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Built from Sterling's RIT 900 cord, the Hollow Block 6.8mm x 13.5in is designed to function as a pre-sewn prusik or climb heist. Made with aramid fiber and sewn with Sterling's proprietary sewing pattern, this ultra-strong cord is designed to provide excellent griping power on climbing ropes with diameters of 7mm or larger.

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Sterling Hollow Block - 6.8mm x 13.5in

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Great prusik

  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Stirling's RIT material grips exceptionally well, freakishly well compared to normal 6mm accessory cords.

Both lengths are too long for backing up a rap when your device is not extended away from your body with a sling of some kind... If you lift up a leg with the prusik it can come up and jam in the device... However everyone should be extending their devices when rapping anyways so this shouldn't be an issue. (You can turn a quad length sling into a handy combo rap extension + 2 attachment point lanyard to greatly speed up multipitch raps.)

This material makes an excellent rescue loop. I have not tried to use it with prusik minding pullies however. High strength makes it also double as a runner if needed for extending protection.

Really, this stuff is awesome. I hope Stirling goes on to make some other similar products sing this material or ones inspired by it.

5 5

Safest autoblock, period.

  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Want supreme confidence when rappelling? The hollow blocks grabs any diameter cord amazingly well. It also slides easily and doesn't seize, something I've experienced with icy prusiks.

Three wraps is all you need, but you can easily add more with the longer version. Amazing design, absolutely perfect, as far as I'm concerned a MUST HAVE. I always have mine.

5 5

Great addition

  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

Very helpful as autoblock. Comes in handy a lot. Ive used it to take the weight of my rope when soloing and I needed a minute before continuing. I cant even begin to list all the things you can do with a piece like this. I am always glad I have it, I highly recommend.

5 5

Highly Recommend

  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I agree completely with previous reviewers; these things are GREAT! I use them exclusively for autoblocks during rappels and klemheists when rigging leveraged haul systems (think rescue) and other types of backups. They function well for prusiks too, it's just not a knot I use often (prefer klemheist). Work very well for canyoneering and last a long time. Yes, a piece of 6mm tech/accessory cord with a dbl-fishermans does the same thing...this is just too easy, light and cheap not to own. Plus you get the added heat benefits of using aramid for your backups. just get one and try it.

5 5

Strong and Grippy

  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

It's nice that this cord will withstand high heat, however, my main concern with a prusik cord like this one is how well it grips. This cord clearly grips well and is strong. You can rely on it when you're rapping off very steep or overhanging rock. I recommend this over any other prusik cord.

5 5

Heat resistent

  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it several times

The main advantage of this prusik over others is that the aramid (Kevlar?) material is highly heat resistant. This allows you to run rope through it very fast and not worry that the heat has damaged the strength of the cord.
I believe Sterling's specs indicate that it will withstand over 900 degreed F (probably why its called the RIT 900).

Plus its light, handles well, and grips well.

5 5

Grabs Anything

  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I take this thing everywhere; I bought 2 more to replace the one I have had for the last 3 years. I bring it on every climbing trip while guiding and for my personal adventures. It wraps and grabs any rope of any diameter. Rappelling with double 10.5mm, it grabs and can still be managed with one hand; Simul-rappelling on a 9.5mm, it grabs w/ only 3 wraps and still gives you lots of control.

NOTE: When using a "third-hand," it is safer to extend your ATC (with nylon not pure spectra) and put the autoblock on your belay loop with a locker.

How UV-stable is this aramid, compared to...

How UV-stable is this aramid, compared to nylon?

Responded on

Good question. Aramid is very UV sensitive and degrades fast unless coatings are applied. I suspect it is a UV resistant manufacture.