Why would yo uuse a rappel rack?

Hi

I have been using ATC for rappelling, but just wonder what is the difference in using the rappel rack? First impression is that the rack looks more bulky than the ATC for sure. But it must have its own advantage somehow.

Please enlighten me :)

I think they appeal to the fat SAR/Firefighter/Caver crowd...They look pretty fancy hanging off your harness next to your rescue 8 descender!

They appeal to the SAR/rescue/caving crowd because they dissipate heat and control descent better when rapping with heavy loads.

I can't really see a reason for them in climbing, but they have their purposes. If you've ever rapped with a pig, you'll know why somebody wanted a more controlled descent and extra cooling.

Micro racks are the shit for rappelling with a heavy load yet still being compact.

bmsrescue.com/micrack.html

Cavers use them for two reasons. One to reduce friction on long raps, e.g. 300+ feet. Second, very muddy ropes wear through your rappel device quickly, esp. aluminum. With a rack you can keep replacing just the bar or two near the top that wears down.

devkrev wrote:I think they appeal to the fat SAR/Firefighter/Caver crowd...They look pretty fancy hanging off your harness next to your rescue 8 descender!

as mentioned, when rappelling with a heavy pack, a device with more control that a recreational device is required. Rescue is not climbing.

I won't use them for backcountry rescue or climbing, just too cumbersome. Urban response is probably necessary to have these considering enormous rope diameters implemented; these devices do allow somewhat a standardization for responders so they can work across agencies.

Extremely long raps over 100m require them. For example, many BASE jumpers jump into the Cave of The Swallows in Mexico. Well you need a 1200' static line to go down in there. If you tried to do a 1200' rap with an ATC you would melt through the rope.

Mark Nelson wrote:I won't use them for backcountry rescue or climbing, just too cumbersome. Urban response is probably necessary to have these considering enormous rope diameters implemented; these devices do allow somewhat a standardization for responders so they can work across agencies.

They use them in cave rescue in Texas in addition to the 1/2 inch ropes. Rocky Mountain Rescue still uses this custom made belaying plate someone designed for them that is very similar to a rack but without the moving bars. I used to have a link to a picture and description of it.

I should clarify -- for personal access, which was the intent of this topic.

moving the larger rescue load, med equipment, patient & rescuers, typically uses a different braking system than you would for just a personal device.

Mark Nelson wrote:I should clarify -- for personal access, which was the intent of this topic. moving the larger rescue load, med equipment, patient & rescuers, typically uses a different braking system than you would for just a personal device.

Thanks Mark,

Now things are clear to me!

I have one for long rappels and rappelling on thick ropes (13mm and up). One of the coolest features is that you can adjust the friction in the device mid-rap.