er or not it should be adopted into your system. Since the final say is on your shoulders, it should be a priority to investigate the strengths and limitations as well as the purpose it would serve. The most important criteria to satisfy could be whether or not it is safer, easier, or more efficient in some fashion. The Machard tresse is a knot that demands a certain level of acknowledgment as well as respect. Once learned however, I think it effectively accomplishes all three of the above considerations. Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages that coincide with the use of this climbing hitch. First the advantages:It binds around the rope immediately when released. It never creeps or releases unexpectedly. There is no tail to mind during the climb. It can be easily be adjusted to provide more or less friction at any given time. When used in conjunction with the micropulley it breaks and advances with little resistance. In strength tests it outperforms other hitches. It facilitates unrestricted absieling It is extremely economical in that it costs about three dollars to replace. It distributes heat more readily due to an increase in surface area. Like all climbing knots the French Prusik has its limitations which must be acknowledged in order not to compromise safety. It is my personal opinion, however, that the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Now for the disadvantages:It must be comprised of the right diameter and grade of dynamic line. It must be made to the right length, most importantly without exceeding that length. If it is not managed properly when repelling, a free-fall could result until the knot is released. In order to evaluate this knot properly it must be used over a period of time in a diverse environment by a number of different climbers. I have used the Machard tresse continuously over the past two years with the exception of a few short attempts to return to a previously used hitch. The outcome is always the s...
