a few questions for you guys..

[treebing]

i like footlocking and am pretty fast at it but I avoid it like the plague at work. A foot acsender is the only expensive piece of gear you need to make a fast and effective rope walker system. I use an upper acsender now but for a long time only used hitches. Makes climbing so, so much easier. That said... to be a proficient and versatile tree climber you need to know how to footlock. Even though I avoid it, I still end up doing it from time to time.

 

[treehumper]

Learn hip thrusting, footlocking, mechanical ascending and every other technique out there. Then you've got a bigger tool box to choose from. Sometimes I'll footlock on a quick short job instead of setting up for an SRT. Other times a couple hip thrusts get me to the next limb. Knowing and being reasonably proficient at them all makes you a more flexible and efficient climber.

I'm using the Tachyon. I do like it it compared to the PI

I just starting to use the Sequoia and do like it for it's light weight. One of the leg straps did snap and I'm hoping Petzl will do the right thing.

My lanyard is now a 20' trango cinch model. It acts as a short second TIP as well as work positioning. At least a 12' depending on the girth of the trees you'll be working. My 2-in-1 is reserved for conifers. Nice to be able to use it for ascending. Quick and easy.

 

[Blinky]

Hey Nick, I think a Pantin is worth buying. I'm a die hard footlocker but I don't hesitate to strap on a foot ascender for SRT climbing if it's a long haul. Good tool.

Sitting here reading Kevin (Treebing) and knowing him, I have to rethink rope walker systems... the guy climbs like a demon.