Photos SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

[RollingThunder51]

Ninja attack?

Not exactly...an interesting project to test the dead-drop strength (one prong hold, at tip) of a series of current grapple offerings. The results lead to selection for an oil rig kit. Something different as it is not the usual fare around here, but some will know a number of these.

 

[specopsbrooklyn]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

what were the results ?

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

Just begininng. It looks like we will add crux (single tong) test as well. For those interested, rope is not used as it provides fall absorbtion of consequence, steel shackle to steel cable. Cable length is standardized at 20 feet. As some of these grapple already hold a static weight of some 1,600 or even 2,400 pounds, the results will be interesting.

 

[Keith Johns]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

Ninja thingys!

I like the bottom right. Seems like the safest one. The others look like theyd slip off the edge of the building you were trying to ninja climb.

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

Keith, we would be helping you get off the ground with a mop! That is the weakest of the big rigs.

 

[birddog762]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

thanks for always sharing such diverse stuff all the time.when i saw the pic "looks like something rt51 would post"popped into the brain.

 

[Firemarshall27]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

I would be very interested to see how the "TRG GRABBER" (I believe it the 4th from the left if Im not mistaken) holds up. I was thinking of getting one from U.S. Tactical Supply. If It would not be to much trouble to let me know.

Thanks, FM

http://ustacticalsupply.com/grabber.aspx

 

[flounderv2]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firemarshall27</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be very interested to see how the "TRG GRABBER" (I believe it the 4th from the left if Im not mistaken) holds up. I was thinking of getting one from U.S. Tactical Supply. If It would not be to much trouble to let me know.

Thanks, FM

http://ustacticalsupply.com/grabber.aspx </div></div>

WTF do you need that for FM?

 

[RollingThunder51]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

Yes, that is the TRG. Its a solid aluminum unit with approximately 1,600 lbs of static support and a reasonable deloyment. There are approx 6,000 or more of these units in service.

I find that the unlock/relock is actually pretty slow compared to other designs, some MUCH stronger and smaller.

Top lock capture and bottom lock capture are problematic as well, a quick rotation off center and you have to play around to get it either locked at top or bottom. I would give it a "c" in this regard.

Here is an unlock/deploy video for you.
I start off by firmly pressing the lock down on the unit supposedly "capturing" the legs. Very little force inadvertently releases an arm. Also you can see that any rotation off perfect location releases all the arms. I would say poor design compared to others.

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt319/1M_GHOST/?action=view&current=PICT0003.flv

Here is a bottom lock-up and release video for you. Same thing, any rotation off perfect center and the legs go free. Upward strikes to the deployed and locked legs loosen them as well.

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt319/1M_GHOST/?action=view&current=PICT0004.flv

If one is an engineer at heart and gets fascinated by these types of projects the most interesting ones with the highest strength to weight ratios sort out fast. They are smaller, stronger, faster and all made of steel.

and <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">that </span></span>is only if flounderv2 will let you have one.

 

[Derek Myers]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

about 4 years or so ago I did some private testing for a military firm of grapples and I came to love TRG. Now in this case the hooks being tested had to pass a weight test but also had and most important had produce the following-

1. Ability to grab and remain secure on various surfaces and materials from man made to natural materials such as boulders and dirt. Also had to operate when muddy, sandy and hold onto wet surfaces and otherwise slippery conditions such as wet moss and clay type ground.

2. Ease of use...number of throws to get a firm hold, how much noise do they create on hard surfaces both man made and natural. How easy are they to throw and throw well.

3. Ease of carry and storage......are they big, bulky, heavy.....do they get hung in a pack and tangle.

The TRG was the big winner.......I never was so concerned about the rig breaking under weight I was worried about slipage or having to throw a hook 10 times to find a solid hold. Plus we all know if any tool is too big, heavy or cumbersome despite orders especially in a tactical unit guys will strip it from their kit and it will stay in camp.

Again this was several years ago and I only had I think 4 models to test because size was a factor. But the TRG won in a landslide........it hung on great.....even on soggy wet hills covered with mud and moss it dug deep......it held on all building materials even corrogated sheet and it didn't sound like 30 tire irons boucing around in the bed of a pickup everytime you threw it. GOod luck in the testing hope all goes well....I'll check back to see what you come up with. Derek

 

[Firemarshall27]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flounderv2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: firemarshall27</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would be very interested to see how the "TRG GRABBER" (I believe it the 4th from the left if Im not mistaken) holds up. I was thinking of getting one from U.S. Tactical Supply. If It would not be to much trouble to let me know.

Thanks, FM

http://ustacticalsupply.com/grabber.aspx </div></div>




WTF do you need that for FM?</div></div>


You never know!!!!

 

[Firemarshall27]

Re: SOmething different...Grappling with Grapples

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RollingThunder51</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">that </span></span>is only if flounderv2 will let you have one. </div></div>

Ill have to ask him nicely