Life Line ?

[not_nuf_time]

So rather than spend $50 on a store bought life line, I decided I would do it myself. Went to Fleet store to buy some heavey rope. Noticed right on the packaging it said, "not a lifeline". What do you guys use, the REI type climbing rope is a fortune. Wondering what you all think. Thx

[student]

Climbing rope is expensive for a reason. I've seen a few DIY options on another site, but they all use climbing rope. No point in wearing a life line if all it's going to do is provide a dramatic snapping sound before impact.

[mntatonka]

what's worth more, a $50 strap to keep you from hitting the ground, or your life?

Spend the 50 bucks.

[nofishfisherman]

Yeah I agree, probably not a place to save money. Once you make your own how much are you really saving, $30-40? Is it worth the risk?

I don't always wear my restraint (I know bad habit) but when I do I make sure I'm using something i know will hold up.

[ozzie]

yeah not the place or the time to find out your DIY project didn't work!!

[Wanderer]

I'm not an expert on life lines but the one I started using this year is definitely a different type of rope. The weight, suppleness and slippery outer braid make me think a few things are going on different from regular rope.

Weight - likely braided with a different product and stronger or more impact resistant than regular rope.

Suppleness - Falls smoothly and hangs straight, no kinks or coils to tangle.

Slippery outer braid - likely is designed to have the optimum resistance to a tightening prussic knot to stop your fall at a safe rate for both you and the rope. Plus it helps the knot slide UP the line easier while your climbing into your stand.

Again, not an expert, but to be tested and approved as a life saving device, there had to be some thought and engineering that went into it - not just stick it to em in the wallet cuz its for hunting.

Check out the prices on commercial safety gear at Grainger once and you might think $50 is a bargain. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Jmeyers]

I think you better consult the warden....

[slimngrizzly]

Life line? Like a fall harness?

Ive got about a dozen of them laying around that come free with ladder stands. If you want a few id be happy to send them to you for the price of shipping. They aren't the fancy ones, but their safe.

[Bear55]

If you are choosing between thin air and a cheap rope go with the rope. If you are choosing between a cheap rope and a good rope go with a good rope. Like mentioned above I would also weight what your life or not breaking several bones is worth to you. If they are worth more than the price of a good rope well you know what to do.

[not_nuf_time]

Thanks for the offer, I have a number of those harnesses to. I was talking about the lifeline rope with a prussic knot. thx.

[not_nuf_time]

Was just kind of wondering what others do, cause, if its a do it yourselfer they prob aren't buying $180 climbing rope.

I looked at rope at rei and seemed identical to the rope at fleet farm. I was thinking the companies that sell these ropes to fleet farm was more so identifying that not a lifeline to release liability.

[mntatonka]

Was just kind of wondering what others do, cause, if its a do it yourselfer they prob aren't buying $180 climbing rope.

I looked at rope at rei and seemed identical to the rope at fleet farm. I was thinking the companies that sell these ropes to fleet farm was more so identifying that not a lifeline to release liability.

Why wouldn't you just get the straps that are designed for just this purpose? Or better yet, actually get one of the nice harnesses. The Hunter's Safety System kits are awesome, and well worth the little bit of extra money.

[Wanderer]

This is the Life Line he's talking about that costs $50. Just to let you know, you can get one for $40 from their site if that helps.

Have you handled the packaged Life Line yet? I haven't looked at the REI climbing ropes and compared them to FF rope but I'm sure the certification that's likely on the REI rope came with a cost. How long is that REI rope? You gonna cut a longer length into shorter sections?

At $40 for 30 feet of HSS rope you're paying $1.33/ft

At $50 it's $1.66/ft

An REI rope at $180 would have to be 135 feet long to break even on a $40 HSS rope, or 108 feet long to break even on a $50 HSS rope. And that's not to mention the prussic knot and carabineer.

Just some more to consider...

[harvey lee]

I have the Hunter's Safety System and like it alot. I should use it more than I do.

Goona run more than $50 but it is a very nice system and could ave you from a very bad accident.

[PropsterII]

You don't need to buy the more expensive "climbing" rope but you do want to get a good diamond braid or solid braid rope with sufficient tensile strength or working load. I use 7/16" for the lifeline and tree straps, and 3/8" for the prussic knot rope. Use polyester or polyester with nylon core. Both are stronger, more abrasion resistant, and more uv, mold, and mildew resistant than polypropylene. Good marine store should have it but I haven't bought any lately. Used to be more affordable than buying the complete unit and that way I could make several and customize length.

[ClownColor]

Make sure the rope is dynamic not static. Tying a prussic is very easy as well. I'd get a nylon braided, kermantle dynamic rope that has a safety margin of 15:1. Making something yourself can be way cheaper and safer...

Seems everyone has too much money lately. People always feel "safer" when they buy certain things but how many people feel it better to do their own oil, change their own brakes...just do some research, find some friends and make it happen. I'm sure you can make it better, cheaper, and more safe then from a factory.

[yakfisher]

REI and Midwest Mountaineering sell climbing ropes by the foot. If you decide to go climbing route you shouldn't have to buy full length climbing rope.

[deerminator]

Just a heads up that the lifeline is on sale at a certain Farm store all over the state for $29.99 this week. I just put mine up with my sole ladder stand in the woods behind our house this weekend. If you've only got one stand or a couple, the price is well worth it, whether you buy this system or make one yourself.