Sterling Hollow Block - Which one to get?

Sterling Hollow Block (Aramid) or Sterling Hollow Block 2 (Technora)? Functionally, what is the difference? 13.5" or 19"? 

Personally I prefer the longer one. Not sure on v1 vs v2

Levi X wrote:

Personally I prefer the longer one. Not sure on v1 vs v2

Good deal. I prefer to extend my rappel so the longer one is probably a better choice. 

I have the 13.5 that I use for rappel backup and to tie into a tether on the clifftop when setting top ropes. I wouldn't want the longer version. I extend my rappel also

I prefer the shorter one. I generally extend, but on the rare occasion I don't extend the short one just barely works clipped to my leg loop, any longer and it would hit the device and defeat itself.

I also prefer the 13.5 one. I have a 19 as well and never use it. 

ClimbingOn wrote:

I also prefer the 13.5 one. I have a 19 as well and never use it. 

Same here. I recently lost the 13.5, so was forced to use the 19, which seems too long. Am about to buy another 13.5.

I have the 13.5” and to me feels like just barely  long enough for a 3 wrap autoblock off the belay loop, with rappel device extended above.  So I actually wish it were slightly longer. I haven’t used the 19

If I were to get another I would consider a VT style, the advantage being that you can increment the number of prusik wraps by one, vs a sewn loop you are always adding 2 strands per wrap. I often find that 2 double wraps is not quite enough but 3 double wraps makes for a very grabby rappel.

The beal jammy, the blue water vt prusik, or similar aramid cord with kernmantle construction is a much more versatile tool.

The hollowblock is intended to be used only as a 3rd hand, not a primary attachment, and there have been reports of it failing way below MBS, without significant visual wear, when (mis)used as a prusik for ascending ropes or following a fixed line.

https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/important-information-on-sterling-hollow-block.17056/page-3

v2 / technora is improved aramid. v1 was probably kevlar based on the yellow color when new. For normal rap backup 13.5" is most commonly used.

OR VT Prusik, as it actually has a core / strength reserve.

PatMas wrote:

I prefer the shorter one. I generally extend, but on the rare occasion I don't extend the short one just barely works clipped to my leg loop, any longer and it would hit the device and defeat itself.

I was taught to extend off my leg loop too, decades ago. The kids these days are extending off the belay loop. 

Eli W wrote:

The beal jammy, the blue water vt prusik, or similar aramid cord with kernmantle construction is a much more versatile tool.

The hollowblock is intended to be used only as a 3rd hand, not a primary attachment, and there have been reports of it failing way below MBS, without significant visual wear, when (mis)used as a prusik for ascending ropes or following a fixed line.

https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/important-information-on-sterling-hollow-block.17056/page-3

yikes!

At some point I remember Sterling switching from the yellow (I believe Aramid) construction of the original Hollowblock to the current tan or black (Technora) construction of the Hollowblock 2.

The failures described in the above link most likely were with the old material, and Sterling claims the new material is “more durable” but I’d love to see some testing because this anecdotal story is frightening.

I prefer the Hollowblock to a kernmantle cord because I like how it handles as an autoblock (I prefer the longer of the two sizes as the short one just barely long enough) and find it less bulky on my harness, but this story is scary - especially if I ever needed to use it as my sole attachment to the rope.

...but this story is scary - especially if I ever needed to use it as my sole attachment to the rope.

If you ever need to use it as a sole attachment, don't; find another way. The tech notice for hollow block v1 specifically states not to use it as a primary attachment tool. 

https://amga.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/care_hollow-block-1.pdf

It also mentions issues with snow/ice which I've experienced personally. Consequently, I use the bluewater VT or 6mm nylon cord for most of my friction hitches depending on application.

Derek DeBruin wrote:

If you ever need to use it as a sole attachment, don't; 

Well yeah. The only times I’ve done it are passing knots on rappel, in which case I tie into the rope below the knot as a backup (so technically not my only attachment)… but who wants to fall onto their backup?!

Josh Janes wrote:

Well yeah. The only times I’ve done it are passing knots on rappel, in which case I tie into the rope below the knot as a backup (so technically not my only attachment)… but who wants to fall onto their backup?!

I certainly agree with that! My point is that given the limitations of the tool, it might be worth investing in a different one. Incidentally, knot passes on rappel can be facilitated pretty smoothly with a VT, schwabisch hitch, or similar releasable hitch, which is really nice if you're rappelling with a load like a haul bag.