This posting is a about a recent enhancement to the throw weight. Though there's more to the story. After dedicating this summer of climbing to better tree entry, my pitiful mistakes sparked some creativity. I developed two new tree entry devices and a new technique - all strictly related to the hand throw entry. I've abandonned the conventional throw weight and hand throw process as outlined by Jepson. Not to sound critical of his writing, Jepson serves as a good reference, because he best illustrates the conventional hand throw method. I grew tired of the frequently stuck lines and lost equiment. Hand throw equipment is an investment. The focus of this new system was about making the throw line more retrievable. Only the new releasable weight is being discussed in this posting, because the entire procedure is a different concept and frankly too much to read.

The new releasable throw weight allows the climber to release it manually or in the canopy when trapped. It works on a cinch hold established by a tab that connects a ring to the weight. The line is held by loops made on the top and bottom area of the ring. The bottom loop runs under the tab. When the line is loaded, the top of the ring is pulled. This pulls the bottom loop into the tab much like a brake pad. Tension in the line locks the weight on the line.

The release of the weight consists of pushing against the top of the ring. This unloads the brake friction in the bottom of the ring. The line slides through. The weight falls to the ground. The climber experiences an emotional release of tension too. Having a stuck weight release to the ground makes me extremely happy.

The weight is released by three actions. The first and primary release is manual. The climber presses his hand on the top part of the ring and the weight comes off in a sweeping motion. Secondly when trapped in a fork, the pressing limbs have the same releasing affect on the top of the ring. The third release action occurs when the weight is dangling mid-air. The climber jolts the line with a sharp pull. This sends the weight floating in the air before shock loading back down. The absense of tension followed a shock load acts like a rachet slipping the weight ~1/4 inch down the line. Some 20 line jolts later, the weight falls to the ground and the line flows free.

I've been climbing on average 5 times a week this summer. I've never lost a releasable weight. However, there's more to the story.

Regards,
JimK

Keep FIT - Fun in Trees

Hello JimK.
I was wondering after looking at your picture if cutting a small hole in the top of the regular throw-weights will allow to tie it the way you show in your picture and that way you will accomplish the same idea. I am not sure if you already tried this idea before but just in case I will try it one tonight. Your idea sounds like a very nice suggestion because I know many climbers have rapped their throw weights in the top of a few trees and have gone thru the frustrations of getting alternative ways to recover their stuff hopefully from an assessable branch. Take care.

Jim,

Could you give us a little more detail on how the flap is made? This is very interesting. Thanks.

Regards,
-Knothead

Oldtimer,

I've had the same question as you about converting the existing conventional weight into a releasable weight. It looks like a challenge, but let us know how it goes. I've envisioned that an entirely new tab and ring will need to be attached. This is all about saving the climber money, so I hope your conversion works.

I'm glad that you brought up the issue about the weight wrapping around limbs. It's the second device that completely (as in 100%) eliminates limb wraps on the throw. The releasable weight serves to release when trapped behind tight forks on the pull back. Moreover, it's the second device that typically brings the weight to the ground, reducing the need for pull backs.


Knothead,

After spending upwards of 100 hours developing this releasable weight, I can assure you that it's nothing more than the picture. It's a bit of a Monty Python moment to work so long to discover that two loops on a ring is what's needed. Having tried different materials for the tab, the coefficient of friction seems to be the only significant factor. The pictured tab is clothing quality leather collected from a scrap bin. Other leathers work. A nylon tab works.

The three variables not mentioned that control release: 1) the gap between the bottom ring and the stitching. 2) the choice of loop. 3) the length of tail hanging beyond the weight.

The closer the stitching is to the bottom ring, the more friction there is. Because the weight in picture has a large gap, a Mutner _style_ loop is used. If the stitching is moved closer to the ring, only a simple loop is needed. Forming a double loop on the top or bottom is possible for the purpose of adding friction. Lastly, small slippage occurs on every throw. If the climber is concerned about conditions, then a short tail is used to provide a hair trigger release.

The tab starts out approximately equal to the inner diameter of the ring. A wedge with one end at 1/8" is cut down the center. A hole is punched at the end of the cut to reduce the pucker of the material.

Thanks for the questions. It provides clarification. Keep me posted on results.

Regards,
JimK

Keep FIT - Fun in Trees

Thanks for the clarification. I see, I think. I was trying to figure out how you got from the left picture to the right picture. I assumed that the flap was not stitched on the back side so that it would release from the ring. I see now that the flap is stitched on both ends, capturing the ring, but with a slot to insert the line through. The right picture is just an "inside detail", not a next step. Correct?

Regards,
-Knothead

Knothead,

Your de_script_ion is on target. I now realize that I need a side view or 45 degree perspective. I may also need a pic that illustrates the release process.

I'll confirm your comments. The tab is folded over the ring bottom and sewn through both sides. As you described, the line is easily threaded through the center slit and brought out to the side. Then it's loop on the bottom ring. Pulling the loop tight draws the loop underneath the tab and sets the tension with the top loop.

Since this is a new concept, I've broken the entire throw system down into discrete parts for de_script_ion. Previous forum presentations where this new throw system was described in full detail were more confusing than this posting.

Last night, I thought that I had endured my first stuck releasable weight. I pulled harder and it released. It was a close call. When I melt the ends of the line, a bead is formed. It sometimes hangs in the ring. I need to smoothen that out.

Do you plan on making one? I have a cheap improvisation of this design that I'll try to make this weekend.

Regards,
JimK

Keep FIT - Fun in Trees