UKC

What's the best rope length for the Cassin Route on Piz Badile? I'm assuming the distance between belay bolts is going to dictate matters. Do 60m half ropes actually offer an advantage over 50s or are we just going to be pulling more rope through? Do 60s allow pitches to be strung together at all? Plan would be to descend the North Ridge so also interested in typical distance between ab points in this direction.

Cheers,
Lee

In reply to Mr. Lee:

Didn't do the cassin but regarding abbing the ridge we found 60s very useful and could skip plenty of stations (every 35m apparently), saved a good deal of time and faff. Good luck!

In reply to Mr. Lee:

Did the Cassin and back down North Ridge on 50's with no problem.

What will affect your climbing time much more is how many other parties are on the route and if you are climbing faster or slower than them.

Other parties will speed your route finding (up and down) and you may learn by other parties mistakes.

Long abs are not necessarily quicker, certainly not if you get a stuck rope.

In reply to Mr. Lee: I would use 50's, for the reasons mentioned. North Ridge is fairly easy angled so you end up re-throwing the ropes a lot.

In reply to James Thacker:

James, that is a very good point you make. Cheers.

In reply to Mr. Lee:

Also cheers to the other replies. Some very helpful info. 50s seem to be the way to go.