Climbing Ensemble Cost

Treezybreez · Jan 5, 2022

$2023.89 If I'm pruning

$2993.64 If I'm Dismantling

I'm sure I've missed something though.

evo · Jan 5, 2022

Chris Schultz said:
@evo I doubt you run one “enforcer” let alone plural “enforcers” do you? That would be a very expensive set up there! Is that to monitor your weight throughout the day? That may be what I need to keep my weight in check….

Ha! Talking about the caratool clippy things not the load cells

Cereal_Killer · Jan 5, 2022

I easily have 4-5kof personal gear in my work truck. That’s all my climbing gear and a few pieces of personal rigging gear (work supplies nearly all rigging equipment we need but I’m picky lol). Hell I wrap $1k worth of clothing / PPE on my body every day and that’s not counting a single piece of climbing gear!

I try not to think about cost, these are tools and while I don’t abuse any of it I’m hard on it I do use it all to it’s max potential, I surely don’t baby anything cause it costs a lot.

Willber · Jan 5, 2022

$650 DMM red fiberglass calf muscle wraps with velcro
$480 Petzl Sequoia SRT saddle
$350 Stihl MS-194 T with a non stock 16" 1.3mm Stihl bar
$315 Petzl ZigZag Plus
$142 Yale Scandere 165 FT
$40 Kong half twist steel carabiner
$30 DMM carabiner
$20 2 Petzl CariTool hooks, that have the stupid yellow door cut off, and stupid snag hook cut off the tip.

$150 Adidas Terex Swift R2 GTX shoes
$80 Climbing Technology Foot Ascender - Right Foot (though I use it mostly on my left foot, when I do use it, which has only been about three times)
How many here don't use a lanyard on their chainsaw? I just have the saw bare using only the stainless steel d-ring to hook onto the Petzl caritool. I don't because it limits your reach and speed of reholstering.

There are other expenses: A year ago, I bought a brushless cordless Dewalt 2.5gallon compressor, I use it very frequently, $300, with insurance plan from Home Depot.
$2177
$1527 when pruning.

moss · Jan 5, 2022

Hmm, for me and others (I suspect) gear is often acquired over many years and some of it can be used for many years. For example I still climb on my OG Petzl Pantin, purchased in 2008 I think ;-) Still works perfectly, straps are worn but no signs of impending failure. Ropes and hitch cords don't last long. My current custom-built RW tether has a bunch of years on it now, going strong. Same with my ZK-2 Rope Wrench, doesn't look great but perfectly functional. My Tree Motion is ancient by most standards but in good shape, I've updated webbing etc. as needed. Resale value (current value?) of my current gear set is negligible but it has more than paid for itself many times over, still making money for me.
-AJ

Willber · Jan 5, 2022

moss said:
Hmm, for me and others (I suspect) gear is often acquired over many years and some of it can be used for many years. For example I still climb on my OG Petzl Pantin, purchased in 2008 I think ;-) Still works perfectly, straps are worn but no signs of impending failure. Ropes and hitch cords don't last long. My current custom-built RW tether has a bunch of years on it now, going strong. Same with my ZK-2 Rope Wrench, doesn't look great but perfectly functional. My Tree Motion is ancient by most standards but in good shape, I've updated webbing etc. as needed. Resale value (current value?) of my current gear set is negligible but it has more than paid for itself many times over, still making money for me.
-AJ

I upgraded to the Petzl SRT from the Buckingham Ergovation, because it was getting old looking, white on the bends of the strapping, (it was actually given to me by this old climber, I don't know when it was purchased new, it may be from about 2008), and it is heavier than the Petzl, and doesn't have the close ventral attachment point.

Willber · Jan 6, 2022

Do many climbers use or want a close ventral attachments on their saddle? I purchased the Sequoia SRT because it had the closest ventral attachment point on the market. I use it more than my than attaching to the bridge, because it allows you to have your Zag closer to you, and you have more travel in DRT, hand over hand travel before lifting your hands, is more travel length. Decreasing the repetition of hand over hand.

Jonny · Jan 6, 2022

My Ergovation has it, has 2 actually but one is supposed to be for attaching an upper harness.
I don’t use it much. When tied in there, it’s a little uncomfortable around the crotch. When tied into the bridge it’s more like sitting on a seat.
I’d probably use it more if I had lots of long ascents, because it does put me in more of an upright position, not leaned back a little like the bridge.

moss · Jan 6, 2022

Willber said:
Do many climbers use or want a close ventral attachments on their saddle? I purchased the Sequoia SRT because it had the closest ventral attachment point on the market. I use it more than my than attaching to the bridge, because it allows you to have your Zag closer to you, and you have more travel in DRT, hand over hand travel before lifting your hands, is more travel length. Decreasing the repetition of hand over hand.

I climbed on a first gen Petzl Sequoia SRT harness for a few years. I used a Croll on the ventral attachment point as part of my rope walking system. Used the bridge attachment for the upper ascender. The ventral attachment is uncomfortable to hang on so I never used it as my primary attachment point. Nowadays climbers use an adjustable bridge (I simply “marlin spike” my Tree Motion bridge with a carabiner) for an attachment point low and tight. It’s better to hang off a shorter bridge because your weight is distributed between your leg straps and your harness waist belt.

