Thanks for sharing your creepy experience, Jeff. Being one year into production climbing, I have to agree that production loves adaptability. Wednesday I changed from spurless MRS to spurred SRT and back in two hours in one tree. I really want to try a UNI, but my company does not allow it. I carry; zig zag plus/chicane for my short rope, and a hitch climber/wrench for my spliced 200’ rope. I wish Rock Exotica could drop off an Akimbo and UNI with a zoo keeper so my company could legally purchase for me a cute and furry, naturalized child of the Akimbo. Has anybody pulled off the SRT mechanical advantage trick with a modified UNI like Jeff’s? I’m talking about muunter clipping a carabiner above your srt system, threading tail through a pinto pulley and clipping into that muunter-ed carabiner. I use it before descending through vines or down droopy limbs.
As a guy that has tried a few mechanical devices a Split tail Blake's has never let me down and is my go too. Sure I have to work a little harder, but set it and forget it. Still interested to see what innovation Reg has up sleeve. Maybe I'll give that devise a go once he's done fiddling around with it.
I do very little climbing any more, now that I have been retired from the fire service for a number of years, but as a past technical rescue, high angle/low angle rescue specialist, awareness of climbing gear continues to be of interest to me. Occasionally, I do borrow gear from one of my sons so I can do something here on the farm, including tree work, so this video was definitely interesting to me. Thanks for the information! Nick, North West Farmer (Oregon)
Subscribed since Day #1 ! I'm not a tree guy yet I've learned a lot about the trade from your videos. This style of video is "open & honest" in that it shows what can truly happen. Glad you offered it. Most importantly - you're safe - as we see! - and thanks for sharing all sides of your work.
Richard Mumford sells his Unicender for 345 bucks - the same or less than shops sell the standard Unicender. Pretty good deal. The Unicender with bearings is by Tom at matthysfabrication. Not sure if they are still available but I know Mumford is still selling his kit. As a beginner, I tried the Rope Runner Pro but have since switched to the Uni for ease of use. Honestly I'll have to try again with the Rope Runner to see if I can get it to consistently hold but not lock on too hard. I'm a heavier climber at 230 plus gear. The Uni works for me for now. It is compact but soon I'll also have a slick adjustable bridge for my new Monkey Beaver 1.0. Swapped the paw plates for a Petzl Ring Open and a Ring2Ring. Add in a Petzl Adjust and some 3/8" Thunder rope from ArboSpace. I first tried some 3/8" Dyneema rope since it is so easy to splice an eye. However, the loose braid doesn't move too well thru the Petzl Adjust. Also have an ISC UltraLink to connect the Uni to my bridge. Mumford covers the issue of trapping the climbing rope as shown. Goes thru it in pretty good detail and shows one method of fixing the climb line without dropping to a branch or the ground. th-cam.com/video/DaU0JqgGHgY/w-d-xo.html
Love the vid, man.. I climb very little these days, but was considering the uni for when I do. Still gonna try it, but now.this is in the back of my mind (in a good way).. You're experience and showing us how to mitigate the problem Is extremely helpful. Thank you
I started running a Uni because you and Damien run them and they looked so easy to run and switch up if need be. I've been pretty happy with mine over the years and I have it modded also with the drum and wear plate on the bottom. And Climbing Innovations is Richard Mumfords company I believe. Thanks for the heads up, maybe switch up to a larger diameter static rope and get a lil more run time out of your Uni?
Definitely correct in saying this device is designed for daily production climbing. Takes plenty of learning to use safely. I use daily for all the same reasons you mentioned. I dont like how big other mechanical systems are. I will run the uni close to the bridge or just above my head so it cant hit me in the face. All things being said very helpful video for everyone 👌
Thanks for the heads up. Definitely my go to for all spar work. Mines pretty worn, but I have the ball bearing mod like your first one. So far so good!
Thanks for the info on the real life situation. I had trouble when Uni was new with large ropes so switched to smaller diameter static too .not quite that small but I keep watching the wear ,may go back to larger diameter til I replace it .
I thank G-D that you figured it out and that it was a slow descent. It man that had to be nerve wrecking. Thanks for the heads-up about a well worn uni and small diameter rope.
