ISC D4

Eric,
I do use a sequoia srt which I really like for the permanent croll placement. I ascend with it plus a basic and foot loop. After transferring to the rig I mostly climb the tree with nothing else. For longer limb walks or short ascents of 10' or less, I have an ascender with a non locking revolver, with which I can switch to rads in a couple of seconds and that's really about it. In the beginning I was doing rads too often and it slowed me down, I find the trick is to use only when necessary, which I know sounds obvious.
I use kernmaster with it and it's very smooth.
The main reason I like climbing with the rig is the speed of set up, zero sit back on progression and the ability to switch from very smooth 1:1 to a very smooth 3:1.
It did take a little while to get used to, longer than with other systems but I feel that once you get the hang of it, it has some great benefits, infact it feels like climbing is too easy these days and I always try to squeeze in a bike ride after work for some real exercise :)
 
Sounds as though you plan to work from top down for the most part?

Too funny about the bike ride after work. Dig it, but there are bike rides and there are BIKE RIDES.

I saw the ISC D4 at Expo and it looked real nice. I thought of setting it up for an anchor, mores than working with. I'm so stuck in love with the RW.
 
I do start from the top down but grab what's in my path while ascending.
True, I mostly ride on my fixed gear just to blow off steam for a little. Up a brutal hill to a coffee shop for coffee and almond croissant and then hauling [pick a different word] down hill on a caffeine/sugar high. I am 35 years old but I guess a kid still at heart.
I love the wrench too but as I mentioned before I prefer mechanicals over hitch cord so I am really looking forward to checking out Kevin's Roperunner.
 
Got the D4.this week and just got a chance to get on it on my tripod. A lot of control with the speed and solid build. Design wise I like it more then the RIG (I have been using the RIG only for close to two years now). It is heavier then the RIG but that's not really an issue due to I hang on the D4 and not the other way around.I will get some vid of me flying it up this week and also doing some rigging as well. The one handing is sweet!
 
[ QUOTE ]
My I'd is is only used for a belay when I do a base anchor rather than my usual trunk wrap.

If I were to buy another device to use like this it would be a D4.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's exactly why I bought one.
(It replaces my old original GriGri.)
 
[ QUOTE ]
Nasty weather tomorrow with all day rain...... Perfect time to go get it wet and slimey and see how well the one hand control works then.

[/ QUOTE ]

Jim, I would love to see some vids when you get them done.

I just got the D4 last week too and have it setup and running. Very smooth and easy to operate.
 
Some good fly time on it today. I have the feel for it down now and can get around the canopy as if I was on a hitch. Takes time to get the feel for it though and the panic feature can make you nuts, but once you get the muscle memory down it's smooth. If you have climbed on the RIG for any amount of time you will notice right away the control difference. The cam in the D4 is noticably larger and the V cut in it is deeper then the RIG.
 
Some more observations I have made while getting more climbing time in with the D4. The cam action is in my mind an advancement to what Petzl has with the RIG ( I don't want to compare it to the I'D, because I feel the I'D is more for the climber that is just starting and the RIG/D4 are for more advanced or seasoned climbers).

The D4's cam action allows for a climber to suddenly let go while descending and reach out with both hands for something without the worry of having the cam open in a free running position like the RIG is notorious for. For me in tree work and also industrial (more tree side due to industrial guys having a MI every time I take the slightest swing)this is big because it allows me to swing and descend or jump out and down while still reaching out with a free hand to catch a lead or branch, all while having the comfort of knowing if I let go all the way im going to be locked up.

I will post some pics that are close up of the RIG and D4 so guys looking at it to possibly pick up can get a better look.
 
Playing around with the D4 in my Pin Oak today. *Unedited* so toward the end you can see a decent descent with one hand control without blazing down the line. I was really just up there getting the hang of kicking out to other leads or trees while having to descend at the same time. So that is why you see me doing it over and over instead of just grabbing on the first shot. Also ascending with it is smooth, I just don't have it on vid yet, but the same feel as the RIG to me.

http://youtu.be/Myysp2nVwV8

P.S it looks like I have a hard time getting the rope in it. Its a cold day and the gloves didn't help, its really easy to get that rope in. I climb on 11mm PMI Pit Rope. Would love to see how the feel is on other lines though, or other guys thoughts on different lines with it.
 
You have to pay it out in a different manor then the handle. I have been turning the D4 down toward the ground to limb walk. It pays smooth. There is no sit back when you let go either, it just catches fast. The more I play with it the more it becomes smoother with muscle memory. The hardest part for me is to not treat it like a RIG (its way safer then the RIG).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom