Hey Blair, Awesome video. I have to say your humbleness in character in your videos is awesome. What I mean by that is, it's apparent that you indeed are "old school" and I agree. "Old School" works. It's tried and true and there is nothing wrong with it. There is incredible value in learning from you in that regard. However, it is 2020 now and just like anything else in this world technology has indeed come along way in many things. I'm 37, my dad 67, and so the relationship you have with your son is very similar to my relationship with my dad in terms of how we go about accomplishing the same task. I learned to climb strictly on SRT, given that's the method my boss/mentor used mostly. Mainly pruning jobs with lots of tight areas and all kinds of targets on the ground to not hit while working in Philadelphia. SRT makes sense in many ways as opposed to DRT or blake hitch stuff. What I like most is the ability to rappel out of the tree at anytime and not worry about burning up the rope on descent. Pop off your lanyard, grab your "new school" mechanical hitch ( in this case rope runner Pro), and and you can safely descend easily in an emergency. I also like the ability to keep clip your foot ascender in at anytime and use it to climb or stabilize you as you work, especially in non spur climbing/pruning jobs. To top it off, that ability to make use of re-directs for work positioning makes life in the canopy easier in many regards. Anywho, keep up the good work and the awesome videos . I've learned so much watching them. Most importantly, stay safe and stay humble. Blessings. -Shawn-
I did ground work for like 2 days, then started climbing. Started my own business like 2 weeks later, been climbing ever since, for 30 yrs now. Don't delay, just do it.
That looks really fun! I do tower climbing by contract for a local telecom company on weekends when I don’t have school. We have ladders to climb up obviously but I have a lot of neat little descenders. One is called a ‘no worries’ it has a little handle and you basically hold it back and if you fall it’ll catch you. We also have some rope grabbers that hang above on your safety line which attaches to the back attachment on my harness. It’s impressive the amount that you can do with just a rope and a small device.
Have you played with the adjustment much? If you have more experience, please add to this feed. You could be an asset to those of use who need to know. Grandson Max is a great kid! (Hope he’s reading this😊)
It really is an amazing device. I've only been climbing about 11 or 12 years, didn't start until I was 43. I started on a Blake's hitch and quickly progressed through the different DRT and SRT systems. I climb primarily SRT but still use DRT when it's needed. I appreciate you posting up your first impression of the RR Pro. There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with "old school". It really should be part of every climber's "toolbox". I ordered a RR Pro a couple days ago and look forward to climbing with it to see the difference between the original and the new. Thanks again for sharing and keep yourselves safe! 😃👍❤️🌲 Randy
@@arboristBlairGlenn I was finally able to use the RR Pro. I went up on a quick rec climb the first time. The next 2 days I used it to do a couple takedowns. I am very impressed with how well it worked out of the box. I have been climbing on the original Rope Runners for several years so I am very familiar with it's use. My first impression is that the RR Pro is an excellent piece of gear for SRT. I am looking forward to a lot more climbing with it. Keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤️🌲 Randy
@@NHlocal I just got my first rrp. Did you have a problem adjusting your friction bollard? Mine was so tight I stripped the hex wrench AND one side of the bollard
@@batmantiss Because I had read all the feedback from other climbers about the problems they were having stripping out the wrench and bollard I was very careful when I got my RRP and adjusted it without any trouble at all. I will use a better quality hex wrench and again use caution the next time I adjust the bollard. Working in a machine shop for the past 37 years has given me a good feel for not pushing bolts and wrenches past the point of failure. From what I have heard(and my own experience) TreeStuff/Notch has been great about standing behind their gear. 👍
Love new technology but when my lifes on the line literally i dont want to rely on something with to many moving parts i cant fix easily. Love the channel happy i found it
I hear ya, brian. But theres also satisfaction in keeping it simple. I use both higher tech and old school and enjoy them both. But with the tech stuff i always keep in mind that some of the components might have been manufactured by communist slaves in china who might be questionably motivated to exercise quality control. 😃😃😃
I hear ya on that and is hard to argue with... The newer techniques involving a multiscender and rope walking (or even RADS/ YO-YO) is much easier on your body.. making you last longer and less prone to typical climber injuries. Something to consider. It’s also nice when you don’t have to isolate a limb. Your gear / rope is typically going to last much longer also because you’re not shredding it against tree bark (assuming there’s no friction saver). But I still hear ya lol.
Simplicity and minimalism has been a part of my climbing philosophy since the beginning but the energy saved and the amount of options that open up with srt is too valuable to leave on the table. It feels simpler this way funny enough
Well the leg loops sit much nicer, and the fabric is about 3x larger in the thigh area so it really cradles you. The back support is superior in density and padding, but it also has a raised area that goes up to the small of the back which really feels nice when weighting the side d's. The buckles function are much better, and more robust so easier to use with gloves. Comes with a ring on the bridge, also the bridge isn't saddle specific, just samson brw 1/2" so replacement or custom length is a breeze. The suspenders are an incredible match, include a tending point for climbing devices, a whistle, plus this is all hand made stuff and not too far from you! I could go on and on, if you want to chat about it or would like some pictures just email me!
What great fun watching this vid! Thanks for sharing all the info about those specific tools. Makes me feel more confident about purchases. All the techie-ness of “trad climbing”, but much more social and local!
ive been buying my own gear bit by bit over the last 2 years climbing srt with a Rope Wrench, and this Christmas I'm finally going in for the Rope Runner Pro and im so anxious !
@@arboristBlairGlenn It was butter even with a softer rope. I redirected around a walnut tree and found that I felt safer and more agile than any DRT system. However I felt silly when I tried it in a smaller tree, I suppose DRT will always have its time and place.
Never used that hardware *but* if that is a legitimate concern....wouldn't the product be wreckless for use in that manner entirely then? For instance, you could've said the same if he'd used a 'biner, "Make sure the gate isn't on the tree-side of the biner", but we know&recognize such configurations as grossly unsafe....if the Quickie just needs to rotate 180deg to become a ticking-time-bomb, I'd argue it's got no place being used that way (though that's ringing all kinds of alarm bells in my head, since I just watched him let his son climb to height on it :P )
A saddle choice is important. I refused to come down from a tall take-down until it was finished. It was a tough, tangled mess of a tree all grown into another white pine over a house. Stubbornness to finish and tough out the pain resulted in a blood clot in my junk. My advice to all: Do what you can to get a saddle that won’t do this to you. I’m sure many of you have pushed through instances like this but you need to be careful and come out and adjust or take a break. Not worth the risk of damage or a clot that could move before dissolving. Thanks and climb and work safe.👋
I'm still climbing on a Blake's. Very informative video, very well made showing details, putting the rope up, single rope technique, showing the rope runner, also the foot and knee ascenders I have the foot so far lol. Way to go man this is how videos should be. And mentioning the climbing line and retrieval line, one is death one is climb 🤣 very nice
Just so I don't fall to my death. Can you guys explain how I might accidentally climb on the retrieval line? Could this happen at the beginning by setting the RRPro onto the retrival line? would both lines be taught? sorry trying to wrap my head around it
When tip tying with the Quickie, try installing it above the butterfly knot on the retrieval side instead of in the eye. The system will install the same, but retrieval is much easier with redirects. Some climbers clip a biner on the eye if they don't trust their stopper knot.
When the hardware is installed in the eye of the butterfly, then the climbing side has to follow the release line all the way to the ground. If there's any redirects, it causes much more friction to pull it down. When the hardware is installed above the butterfly knot, climbing is exactly the same, but on retrieval, the hardware will float in the position of least amount of friction. It will retrieve easier, even with multiple redirects. The same setup also works with a ring, figure 8, or soft 8, but the Quickie can be installed mid line. If you have a Quickie or ring, give it a try on a low tie in. Try tying in above the butterfly and then try the Quickie in the eye, and redirect the climbing side. See how each performs on retrieval. It's always wise to practice any new technique low and slow before implementing on a job. Hope this helps.
Blair, I have the same problem with my rope runner where it's jerky and does not descend smoothly. Do you know what he did with the adjustment to make it run smoothly?
The Allen wrench adjustment for the bird needs to be adjusted for each diameter rope. It took a couple adjustments before I found the right size for the Tachyon rope, now it’s super smooth.
Petzl Sequoia is an epic harness, just got mine about two weeks ago and I love it. I've been torn between the Rope Runner Pro and the ZigZag Chicane combo... The only benefit I see with the ZigZag is switching from SRT to DRT whenever I want with just one device. I like that considering I've been on DRT and a Blake's Hitch for about 5 years now
You can work drt with the rope runner pro. A negative for the zigzag chicane combo is the combined two tool arms to make for a much longer bit of kit that you need to manage. Also I would rather just deal with one tool. My friend Jeff uses the Zigzag without the Chicaine and I believe he gets by just fine. I’m not real sure of the value of the Chicane. Maybe someone else in this feed who uses that setup might answer better. Thanks for contributing
Hi Glenn! Hey is there a way to heal a wound in the side of a tree? I have a nice Japanese Maple that got repetedly scraped by the lawn mower when it was young. Now it has a big gaping hole in the side it.
Trees do not heal. They grow around a wound and encapsulate it. Key is to maintain tree health. Mulch, adequate water, light fertilizer, sunlight. And then hope for the best.
@arboristBlairGlenn OK thanks! I saw a guy pack a tree wound with moss yesterday on utube and wrap it in plastic. He says that will heal it. Have you heard of that before?
Another good tip for everybody?!... Is a rope that's going to be in use quite often will milk itself but if you're only climbing occasionally make sure that rope is milked because mechanical device no matter who builds it needs a fully milked rope to allow the two working components to work great together
@arboristBlairGlenn OK thanks! It's amazing what you can do with equipment like this. I just have learned that you don't spike a tree for pruning. I thought you just needed spikes and a lanyard.😂🙂
So it's a year later how do you like the RRP? I have a zig zag an chicane but looking for something midline attachable just can't decide which device I want so any info would help alot
My question has nothing to do with your video but I find you to enjoy trees as much as me I just don’t know very much about them so my question is I want to plant a coastal redwood at least one of them I have quite a bit of property what is the best season to plantOh I live in Oregon about a half hour from Portland
You can plant a redwood anytime of the year. Just don’t get a root bound specimen. Often, with trees, smaller is better and the roots won’t girdle. If you plant in the dry season, your initial watering requirements will be higher. Plant now, and the seasonal rains will get it started. Give yourself a Christmas gift or celebrate 2021 by planting a tree! An anniversary for planting is good future history for remembering how old it is.
@@arboristBlairGlenn Thank you .now I just have to wait for the ground not to be so muddy because one thing about Oregon is you don’t have to worry about rainI.i planted a giant sequoia over the summer but I bought the biggest one I could find instead of probably the smallest one in the biggest pot which makes sense now the tree is still alive but it hasn’t grown much maybe about an inch but it has sprouted more branches because I planted it in a wide open space nothing can be around it.I’m going to section off A portion of my property and plant my three favorite giant trees coastal Douglasfir giant sequoia and coastal redwood this week I planted a.Thanks again and I learn a lot from your videos.
I’m a complete newbie and was taught DRT with a Blake’s hitch. Today was my third climb so I tried out a new Rope Runner Pro. I adjusted the friction bolt before climbing and then went up 40’. I made a newbie mistake. I didn’t check the decent mechanism before climbing. Needless to say, I came down very fast and landed on my butt. Luckily the natural friction was enough I didn’t get hurt, but word to the wise. Check the decent friction and adjust more if necessary before climbing to the top.
@@arboristBlairGlenn I agree, and that’s what I was taught with. I’m 54 and found it too difficult to do the hip thrust, so I decided to try the rope runner pro with a foot and knee ascender which worked great (except for my failed attempt to descend… lesson learned).
SRT or SRS ( single rope system ) I too still use rope on rope ( blake hitch fan ) , Although I am aware of most of the new acending devices, I own several . i purchased them to see how they work . Ive had to rescue 2 climber I'm my career . so I like to be aware of what a climber is using for that reason . hopefully i will just practice and not have to do a live rescue . luckily the two were not life threatening . I have yet to use a throw bag air launcher .. i have used a big shot . pretzel sequoia and the monkey beaver harness are similar in comfort .. I like em both .. Joe
@@arboristBlairGlenn randomly I use a zigzag along with it chicane or sometimes the zigzag alone. The second one is a petzl pantin ( foot ascender ) I just not very efficient with them. My employment requires me to be in an aerial lift due to the fact we’re at any washroom 3 to 15 different locations in one day. I am familiar with many other devices.
No non-sense, I like it! How long have you been working with you son, Blair? That is awesome to see you learning together. I can only imagine how all the equipment has changed over the years as I have only been climbing on ropes since late 2018. I started with the traditional closed system, quickly saw the benefit to having an open system, then graduated to a hitch climber set-up. Which I still quite enjoy and by adding a rope wrench it turns into an efficient single rope system. The rave is all over these mechanical prussic’s but I am still not sold.. Too many moving parts, not intuitive to switch between climbing systems and expensive. I would like to try a zig zag plus though, or a rope runner pro, heck I’d even like to climb on the unicender. For now though, I am going to sit tight. It’s winter, work is lean and the daylight hours diminished. Happy Holiday. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thank you. Best of luck to Blair as he decides which harness to replace his dinosaur with. I chose the Treemotion by Teufelberger when I kitted up, definitely easy on the man parts.. If it ever wears out I might go with the Treemotion Evo as it has a two bridge design and can see the benefit but I would also like to try the Monkey Beaver ( August Hunicke and his family are wonderful people ) and I am a big guy (235# wet) most harnesses aren’t rated for much more than that.. Anyways, All the best!
Kalen has about ten years (consecutive) and summers growing up. Started him young. Maybe I pushed him a bit. I’m also old school and kinda stuck in my ways but, ordered a rope runner yesterday. Willing to let the son teach the dad. How much will I use it? Time will tell.
I think once you start climbing on it and working out the kinks you will switch over to it as your predominant method. Looking forward to the big Pecan coming up.
Try the notch sentinel saddle. I like it but for some reason people in the US bash it. Or the go to UK saddle is tree motion evo or super light. Good work guys. Im still on drt for now.
Some of these comments...oi. Kalen did the alpine correctly. Took me a couple times to watch but that's done right. I have a treemotion. Really like it. Not coming with and having to add aftermarket suspenders is the main drawback. Otherwise, super comfy and smart design. And ya I have to smack his hand for not having a stopper knot. I know it was just a dry demo run but that should be as involuntary as blinking. BTW, are those gunshots around 4:45? Our rifle season is about to start here in PA so no recreational climbing for this guy.
Nice vid. BUT I would not use that springloaded carabiner between the Rope runner and your harnest. Visible at 15:50 I've used to use one of those to hang my chainsaw and dropped it 20 feet. Expensive experience. Stay safe.
I have the Weaver Denali saddle and I absolutely love it the load bearing part of the saddle rests lower on your hips and not high up around your waist so it’s super comfortable when you are on your side D’s and you can lean over without restriction plus the weight of a saw doesn’t bother me at all even my MS 462c. I also have a Buckingham Ergovation that I use to wear and it’s a great saddle but I have popped my lower ribs leaning over in it and it’s also high up around my waist so the weight of a saw makes it uncomfortable. I highly recommend the Weaver Denali I guarantee that you will love it. Climb safe and GOD bless. 🙏th-cam.com/video/z_bQ1mW_Drk/w-d-xo.html start watching at 9:10.
@@arboristBlairGlenn I love your passion for the industry and honestly really respect your decision to remain “old school” but what really kills me is watching your son working in your shadow. If your son did a cross country trip and got to work with a bunch of other climbers he would learn sooooo much. I would also like to mention that I got started in SRT for maybe $150 on 16 strand rope and a rope wrench. Made a homemade knee ascender etc. it can be expensive but it sure doesn’t have to be! I look forward to following your journey into new climbing techniques!
I agree! I learned tree climbing with a Blake’s hitch and kinda just stuck with it. Now that I’m learning the SRT ways I’m kicking myself for not learning earlier, I could have saved my body a lot of wear and tear struggling with all that extra friction.
3:04 so you have a 50/50 chance of grabbing the same color rope & falling to your death. 3:54 No need to try off the death fall rope. "Makes good sense" ????
I have Teufelberger TreeMOTION EVO but I can't recommend it. At tree climbing training we were using Petzl SEQUOIA 2019 and it was more comfortable and also cheaper. ... I don't like your son had no stopper knot at the end of his line.
@@arboristBlairGlenn Very very light super comfortable easy to take on and off the support is amazing especially with the suspenders you can buy with it of the best belts I've ever wore no pinching nothing very mobile turning left or right
If your buying saddle to use for work the monkey beaver is better .was going buy a sequoia originally. For weight savings but lef pads on monkey 🙊 beaver are best .and the add on pads are even better .the triangle design is superior for legs
@@arboristBlairGlenn great assume your talking about sequoia. Seems would be good for hot months .beaver is littlecwarm in heat .I'm looking for a good bucket rated saddle to get in andvout and out .of bucket .only few out there that fit my size and issues. Camp is nice but a crotch danger same with most I have serious wound s there and can't wear anything near mid section .buckingham has one called navigator for bucket rating. And the other one is a crotch danger but nice saddle .looks like buckingham only option for my situation. Edilrid makes a Saddle with top attachment rated but not sold on that t Rex saddle yet..I did buy the talons spikes with pole gaffs only kind I've found that adjust for short guys am 5ft6 and 46 years old with ton of health and injury issues.i still had to take grinder and cutt the top of the shank off inch and 3/4 .top three adjustment holes because it hit inside of my knees.but seem to fit great .I tried the gecko 🦎 steel version last year big mistake it tore my inside tendon below the knee .right-side. That green plastic hard cover over pads is dangerous unless your tall .it rubs against the tendons. They make everything dot tall guys .those geckos ruined my right knee .been 2cyeaers won't heal .can't afford surgery .never had a single knee or leg injury in 29 years of work I put those geckos on lowest setting for 10 minutes climbed up and down 10 minutes didn't notice it until next day .couldn't walk .knee was size of basket ball mini.those steel geckos are serious danger to short men .was so heart broken ruined my year and last year .running a tree care and landscaping buisness soulpropritor and being seriously wounded has been a nightmare. Just now able to climb again and gotta be careful .those geckos should come with warnings .never had any spikes hurt a person .that hard plastic ..
All the parts are expensive due to all the law suits they have to fight, from people not knowing what they are doing and breaking their neck, its not the fall that gets you, its that sudden stop.
PS by the time you're done setting up the rope runner I would have been at the top of the tree already I also have the fastest installation for mechanical devices
I tend to clip in a ground saw at the base of the climb side of the line for weight. Seems to work good. Just keep the scabbard on the bar to keep the dirt out of the chain and have your groundie remove it once you get up top.
You're kind of cocky for a mentor. He's just starting out and he want him to limwalk on a new device that he hasn't even set while being up 60 70 ft . I wouldn't want a mentor like you
So if he is then why won't you show or tell the correct way? _I know August Hunicke did a video way back about knot's, I'll have to look for it._ In the mean time, you should explain to Blair & his Son why you believe his version is wrong.
Have been using this same setup for 3 years now, its great. I use the RR bit higher, because I incorporated a lower chest croll just for long ascents. Once you start using redirects you can go any where freely in the canopy. I use 200 or 250 ft climb lines. Dont forget tie fig 8's on the ends.
Hey Blair, Awesome video. I have to say your humbleness in character in your videos is awesome. What I mean by that is, it's apparent that you indeed are "old school" and I agree. "Old School" works. It's tried and true and there is nothing wrong with it. There is incredible value in learning from you in that regard. However, it is 2020 now and just like anything else in this world technology has indeed come along way in many things. I'm 37, my dad 67, and so the relationship you have with your son is very similar to my relationship with my dad in terms of how we go about accomplishing the same task. I learned to climb strictly on SRT, given that's the method my boss/mentor used mostly. Mainly pruning jobs with lots of tight areas and all kinds of targets on the ground to not hit while working in Philadelphia. SRT makes sense in many ways as opposed to DRT or blake hitch stuff. What I like most is the ability to rappel out of the tree at anytime and not worry about burning up the rope on descent. Pop off your lanyard, grab your "new school" mechanical hitch ( in this case rope runner Pro), and and you can safely descend easily in an emergency. I also like the ability to keep clip your foot ascender in at anytime and use it to climb or stabilize you as you work, especially in non spur climbing/pruning jobs. To top it off, that ability to make use of re-directs for work positioning makes life in the canopy easier in many regards. Anywho, keep up the good work and the awesome videos . I've learned so much watching them. Most importantly, stay safe and stay humble. Blessings. -Shawn-
Thanks Shawn, happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. A listen to the “Old man”.
I’m coming on board with SRT. Got the gear just need to start thinking that way. Teach an old dog new tricks? Trying
EXCELLENT, I bought everything You bought . Your video was the final desicion maker for me....cheers
Let me know how it is going
@@arboristBlairGlenn I sure will Glen....cheers
I’m aspiring to climb with the company I’m doing groundwork for... and as a newbie, this intimate video really helped a lot. Thanks, Blair!
Glad you are learning from my efforts.
I did ground work for like 2 days, then started climbing. Started my own business like 2 weeks later, been climbing ever since, for 30 yrs now. Don't delay, just do it.
You can tie another rope to the retrievable end to extend your max height
That looks really fun! I do tower climbing by contract for a local telecom company on weekends when I don’t have school. We have ladders to climb up obviously but I have a lot of neat little descenders. One is called a ‘no worries’ it has a little handle and you basically hold it back and if you fall it’ll catch you. We also have some rope grabbers that hang above on your safety line which attaches to the back attachment on my harness. It’s impressive the amount that you can do with just a rope and a small device.
My brother had a company that repaired the blades on windmills. Those towers can be pretty high!
Max is doing a great job on the camera! I run the Rope Runner Pro and have found that it's pretty sound yet picky when it comes to ropes
Have you played with the adjustment much? If you have more experience, please add to this feed. You could be an asset to those of use who need to know. Grandson Max is a great kid! (Hope he’s reading this😊)
@@arboristBlairGlenn The allen-wrench adjustable piece at the top is great, but stiff ropes just don't roll through it (in my experience). Go Max!
Great tool, love it. SRT can be base tied as well. Each way has different advantages.
It really is an amazing device.
I've only been climbing about 11 or 12 years, didn't start until I was 43.
I started on a Blake's hitch and quickly progressed through the different
DRT and SRT systems. I climb primarily SRT but still use DRT when it's
needed. I appreciate you posting up your first impression of the RR Pro.
There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with "old school". It really should
be part of every climber's "toolbox".
I ordered a RR Pro a couple days ago and look forward to climbing with
it to see the difference between the original and the new.
Thanks again for sharing and keep yourselves safe! 😃👍❤️🌲
Randy
Keep me posted to your thoughts on it please.
@@arboristBlairGlenn I'll keep you posted for sure. 🙂👍❤️🌲
@@arboristBlairGlenn I was finally able to use the RR Pro. I went up
on a quick rec climb the first time. The next 2 days I used it to do a
couple takedowns. I am very impressed with how well it worked out
of the box. I have been climbing on the original Rope Runners for
several years so I am very familiar with it's use. My first impression
is that the RR Pro is an excellent piece of gear for SRT. I am looking
forward to a lot more climbing with it.
Keep yourself safe! 😃👍❤️🌲
Randy
@@NHlocal I just got my first rrp. Did you have a problem adjusting your friction bollard? Mine was so tight I stripped the hex wrench AND one side of the bollard
@@batmantiss Because I had read all the feedback from other climbers about the problems they were having stripping out the wrench and bollard I was very careful when I got my RRP and adjusted it without any trouble at all. I will use a better quality hex wrench and again use caution the next time I adjust the bollard. Working in a machine shop for the past 37 years has given me a good feel for not pushing bolts and wrenches past the point of failure. From what I have heard(and my own experience) TreeStuff/Notch has been great about standing behind their gear. 👍
Thank you for sharing your time.i started with hemp rope steel core old school way thinking about trying new stuff
Hemp rope! Really dating yourself there
Seeing the new climbing gear makes me feel old. Quite a contrast to what I used 30 years ago.
And a contrast to what I still use!
Love new technology but when my lifes on the line literally i dont want to rely on something with to many moving parts i cant fix easily. Love the channel happy i found it
I hear ya, brian. But theres also satisfaction in keeping it simple. I use both higher tech and old school and enjoy them both. But with the tech stuff i always keep in mind that some of the components might have been manufactured by communist slaves in china who might be questionably motivated to exercise quality control. 😃😃😃
I hear ya on that and is hard to argue with... The newer techniques involving a multiscender and rope walking (or even RADS/ YO-YO) is much easier on your body.. making you last longer and less prone to typical climber injuries. Something to consider. It’s also nice when you don’t have to isolate a limb. Your gear / rope is typically going to last much longer also because you’re not shredding it against tree bark (assuming there’s no friction saver). But I still hear ya lol.
Simplicity and minimalism has been a part of my climbing philosophy since the beginning but the energy saved and the amount of options that open up with srt is too valuable to leave on the table. It feels simpler this way funny enough
@@briankennedy1313 👍
Glad you guys are out trying new things! I went from a Sequoia srt to the monkey beaver and will say, amazing upgrade
What is better about the latter?
Well the leg loops sit much nicer, and the fabric is about 3x larger in the thigh area so it really cradles you. The back support is superior in density and padding, but it also has a raised area that goes up to the small of the back which really feels nice when weighting the side d's. The buckles function are much better, and more robust so easier to use with gloves. Comes with a ring on the bridge, also the bridge isn't saddle specific, just samson brw 1/2" so replacement or custom length is a breeze. The suspenders are an incredible match, include a tending point for climbing devices, a whistle, plus this is all hand made stuff and not too far from you! I could go on and on, if you want to chat about it or would like some pictures just email me!
Nice job. The less you lean back while rope walking the easier it is. You'll discover it on your own, I'm sure. And, I looove my Petzl Sequoia!
I just bought the Sequoia harness. I also am very happy with it.
What great fun watching this vid! Thanks for sharing all the info about those specific tools. Makes me feel more confident about purchases. All the techie-ness of “trad climbing”, but much more social and local!
ive been buying my own gear bit by bit over the last 2 years climbing srt with a Rope Wrench, and this Christmas I'm finally going in for the Rope Runner Pro and im so anxious !
Keep me informed
It’s pretty sweet once you get it dialed in.
@@arboristBlairGlenn It was butter even with a softer rope. I redirected around a walnut tree and found that I felt safer and more agile than any DRT system. However I felt silly when I tried it in a smaller tree, I suppose DRT will always have its time and place.
Glad to see you exploring SRT! I got a rope wrench & an extra akimbo, I know Jeff has a ZigZag & we still need to do a climbing day. Let us play!
The three devices need a run off challenge on the same tree and video the process. Then we can all compare! Thanks Brian
Nice. I use that canopy anchor too. Just make sure your quickie slic pin the head is facing the tree.
Never used that hardware *but* if that is a legitimate concern....wouldn't the product be wreckless for use in that manner entirely then? For instance, you could've said the same if he'd used a 'biner, "Make sure the gate isn't on the tree-side of the biner", but we know&recognize such configurations as grossly unsafe....if the Quickie just needs to rotate 180deg to become a ticking-time-bomb, I'd argue it's got no place being used that way (though that's ringing all kinds of alarm bells in my head, since I just watched him let his son climb to height on it :P )
A saddle choice is important. I refused to come down from a tall take-down until it was finished. It was a tough, tangled mess of a tree all grown into another white pine over a house. Stubbornness to finish and tough out the pain resulted in a blood clot in my junk. My advice to all: Do what you can to get a saddle that won’t do this to you. I’m sure many of you have pushed through instances like this but you need to be careful and come out and adjust or take a break. Not worth the risk of damage or a clot that could move before dissolving. Thanks and climb and work safe.👋
Your comfort is so important
Good advice 👍
My gosh.
I'm still climbing on a Blake's. Very informative video, very well made showing details, putting the rope up, single rope technique, showing the rope runner, also the foot and knee ascenders I have the foot so far lol. Way to go man this is how videos should be. And mentioning the climbing line and retrieval line, one is death one is climb 🤣 very nice
Thanks, I’m still old school. I actually prefer the older taught line hitch because it is what feels right to me
Just so I don't fall to my death. Can you guys explain how I might accidentally climb on the retrieval line? Could this happen at the beginning by setting the RRPro onto the retrival line? would both lines be taught? sorry trying to wrap my head around it
Fixing to buy some new climbing equipment would love to see some comparisons this video was a good one nice and simple 👍
I just got the Sequoia harness. Very comfortable and light. I like it
Great vid... Little tip: You should always anchor the non-working line. Just bowline and Yosemite-hitch it to the trunk.
✌🏼
When tip tying with the Quickie, try installing it above the butterfly knot on the retrieval side instead of in the eye. The system will install the same, but retrieval is much easier with redirects. Some climbers clip a biner on the eye if they don't trust their stopper knot.
I don't understand why??
When the hardware is installed in the eye of the butterfly, then the climbing side has to follow the release line all the way to the ground. If there's any redirects, it causes much more friction to pull it down.
When the hardware is installed above the butterfly knot, climbing is exactly the same, but on retrieval, the hardware will float in the position of least amount of friction. It will retrieve easier, even with multiple redirects. The same setup also works with a ring, figure 8, or soft 8, but the Quickie can be installed mid line.
If you have a Quickie or ring, give it a try on a low tie in. Try tying in above the butterfly and then try the Quickie in the eye, and redirect the climbing side. See how each performs on retrieval. It's always wise to practice any new technique low and slow before implementing on a job. Hope this helps.
Great that you’re training up a new cameraman in the family!
Blair, I have the same problem with my rope runner where it's jerky and does not descend smoothly. Do you know what he did with the adjustment to make it run smoothly?
The Allen wrench adjustment for the bird needs to be adjusted for each diameter rope. It took a couple adjustments before I found the right size for the Tachyon rope, now it’s super smooth.
@@Karodrinker was your friction bollard excessively tight from the factory? I stripped mine trying to loosen it
@@batmantiss it was really tight, had to be careful not to strip it.
@@Karodrinker jeez. Well I'm glad I'm not the only one. Thank you for the reply
Can you use outher friction device with it
Petzl Sequoia is an epic harness, just got mine about two weeks ago and I love it. I've been torn between the Rope Runner Pro and the ZigZag Chicane combo... The only benefit I see with the ZigZag is switching from SRT to DRT whenever I want with just one device. I like that considering I've been on DRT and a Blake's Hitch for about 5 years now
You can work drt with the rope runner pro. A negative for the zigzag chicane combo is the combined two tool arms to make for a much longer bit of kit that you need to manage. Also I would rather just deal with one tool. My friend Jeff uses the Zigzag without the Chicaine and I believe he gets by just fine. I’m not real sure of the value of the Chicane. Maybe someone else in this feed who uses that setup might answer better.
Thanks for contributing
Hi Glenn! Hey is there a way to heal a wound in the side of a tree? I have a nice Japanese Maple that got repetedly scraped by the lawn mower when it was young. Now it has a big gaping hole in the side it.
Trees do not heal. They grow around a wound and encapsulate it. Key is to maintain tree health. Mulch, adequate water, light fertilizer, sunlight. And then hope for the best.
@arboristBlairGlenn OK thanks! I saw a guy pack a tree wound with moss yesterday on utube and wrap it in plastic. He says that will heal it. Have you heard of that before?
@ old wives tale. Study the work of Dr Alex Shigo
@arboristBlairGlenn OK thanks! I have my line launching cannon now!😄
@ nice, please just call
Me Blair
Another good tip for everybody?!... Is a rope that's going to be in use quite often will milk itself but if you're only climbing occasionally make sure that rope is milked because mechanical device no matter who builds it needs a fully milked rope to allow the two working components to work great together
The Tachyon is a non milking rope. One of the main reasons I went with it, despite the extra bounce.
Nice equipment folks! Love the line launcher!
That tool really makes those tight shots work. I have Big Shot sling shot as well but I prefer the air powered tool so much more.
@@arboristBlairGlenn Is the air gun a DIY project?
@@RC-Heli835 no, it’s sold by Treestuff. APTA
@arboristBlairGlenn OK thanks! It's amazing what you can do with equipment like this.
I just have learned that you don't spike a tree for pruning.
I thought you just needed spikes and a lanyard.😂🙂
@@RC-Heli835 you have a long way to go in this career. Please learn to do it right.
So it's a year later how do you like the RRP? I have a zig zag an chicane but looking for something midline attachable just can't decide which device I want so any info would help alot
I use it from time to time but I’m just an old knot guy.
Do you have plans for the throw bag launcher?
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
Thanks Todd, hope yours was a good holiday as well.
My question has nothing to do with your video but I find you to enjoy trees as much as me I just don’t know very much about them so my question is I want to plant a coastal redwood at least one of them I have quite a bit of property what is the best season to plantOh I live in Oregon about a half hour from Portland
You can plant a redwood anytime of the year. Just don’t get a root bound specimen. Often, with trees, smaller is better and the roots won’t girdle. If you plant in the dry season, your initial watering requirements will be higher. Plant now, and the seasonal rains will get it started. Give yourself a Christmas gift or celebrate 2021 by planting a tree! An anniversary for planting is good future history for remembering how old it is.
@@arboristBlairGlenn Thank you .now I just have to wait for the ground not to be so muddy because one thing about Oregon is you don’t have to worry about rainI.i planted a giant sequoia over the summer but I bought the biggest one I could find instead of probably the smallest one in the biggest pot which makes sense now the tree is still alive but it hasn’t grown much maybe about an inch but it has sprouted more branches because I planted it in a wide open space nothing can be around it.I’m going to section off A portion of my property and plant my three favorite giant trees coastal Douglasfir giant sequoia and coastal redwood this week I planted a.Thanks again and I learn a lot from your videos.
I’m a complete newbie and was taught DRT with a Blake’s hitch. Today was my third climb so I tried out a new Rope Runner Pro. I adjusted the friction bolt before climbing and then went up 40’. I made a newbie mistake. I didn’t check the decent mechanism before climbing. Needless to say, I came down very fast and landed on my butt. Luckily the natural friction was enough I didn’t get hurt, but word to the wise. Check the decent friction and adjust more if necessary before climbing to the top.
Nothing wrong with a Blake’s hitch. I think it should be your first way of learning before SRT.
@@arboristBlairGlenn I agree, and that’s what I was taught with. I’m 54 and found it too difficult to do the hip thrust, so I decided to try the rope runner pro with a foot and knee ascender which worked great (except for my failed attempt to descend… lesson learned).
@@Jolumbo86 you will get there. I’m 68 and now have a knee issue so I’m finding different ways to carry on as well.
SRT or SRS ( single rope system ) I too still use rope on rope ( blake hitch fan ) , Although I am aware of most of the new acending devices, I own several . i purchased them to see how they work . Ive had to rescue 2 climber I'm my career . so I like to be aware of what a climber is using for that reason . hopefully i will just practice and not have to do a live rescue . luckily the two were not life threatening . I have yet to use a throw bag air launcher .. i have used a big shot . pretzel sequoia and the monkey beaver harness are similar in comfort .. I like em both .. Joe
Explain your two devices for the rest of us and why you choose to stick with “old school” .
@@arboristBlairGlenn randomly I use a zigzag along with it chicane or sometimes the zigzag alone. The second one is a petzl pantin ( foot ascender ) I just not very efficient with them. My employment requires me to be in an aerial lift due to the fact we’re at any washroom 3 to 15 different locations in one day. I am familiar with many other devices.
No non-sense, I like it!
How long have you been working with you son, Blair? That is awesome to see you learning together.
I can only imagine how all the equipment has changed over the years as I have only been climbing on ropes since late 2018.
I started with the traditional closed system, quickly saw the benefit to having an open system, then graduated to a hitch climber set-up. Which I still quite enjoy and by adding a rope wrench it turns into an efficient single rope system.
The rave is all over these mechanical prussic’s but I am still not sold.. Too many moving parts, not intuitive to switch between climbing systems and expensive. I would like to try a zig zag plus though, or a rope runner pro, heck I’d even like to climb on the unicender.
For now though, I am going to sit tight. It’s winter, work is lean and the daylight hours diminished.
Happy Holiday. Always enjoy watching your videos. Thank you.
Best of luck to Blair as he decides which harness to replace his dinosaur with. I chose the Treemotion by Teufelberger when I kitted up, definitely easy on the man parts.. If it ever wears out I might go with the Treemotion Evo as it has a two bridge design and can see the benefit but I would also like to try the Monkey Beaver ( August Hunicke and his family are wonderful people ) and I am a big guy (235# wet) most harnesses aren’t rated for much more than that..
Anyways,
All the best!
Kalen has about ten years (consecutive) and summers growing up. Started him young. Maybe I pushed him a bit. I’m also old school and kinda stuck in my ways but, ordered a rope runner yesterday. Willing to let the son teach the dad. How much will I use it? Time will tell.
I think once you start climbing on it and working out the kinks you will switch over to it as your predominant method. Looking forward to the big Pecan coming up.
A great rope but more for drt really as it has quite a bit of bounce in it.
The times they are a changen. Tree gear is changing as fast as computers in the 90's
Have you ever used a saddle like the bowhunters in the trees?
The Method from Attidude for example
great video. What is all the havoc in the background?
Gun range about a mile downhill. Sound travels well in this canyon. Don’t like it at all
I learned on drt and this is interesting another down side is he put all his weight on one rope opposed to double ropes support your weight on drt
Double rope is still single where it goes over the limb but I also prefer old school climbing techniques.
Great job....nice to see your son more involved this time...and it sounds like a war going on in the dista
Distance... sorry about that
Wouldn't that be easier with a static line or an I missing something with that?
CAN I get a list of the gear you got that yous used in the video
You will need to ask Kalen to provide that
Check out Strider trees review on the MB and tree motion saddle
right? new school methods with that old school harness
Try the notch sentinel saddle. I like it but for some reason people in the US bash it. Or the go to UK saddle is tree motion evo or super light. Good work guys. Im still on drt for now.
Just got the Sequoia harness. So far I’m loving it. Light and comfortable.
Dang bro u flew up that tree 🤣 nice chest harness to
Love y'all, happy Thanksgiving
Some of these comments...oi. Kalen did the alpine correctly. Took me a couple times to watch but that's done right. I have a treemotion. Really like it. Not coming with and having to add aftermarket suspenders is the main drawback. Otherwise, super comfy and smart design. And ya I have to smack his hand for not having a stopper knot. I know it was just a dry demo run but that should be as involuntary as blinking. BTW, are those gunshots around 4:45? Our rifle season is about to start here in PA so no recreational climbing for this guy.
Yes on the gunfire. A police range downhill and sound travels too good. None of us like it.
The descent is also smooth!
Looks easy to use 👍
Learning curve
Nice tools, Blair
Been climbing the old way for 30 yrs, just double rope/ climbing knot. But dang, I have some awesome upper body strength for 63 yrs old.
As do I
@@arboristBlairGlenn More brawn than brains for me, unfortunatly. I think the"still doing trees at 63" part reinforces that point.
I’m 67 and still climbing daily. I do admit, I love my hot tub!😳
Can this be used in a Rad system?
Explain the Rad system for us please
Nice vid. BUT I would not use that springloaded carabiner between the Rope runner and your harnest. Visible at 15:50 I've used to use one of those to hang my chainsaw and dropped it 20 feet. Expensive experience. Stay safe.
Locking is better
Should consider putting the Texas tug in that particular system.
Explain the “Texas Tug”
I have a sequoia and it's great super light weight I recommend
My son also has that saddle. I’m ready for a change
Oh I feel the same way anything that don't smash the junk.
Price mr.
Rope runner pro
About 200
I have the Weaver Denali saddle and I absolutely love it the load bearing part of the saddle rests lower on your hips and not high up around your waist so it’s super comfortable when you are on your side D’s and you can lean over without restriction plus the weight of a saw doesn’t bother me at all even my MS 462c. I also have a Buckingham Ergovation that I use to wear and it’s a great saddle but I have popped my lower ribs leaning over in it and it’s also high up around my waist so the weight of a saw makes it uncomfortable. I highly recommend the Weaver Denali I guarantee that you will love it. Climb safe and GOD bless. 🙏th-cam.com/video/z_bQ1mW_Drk/w-d-xo.html start watching at 9:10.
Thanks.
Finally! Now get a new saddle!!!
I’m a die hard but I get it. Don’t rub it in!
@@arboristBlairGlenn I love your passion for the industry and honestly really respect your decision to remain “old school” but what really kills me is watching your son working in your shadow. If your son did a cross country trip and got to work with a bunch of other climbers he would learn sooooo much.
I would also like to mention that I got started in SRT for maybe $150 on 16 strand rope and a rope wrench. Made a homemade knee ascender etc. it can be expensive but it sure doesn’t have to be!
I look forward to following your journey into new climbing techniques!
I agree! I learned tree climbing with a Blake’s hitch and kinda just stuck with it. Now that I’m learning the SRT ways I’m kicking myself for not learning earlier, I could have saved my body a lot of wear and tear struggling with all that extra friction.
Tried it. But I like my zigzag. Love the zigzags
Used them both. I still like my taught line hitch. I’m stubborn that way.
DAD tie a stopper knot on the end of that rope ....before you send him out on a limb which would make the tail further off the ground
Most passive aggressive dad 😂
3:04 so you have a 50/50 chance of grabbing the same color rope & falling to your death. 3:54 No need to try off the death fall rope. "Makes good sense" ????
No, you work off the tied end. Pretty basic
@@arboristBlairGlenn You guys seem to know what you're doing. I'm trying to figure this stuff out.
I have Teufelberger TreeMOTION EVO but I can't recommend it. At tree climbing training we were using Petzl SEQUOIA 2019 and it was more comfortable and also cheaper. ... I don't like your son had no stopper knot at the end of his line.
Stopper knot, good point. The purpose of this video is to open up a discussion to help us all learn better.
Get the monkey beaver buddy its amazing
Tell me why you like this better
@@arboristBlairGlenn Very very light super comfortable easy to take on and off the support is amazing especially with the suspenders you can buy with it of the best belts I've ever wore no pinching nothing very mobile turning left or right
@@arboristBlairGlenn It is pricey but worth the money made by real tree men
If your buying saddle to use for work the monkey beaver is better .was going buy a sequoia originally. For weight savings but lef pads on monkey 🙊 beaver are best .and the add on pads are even better .the triangle design is superior for legs
I’m happy with mine
@@arboristBlairGlenn great assume your talking about sequoia. Seems would be good for hot months .beaver is littlecwarm in heat .I'm looking for a good bucket rated saddle to get in andvout and out .of bucket .only few out there that fit my size and issues. Camp is nice but a crotch danger same with most I have serious wound s there and can't wear anything near mid section .buckingham has one called navigator for bucket rating. And the other one is a crotch danger but nice saddle .looks like buckingham only option for my situation. Edilrid makes a Saddle with top attachment rated but not sold on that t Rex saddle yet..I did buy the talons spikes with pole gaffs only kind I've found that adjust for short guys am 5ft6 and 46 years old with ton of health and injury issues.i still had to take grinder and cutt the top of the shank off inch and 3/4 .top three adjustment holes because it hit inside of my knees.but seem to fit great .I tried the gecko 🦎 steel version last year big mistake it tore my inside tendon below the knee .right-side. That green plastic hard cover over pads is dangerous unless your tall .it rubs against the tendons. They make everything dot tall guys .those geckos ruined my right knee .been 2cyeaers won't heal .can't afford surgery .never had a single knee or leg injury in 29 years of work I put those geckos on lowest setting for 10 minutes climbed up and down 10 minutes didn't notice it until next day .couldn't walk .knee was size of basket ball mini.those steel geckos are serious danger to short men .was so heart broken ruined my year and last year .running a tree care and landscaping buisness soulpropritor and being seriously wounded has been a nightmare. Just now able to climb again and gotta be careful .those geckos should come with warnings .never had any spikes hurt a person .that hard plastic ..
@@arboristBlairGlenn I was going to get one but .afraid of pinching. Had several tell me it pinches
All the parts are expensive due to all the law suits they have to fight, from people not knowing what they are doing and breaking their neck, its not the fall that gets you, its that sudden stop.
Not heard of many accidents due to failures
broski i can't believe you didnt drop the link for that launcher!
Called an ART from Tree Stuff
Nice
9:19 is bo one gonna talk about the noose 💀
@@Srealdan rope swing with foot loop
PS by the time you're done setting up the rope runner I would have been at the top of the tree already I also have the fastest installation for mechanical devices
This is a place for people to come to learn. Talk is cheap until you show us. Do some videos and become an educator.
Sequoia belts are more for rock climbing
Huh? As a dedicated rock climber for over two decades, I’ve never seen anyone wearing a tree harness on rock.
Think educated climber said tie a few weight balls to bottom of climb line to hold it down
I tend to clip in a ground saw at the base of the climb side of the line for weight. Seems to work good. Just keep the scabbard on the bar to keep the dirt out of the chain and have your groundie remove it once you get up top.
And the z-runner is definitely midline attachable
But it’s not rated
@9:33 Looks like the Educated Climber silhouette.
I have bought 2
Distance 😁😁😁
I’m early lol!
But late with a clever comment😟
Spiderjack 3 is 10 times better self feeds the rope I use it everyday with ease
Why is it better? Please elaborate
Happy Thanksgiving! I unsubscribe to 15 channels, a place well deserved! ;)
Thanks for subscribing to my channel! Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
You're kind of cocky for a mentor. He's just starting out and he want him to limwalk on a new device that he hasn't even set while being up 60 70 ft . I wouldn't want a mentor like you
My son had ten years climbing experience so why would you say something like that.
and thats why you guys don't need to go to the gym...lol
What’s a gym?
he's tying his alpine butterfly knot wrong that can be a fatal mistake
Correct it then
It looks right, his method of tying it might be different than yours but the dressed knot looks correct.
So if he is then why won't you show or tell the correct way?
_I know August Hunicke did a video way back about knot's, I'll have to look for it._
In the mean time, you should explain to Blair & his Son why you believe his version is wrong.
He tied it correctly. He put the third wrap in the middle which eliminates the reaching under if you wrap consecutively.
Have been using this same setup for 3 years now, its great. I use the RR bit higher, because I incorporated a lower chest croll just for long ascents. Once you start using redirects you can go any where freely in the canopy. I use 200 or 250 ft climb lines. Dont forget tie fig 8's on the ends.
The son does a good job while being constantly micromanaged and spoken to semi-condescendingly by the camera man.
Ouch! I’m the Dad speaking to my son. Condescending? That’s kinda harsh.
This is my 47th year climbing trees so my comments are intended to keep him thinking and looking out for his mistakes. Wish my dad did this for me.
Smashing junk is absolutely intolerable.
Been there, done that. That’s why I like separate leg loops on my old saddle.
It’s the worst! My new Sequoia has much less nut crush.