I actually just measured and calculated this on my hand. Using the length of my thumb, 30 degrees corresponds to the Distal knuckle (first knuckle from the tip) on my index finger. All the way to the tip is only about 24 degrees.Originally Posted by Bubba
People are finding out they can still use the pointing finger method even if you don't get 30*. I drew an angle on cardboard then placed my hand against it and found that exactly 30*, for me, the line went from my index fingertip through half my thumbnail. So if the suspension line passes a little below my thumbtip I'm very accurate.
Two quick points.
1. The iPhone tip is pretty cool, I did not know it had a level function, and it is obviously good for other leveling uses, so I appreciate the tip. All methods are good, though. But once you figure our your hand measurement, you always have it with you! Fromkentucky and I have figured out how to get a visual reference on an accurate, repeatable angle from our hands even though they are not fingertip to thumbtip. It's all good, but it's nice to know you don't need an iPhone, hanging level, sextant to get the job done.
2. Are any of us really that OCD that if the iPhone says 28* or 32* on the iPhone we are going to retie? Even I'm not that OCD.
P.S. None of this was meant to suggest any method is better/worse than any other. Just a couple observations.
Love the image JC.
I generally don't even bother with the finger method for my suspension. Eyeball has always served me well enough so far. That said, I'm going to measure it next time after setup just out of curiosity to see how close my eyeballing is to 30 degrees.
Great observation though guys. If your thumb and index don't naturally make a 30 degree just find out where they do. You definitely should be able to get quite close to 30 degrees that way, repeatedly, as long as you remember how to hold your hand (thumb has to be consistent between attempts), and where your 30 degree mark falls. Can't beat that method if you take the time to plan for it in advance, and if you don't, you'll still be close enough that it doesn't matter.
...and if you lose a digit on the trail you've got a built-in backup on the other hand, and you've probably got worse things to worry about than your hanging angle.
I opened my "Compass" app, and couldn't find the level function.
My iPhone has a separate app called "Measure". Measure includes a level.
According to iPhone "Measure" my thumb to index angle is a spot-on 30*!
Yep, same here. I have used my phone level to spot check for a couple of years. Lately I use it when I want to hang slightly less than 30, say 25 with a WB RR. The other day, I hung my HH so that the RL was almost straight but not tight(tightened up after I got in it), checked with my phone app, and it was right at 30*!
But mostly after all these years, I just eye ball it, close enough.
Once you confirm that your SRL (assuming you use one!) is the right length, then having it at the right tension should be all the info you need...
I'm glad you mentioned your Compass app didn't have a level because that's where I always go to check my hang. I had no idea that they moved the level to a separate Measure app. I'm glad I found this out at home instead of on the trail.
I've never ever checked the angle of hang and I've never had an issue. I guess it's like riding a bike once you've done it a couple of times you seem to get it right from there on.
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