Enjoyed the video, Jeff. Nice insight into the Unicender. Appreciate you taking the time to go over your perspective on the unit and explain the one problem you had.
I work here in New Zealand and have a unicender but It's not allowed to be used in this country standards, which kinda suck because that's my favorite climbing divice😢 But there's always the rope runner😅, so that's good👍
Good content. I'm a daily user of the unicender and you got it spot on. I didn't expect that issue with the rope getting caught, even though I had watched the video of (I think Richard Mumford) how it can happen...it hadn't happened to me in 6 years, so I thought it was a fluke too.
Thanks for the information Jeff! The Uni used to be the only device I SRT'd with but have been getting used to the Akimbo. So now I go up and down with the Uni and position with the Akimbo if the circumstances allow. That way I have a back up just in case. Seems like the Akimbo would be great for spar work as well.
I did a video in this exact subject a few months back. Im glad that you did this video to get it out to more people. I certainly dont have anywhere near the following..
@jeffschroeder9089 it's possible buddy..either way I am happy to see you doing this. It certainly is something that we all need to be aware of..I've since deleted the video because I received so many negative comments on the subject. Basically I was told I was crazy and I should figured out how to use the device..glad to see I'm not "crazy"
@@groundpounder24365 It's good that people are letting others know about the possibility. I think Mumford even talked about it. Someone will always have an attitude I guess.
I never liked the unicender, for alot of reasons. BUT the trees I do here in jersey,I'm fortunate not really to do much trimming. Mainly our clients just want removals or tip reduction an clearing away from roof lines. Stuff like that. Bla bla. GLAD UR SAFE LOVE THE VIDS. KEEP IT UP.
Recently started climbing on the unicender and I like it a lot for being able to transition so easily between rope walking, srt, and moving rope. That’s interesting that you keep it close to you on your bridge. I keep it just within arms reach on a tether so I can pull the line straight through instead of tending slack. With a worn out unicender or with the situation you described I can see how having a unicender further away could be even more dangerous. Thanks for the heads up
Not seen the uni with pulley, one of the reasons I went for RRP was the pulley. Likewise you can switch SRT and DRT on the fly which is super useful, compact but not as easy to put on and off the rope.
You asked if we're into this type of video yes I am, always interested in this type of video discussing equipment, even though I use petzl and Rope runner pro
Whats your issues with the rope runner? i picked one up 8 months ago and i absolutely love it. its not as good on pitch like the zigzag but its drt and srt, mid line attachable. Also when it starts to wear out all the parts on it are replaceable. so you dont gotta buy a whole new device each time. id definitely recommend giving it another chance. i definitely enjoyed the video, would like to see more of your thoughts and insights into everything tree related
I recall that unicender is designed originally for 12-13mm ropes. Don't know about the modifications and new ones. I had your same cheap thrill from using 8mm years ago, once and only once. I have used 12mm for life line since.
Rock Exotica says it compatible with 11mm(0.433 which is close to 7/16" which is 0.4375" in decimal inch)-13mm(0.5118 which is close to 1/2" which is 0.500"). I'm surprised it doesn't run with 9.5mm(0.374" which is close to 3/8" which is 0.375") with a climbers weight on it. I just ordered a Unicender seeing Jeff and Damian run them, pretty cool if it's safe with 9.5mm which allows for a wider range of rope diameters than advertised. I use 9.5mm and 10mm commonly with tower and rope access work where Petzl IDS is dominantly the accent/decent device used.
Hey buddy I was just wondering how you will get the the add ons from your old uni, the older one you have with the ball bearing thing. I think they stopped making those a while back, it is from “ reon rounds “ and they stopped making , lmk if you can still get one because I’m dying for one lol
Hey man I have a unicender that’s only been used about 3 times with 11.7m rope. I was curious what size rope you recommend for everyday work with this and what would be the best for long term use as I know the unicender tends to wear. Thanks
I had the same shit happen a couple week's ago with blue moon and that shit is 11.7 freaked me the fuk out will You shoot me the link for the modified uni very informative Homie🍀🤙🌲
Poplar mechanic has a video on how he modified one looks pretty nice. With the price of those things being mostly a hitch climber I would love one. I would start with the smallest rope I could run like 10mm and work up as it wears to half inch. But I'm not a daily production climber. Love your videos talking or not unless it's axes then it's important. Keep them coming Jeff. Be safe.
Its hard to understand exactly what you're talking about. When you are pointing at certain things, because the camera is so far away from you and what you are trying to point out.
First gen gri gri and Samson rope i had the Hawkeye green rope works well its a bit tight but if you're heavier then me you will move down on the rope with zero issues...and with that heavier duty rope you can duel purpose it climb and work it...those first gen gri gris are super hatd to find now though...
As a guy that has tried a few mechanical devices a Split tail Blake's has never let me down and is my go too. Sure I have to work a little harder, but set it and forget it. Still interested to see what innovation Reg has up sleeve. Maybe I'll give that devise a go once he's done fiddling around with it.
Thanks for sharing your creepy experience, Jeff. Being one year into production climbing, I have to agree that production loves adaptability. Wednesday I changed from spurless MRS to spurred SRT and back in two hours in one tree. I really want to try a UNI, but my company does not allow it. I carry; zig zag plus/chicane for my short rope, and a hitch climber/wrench for my spliced 200’ rope. I wish Rock Exotica could drop off an Akimbo and UNI with a zoo keeper so my company could legally purchase for me a cute and furry, naturalized child of the Akimbo. Has anybody pulled off the SRT mechanical advantage trick with a modified UNI like Jeff’s? I’m talking about muunter clipping a carabiner above your srt system, threading tail through a pinto pulley and clipping into that muunter-ed carabiner. I use it before descending through vines or down droopy limbs.
As a guy that has tried a few mechanical devices a Split tail Blake's has never let me down and is my go too. Sure I have to work a little harder, but set it and forget it. Still interested to see what innovation Reg has up sleeve. Maybe I'll give that devise a go once he's done fiddling around with it.
I really like doubled eye prusiks there super easy to tie and always hold
That’ll pop your heart off rhythm for a moment. Glad everything turned out fine.
I do very little climbing any more, now that I have been retired from the fire service for a number of years, but as a past technical rescue, high angle/low angle rescue specialist, awareness of climbing gear continues to be of interest to me. Occasionally, I do borrow gear from one of my sons so I can do something here on the farm, including tree work, so this video was definitely interesting to me. Thanks for the information! Nick, North West Farmer (Oregon)
Your awesome
Subscribed since Day #1 !
I'm not a tree guy yet I've learned a lot about the trade from your videos.
This style of video is "open & honest" in that it shows what can truly happen. Glad you offered it.
Most importantly - you're safe - as we see! - and thanks for sharing all sides of your work.
Thanks for watching
Awesome bro keep up the great content. 👍
Yo man, glad your safe! Great video!
Thanks for sharing, good luck!
Experienced opinions on gear will always be a favorite video style, so thanks for that.
Richard Mumford sells his Unicender for 345 bucks - the same or less than shops sell the standard Unicender. Pretty good deal. The Unicender with bearings is by Tom at matthysfabrication. Not sure if they are still available but I know Mumford is still selling his kit. As a beginner, I tried the Rope Runner Pro but have since switched to the Uni for ease of use. Honestly I'll have to try again with the Rope Runner to see if I can get it to consistently hold but not lock on too hard. I'm a heavier climber at 230 plus gear.
The Uni works for me for now. It is compact but soon I'll also have a slick adjustable bridge for my new Monkey Beaver 1.0. Swapped the paw plates for a Petzl Ring Open and a Ring2Ring. Add in a Petzl Adjust and some 3/8" Thunder rope from ArboSpace. I first tried some 3/8" Dyneema rope since it is so easy to splice an eye. However, the loose braid doesn't move too well thru the Petzl Adjust. Also have an ISC UltraLink to connect the Uni to my bridge.
Mumford covers the issue of trapping the climbing rope as shown. Goes thru it in pretty good detail and shows one method of fixing the climb line without dropping to a branch or the ground. th-cam.com/video/DaU0JqgGHgY/w-d-xo.html
Love the vid, man.. I climb very little these days, but was considering the uni for when I do. Still gonna try it, but now.this is in the back of my mind (in a good way).. You're experience and showing us how to mitigate the problem Is extremely helpful. Thank you
I started running a Uni because you and Damien run them and they looked so easy to run and switch up if need be. I've been pretty happy with mine over the years and I have it modded also with the drum and wear plate on the bottom.
And Climbing Innovations is Richard Mumfords company I believe.
Thanks for the heads up, maybe switch up to a larger diameter static rope and get a lil more run time out of your Uni?
Definitely correct in saying this device is designed for daily production climbing. Takes plenty of learning to use safely. I use daily for all the same reasons you mentioned. I dont like how big other mechanical systems are. I will run the uni close to the bridge or just above my head so it cant hit me in the face. All things being said very helpful video for everyone 👌
Thanks for the heads up. Definitely my go to for all spar work. Mines pretty worn, but I have the ball bearing mod like your first one. So far so good!
Thanks for the info on the real life situation. I had trouble when Uni was new with large ropes so switched to smaller diameter static too .not quite that small but I keep watching the wear ,may go back to larger diameter til I replace it .
I thank G-D that you figured it out and that it was a slow descent. It man that had to be nerve wrecking. Thanks for the heads-up about a well worn uni and small diameter rope.
Enjoyed the video, Jeff. Nice insight into the Unicender. Appreciate you taking the time to go over your perspective on the unit and explain the one problem you had.
Thanks for watching
Thanks Jeff ✊️
Dang man, ULTRA sketchy. It freaks me out when my Uni slips on my thinner rope. Gotta keep a constant eye on that thing
I work here in New Zealand and have a unicender but It's not allowed to be used in this country standards, which kinda suck because that's my favorite climbing divice😢
But there's always the rope runner😅, so that's good👍
Definitely worth sharing mate.
Thanks
Thank you for the explanation, I run a stock uni and i really need to modify it. Stay safe homie.
Thanks Jeff. Any info like this is so valuable and not just with climbing gear. Regs new device looks like it will be pretty simple.
Ya can’t wait
Good content. I'm a daily user of the unicender and you got it spot on. I didn't expect that issue with the rope getting caught, even though I had watched the video of (I think Richard Mumford) how it can happen...it hadn't happened to me in 6 years, so I thought it was a fluke too.
Thanks for the information Jeff! The Uni used to be the only device I SRT'd with but have been getting used to the Akimbo.
So now I go up and down with the Uni and position with the Akimbo if the circumstances allow. That way I have a back up just in case.
Seems like the Akimbo would be great for spar work as well.
Richard Mumford made a PSA about this quit a while ago. Glad this didn't result in an injury for ya
I did a video in this exact subject a few months back. Im glad that you did this video to get it out to more people.
I certainly dont have anywhere near the following..
Maybe that’s the one I watched
@jeffschroeder9089 it's possible buddy..either way I am happy to see you doing this.
It certainly is something that we all need to be aware of..I've since deleted the video because I received so many negative comments on the subject.
Basically I was told I was crazy and I should figured out how to use the device..glad to see I'm not "crazy"
@@groundpounder24365Didn't realize you took your vid down. Guess I missed the complaints.
@Kevin.L_ wasn't a ton..but that literally being my first "show this video" didn't help in the matter. I've since grown some thicker skin
@@groundpounder24365 It's good that people are letting others know about the possibility. I think Mumford even talked about it.
Someone will always have an attitude I guess.
Cool Jeff thanks for that information. Thinking about getting a unicender so that's good information. I Subscribe to your channel
Thanks you
Thank you.
Jeff, thanks for the heads up man.
Thanks for watching
@@jeffschroeder9089 yes sir!
This is a great video
Thanks for the info. I’m still looking for a device for SRT. This helps.
Glad you were OK after your unexpected ride.
I have also had that situation a couple times while using Yale Blaze 11mm rope. 1st time was a surprise, and rattled me a bit.
I never liked the unicender, for alot of reasons. BUT the trees I do here in jersey,I'm fortunate not really to do much trimming. Mainly our clients just want removals or tip reduction an clearing away from roof lines. Stuff like that. Bla bla. GLAD UR SAFE LOVE THE VIDS. KEEP IT UP.
Recently started climbing on the unicender and I like it a lot for being able to transition so easily between rope walking, srt, and moving rope. That’s interesting that you keep it close to you on your bridge. I keep it just within arms reach on a tether so I can pull the line straight through instead of tending slack. With a worn out unicender or with the situation you described I can see how having a unicender further away could be even more dangerous. Thanks for the heads up
The adjustable bridge allows it to be close or far away I keep it close most the time
@@jeffschroeder9089I can't imagine running it without my long adjustable rope bridge.
My takeaway from this: STOPPER KNOT!
On end of climb line?
@@jeffschroeder9089 yeah like if you couldn't get to a limb and you ran out of rope during that descent
Climbing Innovations is Richard Mumford. Spectacular Guy. Idk who makes the pulley mod possibly Damian and his skateboard bearing.
Not seen the uni with pulley, one of the reasons I went for RRP was the pulley. Likewise you can switch SRT and DRT on the fly which is super useful, compact but not as easy to put on and off the rope.
The one with the pulley is the Matthys fabrication one and the one with the wear plate is the climbing innovations one
I retire my devices when they first show signs of slippage
You asked if we're into this type of video yes I am, always interested in this type of video discussing equipment, even though I use petzl and Rope runner pro
Thanks
Whats your issues with the rope runner? i picked one up 8 months ago and i absolutely love it. its not as good on pitch like the zigzag but its drt and srt, mid line attachable. Also when it starts to wear out all the parts on it are replaceable. so you dont gotta buy a whole new device each time. id definitely recommend giving it another chance. i definitely enjoyed the video, would like to see more of your thoughts and insights into everything tree related
I recall that unicender is designed originally for 12-13mm ropes. Don't know about the modifications and new ones.
I had your same cheap thrill from using 8mm years ago, once and only once. I have used 12mm for life line since.
Rock Exotica says it compatible with 11mm(0.433 which is close to 7/16" which is 0.4375" in decimal inch)-13mm(0.5118 which is close to 1/2" which is 0.500"). I'm surprised it doesn't run with 9.5mm(0.374" which is close to 3/8" which is 0.375") with a climbers weight on it. I just ordered a Unicender seeing Jeff and Damian run them, pretty cool if it's safe with 9.5mm which allows for a wider range of rope diameters than advertised. I use 9.5mm and 10mm commonly with tower and rope access work where Petzl IDS is dominantly the accent/decent device used.
Why don't you use the hitchhiker 2?
👍
I’ve had that same thing happen on 7/16” Yale kernmaster
Dang
Hey buddy I was just wondering how you will get the the add ons from your old uni, the older one you have with the ball bearing thing. I think they stopped making those a while back, it is from “ reon rounds “ and they stopped making , lmk if you can still get one because I’m dying for one lol
Ya that’s were I got it
I bet that was a little rattling, not being able to stop.
Kinda ya
Jeff were you on Sasquatch Chronicles?
Not sure what that is
Hey man I have a unicender that’s only been used about 3 times with 11.7m rope. I was curious what size rope you recommend for everyday work with this and what would be the best for long term use as I know the unicender tends to wear. Thanks
Or I guess another question is does using an 11.8 at the beginning of the unicender life wear it out faster
I had the same shit happen a couple week's ago with blue moon and that shit is 11.7 freaked me the fuk out will You shoot me the link for the modified uni very informative Homie🍀🤙🌲
On the Mumford version?
@@jeffschroeder9089 yup
The pros are you like what you like the cons are everyone has an opinion 😂😂
Haha ya
Poplar mechanic has a video on how he modified one looks pretty nice. With the price of those things being mostly a hitch climber I would love one. I would start with the smallest rope I could run like 10mm and work up as it wears to half inch. But I'm not a daily production climber. Love your videos talking or not unless it's axes then it's important. Keep them coming Jeff. Be safe.
Its hard to understand exactly what you're talking about. When you are pointing at certain things, because the camera is so far away from you and what you are trying to point out.
Copy
First gen gri gri and Samson rope i had the Hawkeye green rope works well its a bit tight but if you're heavier then me you will move down on the rope with zero issues...and with that heavier duty rope you can duel purpose it climb and work it...those first gen gri gris are super hatd to find now though...
As a guy that has tried a few mechanical devices a Split tail Blake's has never let me down and is my go too. Sure I have to work a little harder, but set it and forget it. Still interested to see what innovation Reg has up sleeve. Maybe I'll give that devise a go once he's done fiddling around with it.
Ya I want to check out reg device once it comes out