Gear recommendations and advice

K

Kcro87

Location
USA
Hey everybody, new member and pretty new to arborculture. I'm trying to decide on a set up for climbing. I'm thinking treemotion for a saddle, but what would you recommend for method of ascension and rope?
Also, as far as knots, I'm considering getting the I.S.A. knot dvd, since the benefits are twofold: I will get CEU's for my arborist license and I will learn the knots. Is the dvd helpful?
T.I.A.

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Kcro87 said:
Hey everybody, new member and pretty new to arborculture. I'm trying to decide on a set up for climbing. I'm thinking treemotion for a saddle, but what would you recommend for method of ascension and rope?
Also, as far as knots, I'm considering getting the I.S.A. knot dvd, since the benefits are twofold: I will get CEU's for my arborist license and I will learn the knots. Is the dvd helpful?
T.I.A.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Whoa, friend. Welcome, have a blast, but understand that the first part of your question is a very broad topic that includes the entirety of several boards on this forum. I think (almost) everybody here will push for some sort of SRT for ascent at least, but everybody has favorite ropes, ascent methods, and specific tools to use during those ascents.
A lot of useful information is here already. The search feature may help you get to more of what you want to know without being as overwhelmed.

Youtube has knot tying videos of all kinds, and it is free. You just have to figure out which ones you want to learn.

If you are really new to arboriculture, or at least climbing, you should look up 'the tree climber's companion' by Jeff Jepson. It is a great resource for most of the questions that beginning climbers have, as well as helping to address safety concerns right from the beginning.

Happy squirrelling.
 
Welcome aboard matey!

x3 on the "Companion"

Also "On Rope" by Smith and Padgett for all kinds of useful high angle info

and "Fundamentals of General Tree Work" by Beranek is getting outdated but still great and useful info

The library is one of the most important toolboxes you can own IMHO
 
Thank you all! I have the tree climbers companion already, and it is a great source of info, will deffenitly do another read through. I was just looking for some recommendations from you guy's experience.

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Kcro87 said:
Thank you all! I have the tree climbers companion already, and it is a great source of info, will deffenitly do another read through. I was just looking for some recommendations from you guy's experience.

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Click to expand...
Glad to hear it.
Okay. General arguing thread!
I hate using knee ascenders. Maybe I just don't have enough practice with them.
I am getting less fond of my rope runner as I get more experienced with SRT.

Wrench with a foot ascender and a hand ascender is my go-to. Long ascents get a foot loop on the hand ascender.
I love my new yale prism. It feels a lot like tachyon but with less spring, although I prefer the RR to the wrench on tachyon.
(I have tried a lot of 24 strand double braids, and they aren't that different. Size is the biggest discrepancy between individual ropes, and they are all great for SRT)
I've thrown a lot of money at a lot of toys, and I feel like I'm using the best ones for me.
The CT double hand ascender is great. Actually, I have yet to find any qualm with any CT ascender.

@Raven
On rope is great.
It was a little overwhelming for me when I was just beginning to learn about climbing.

The art and science of practical rigging is a great one that should be on the list.

And Jepson's other two books
To fell a tree
Knots at work

And Stupsi explains the tree.

Libraries are important.
 
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True that, I just meant that when he was working and taking pictures and developing the book he didn't have half of the gear we have today, he just made his own when needed. Same as On Rope they show you how to make a knee ascender, foot loop, chest harness, etc.

The quality of Gerry's work might never be equaled, he really set the bar quite high when it comes to climbing AND writing.
 
@Kcro87
where are you located? maybe you can catch up with someone for a rec climb. it will give you a chance to ask questions in person, get live answers, as well as play around with some gear/toys and possibly different rope types.
although if you climbed with me all you would ever use is the Yale 11.7mm series cause its the bomb.
beer and food are excellent bartering tools to exchange for knowledge.
best of luck, have fun.
 
An observation (from personal experience), is that you can easily buy A Lot of $$$ on stuff that will end up not getting used...shiny stuff...

I climb on a ZigZag with Yale 11.7 rope and have not yet transitioned into SRT.
Kudos to you for wanting to learn your knots. As previously mentioned, get Jepson's "Knots at Work".

If at all possible, try on and hang in a treemotion or other saddle before you buy it. I regret not doing this before buying an Ergovation. Am consequently looking forward to getting a Monkey Beaver in a few weeks.

Finally, really try to attend TCI Expo next November in Columbus, and/or in Charlotte in 2018.
 
CutHighnLetFly said:
@Kcro87
where are you located? maybe you can catch up with someone for a rec climb. it will give you a chance to ask questions in person, get live answers, as well as play around with some gear/toys and possibly different rope types.
although if you climbed with me all you would ever use is the Yale 11.7mm series cause its the bomb.
beer and food are excellent bartering tools to exchange for knowledge.
best of luck, have fun.
Click to expand...
Im in Wallingford, CT. A rec climb with an experienced climber would deffenitly be the best way for me to learn. I'm a very hands on learner, and I've just had a plan to start low and slow after I aquire some gear and fully understand the science behind it all. Good food and good drinks are a great bargaining token that I would gladly supply! (After the climb, haha!)

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Pelorus said:
An observation (from personal experience), is that you can easily buy A Lot of $$$ on stuff that will end up not getting used...shiny stuff...

I climb on a ZigZag with Yale 11.7 rope and have not yet transitioned into SRT.
Kudos to you for wanting to learn your knots. As previously mentioned, get Jepson's "Knots at Work".

If at all possible, try on and hang in a treemotion or other saddle before you buy it. I regret not doing this before buying an Ergovation. Am consequently looking forward to getting a Monkey Beaver in a few weeks.

Finally, really try to attend TCI Expo next November in Columbus, and/or in Charlotte in 2018.
Click to expand...
This is why Im not going to get a "climbing kit", I figured getting pieces of gear separately as I learn what I really need/like would be a bit for affordable!

Thank you all again for taking the time

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I highly recommend you attend a Fids and Fibers workshop.
1. You will learn how to splice.
2. You will get CEU's
3. You will meet other climbers.
4. You will get to make and keep some useful kit that you would otherwise spend up spending $$$ buying.

The price charged for the course is very reasonable in light of the above. Mark manages to get various manufacturers and suppliers to donate or subsidize the rope and rings that you get to keep.
Mark's wire splicing fids in the kit he puts together are excellent value and quality.
 
Re. fids & fibers workshop locations, check the Splice forum here on the Buzz.
Mark is located in your part of the world - New Hampshire (?). If you are a Facebook person, locate him there. I can't remember how to spell (let alone pronounce) his last name P something - like Prezxdrhykzy. Really nice guy. You would/will learn a ton of valuable info from him.

Edit: some info in link below. I attended a weekend workshop in Sarnia last month (seems like a year ago). He puts together an excellent course. No previous splicing/climbing experience requirements.

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07edclwxh53012d019&llr=iwcbgpcab
 
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