Ok, so as the spouse of a climber who climbs old school I'm learning for Christmas gifts. He's been climbing for almost 10 years now drt (thanks for explaining that) and is talking about adding a zigzag to his whole system. Obviously I'm trying to learn, but I was curious if he uses spikes. If a foot ascended would still be helpful for him even if he continued with the double ropes for now? If that makes sense. Climbing is running his body down and I want to make it easier on him without throwing too many tricks at the old dog haha
Well, I started climbing trees in 1950for my night was 2 Under and one over. But then again, I was only 133 pounds I tried or knot in the tagline of the Bosun knot and we had manila rope. It seems like you’re doing a lot of rigging. I started a steeple Jack business in New York, where we hung on a single rope. Then we use Ascenders and descenders. truthfully, I don’t like all of that mechanical stuff. When I started, we used a bowling on the bike for our saddle. I was happy when the nylon saddles came out and a bosuns knot. Good job explaining the new technology. when we did the steeple Jack, I had a three step ascender For my foot, you could use that in the tree when climbing up
Believe it or not but you could make a double Blake’s hitch from one end of the main line to the other side of the main line that will kinda look like a Z shape And the set up kinda acts like a pulley system and reduces the amount of force you have to use to pull yourself up, Also by using a double Blake’s hitch you won’t have to keep stopping to push up the knot, with the double Blake’s hitch you simply pull and the top knot will pull the bottom knot automatically
For the most basic climbing, why aren't you using a double blake's hitch? The second hitch is tended by the first and acts as a second level of safety.
Great video which includes a vast amount of useful information. I use a Hitch Climber system with foot assist on a DRT system. However despite trying various configurations for a Blakes hitch it invariably slips - which is not fun when it slips and you are using a foot ascender and need to be double jointed to recover! I have not been able to establish if it an issue with the way I do the Blakes hitch, or the materials for the Blakes hitch or the rope itself - diameter / type?. You mentioned a Petzl Zig Zag which should provide a better controllable system, but with the recall of this product it does not give any confidence - even when they eventually sort out the 'hitches' in the product. Thus coming to my question, what is the better mechanical alternative to the Blakes Hitch for a DRT Hitch Climber System to provide a reliable controllable method that doesn't slip? Note I'm trying to modify my present system with scrapping it and starting afresh! Following on from the above I think a video on common equipment problems that can be experienced by the climber and their possible causes, especially for a novice climber like myself.
It work .now petzl won’t cover it if there is ever a failure in the system when using the rope wrench instead of the chicane.i don’t know all the details about it but im sure the info can be found online.
I’ve climbed a moving rope system since I started. I don’t think I can ever switch to srt for a prune or removal but I just started using it for acceding a tree on a prune. Way way easier than mrs. It’s a game changer, especially with the time wasted isolating your line throw balling it.
@@richiemitchell2576 same but now im just plain old old , old n banged up , im looking for anything to make life easier . The big thing is to get trained using this new stuff . Time is money but money is no good if you hurt yourself or worse . Either way stay safe if its old school or learning an easier way .
Seems like climbing trees with almost no gear is possible, although - I haven’t seen the first step - how to get the rope up there in relatively high branch?
Oops, no worries, I just needed to educate my self a bit, watching this channel videos, found a book mentioned “tree climbers companion”, where all the necessary vocabulary was found and turns out - this channel also have a videos how to throwline. 👌🏼
Why are they complicating the nomenclature of two different ways of climbing? The KISS method is good. 100% you should know the basics. Blake's hitch is a must. I'm just a dude though.
Awesome video bro. Only thing I query you on is your claim of mechanical advantage whilst using drt , im pretty sure it's not actual mechanical advantage where you gain pulling potential , the only advantage gained is having to move across half the distance of rope . Please correct me if I'm wrong, im not trying to be a dick.
Great job showing your proficience in rigging, not so much how, jumping video near, far, at least a diagram would be more helpful. Pretty much so far same with all videos on subject.
I bought all my gear from you guys and I love every bit of it! I'm just a hobby climber that does his own tree work... kinda. I have an arborist friend that got me in to climbing so he'll normally come help when I get the saws out. I have lusted over a rope runner pro since they were on pre-order but I just can't bring myself to pay that kind of money for a hobby. One day I might do a tree job or two to start recouping some of the hundreds of dollars I've spent.
This was inspiring to know the capabilities; expenses; and techniques to work with. This helped get a better perspective of arborist equipment expenses; and what expense should be prioritized over another of lesser advantage. Thank you!
Same here went on a tree trimming job and didn't know the hip thrusting to go strait up, man my arms are so tired from pulling myself up then synching the slack
I’ve used Blake’s Hitch since I was a kid! If you don’t want any extra equipment in the tree, the Blakes Hitch is the way to go. I climb DRT most of the time. Interesting fact, my uncle invented it.
Great job on a thorough overview of climbing systems Nick. Dare I say your best informative video yet? The lever action devices got skipped, but are not as intuitive to use.
I'm a new tree climber I've only used the Blake's hitch a pressik and a few times I was able to borrow the zig zag and I liked it so much better than the pressik knot system. Much more smooth to repel and faster to set up. But all this info about the zig zag device being recalled is new news to me. Should I rethink getting a zig zag or just master the old school ways?
How long have you been climbing? Are you in a landscaper as well? I'm a landscaper and have been doing some large felling when I can and only what I'm 100 percent confident in. I've done some topping and fine removal from trees, but I enjoy it so much, I want to safely expand my capabilities. How much did a decent rig cost you?
What harness are you using? Can I use my indoor rock climbing harness that I already own? I have a Black Diamond Solution harness. Thank you great video!!
Just explaining all the different acronyms was a big help! One question, can I use a jet step instead of pulling the rope up as seen in the system @ 6:11 ?
I've got a 400+ year old single Oak Tree in our back yard, located approximately 70 feet from the back of our house, that I was quoted $3,000 to cut up the tree, not including clean up. That being said, I'm investing in myself to hopefully one day, scale the tree, and cut as many large limbs as possible, to minimize the threat of it one day falling on the house where my kids room are located, leaving it heavier on the opposing side so it falls away from the house if it ever falls victim to a bad storm one day. Very adequate at running a chainsaw, now studying rigging, and climbing. On a side note, if any company out there wants the opportunity to cut it down for free, it'll make one good piece of content for your UA-cam channel. I'll burn everything, and even film the entire cutting process. Will include free lunches and beer. Located 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, FL. Food for thought 🌳🙂
I know this is primarily an ad for your store, but it would be great if you slowed down a bit, zooomed in, held the camera and knot still, and focused on how you are tying and rigging so it's a bit more of a primer and less of a demonstration of your personal skill level.
I'd suggest checking out some of their other videos where they do just that - he has full videos walking through several prusik knots, their purpose, and how to tie them. This is just a demonstration of the different types of systems to think about, not a guide on how to set them up
I just tried the blakes hitch for the first time this evening. I kind of rigged up a saddle with the harness and belt I wore on bridges. There was really no where to connect the rope to the front so I make a seat for the lanyard belt. I just went up a couple feet for now. I have to say it felt kind of cool!
Which one is the best one for a person that has two bad thumbs and a foot injury on left side i can pull myself up using two hands my foot on left is still healing from a fall out of a tree.
I like the petzl ascender and etrier with a gri gri for SRT. Is there a disadvantage. I also use the Rig in place of the gri gri to feel more safe when hands off.
Thanks for the video! Coming from a rock climbing perspective with a love for gear: why wouldn't you use e.g. a gri gri in combination with a foot loop and a jumar? A whole new world just opened up for me on different techniques for aid climbing
Good question! Thats how i started tree climbing but a RADS system is actually exhausting compared to using a foot ascender and or a knee ascender. Slow too.
@@NickBonner I think this is the first time I've commented on UA-cam. I've searched for info about a Unicender 2 but I can't come up with much. I'd love to hear what you know about it. Also, thanks for the content! Appreciate all your work.
Hitch climber pulley, and a 30" eye to eye prusick that is at least 1mm to 2mm smaller than the climb line you are utilizing. 2 triple locking carabiners, and a rope wrench. Very simple system. Very reliable.
