Im not sure of the name of the sling I am using. I picked it up when I was first starting canyoneering. It is Singing Rock sling of some kind. not sure what the exact name its. Any kind of climbing rated sling will work though. ya just don’t want to extend the device so far that you can’t reach it.
Thanks, Blake. Just curious…maybe it’s the color, but looks a lot beefier than the slings I have, plus is has that nifty yellow pad on it. Singing Rock gives me something to go on.
Found another Singing Rock sling called the Double Safety Sling (80cm/32in), which has a protective sleeve, another layer over the sling. Might have to double that to 40cm/16in for me…32in would be pretty far out.
Thanks for the feedback, Blake! Got to see the video…very well done, very impressive canyon…bit out of my league right now, but it’s on the list, hopefully with an experienced group to show the way.
And it’s a “double” sling, 2 layers, with an outer black protective layer over a red inner layer, so damage to the outer layer is visible. That explains the 30kN, since the inner layer is 23kN by itself. Very nice. Goes on my wish list.
Found them for $12 at OpticsPlanet. Great price for what looks like a well designed device, compared to $17-20 most places. Won’t be on my wish list very long.
Hi Terry, In canyons like Heaps, often time I just use my helmet mount and for selfies I just hold the camera at arms length. But for most other canyons, i mount the camera on a trekking pole or use a GoPro extension arm.
Good info…but I was really curious about the CRITR extension I see in the photos. The long black “link” with yellow abrasion pad? I’m new to canyoneering, absorbing all I can. Thanks!
Ah, the CRITR Z Rig! This is a rig I like to use for really long drops. It adds quite a bit of friction, but it is easy to manage. This rig also allows the rope to travel in a straight path through the rappel device so that the rope doesn’t twist. Additionally, it allows one to sit comfortably while rappelling and is perfect for adding a autoblock for those moments when you decide to take a break and enjoy the view “hands free”.
In all honestly, rigging like this with the CRITR is not necessary. The CRITR performs very well on long drops without this, BUT for me it is comfortable. It is something I learned how to do when I was using my Totem.
Actually, once I sat down and actually worked on it, it only took a couple of hours. Usually I try to keep the vids to 5 min and under, but I was lazy with this one and decided not to edit so much out. I think it turned out ok! I feel bad for not getting many shots of your and Tyler. BUT that is what happens when the camera guy ends up at the back haha.
Rapterman
Just a little caveat for those fiddling with the Z-rig.
It is super critical that the moving rope not touch/run across any of the slings used for the rig.
Moving rope will saw through sling very quickly.
Thanks for sharing your excellent photos and video Blake!
Blake Merrell
Interesting thought. I have never had an issue with this, but definitely something to be aware of.
Terry LeBlanc
What type of black with white bartacks sling/runner with the yellow pad are you using connected to the locker behind the CRITR?
Blake Merrell
Im not sure of the name of the sling I am using. I picked it up when I was first starting canyoneering. It is Singing Rock sling of some kind. not sure what the exact name its. Any kind of climbing rated sling will work though. ya just don’t want to extend the device so far that you can’t reach it.
Terry LeBlanc
Thanks, Blake. Just curious…maybe it’s the color, but looks a lot beefier than the slings I have, plus is has that nifty yellow pad on it. Singing Rock gives me something to go on.
Terry LeBlanc
Think I found it… Singing Rock Eye Sling (60cm/24in), strongest sling available, 30kn with reinforced eye.
http://www.amazon.com/Singing-Rock-…sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1412179252&sr=1-55
Found another Singing Rock sling called the Double Safety Sling (80cm/32in), which has a protective sleeve, another layer over the sling. Might have to double that to 40cm/16in for me…32in would be pretty far out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00266D6RA/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A37XNGS4WH2DDR
Thanks for the feedback, Blake! Got to see the video…very well done, very impressive canyon…bit out of my league right now, but it’s on the list, hopefully with an experienced group to show the way.
Blake Merrell
http://www.singingrock.com/eye-slings-1
Think I found em
Terry LeBlanc
Ah, they do make a 60cm/24in… Thanks!
Terry LeBlanc
And it’s a “double” sling, 2 layers, with an outer black protective layer over a red inner layer, so damage to the outer layer is visible. That explains the 30kN, since the inner layer is 23kN by itself. Very nice. Goes on my wish list.
Terry LeBlanc
Found them for $12 at OpticsPlanet. Great price for what looks like a well designed device, compared to $17-20 most places. Won’t be on my wish list very long.
http://www.opticsplanet.com/singing-rock-eye-slings.html
Terry LeBlanc
Wow. Trying to get to the video, photos are impressive…especially one-handed.
Question: Blake, what are you using for the extension? Getting educated here… Nice rig.
Blake Merrell
Hi Terry, In canyons like Heaps, often time I just use my helmet mount and for selfies I just hold the camera at arms length. But for most other canyons, i mount the camera on a trekking pole or use a GoPro extension arm.
Terry LeBlanc
Good info…but I was really curious about the CRITR extension I see in the photos. The long black “link” with yellow abrasion pad? I’m new to canyoneering, absorbing all I can. Thanks!
Blake Merrell
Ah, the CRITR Z Rig! This is a rig I like to use for really long drops. It adds quite a bit of friction, but it is easy to manage. This rig also allows the rope to travel in a straight path through the rappel device so that the rope doesn’t twist. Additionally, it allows one to sit comfortably while rappelling and is perfect for adding a autoblock for those moments when you decide to take a break and enjoy the view “hands free”.
In all honestly, rigging like this with the CRITR is not necessary. The CRITR performs very well on long drops without this, BUT for me it is comfortable. It is something I learned how to do when I was using my Totem.
Rapterman
Really enjoyed your video Blake!
Thanks for posting it
Todd and Desi
Mountaineer
Love it! Hopefully it didn’t take forever to do. This is a keeper. Thanks Blake.
Blake Merrell
Actually, once I sat down and actually worked on it, it only took a couple of hours. Usually I try to keep the vids to 5 min and under, but I was lazy with this one and decided not to edit so much out. I think it turned out ok! I feel bad for not getting many shots of your and Tyler. BUT that is what happens when the camera guy ends up at the back haha.
Mountaineer
Ha ha, great point. I’ll stay in the back next time!
Blake Merrell
Or, I’ll keep up with you guys in the front