Which Rutschblock Cord and Saw?

[Swampy]

Hi there,

I've heard differing opinions about which is better, a proper rutschblock cord or a knotted accessory cord. Which do you think is better? and if the accessory cord works just as well, what sort of diameter cord are we talking about, and how far apart should the knots be? Any bad experiences with either?

A rutschblock cord is pretty standard, just long enough to isolate a block, big enough handholes, etc I'm guessing. But for saws, there must be features that differ one from another? Length? teeth? should there be things I should look out for when getting a saw? G3 makes a saw that can attach to a ski pole, is that really helpful?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[lemon boy]

I just use a piece of nylon laundry line with knots. Works just fine.

Yes, a saw that you can attach to a pole is very, very nice to use.

[Swampy]

Thanks Lemon Boy,

Do you just make a single knot or does/should it be bigger? No problems cutting through crusty layers?

[soul_skier]

g3 bonesaw kicks ass

for rutschblock cord, go with anything thin and strong enough to hold up, alternate tying normal knots and washers/bolts in it, works like a charm

[pechelman]

Thanks Lemon Boy,

Do you just make a single knot or does/should it be bigger? No problems cutting through crusty layers?

2nd the laundry line

at each knot tie in some washers or nuts if youre really worried
double knot them

this isnt rocket science

[Swampy]

great idea with the washers and nuts! Thanks!

[Swampy]

I've bought the bonesaw last night and it is indeed sweet... a little pricier than the other saws but good things don't come cheap (not always the case if you've been cheated!.. don't want to go there)...

Anyways, I've got myself an length of accessory chord to make my own rutschblock cord. I noticed that g3's cord is like 5.75meters (or something like that) long. Do we need that long a length? I thought we only had to saw about a foot from the ski length either way... i.e. assuming we have 2meter skis, a foot on each side, the test block will be 2.6~2.8 meters wide. A regular saw stroke would be what? a meter? so that makes the useable cord length to be only about 4meters. Now I've only made a Rutschblock once in my avi course, but I intend to make more. So it would seem to me that 5++meters is excessive. Or is it?

I guess the real question would be how far apart should I put my handholes on the cord? Is 4 meters enough?

[keksie]

i wouldnt be worried about the cord being too long, you should carry some kind of cord with you anyway i think (for rescue purposes etc).

has anyone used the BD flicklock saw? i just got myself some cheap used-2-days flicklocks and am thinking of buying the saw..