Rappelling is an excellent way of having some fun after long weeks of keeping yourself busy with work. Sure, it is a dangerous activity but, if you bring the right rappelling tools and gear, you are safe; so, the question is, can you rappel with a dynamic rope?
Dynamic ropes are perfect for rappelling. In most cases, they are more preferred to static ropes, if we are comparing static vs dynamic rope for rappelling.
Dynamic ropes are favorable because they are built on flex, and they stretch if they are under stress. This means they are the perfect ones to use if you will perform an activity that involves movements.
Activities such as alpinism, ice, and rock climbing require a dynamic rope. This rope is comfortable, safe, and acceptable. However, there are situations where static rope is favored over dynamic ropes.
Several factors should be considered when you are choosing between static and dynamic ropes. They include water, the kind of activity you are doing, and the wear on the gear.
What are Some of the Factors You Should Consider Before Using a Dynamic Rope to Rappel?
1) Cost of the rope
There is no doubt that dynamic ropes are more expensive than static ropes. This is because the making of the dynamic rope involves a lot of work and craftsmanship than a static rope.
At $2.50, you can purchase a static rope, while a dynamic rope goes for $3.50 or even more. The price of the best ropes for rappelling might, however, go up depending on the length that you would need.
Dynamics ropes are preferable true, but it is not always necessary. If you plan to rappel or rock climbing, you can purchase a static rope and save yourself a couple of dollars.
2) Wear and Tear
When you are rappelling with a rope, you will need a device that will create friction against the rope to slow you down and allow you to gain control. A device like a figure 8 will create friction, twisting the rope in opposite directions several times.
Other devices like the Black Diamond ATC device use tiny metallic teeth tools that bite into the rope to reduce its pace. These teeth effortlessly are safe and can make the rappel easier to regulate. They, however, increase the amount of wear and tear on your rope.
This might be a disadvantage if you are using the expensive dynamic rope. It is not always necessary. If you plan to be out for just a day and you are not sure you will be climbing, it would be best to stick with a static rope.
3) Presence of Water
When a dynamic rope gets wet, it loses strength, making it unsafe to climb on. However, most people don’t know that you can still use a dynamic rope to rappel even when it is wet.
Ensure there is no abrupt impact being placed on the rope, and you will be safe to use it no matter how much water is absorbed in it. With that said, it doesn’t mean you should confidently immerse your dynamic rope in water before rappelling.
A dynamic rope can start to rope on the inside if it is always getting wet, reducing its lifespan. If you are going to a wet area, consider saving some money by using a static rope.
Conclusion
As someone who likes rappelling, how can you tell if a rope is dynamic or static? Manufacturers often attach a tag to a rope to let you know whether it is dynamic or static.
If you are at a store and can’t find the label, you can assume that the rope is static. Avoid stretching the rope to see if it will stretch. It requires a lot of energy to stretch a dynamic rope; doing this might cause an injury to your body.
Rope climbing can be dangerous, especially if you are doing it for the first time. If you are uncomfortable climbing alone, you can take someone with you or perform half climbs, that is, go up half the rope until you gain confidence.
You might experience a rope burn if you are climbing for the first time. Use regular liquid chalk to improve your grip.
Wear long socks to protect your ankle and tight-fitting pants. Baggy clothes might get in the way of climbing, making you hate the process. So, can you rappel with a dynamic rope? The answer is yes.