At what angle should the angle of redirect ideally be set?

The ideal angle for a redirect in rope rescue operations is typically around 120 degrees. This angle strikes a balance between minimizing the force exerted on the system and ensuring effective control over the load being moved. A redirect set at 120 degrees allows for efficient transfer of force through the rope while providing sufficient leverage that helps maintain the desired direction of pull without overstressing the gear or the anchors involved.

Setting the angle at 90 degrees could lead to higher forces in the system, which might increase the risk of gear failure or shift in the anchor point. A redirect at 45 degrees generally does not provide the necessary leverage to effectively manage the load, often leading to undesirable angles that can create additional challenges in maneuvering. While an angle of 75 degrees may be acceptable in certain scenarios, it doesn't offer the ideal balance between control and force distribution that the 120-degree angle does. This is why 120 degrees is regarded as the optimum angle for safely redirecting loads in rescue situations.