Chris Tan Death Products™ proudly present...

The Chris Tan Death Slide UKC Suggestions

The original mission was to construct a shock-absorber ( screamer) out of components found on an average rack. Furthermore, the rig had to be "reusable". This has an advantage over mission-specific, shop bought shock-absorbers, which are "use once". Although some manufacturers offer a "return for a re-stitch" service, this is not really viable mid-route or if you are based in the middle of nowhere.

I posted my ideas and tests on ukclimbing.com which elicited some debate, some suggestions and much derision! The best suggestions ( IMHO), I thought were worthy of mention and further investigation, even though these ideas are just outside the scope of the original brief, i.e.

1. They are non-reusable or
2. Made from something not normally carried by an average climber and so would require pre-rigging.

Suggestions by UKCers

1. Sandy Wilson suggested using shock cord to get some kind of bungee effect. My variation is based on a packet of rubber bands from Partners.
2. From John Lisle, "use different lengths of 1-2mm static cord loops. The shorter loops of cord will fail first, eventually slowing you down." This has got me thinking about a series of loose knots that tighten under load.
3. IMHO, Alasdair Fulton gets the prize for suggesting using polythene bags due to their unique strain/stretch properties. I really do like this one! The whole idea of falling onto a DIY quickdraw made from a Tesco's carrier bag appeals to me in a perverse sort of way. So without further ado... Here's how it's done!
4. Based on Alasdair's idea, I think the plastic band that hold boxes of A4 copier paper has some potential too.

PostScript

Unless stated, all Chris Tan Death Products™ are tested using live and really stupid subjects. They do take real fall factor twos! Any loss of virility after a test is probably due to the side effects of the amount of beer consumed apres-test. There is no scientific nor anecdotal evidence to suggest that participating in a Chris Tan Death Products™ test will make your nads fall off! Replacement volunteers however, are always welcome.

Finally, I would like to thank to everyone on ukclimbing.com for their contributions and suggestions. Watch this Space!

... < Usual laugh follows>

As with any Chris Tan Death Product™, usual disclaimers apply. Use at your own risk! < Usual laugh follows>

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