What is better - Rapelling or Lowering?

[512OW]

But if nobody is there, you can't really see them. And if they fall in the forest, do they make a sound?

[KD]

But if nobody is there, you can't really see them. And if they fall in the forest, do they make a sound?

they do - ive heard em before - it's pretty fuckin funny soundin if you ask me.

[BigRed]

IF you sport climb and are saying you rappel, you are a hippocrite.

[KD]

what if you are a hippocrite and you sport climb? would you lower then or just on trad lines?

[BigRed]

Ha. Thats why i specified sport climbers, it is my experience in the red that almost all sport climbers lower and almost all hardcore traddies rap


I liked the WWTD (what would terry do) comment its on point.

[Meadows]

Is there much of a difference in force to the actual bolts if you rappel or lower?

Quicklinks and biners are easily replaceable and golly gee, anyone can put them there. You don't have to be a special kid on Team Suck to have such a privilege. That means you can just lower so the conga line moves faster.

Still, donate to those special kids: teamsuckclimbing.com.

[dbrayack]

From my experience, extensive anchor wear comes from people repeadily top roping through anchors without biners - of course, when you pull your rope, you're still wearing the anchors.

[bcombs]

Is there much of a difference in force to the actual bolts if you rappel or lower?

I got a first hand lesson in the force generated in a lower this weekend. JR or SCIN can fill you in on the details. I think the route was Team Wilson. Just look around at the base for a bowling ball sized hold that used to be just above the second bolt.

It would be neat to test the outward pull on the bolt below you when you are tramming in, unclipping, and flying back out onto the bolt below you.

[dbrayack]

All 24 of you who voted "rappell" - can you clean some routes for me some time? =)

[Wes]

There should be an option for "both/either". Situational awareness is key. If you are you cleaning after tr'ing the line, then rappelling isn't a big deal. Cleaning a steep route after leading, then lowering is a good idea. Cleaning a vert sport route or trad line after a lead - depends on the anchors: Some put a hella twist in your rope if you lower, so rappelling is the way to go. Some are set up to make lowering not a big deal, so I will lower.

And, thanks to everyone that brings a couple quick links with them every where to add to the anchors when they need some love.