It was my 3rd time through this majestic canyon. I had a strong six-man team this time, and Heaps was tippy-top full! All of these things together made for one incredible romp through a very difficult and beautiful canyon!
Full TR can be found HERE.
As I ponder upon my trips through Heaps canyon, it is hard to explain exactly how I feel. Experiencing this canyon is as much of a Spiritual experience as it is a physical one. My heart remembers the canyon better than my mind does. Heaps is Regal. for me it is the King of Zion, for it is larger and fuller than them all. It is deep and powerful and worthy of respect. Heaps is Resplendent. It is full of goodness and light. Its white sandy corridors beam in the midst of towering walls of red rock. It is most glorious during the few hours when the light penetrates the slots and saturates the clear canyon water. Walls sparkle like diamonds and foliage glows emerald. Heaps is Glorious. This canyon is brilliantly beautiful and delightful. Its majesty and glory remind me of the great God, who’s hand created all things good. Heaps is Grandiose. It takes things to the extreme. It has knife edge traverses, 500 foot cliffs, massive potholes, dark and deep corridors, chilling water, long swims, and massive walls. In some ways it can even be a little showy; feeding the egotist and pompous while squashing the same with lofty and imposing power; its majesty always demanding respect. Heaps is the majestic Mikado, the kingly canyon!
Rapterman
Because of the extra rope Z’d thru the system when pulling to failure there was enough rope movement and stretch that we ran out of travel on our test arm.
Max value we reached was 1,950 lbs. before ‘bottoming out’ (no damage to the CRITR)
We are going to re-rig tomorrow with a shorter sling on the ‘Z’ and try again.
Gotta know where it’s gonna bust.
Deagol
I noticed the same TR thread on Bogley has taken a similar direction. people want to know about this..
Deagol
Thanks for the explanation. I’ve never done one as big as Heaps before… The largest one I’ve used the CRITR on was Wife 3 at almost 200 feet. I agree that these are big scary raps and having a comfortable rigging is key.
Rapterman
Eh…sorry
– didn’t mean to hijack your awesome thread!
Blake Merrell
no worries at all! I am loving this conversation!
Rapterman
The CRITR ‘Z-rig’ just PASSED UIAA test for rappel devices. We are going to run some more tests and will post.
Thanks!
Todd and Desi
Blake Merrell
SAAAAAAAAAAAAWEEEEEET!
Did you test the system to failure? If so, where did it fail?
Deagol
Blake,
What are the benefits of rigging it that way as opposed to “normal” from your experiences?
(in addition to lowering your center of gravity)
Thanks..
Blake Merrell
For me, using the Z-rig allows for the rope to feed through the device without twisting. That is one advantage. Also, for huge scary drops like the 285′ Heaps rap, I like to use a VT Prusik as a backup on my break strand. With the CRITR extended a few feet above me, my VT is easily connected to my rope (attached to my harness loop, not my leg loop) and allows for an ever safer rappelling experience. When I get tired I just use my VT to lock off and I can just sit and enjoy the view!
In Summary, FOR ME the CRITR Z-Rig:
Lowers my Center of Gravity allowing me for a comfortable rappel
Is easy to manage the “high” friction at the start of the rappel. (I can feed feet of rope through at a time in a comfortable manner)
Doesn’t twist the rope
Still allows the use of the CRITRS horns if I need
Allows for easy autoblock/VT prussik backup
Is easier to control the fast part of the rappel with two hands (not that it is super difficult in standard mode, but for me this rig is just a bit more comfortable and easier)
Looks really cool in a top down picture!
The only downside to this rigging, IMO, is that you have to start off with “high” friction. It isn’t a problem for me, but for some it might be annoying.
Sorry, im not sure what the rope was @Kuenn . We were using @Mountaineer rope, he might be able to help us out
Mountaineer
It is Bluewater, something…I need to go back and check the exact name. Purchased from Tom a year or so back. It is 9mm.
Rapterman
Wow Blake! Great photography and write up!
That is also an amazing CRITR product photo on Heaps’ final rappel.
While the CRITR ‘Z-rig’ is not ‘officially’ sanctioned in our CRITR instructions, we will run a CRITR Z-rig UIAA test today with an eye to adding it to the list of CRITR functions. Thanks for figuring it out (and giving the CRITR Z-rig the ultimate practical test).
Best
Todd and Desi
Kuenn
Very impressive Blake, given that you configured the Z-rig on the fly (i.e. no CRITR user manual).
The assumption is that you were very satisfied with the control – given that you were doing a one handed rap, snapping pictures…and smiling. I would be interested in your comments regarding the control/friction with this extended setup. Also please confirm, it appears to be the 9.2 Can’ero rope (based on colors, I could be wrong though). Thanks
Blake Merrell
Thanks Todd and Desi
I am very curious to know what the results of the CRITR Z-rig test will be.
Mountaineer
Nice job in getting those shots while on rappel! They really turned out nice.
Sign me up! I’m ready to go… (again)
yetigonecrazy
That CRITR Z Rig looks solid. I’m gonna have to try that on some of the raps over here I’ve done. I absolutely can’t wait to get a hold of one of those babies!!
Deagol
CRITR Z-rig, huh?
Blake Merrell
Try it, you might LOVE it too