, and Hoodoo, noting the differences in friction they provide and how they can be adjusted for different scenarios.
• 💡 The concept of 'mechanical disadvantage' is introduced, showing how it can be used to generate more force than one's body weight, which is crucial for testing the rope systems.
• 👍 The Hangman method is highlighted for its simplicity, ease of use, and high friction, making it a recommended starting point for beginners in canyoning.
• ⚠️ A disclaimer is provided, cautioning viewers against practicing canyoning without proper experience or knowledge, and emphasizing the need to try these techniques at home before using them in a real canyon.
• 🧰 The video concludes with advice to check the compatibility of the rope and device before canyoning, as slight differences in equipment can affect the performance of the system.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing different devices and methods for setting up a twin, isolated releasable system in canyoning.

Who is the host of the video?

Brent Roth is the host of the video, who is based in the Pacific Northwest and enjoys canyoning.

What is the purpose of using a twin, isolated releasable system in canyoning?

The purpose of using a twin, isolated releasable system is to manage safety and control during descents, allowing for adjustments and preventing accidents in various canyoning situations.

What is the significance of measuring in pounds of force in the video?

Measuring in pounds of force is significant because the forces involved in the system are under two or three hundred pounds, making it easier to understand and manage the friction and safety of the devices being tested.

Why does the video mention the difference between using pounds and kilograms?

The video mentions the difference to emphasize that the choice of units is not as important as the difference in force measured, and it also notes that the video is catered to an American audience familiar with pounds.

What is the role of the mechanical disadvantage setup in the video?

The mechanical disadvantage setup is used to generate more force than the weight of the person testing the system, allowing them to simulate the friction and release points of the devices under controlled conditions.

What is the Joker device, and how is it rigged in the video?

The Joker device is a type of canyoning device used in the video. It is rigged in two opposing configurations to test the friction differences and understand which setup might be safer or more suitable for different scenarios.

What are the reasons for needing slack in a canyoning system?

Slack might be needed for indirect rescue, to adjust the rope length above water level, or to move the abrasion point to prevent damage to the rope or gear.

What is the difference between the high friction mode and low friction mode in the Joker device?

The high friction mode in the Joker device requires more force to release, providing a safer hold in case of accidental release, while the low friction mode allows for easier movement of the rope.

What is the significance of the Totem device's shorter holes in the video?

The shorter holes in the Totem device create a sharper bend around the carabiner, which increases the friction, making it harder to release the rope unintentionally.

What is the importance of testing these devices with the specific rope and conditions before canyoning?

Testing with the specific rope and conditions ensures that the devices work as expected and that the user is familiar with the friction and release points, which is crucial for safety during actual canyoning.