Topic: How to make a paracord bead for ranger pace bead counter - by The Paracordist

[Jeff]

Pretty neat.  I need to make one of the ranger pace bead counters.

How to make a paracord bead for ranger pace bead counter - by The Paracordist

[JollyRoger]

Going to have to watch that a few times to really get how that knot is done, kinda difficult to see what strands and loops he's pulling on with the pliers and his fingers in the way.  That said I really like this idea especially considering that a paracord knot wont break like my plastic beads have over and over in the past.  Thanks for sharing!!

[J Mack]

Stumbled across this site looking for pace beads, lots of good info.

http://therucksack.tripod.com/landnav.htm#pacecounting

[9Shooter]

Looks like he's using gutted paracord, which makes the knots flatter, and is using a lanyard knot.  Those are a PITA to learn, but not bad once you get the hang of it.  I always have to look at a reference if I go to long between tying them.  Jeff's posted this site before but it's a good resource: http://stormdrane.blogspot.com/

[The Paracordist]

Hey! I came across your forum via google when i saw one of my videos here. I love guns, knives and all things outdoors and the paracord knotting is a hobby. let me know if you have any questions

[The Paracordist]

Stumbled across this site looking for pace beads, lots of good info.

http://therucksack.tripod.com/landnav.htm#pacecounting

That site is where I learned years ago, from Mike Neigher, lead investigator of MIBSAR. I've since sent him my beads for discussion; and we came up with the MiBSAR beads (see this link, scroll down to "p" for paracordist"
http://therucksack.tripod.com/MiBSAR/Partners/Partners.htm

[Scarecrow]

Pretty neat.  I need to make one of the ranger pace bead counters.

It's 32 paces from the fridge to the couch - you don't need to count them.  Cool link!

[The Paracordist]

funny coincidence, I just got word from Michael Neigher of MiBSAR today:

Aoparently my Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue (MiBSAR) Ranger Pace Counter Beads have passed months of rigorous field testing with flying colors! Michael wrote me “…as for your paracord-based Ranger pacing beads, after months of real-world field testing they came through several SAR field operations, a 9-day Canadian Expedition to Soldier Mountain, and a 6-day trek through the remote McCormick Wilderness Tract with flying colors. They have withstood repeated deep-water crossings, day-long downpours, temps to 100 degrees, and abuse against trees, brush, rocks, mud, and bedrock with no sign of wear or change in function.
 
I really appreciate the snug fit of the unbreakable beads on the pace cord as nothing but a firm grip will move them, which could really foul up a technical land nav operation. And the slightly-larger separator beads make it very easy to pull or reset the pacing beads without stopping to look at them, especially while underway or during night operations.
 
They're the best I've used in the bush, and all I ever carry anymore. Keep up the innovative work.
 
Hope our Special Ops forces are using these as they're so much better than some of the fragile, loose-fitting commercial stuff available.”

Stay tuned, Michael says he's "...currently finishing up a months-long primer on the UTM system, which works so smoothly with Ranger Pacing Beads. At some point, I hope to revise and update the pacing bead primer and move it to my new SAR site (http://therucksack.tripod.com/MiBSAR/MiBSAR.htm)". If you are not aware of Michael's Rucksack website check it out! There is so much information on all things outdoors; and it is where I learned to use pacing beads many years ago. Until this new primer is available, the one linked below is GREAT! While you are there, scroll down to see the pace counter vendors list and what Michael has written about mine!
 
http://therucksack.tripod.com/landnav.htm#pacecounting