On a Zipline I rode 160 meters over the canopy in Chikin-Ha Mexico they whittled a stick from a small limb. It looked like a cane but the handle was an thumb sized offshoot that the cable to be hooked over and pulled down to slow down.

Click here to go to the Mayan Canopy Zipline

When I first approached the platform I didn't see any saddles and I thought they were expected us hang on to the cane as it burned down the cable. I got a good laugh but of course we used saddles.

After skyflying we snorkeled in the Evian Clear waters of the cenotes and we were able to swim around the massive root system of the trees overhead. So I have climbed thru the trees upperstory and swimmed about the underwater roots.

So go harvest some stout branches and carve up some of your own "mayan brake handles".

See you at the top.
treetramp

Let's get some helmets on those kids!

How is the rope/cable attached to the tree? Is it backed up?

Don't let people touch the cable while zipping. Cable is prone to splintering and that equals a LARGE slice into your hand (glove or no glove).

In my opinion (and I've had a little experience with zip lines) there should be NO reason for the rider to be able to touch the pulley or the cable while riding. They should hang well below the cable and hardware. Stopping should be accomplished, as you've described, by the slope and slack in the zip line.

Looks fun, though!

love
nick

I'm with Nick.

You've got too close proximity to the line.
You don't want folks grabbing that line. Cable will cut through a leather glove like butter at even low speed, I've shreaded gloves packing up window washing equipment. Imagine what your kid's head is gonna look like when he bangs his forhead on the line on the trip down. Can you say "hamburger"? I knew you could!

Also I notice you've got no tagline. I guess it will be an exciting rescue when somebody gets the party side of a mullet caught in the pulley. Course with all your well thought out safety procedures, I'm sure the guy was sent down with a sharpened knife to scalp himself and then cut free from the harness for self rescue.

I've got nothing positive to say about that rig.

Icabod

Now this is interesting. . .
I do believe the above post(s) may qualify as a flame.
I’ve been hawking this forum for two years and finally Mr. Rogers neighborhood shows a little hutzpah. And well done too. No profanity or personal attacks. Merely a good healthy application of one’s own opinion of a person, place, or thing.

As for this thread, some observations of your input. . .
Brakes: You cant tell if your moving too fast until it’s too late to stop. Go ahead, grab that cable, It works more like razor-ribbon once your at speed.
_meta_l to _meta_l: The biners in a chain might work for a test-flight but a sling that puts you lower and away from the machinery will increase the longevity of fingers, face, and hair.
Helmets: Good point Nick, Especially on a zip-line.

Feasibility Rating. . .
As a home brew thrill ride, yeah, why not. Heck, have a couple of beers too.
As a commercially marketed product? It might not meet the ANSI spec just yet. I think we may have witnessed that just because your capable of installing it, does not mean that your qualified to use it. Yes/no?

So Nate,
Your thread (and product) certainly perked up the message _base_. Obviously this TCI Forum gang is dedicated to personal safety with an emphasis on protecting the trees. So now that we have had a chance to critique your product, a reply is in order.

And Nate, be nice, we’re potential customers
Electrojake

Working on one. Gettin ready for the firing squad.

Nate, thanks for being a good sport... I could see you pulling a Cartman and just walking away saying "screw you guys, I'm going home!"

love
nick