Explorer Ultralite carabiner,rings not for me

**oldraven** · 07-04-2012, 16:22

Well I received my HH Explorer Ultralite in the mail yesterday so I set it up today. I found the carabiner,rings method was a disaster for the 1/8” diameter paracord. It cut into the outer layer. I guess my 220 lbs. was a over kill for using the rings. I ended up just going with the HH figure eight method of tying. It’s really not so bad to tie ones you get the knots down. I’m using the carabiner and rings for my hex tarp ridgeline. So far it looks good. I hung out and took a nap for awhile and all is still standing. I see there is no better experience than doing it and learning. But I’m glad I had all your forum threads to read beforehand. I was warned about the chance of the rings cutting into the paracord. Live and learn!
Happy Forth Of July!

**surreal_trip** · 07-04-2012, 22:58

Sucks to hear about the descenders! I'm a huge fan of them myself... I wouldn't have suspected that the descenders could damage the cordage. How did you set them up exactly? Do you think you will need to replace it?

Glad to hear you got a solid hang nonetheless

**oldraven** · 07-05-2012, 06:49

I set it up the same way trekkingnut did in his video http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=1iJTjful66M
His paracord looks to be larger diameter. It works for him. I’m sure that if the HH came with the heavier parcord it would work. It cut through about 18” from the end. I had it set up 24’ between trees, probably about max distance you can go between two trees. I’m going to replace. I’m thinking I may try the whoopieslings next.

**nothermark** · 07-05-2012, 06:51

I'd be tempted to clove hitch to the ring pairs then use long straps. YMMV. It does give you a large diameter to tie to and no pinching so I would not expect to damage the shell of the rope. I" webbing should be compatible with the rings.

**surreal_trip** · 07-05-2012, 07:00

Whoopie slings seem to be the fashionable choice. I trust they'll work well for you. Heck it'd almost be the same price to buy the cordage as it would to buy the slings!

**Ramblinrev** · 07-05-2012, 07:04

Originally Posted by nothermark

I'd be tempted to clove hitch to the ring pairs then use long straps. YMMV. It does give you a large diameter to tie to and no pinching so I would not expect to damage the shell of the rope. I" webbing should be compatible with the rings.

Clove hitch is not really the knot you want to use. It is an excellent knot for keeping things attached. But part of the descender ring system relies on the pressure exerted by the rings. A prussic (3 loops) is a better choice as it actively pinches the rings together optimizing the pressure.

**oldraven** · 07-05-2012, 14:25

I went ahead and ordered the Arrowhead whoopie kit. Great price, I’ll let Y’all know how they work out.

**Knotty** · 07-05-2012, 15:09

Yup, rings damaging rope has been discussed here before. They're best used with webbing.

**oldraven** · 07-05-2012, 16:02

Originally Posted by Knotty

Yup, rings damaging rope has been discussed here before. They're best used with webbing.

I hear Ya! Ron. I thought the explorer utrailte had thicker lines like the Deluxe. Should of checked first before trying.

I always learn the hard way. But that’s cool I have some new woopies on the way.

**ofuros** · 07-05-2012, 17:01

Oldraven....the ring set up is fine.
Its just that the std Hennessy rope's outer skin doesn't stand up to repeated pinching between 2 rings.
Works fine for the Hennessy hitch though.
Just replace them....from memory I used 5mm static climbing rope, rated & hard wearing...touch heavier
than std though.

No wear whatsoever, after a year & a half of hanging.

Enjoy your whoopies.......they're great too.