Climbing DdRT I think of it as the same body position/ergonomics as SRT, keep the body upright, use your legs and core for primary power, the hitch just rides up the rope continuously as you climb, doesn’t matter how tight/low your attachment is as long as there is room above your hitch to grab. Continuous climb motion as you go up.
-AJ

Reach · Jan 6, 2022

moss said:
Hmm, for me and others (I suspect) gear is often acquired over many years and some of it can be used for many years. For example I still climb on my OG Petzl Pantin, purchased in 2008 I think ;-) Still works perfectly, straps are worn but no signs of impending failure. Ropes and hitch cords don't last long. My current custom-built RW tether has a bunch of years on it now, going strong. Same with my ZK-2 Rope Wrench, doesn't look great but perfectly functional. My Tree Motion is ancient by most standards but in good shape, I've updated webbing etc. as needed. Resale value (current value?) of my current gear set is negligible but it has more than paid for itself many times over, still making money for me.
-AJ

Hey, I still climb on my 2008 Pantin as well! I love that version, I just wish I had the latch for it.

evo · Jan 6, 2022

Reach said:
Hey, I still climb on my 2008 Pantin as well! I love that version, I just wish I had the latch for it.

I'm pretty sure the catch will fit on the OG's... I have three OG's one gold, one OGv1 in green, and a black lefty one too... I love being able to kick out, and sometimes step in to the rope without fiddling with a lever. A small price to pay for the occasional accidental kick out

climbingmonkey24 · Jan 6, 2022

Until the beginning of 2021 I was climbing on a $60 saddle from Amazon.

That thing was solid, used for a few years on removals, pruning, crane work, and it held up well. But I finally decided I wanted to try one of the more expensive saddles so upgraded to the Petzl Sequoia Non-Srt Harness.

For my main climbing devices I use the original Petzl Zig Zag and a hitch climber pulley. One wire core lanyard, and then I have a rope lanyard made from an old climb line. Two climb lines that I regularly use. A handful of carabiners, some screw locking, some auto locking, some non-locking, Kask Super Plasma helmet with mirror visor and 3m ear muffs, notch hand saw. Timberland steel toe boots, I also have a pair of Timberland (alloy toe I believe they are) work shoes, which is like the shoe version of a work boot (not as bulky or heavy). My main climbing saw is an Echo 271t, I would like to upgrade and try maybe the higher powered Echo top handles. A foot ascender and hand ascender.

I still got my heavier Buckingham spurs lol, I really would like to upgrade to some of the newer and lighter stuff that they got out now.

I would estimates probably when you look at everything between $1,000 - $2,000 or so. I don't shop cheap or expensive on purpose, I go based off what I think is a quality product and going to suit my needs properly.

I do have things I want to buy and upgrade though. All in do time.

Chris Schultz · Jan 7, 2022

So this thread has got me thinking. A huge bulk of my climbing equipment lives in a bag that is in my truck a lot. If this were to be stolen it would be brutal. Does anyone have experience with the Apple air tags? If I were to drop one in the bottom of my pack, would I be able to track it if it were stolen? They range in price around 30/piece, they’re small, and last about a year….. but do they actually work, or would it work in this kind of application?

Chris Schultz · Jan 7, 2022

Aerial Traveler said:
I think a potential thief would need to have an apple phone or someone within a close range would need an apple phone for the air tag to work.

Nowadays those are fairly good odds. Or should I say “better than nothing?”

Willber · Jan 7, 2022

climbingmonkey24 said:
Until the beginning of 2021 I was climbing on a $60 saddle from Amazon.

That thing was solid, used for a few years on removals, pruning, crane work, and it held up well. But I finally decided I wanted to try one of the more expensive saddles so upgraded to the Petzl Sequoia Non-Srt Harness.

For my main climbing devices I use the original Petzl Zig Zag and a hitch climber pulley. One wire core lanyard, and then I have a rope lanyard made from an old climb line. Two climb lines that I regularly use. A handful of carabiners, some screw locking, some auto locking, some non-locking, Kask Super Plasma helmet with mirror visor and 3m ear muffs, notch hand saw. Timberland steel toe boots, I also have a pair of Timberland (alloy toe I believe they are) work shoes, which is like the shoe version of a work boot (not as bulky or heavy). My main climbing saw is an Echo 271t, I would like to upgrade and try maybe the higher powered Echo top handles. A foot ascender and hand ascender.

I still got my heavier Buckingham spurs lol, I really would like to upgrade to some of the newer and lighter stuff that they got out now.

I would estimates probably when you look at everything between $1,000 - $2,000 or so. I don't shop cheap or expensive on purpose, I go based off what I think is a quality product and going to suit my needs properly.

I do have things I want to buy and upgrade though. All in do time.

