I finally picked up a harness and am looking forward to trying it out with handles.
The extensions from the beamer handles are not very big and I’m wondering what size climbing rope I should be looking for to make a strop line with.

I’ve read in this group to just larks head some climbing rope to the two upper lines on the handles but to do that you would need loops. So I found some kite knots to make the loops that will allow for the larks head but I don’t know jack about climbing rope.

Is there a size of rope I should ask for that works best? The length I can experiment with but I am thinking you wouldn’t want a large diameter rope to attach to the smaller diameter handle extensions.

The size of the lines coming out of the handles should be fine. I hook my strops on without making loops in the strop. This eliminated the knot you used to make the loop. Just tie a small overhand knot in each end of your strop line, then fold over about 2-3 inches and make your larkshead with that loop. The overhand knot won't let the end pass through the larkshead and you have full use of your strop length that way. If I'm not being clear I can hook one on and take some pics of the sequence.

Does your harness have a hook or roller? If you have a roller just be sure and get a strap rope that is not to small in diameter. One that is 1/4 inch should do. The smaller you go the faster it will make a grove in the roller and cut it into.

Susan (npw goddess)

Do not use climbing rope, use yacht braid. Low stretch and they will cut to length. Buy the right sized fid and you make your own eye splices, very fancy. Rope and fid should be available at a marine supply store.

S

Scudley, what is the issue with climbing rope? I'm new to this harness stuff. I can get boating rope locally too but didn't know it was more desirable.

Climbing line is dynamic made to stretch some will move 25%. Static cord (yacht) line is low stretch. The stretchy line gives a gummy feeling. The real question is in a strop line a few millimetres of stretch isn't enough make any difference at all. Climbing line has a much high abrasion resistance and a finer tighter outer layer, it is also round as apposed to oval yacht braid. I have not used climbing rope the yacht line is soooo cheap (sold by the pound... ) I always have some kicking about. I use a windsurfer's roller harness bar they are super cheap and work well. (10" bar for 45mm webbing is under 6 bucks) It helps the strop to slide quickly and easily with low friction.
Alex

http://www.shopwiki.com/detail/d=Chinook_Adjustable_Fixed_Ha...

I scored this for my strop, works amazing. The rope has like a tubing over it so it doesn't wear down the rope. It comes with two, and it's adjustable. I think it was Speleopower that had the original idea, i just copied





PS. There's always a way to spend more money... lol. I'm yacht line is cheaper and would work just as well.

sorry to hijack but, :puzzled:

Kitedemon, where do you find a windsurfer's roller harness bar for $6?

BeamerBob I am interested in that knot you are describing but I am not sure I follow.

Is there a rule of thumb for the length?

Thanks

Ok, I addressed most of that with my climbing line. It is available in static and dynamic. I got static line which has a 2-4% stretch. It is very stiff with a hard outside braid. I got 10' which is enough to make 4-5 strops. I'll try some yacht line from west marine. Pics of my knot to follow.

sorry everybody for the side issues...
stetson05 I just walked into the local windsurfing shop and it was just sitting there I asked how much he said 5$ I bought it. I found the exact same one on ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WINDSURFING-ROLLER-HARNESS-BAR-BLACK-1...

for about that but it isn't finished. I assumed the aluminum ones were all about that price. I actually did not give it much thought. I'll check with the local store and see if there are any more and buy a few and re sell them here. (cost plus shipping) It just seemed like such a fair price and make life soooo much easier.

Oh and here is a cool knot link...

http://www.animatedknots.com Look at the left side for the knot list link. For some reason it won't open when I copy it.

Personally I use a figure 8 it is a bit bigger and I have had a overhand knot pull out when at the bitter end a line.

Or go with a windsurfing boom harness line between the two handles.
I've posted this picture quite a few times here on the forum.

Scott