I should certainly hope all of the gear we use could handle shock loading. it certainly is designed and tested for it. Not sure about the tree or the tie in point. One nice thing about the rope runner is that it slips at a shock load meaning that you can use a less dynamic rope and you still get shock absorbtion in the device. Our carabiners and ropes all are rated to withstand a huge shock load. His little flips and swings are nothing compared to what the gear he is using is rated for. One video he flips with a saw on his belt which I definitely would not do. but he pulls it off fine. I was a gymnast as a kid, did a lot of rock climbing and a good stint at the flying trapeze. Tree work has allowed me to have fun at work. otherwise, if I had just wanted a good business I would have definitely not picked tree work.