I like to have minimal stuff/ weight, I have the Stihl MS-194 T with a 16" 1.3mm bar it allows me to reach a bit further, I like the Stihl chains, are the Echo chains good?

I also upgraded to the Sequoia (SRT), and my final decision on buying it was because, it was the lightest weight tree saddle on the market, I was thinking about getting the new Buckingham Ergo Pro because I think it's more comfortable than the Sequoia, but it is heavier and doesn't have as close of a ventral attachment point.

climbingmonkey24 · Jan 9, 2022

Willber said:
I like to have minimal stuff/ weight, I have the Stihl MS-194 T with a 16" 1.3mm bar it allows me to reach a bit further, I like the Stihl chains, are the Echo chains good?

I also upgraded to the Sequoia (SRT), and my final decision on buying it was because, it was the lightest weight tree saddle on the market, I was thinking about getting the new Buckingham Ergo Pro because I think it's more comfortable than the Sequoia, but it is heavier and doesn't have as close of a ventral attachment point.

I've used them and haven't had any issues, but if I'm buying chains I usually try to order some professional grade with NO anti-kickback features that will fit the saw, not necessarily an Echo brand chain.

flyingmosstreen · Jan 12, 2022

alright... super new guy here.

I went in, and I went in hard. I have an amazing mentor and have been basically emulating him as much as possible.

I have a few mods that I think are worth mentioning and can add a picture of my saddle set up later today...

All gear acquired in the last 6 months.

Petzl control 60m'
hitch climber pulley x 2
prusik cord x 4
Rope wrench and tether
dmm perfect O x 3
dmm shadow x 1
dmm director yoke locksafe
notch rook
petzl carrytool x 2
arbortec hip pouch with:
-32' scion blue as lanyard/2nd climbing system (wesspur discount rope, with sewn eye splice x 2)
rock exotica rock O x 2
rock exotica rock X x 2
petzl pantin L with catch
camp solo2 chest ascender as knee ascender
Kask zenith helmet w/ visor (previously acquired for construction industry at height work)
treemotion 2018 (single bridge)

my eyes are closed on the final tally on this one... "More of an investment than a purchase" is what I am telling myself lol.

Willber · Jan 12, 2022

flyingmosstreen said:
alright... super new guy here.

I went in, and I went in hard. I have an amazing mentor and have been basically emulating him as much as possible.

I have a few mods that I think are worth mentioning and can add a picture of my saddle set up later today...

All gear acquired in the last 6 months.

Petzl control 60m'
hitch climber pulley x 2
prusik cord x 4
Rope wrench and tether
dmm perfect O x 3
dmm shadow x 1
dmm director yoke locksafe
notch rook
petzl carrytool x 2
arbortec hip pouch with:
-32' scion blue as lanyard/2nd climbing system (wesspur discount rope, with sewn eye splice x 2)
rock exotica rock O x 2
rock exotica rock X x 2
petzl pantin L with catch
camp solo2 chest ascender as knee ascender
Kask zenith helmet w/ visor (previously acquired for construction industry at height work)
treemotion 2018 (single bridge)

my eyes are closed on the final tally on this one... "More of an investment than a purchase" is what I am telling myself lol.

Nice, it's encouraging to hear someone is so passionate about tree pruning. It really isn't done to enough trees, so many trees need deadwood cut off/out of them, and suckers, but that is less of an immediate detriment.

I was thinking of purchasing the Petzl Flow Rope, but it didn't seem grippy enough, and a little on the small diameter side. I was originally looking into the Petzl Control, but steered away, because it was more stretchy than I'd like (on paper), and is too large in diameter. Though, I do like Petzl products, having many.
How is the grip, without gloves, on the Flow?
Is it more stretchy than, other comparably ropes?

flyingmosstreen · Jan 12, 2022

Willber said:
Nice, it's encouraging to hear someone is so passionate about tree pruning. It really isn't done to enough trees, so many trees need deadwood cut off/out of them, and suckers, but that is less of an immediate detriment.

I was thinking of purchasing the Petzl Flow Rope, but it didn't seem grippy enough, and a little on the small diameter side. I was originally looking into the Petzl Control, but steered away, because it was more stretchy than I'd like (on paper), and is too large in diameter. Though, I do like Petzl products, having many.
How is the grip, without gloves, on the Flow?
Is it more stretchy than, other comparably ropes?

the control has quite a bit of bounce. It makes for less than ideal retrieval when trying to retrieve a canopy anchor that the working end has passed a couple redirects. It feels like you pull and pull and the other end of the rope doesnt budge. Yesterday this happened lol. Poor rope management is to blame. To retrieve I had to girth hitch a neighboring tree with sling and progress capture and make a MA with a hand ascender and pully, and pull like hell. It worked, but not what I wanted to do in 5* F as the sun was going down

kept me warm though.

Knots really well.
Overall great rope, though have yet to actually test it with zigzag.

I am not sure about grips with other ropes. Seems to grip just fine in hand, glove or otherwise.

I would like to try something on the other end of the spectrum, xstatic or drenaline.