ISC Rocker

[Shniggysaurus]

Hi guys and gals.
I'm a noob climber and I'm trying hard not to kill myself while I'm still getting the hang of it. So I got the ISC Rocker from treestuff. I'm using it as a fall arrest device for redundancy on a separate line in case I do something foolish. What do you guys think about the setup below for this? In one pic I have a 6 inch runner attached to my harness and to a biner attached to the rocker. I feel like this lets the rocker run too low for comfort and gives me too much of a fall factor by the time I pass it in a fall.

Is there a reason I can't simply attach it to my harness directly and leave out the webbing loop?

The manuals linked to above say its designed for use without a shock absorbing lanyard and that the connection needs to be 9 inches or less.
Let me know what you guys think

 

[SomethingWitty]

I have a few questions.

Why did you buy a Treemotion when you're so green? Not that it's not still arguably the best saddle... but it is $500.

How do you get to that fall arrest device to safely self rescue if you fall on it?

Have you considered the "low and slow" system for incorporating new climbing equipment and systems into your routine?

What systems and equipment are you using/expirimenting with?

Personally, I think the best way to not kill yourself is to have a primary system that is ascendable and descendable that you know and trust that you can tie into when playing with new stuff... and a person on the ground or in the tree with you is never a bad idea.

I don't know that device, but it looks like it may be a(bulky)n option for an adjustable bridge to make your split tail system (which is a bombproof starting point) easier to ascend.
Or you may know more than your post lets on.

 

[macswan]

If you are hanging solely from the rocker on you back, you are going to be stuck. With webbing or not. You should attach it somewhere on your front. In my opinion.

 

[flying french man]

In my opinion treework is about 3 things . Tree knowledge , proper work position and judgement. That device won't help in any of that , in some situation it could be actually worst for your positioning and your judgement. It's like a placebo effect...make you feel safe but what if the base of the tree is rotten..? I would stay away from that and learn slowly with knowledgeables persons. Climb safe.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Follow the instructions if you plan on using the Rocker in a fall arrest setup

I've used the Rocker in the past. It's a great tool

Arborists use work positioning systems not fall arrest. Take some time to study and learn the differences so that you don't build some Frankenstein system that could leave you stranded

 

[tc262]

Have you suspended yourself by that rear ring? I'm not sure but it looks like you'll be stuck with your ass in the air and your head and feet pointed down. I know you are trying to add in extra safety but it looks like a bad idea to me.

 

[Brocky]

2nd the above, if you fall you will fold over. They are usually attached to a dorsal d ring on a full body harness. macswan had it right, if you want to use it clip it to the front. Instead of it dragging behind you either tie the secondary rope at the base of the tree or weight it and manually advance it as you ascend to keep the slack out.

 

[CutHighnLetFly]

Where you from shnigs?
Look under people's treebuzz profiles, find guys from your area, coax then into a little recreational climbing. Sandwiches and beer is a fair barter for knowledge, tho most just like company and sharing their knowledge.
Don't hang yourself from that ring. Keep having fun

 

[Shniggysaurus]

Thanks so much for the help with this everyone. I'm a rec climber and I am learning a ton with every climb. And thanks to this site and videos that its users have posted I have had the confidence to actually get in a tree and feel safe so far. I read here on the forum "low and slow" several times before I actually got into a tree, and like the beastie boys that has been my tempo so far in all my climbs. I practice with any of my new gear on an eye bolt in my house at 8 feet before climbing for real with it (again thanks to great advice from this forum). For a while I did my rappelling and what little climbing I could on a cheap rock climbing harness but hanging from that thing in a tree was not at all enjoyable. So after some research on saddles and when I was offered a coupon on the treemotion I jumped on it.

So heres the funny part that shows how dense I am. When I first was testing out the saddle I did superman from that back ring in my bedroom. It took the air out of me and I had a really entertaining time trying to get ahold of the rope and let myself back down to the floor. I'm not sure what happened between then and now that I have the rocker but after reading your posts and facepalming myself I will not use the back ring for it. I'm not really sure what made me think the rocker would give different results but I now see that having a fall on to it might keep me alive but if I was solo climbing and possibly injured that would put me in a really bad spot. From what I've read suspension trauma is not my idea of quality entertainment.

I live in Oxford, MS (sorry bulldog fans) and I would jump on any opportunity to climb with an experienced climber. I have a ton of respect for what you guys do and really appreciate you letting me lurk around on your forum. I also have much respect for gravity, and if you guys don't mind I will keep the questions (however foolish they are) coming your way. Thanks so much!

 

[123Craig]

Everyone makes mistakes (though not everyone has the balls to admit them) - the trick is to keep them minimal, and learn from them. Keep the questions coming Shniggy - though for gods sake don't ask me anything, I have no idea what I'm doing.... Welcome!

 

[SomethingWitty]

Thanks so much for the help with this everyone. I'm a rec climber and I am learning a ton with every climb. And thanks to this site and videos that its users have posted I have had the confidence to actually get in a tree and feel safe so far. I read here on the forum "low and slow" several times before I actually got into a tree, and like the beastie boys that has been my tempo so far in all my climbs. I practice with any of my new gear on an eye bolt in my house at 8 feet before climbing for real with it (again thanks to great advice from this forum). For a while I did my rappelling and what little climbing I could on a cheap rock climbing harness but hanging from that thing in a tree was not at all enjoyable. So after some research on saddles and when I was offered a coupon on the treemotion I jumped on it.

So heres the funny part that shows how dense I am. When I first was testing out the saddle I did superman from that back ring in my bedroom. It took the air out of me and I had a really entertaining time trying to get ahold of the rope and let myself back down to the floor. I'm not sure what happened between then and now that I have the rocker but after reading your posts and facepalming myself I will not use the back ring for it. I'm not really sure what made me think the rocker would give different results but I now see that having a fall on to it might keep me alive but if I was solo climbing and possibly injured that would put me in a really bad spot. From what I've read suspension trauma is not my idea of quality entertainment.

I live in Oxford, MS (sorry bulldog fans) and I would jump on any opportunity to climb with an experienced climber. I have a ton of respect for what you guys do and really appreciate you letting me lurk around on your forum. I also have much respect for gravity, and if you guys don't mind I will keep the questions (however foolish they are) coming your way. Thanks so much!

We'll be heading through memphis to go to nashville for the tennessee TCC next weekend. I don't know how your ride, dollars, and schedule look, but comps are fun if you can wing the trip.

 

[oldoakman]

You might want to contact yoyoman too. There is a 4 day rec climbers rendevous next weekend near Atlanta.

 

[SomethingWitty]

You might want to contact yoyoman too. There is a 4 day rec climbers rendevous next weekend near Atlanta.

Damn that sounds cool.

 

[Shniggysaurus]

That really does sound great. I talked with him a bit and sounds like they are climbing all week and having a seminar this weekend. I really wish I could make it but I'm going to have to plan for another time. I will be keeping a look out for an event I can come watch or get in on. Thanks again for all the help!