I'm making an adjustable positioning lanyard, thinking that a 10 ft max length would be good. I can always cut it long and then shorten it later if I think it's too much, but... I'm being stingy about rope and want to keep the left over piece as long as possible.

So, what's your favorite length for a positioning lanyard?

Moss
Look at the New tribe catalog for pictures and examples.
PETZL GRILLON - 3 meters /9.4 feet

PETZL GRILLON - 5 meters
5m length (16'5")
Wt 1 lb 8 oz

MONKEYTAIL from New tribe is
About 3 meters long ( 10 feet) w/ adjustable buckle. 5500 lbs test parachute webbing.
Or you can make your own from a rope and some type of catching (prusik) knot for adjustment

Sherrill supplies has several models from 4 to 15 feet long Check out their Web site for pictures.
I imagine that if thery are too long they will get on the way when they are not in use 7 you have to continuously roll it up into your side belt or stuff it into you side harness bucket or LINEMUG
Hope this helps.

There are some other options. Using some of the same cord that's used for high performance friction hitches, you can make an adjuster. This works best with small side d-rings. The lanyard is threaded through the d and the adjuster is anchored directly to the d. The big selling point for this setup is that it can be adjusted with the climber's weight on the saddle. Oh, and it's cheap! That leaves money for other gear.

Glen made this illustration. He has a clever slack tender right on the d ring. Other climbers have attached snaps or pulleys too.Even with big d rings it works. The climber just needs to make sure to bend the lanyard rope back towards the front. Otherwise the adjuster hitch spills into the d and inverts.

The Positioner is another adjuster.

The lanyard system that I use, DEDA, double ended double adjusting, is over the top, I know. It allows me to have a 20' lanyard or two lanyards to position or use for ascending.

At times, all of that rope does get to be a mess I admit. But when I need the second lanyard, which is often, it's worth the fuss.

Wicked cool, I've been wondering what a double-ended/adjusting lanyard looks like. Thanks Tom.
-moss