Re: Systems \"Registry\"
Nice find with the Tech-Kern cord for a split-tail option. At 11.4 mm it is just slightly larger than 7/16". I have tried Velocity as a hitch cord with 5/8" and it was binding up pretty hard. So I am definitely interested to hear from anyone who can try some Tech-Kern.
This is the extent of my experimentation so far:
Climbing lines:
Yale Bull Rigger 5/8" - this is actually my favourite so far but its not static which I really prefer.
Samson Stable Braid 5/8" - way too squishy in my hand, didn't like it at all.
Samson Static Kernmantle 5/8" - this is what I have been using for a while, very stiff, doesn't hold knots well, but it does work very well in an SRT setup, at least for now.
Would love to try KM-III but am limited by funds as any other arborist can appreciate.
Hitch Cords (1/2" except for Velocity):
I have tried Velocity, Arbormaster, Arborplex, True Blue, and Safety Blue. Have been using True Blue for a while now, definitely prefer the more pliable, soft ropes and I have always preferred 12-strand over 16-strand or double braid in general.
The whole 5/8" thing for me grew out of a few different factors, starting in 2009 after playing around with the F8-Revolver setup:
1. I had never liked DdRT, way more overcomplicated and limiting than I wanted. It was obvious to me that SRT was the future and was clearly superior.
2. I had never liked 1/2" rope, never felt big enough in my hand.
3. I hated climbing with gloves on, which a lot of guys seem to use just to help them grip 1/2" rope.
4. I loved the simplicity and elegance of just a hitch on a rope. It is just so perfect for tree work with our constant ups and downs, and I didn't want to get into mechanical doodads. The simplest solution is usually the best solution and I still believe the simplest solution is just a hitch on a rope, nothing else comes close.
Don't get me wrong, if I was a caver or a rock climber I would definitely go with the smallest diameter rope that would work for me. If I was just descending all day or just using the rope as a backup in case of a fall, I would think that 5/8" rope was way too big and just silly. If I could find a 3/8" rope that was life support rated and would work with my hardware then I would use that because it would be nice and light and get the job done.
But I really see tree work as so different from all the other rope disciplines out there. The demands that we place on our climbing systems are unique and I believe that we need to approach our systems from a unique angle, not simply copy what other rope disciplines are using. We need to embrace what makes us different from every other rope profession.
All that being said, I have no hidden agenda here, I have no product to sell. I am simply saying that for me, climbing with a 1/2" split tail on 5/8" rope in an SRT setup works, and it works really well. I am not trying to convert anyone. If someone else wants to try it, go ahead and try it. If you think its silly or that 5/8" rope weighs too much, then don't try it. That doesn't keep me from doing what I do. I am having a blast climbing with this setup and I highly recommend it but at the end of the day it is just personal preference. Also, I am not using this setup to climb 300ft monsters, most of the trees in my area are between 50-100 ft tall with spready canopies.
Get High, Climb Trees.
