Sandtrap(initial thoughts)
Took the sandtrap out into a canyon yesterday. Tested it in several different configurations--What I've found..........
I quite like this idea and consider this device to be a very good improvement as an anchoring system over a potshot, or series of potshots. The series of potshots is mostly reliant on weight, the sandtrap uses weight, but mainly benefits from friction. Be forewarned, if you do not understand sequencing and the proper way to load a marginal anchor, it will leave you badly injured or dead.
You also need a good understanding of the role rope bending and rock friction reduce the load applied to marginal or any anchors.
We backed up this system every time for the people in front of the group, last person was the lightest/smoothest rappeller.(not necessarily the same) They were the one who kept backing off the equalization of sandtrap and meat backup, so as soon as it was the last persons time to rap, the system had been tested and the last person had a level of confidence in the sandtrap on it's own.(same sequence with most marginal anchors)
On one rappel, 15'+/-, I had lamar come down within a foot or so of the bottom(very controlled)at that point, I had the person bounce(freehanging) as much as possible, the sandtrap held up through this assault. Of note-on this rappel, the sandtrap was placed directly upcanyon of a rather large rounded boulder that was mostly buried in the stream course.
The amazing thing to me was the ease of pulls, I purposely set the sandtrap up above a couple of chokestones to see if they were prone to sticking in such a setup. To my surprise, once the sandtrap dumped it's load above these obstacles, the pull was almost effortless. The pulling/emptying is a great feature.
I used rapides on both the pull side and rap side and would consider this a must on a questionable pull.(probably not a bad idea for most situations)
Like I said, this was my first time using the device, and I'm sure I've missed some intricacies that will become more obvious through time. I never had a chance to load the entire sheet, each time I loaded the front half and folded the upcanyon section over it.
I want to try loading the whole sheet and using only 2 tie in points.
Overall a seemingly very nice, lightweight piece of gear that can easily be carried through a canyon. I look forward to finding more uses for this device.
Kurt
edit-This is the Imlay Canyon Gear sandtrap, I have recently purchased several items from them and have been impressed with the communication, promptness of shipping and quality of shipping.
Being politically correct
Well, how about we just call it "The Pad"? The name MaxxiPad was suggested by a friend and my wife and I, having a sense of humor, adopted the name. But I am from South Africa and my wife is :naughty:from Holland so maybe it's a cultural thing.......
But all that aside, there is no copyright infringement, it is spelt differently and describes a different product entirely. I have been all through the Trademark process and also the patent application process on another product that I invented and developed. I could not afford an attorney, so did EVERYTHING myself over many months. I have applied for a PPA on "The Pad" for use in an entirely different scenario from which I hopefully can make some money. By the way, you can check out my other product at the site www.tailgaterstrap.com .......maybe you need one of these too...:wink: