11 mm line

[BRCCarborist]

Anyone use 11 mm climbing line? I tried some out in class the other day and didnt really care for it. It doesnt have the substance of 1/2" and that makes it feel strange when climbing with it. After you get used to that, does anyone think it is better than 1/2" line?

 

[taingeil]

Better than 1/2 inch line? Hmmm...I have been using New England's "Fly" for a few months and like it quite a bit. It's light, handles well, footlocks easily and so far seems pretty durable. As an added plus, for some reason it's usually a few dollars cheaper than nearly everything else. No gripes at all with Hi-Vee or Blue streak, XTC is also very nice, but in my opinion the folks at New England really nailed it with the Fly.

 

[NickfromWI]

Though 11mm arbo lines (Fly, Velocity, and Blaze so far)could be considered "high tech" their prices can remain competitive with the 16 strands ropes like XTC and Braided Safety Blue. The biggest reason for this is that there's simply less rope, less material in an 11mm line.

In my eyes, it is reasonable to pay a bit more for the 11mm considering all the planning and research it takes to put a new product on the market and all that jazz...but that's for other people to decide!

I started climbing on Blaze 6 or more months ago and I love it. Yes, the half-inch lines are bigger and easier to grab on to, but put on some smurf-gloves and enjoy the ride! It's a pleasure hauling around less weight! My 150' Blaze weighs less than my 120' XTC.

The 11mms aren't for everyone, but they sure are nice!

love
nick

 

[stevebullman]

i climb on a 150ft length of fly but i plan on getting me a 100ft or so piece of blaze just as soon as its released over here

 

[Tom Dunlap]

I was a fan of Fly the first time I climbed on it. Blaze is feeling really nice too. A bit tighter sheath.

It might take you a little time to like the smaller diameter ropes. Using smurf or grippy gloves helps. You'll really appreciate the lighter rope when you footlock into tall trees or start to move your rope around and over limbs.

 

[stevebullman]

[ QUOTE ]
You'll really appreciate the lighter rope when you footlock into tall trees or start to move your rope around and over limbs.

[/ QUOTE ]

thats for sure, the first time you wrap a monkey fist and hurl it hard as you can like it was a 12-13mm you'll be gobsmacked when it dissappears out of sight

 

[Mark Chisholm]

/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif Yeah!

 

[BRCCarborist]

Thanks for the feedback, maybe I need to spend more time with 11mm.

Hey Mark, Ill see you at the Mid Atlantic Horticulture short course at the beach next month!

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Please make a point of saying hello ! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[BRCCarborist]

sure thing man, im looking forward to the Stihl factory tour. My professor, Joe Murray, is giving a few talks at the conference too. If you get to hear him, I think youll be pleased, he is pretty knowledgable when it comes to tree biology.

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Did Joe used to teach at Mid-State? No maybe I'm mistaking his last name?

 

[BRCCarborist]

Dont believe so. I know he worked here in Virginia as a salesman for Bartlett for a long time, and he is still a consulting arborist. Think he has just been in Va for the most part though

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Yeah, I'm sure I'm wrong. Now, what is Joe's last name? He worked for Ron Zilmer for a while. Anyone?

 

[BRCCarborist]

Hey Mark, you dont happen to know Scott Beecher do you?

 

[Zac]

Joe Hoffman. Not sure on the spelling of the last name. Sounds like there are a lot of cool things happening over at mid state these days....

Zac

 

[Mark Chisholm]

Bingo Zac. I really liked working with Zilmer and Hoffman as well. That place is outrageous!