[MHml] Friction in lines and blocks

[Dan Frenette]

The choice of plain vs ball-bearing is per reading the stuff the block makers 
put out is a function of the load on the block. That is you use 
ball/roller-bearing on hand held and plan on something that goes through a 
winch. It's not quite that simple as there are high load ball-bearing blocks but 
the costs are real high.

Yet the blocks should be lubed often or at least before every long race or when 
the thing doesn't feel 'smooth'.

You should also look at line rinse stuff as well. The option being get or build 
something the mountain climbers use. This is a PVC Tee fitting that has a hose 
fitting on the open side of the tee and the long side of the tee is just big 
enough to pass the line through. This pumps the line clean far better than just 
rinsing it off.

The second option is pull the line off and wash it in a machine with a small 
amount of fabric softener. The fabric softener makes the line feel slicker but 
will keep stuff from sticking to it until you wash it off.

When you have lots of purchase like 9:1 and beyond the line track is very 
important.  Look at how it twists as is it runs through the block as well as not 
crossing over itself.

Dan Frenette


> 
> Martin didn't test roller-bearing blocks. I'd guess they are
> intermediate between plain and ball-bearing but it would be interesting
> to know.
> 
> Cheers, Dave
>