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I noticed that the first time I watched the video Reg. I figured I'd let someone else mention it, I didn't want to be 'that guy', but oh well.
I shouldn't always assume the worst in people, bad habit I've been working on, but I'm getting better.
Either way, I'm glad I asked you because I wanted to know what was up. I'd hate to have some 18 year old know-it-all tree climber whose lurking on the buzz think he can just stick with a single tie because Reg did. Now they know to at least give themselves somewhat of a chance just in case, hopefully if they were paying attention, fools.
I think that's the first time i've ever seen you not in your work clothes Reg. Cool.
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Lots of guys single-tie and cut around here Brian. Strip the tree on the way up, then double tie for the topping....because its faster. If they cut the steel core, depending on how bad it is, it may or may not save them.
If they slip or gaff-out on a wide tree then they probably wont fall far because there's so much surface contact from an extended flipline. Skinny poles would probably leave you with a few bumps and bruises for sure.
What if my flipline just un-clipped or failed somehow? well that could happen at any point during a climb. I dont know anyone who would double tie just to spur and secure themselves up a tree....and thats not really frowned upon.
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I shouldn't always assume the worst in people, bad habit I've been working on, but I'm getting better.
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Define that phrase can you Brian?
I chatted to an old-timer on the peninsular here who used to top spruce that were 14ft across at he base....he was a faller too. Looked to be in his 70s now. Doubt very much he was double tied to top those monsters....or even packed a climb-line at all for that matter....yet he'd probably seen more big tree action than any member of this forum, with the exception of Jerry perhaps....and lived to tell the tales. Should I think 'the worst' in him, because he wasn't double tied?
Probably the best policy is dont cut your line with a chainsaw....same as your hands, face or any other body parts. With that in mind I dont really have a a strong opinion on being double tied while cutting. I would try to dissuade a novice from doing it, but never an experienced climber or topper.
The first company that I worked for didn't use fliplines or lanyards at all....just a climbing line. And it was pretty much frowned upon if you ever tied in on the way up to your high point...as if there was something wrong with you almost. Pruning was different, you were allowed to use both ends of your line because of the long gaps between limbs sometimes. There were some outstanding climbers there, who excelled with a minimum amount of equipment, all that with an almost impeccable safety record. This is a company that started in the early 70s. In a tree, in terms of production, they would destroy every sophisticated climber that Ive worked with siince....and there's been many.
What Im saying is, dont be so quick to judge. Opinions and discussion are always good....but in general there seems to be way too much finger pointing and wagging goes on at tree forums. This is a minority community of the tree industry, and by no means the elite. We'd all be better off to remind ourselves of that now and then. Thanks.
