ART BlackBird for "MRT and SRT"

[pcpTR33]

Seems like this device has been significantly overshadowed by the akimbo 2 and now the reflex, but seems on par for ART’s devices seems to be those who love them love them and it’s meh to everyone else.

 

[treebing]

The blackbird is pretty sweet IMO.

 

[ATH]

I think it looks really promising...but it looks a little chunkier than the others. And the $100 more than a Reflex is chunkier too. I wanted one when this thread started! I'd still like to climb on one to see how it feels.

 

[pcpTR33]

Arbsession is supposed to be getting a large shipment finally so maybe we’ll see more feedback and comparisons. Even if the friction plates wear fast I do appreciate from what I’ve seen that’s it’s an easy and relatively cheap fix to be back to new, it’s what I loved about the OG runner.

 

[Boomslang]

I'm sure it's a fine device, but having handled one in person I can't say I'd ever want to use it in a production setting. It's very big and very heavy and very expensive.

 

[Crimsonking]

Three verys, not a good sign.

 

[96coal449]

Seems like this device has been significantly overshadowed by the akimbo 2 and now the reflex, but seems on par for ART’s devices seems to be those who love them love them and it’s meh to everyone else.

Reflex? I missed something here...LOL.

That said, I have enough expensive wall hangers as it is.

 

[27RMT0N]

I think it looks really promising...but it looks a little chunkier than the others. And the $100 more than a Reflex is chunkier too. I wanted one when this thread started! I'd still like to climb on one to see how it feels.

Yah, I'm very curious, but my primary interest has certainly been overtaken by the Reflex due to the same considerations.....

 

[pcpTR33]

Arbsession got a big shipment in of the blackbirds so maybe we’ll see some more content or direct comparisons to the reflex rather soon?

 

[Colin1234567]

I vary excite

 

[Bill_N]

Hell ya! It self tends one handed in MRS even with no rope weight, just like ART's other devices, and descends super smooth and easily in both modes!!!!! Awesome!!!!

 

[theclassicarborist]

Just bought the BB. First mechanical, been on a rope wrench for 10 years. I'm finding it difficult to feel the sweet spot on descent. It can be very jumpy at times, especially in SRS mode. I've tried switching the friction settings to no avail and have used different diameter ropes with different constructions.
Just curious if anyone has any advice. Do these devices need a break in period or something?

 

[pcpTR33]

So I picked up one last week, it flattens ropes hard, I had the same experience as you when using marlow’s maverick. Being a heavier climber (230#) it was almost like an improper akimbo setting when using the “low friction” setting, very jumpy all or nothing. I tried blue32 and drenaline, blue32 would get HOT on longer descents and start to creep just like the akimbo but drena is a happy medium, I use two fingers on the lever and keep 2 under to help feather the device and keep from going wide open (unless that’s my intent). Haven’t tried MRS yet only single.

 

[treegongfu]

I don't know the Black Bird but with mechanicals jumpiness is usually mitigated by bracing your hand on the body of the device so that you can apply a steady consistent pressure. If you just pull down on your fingers it creates a drop/stop situation.

 

[theclassicarborist]

So I picked up one last week, it flattens ropes hard, I had the same experience as you when using marlow’s maverick. Being a heavier climber (230#) it was almost like an improper akimbo setting when using the “low friction” setting, very jumpy all or nothing. I tried blue32 and drenaline, blue32 would get HOT on longer descents and start to creep just like the akimbo but drena is a happy medium, I use two fingers on the lever and keep 2 under to help feather the device and keep from going wide open (unless that’s my intent). Haven’t tried MRS yet only single.

I have used samson Mercury 11mm and Kalimba. I think I just need to get used to it. I pretty good with my art positioner with that grip style, so I just need some practice

 

[pcpTR33]

I have used samson Mercury 11mm and Kalimba. I think I just need to get used to it. I pretty good with my art positioner with that grip style, so I just need some practice

The kalimba is floating in that weird range between the two cam sizes, maybe try the larger B cam? And the mercury is slightly undersized for the A cam unless it’s good and fuzzy so that may come into play

 

[theclassicarborist]

The kalimba is floating in that weird range between the two cam sizes, maybe try the larger B cam? And the mercury is slightly undersized for the A cam unless it’s good and fuzzy so that may come into play

I'm going to try that. You've got me excited again!
I knew Mercury was slightly undersized- 11.2 is a weird size in or at least not something I've seen. I'm a huge kalimba fan so I'll try out that other cam for sure. Thanks

 

[theclassicarborist]

I've got a handful of climbs under my belt with the blackbird....just did a decent sized removal on it, a couple of pruning jobs,etc.
Coming from the rope wrench, it's definitely a big jump for me.
Things I've noticed:
1. There is a decent amount of sit back 1-2 inches or so, as the bird engages.
2. The trigger handle takes some time to feather in and get used to the feeling
3. The fairlead pulley could have used slightly more r&d because the running end of the rope must be in line with the pulley to tend efficiently. Not a big deal with the swivel but is still a little annoying
4. 11.9 kalimba is still jumpy at times, even with the larger cam, so maybe a larger 12+ rope would do better? (The ART positioner does amazing with 13mm for sure)
5. Quick on and off
6. On spars, it tends to drop down on you, so I started to manually engaging the bird to keep it in place
7. I think it needs to be broke in for less drag on ascent.
8. Ease of footlocking

 

[theclassicarborist]

I've got a handful of climbs under my belt with the blackbird....just did a decent sized removal on it, a couple of pruning jobs,etc.
Coming from the rope wrench, it's definitely a big jump for me.
Things I've noticed:
1. There is a decent amount of sit back 1-2 inches or so, as the bird engages.
2. The trigger handle takes some time to feather in and get used to the feeling
3. The fairlead pulley could have used slightly more r&d because the running end of the rope must be in line with the pulley to tend efficiently. Not a big deal with the swivel but is still a little annoying
4. 11.9 kalimba is still jumpy at times, even with the larger cam, so maybe a larger 12+ rope would do better? (The ART positioner does amazing with 13mm for sure)
5. Quick on and off
6. On spars, it tends to drop down on you, so I started to manually engaging the bird to keep it in place
7. I think it needs to be broke in for less drag on ascent.
8. Ease of footlocking

Update:
Had to switch back to cam A because cam B literally would not engage on ascent after 5-6 climbs.

 

[surveyor]

I have a Blackbird, but I often struggle to open and close it, especially closing it once the rope is fully installed. anyone else have this difficulty?