The reason I say a 30" is for the vast mutitude of hitches you can test and tie. Look up the page "learning the ropes" on Facebook if you have one. They show a variety of hitches you can tie with ease and videos for each
Ok! I need some help hear I’m humbling myself. I have been climbing/line clearance/residential for the past 13 years I just now got out of the old D ring saddles and now have a rope bridge 😂 I use a Blake’s hitch and am trying to learn about using these things. I am very efficient in removing large trees and get made fun of by the young guys for my ancient set up but in my defense they can’t understand how I am so much faster but with years under my belt you just glance at a tree and immediately know exactly what to do where there still thinking or guessing. Any way what is the simplest setup I could get to start me down this path of mechanical descender/ascenders, oh and the pulley thing for the buck strap I have to research that to I still use a double buck strap 😬 once I can get my arms around the tree I just free spike till I tie in. Idk I’m new to all this fancy stuff and want to learn I’m getting older now and I’m starting to feel it.
Found the blakes hitch would run real nice an stop. Small prusik cord always stopped me, but when wet rope really haft to pull on it to give me more line. Cheers old stuff always good to know. Maybe a vid on the harness an system as one. Tryed it bad for the plums but does work fine. Thanks bro.
FYI When using the tender on a simple drt with blakes dont let it get too high / out of reach, itll lock the blakes into going up only due to 2 sided tension and you cant break the tender you can get stuck.
That was spectacular! A very fast "history of climbing technology"
👍👍👍
This is the kind of information I was in need to definitely take the extra step to start my project THANK YOU !
Been climbing on a hitch climber system learning SRT this weekend excited
One of the BEST instructional videos ever. Subbed you and look forward to learning more.
Awesome, thank you!
Ok, so as the spouse of a climber who climbs old school I'm learning for Christmas gifts. He's been climbing for almost 10 years now drt (thanks for explaining that) and is talking about adding a zigzag to his whole system. Obviously I'm trying to learn, but I was curious if he uses spikes. If a foot ascended would still be helpful for him even if he continued with the double ropes for now? If that makes sense. Climbing is running his body down and I want to make it easier on him without throwing too many tricks at the old dog haha
Well, I started climbing trees in 1950for my night was 2 Under and one over. But then again, I was only 133 pounds I tried or knot in the tagline of the Bosun knot and we had manila rope. It seems like you’re doing a lot of rigging. I started a steeple Jack business in New York, where we hung on a single rope. Then we use Ascenders and descenders. truthfully, I don’t like all of that mechanical stuff. When I started, we used a bowling on the bike for our saddle. I was happy when the nylon saddles came out and a bosuns knot. Good job explaining the new technology. when we did the steeple Jack, I had a three step ascender For my foot, you could use that in the tree when climbing up
this is an awesome video
I was wondering about foot looping with the Blake's.
Believe it or not but you could make a double Blake’s hitch from one end of the main line to the other side of the main line that will kinda look like a Z shape
And the set up kinda acts like a pulley system and reduces the amount of force you have to use to pull yourself up,
Also by using a double Blake’s hitch you won’t have to keep stopping to push up the knot, with the double Blake’s hitch you simply pull and the top knot will pull the bottom knot automatically
Is the first configuration in this video a 1:1 or 2:1 MA?
@2:57 as you can see! Sometimes farting helps ascend too. Great vid!
HaHa
For the most basic climbing, why aren't you using a double blake's hitch? The second hitch is tended by the first and acts as a second level of safety.
superb thank you
Awesome. I can do the same with 2 GriGri and some prussik.. climbing gear. Thanks!
The fart at 2:58 is amazing 😂😂😂
Great video which includes a vast amount of useful information.
I use a Hitch Climber system with foot assist on a DRT system. However despite trying various configurations for a Blakes hitch it invariably slips - which is not fun when it slips and you are using a foot ascender and need to be double jointed to recover! I have not been able to establish if it an issue with the way I do the Blakes hitch, or the materials for the Blakes hitch or the rope itself - diameter / type?.
You mentioned a Petzl Zig Zag which should provide a better controllable system, but with the recall of this product it does not give any confidence - even when they eventually sort out the 'hitches' in the product.
Thus coming to my question, what is the better mechanical alternative to the Blakes Hitch for a DRT Hitch Climber System to provide a reliable controllable method that doesn't slip? Note I'm trying to modify my present system with scrapping it and starting afresh!
Following on from the above I think a video on common equipment problems that can be experienced by the climber and their possible causes, especially for a novice climber like myself.
Stick with the zigzag.
Use a double Blake hitch. If one slips the other can engage. No extra tending
This video is very useful 👌👍 so good information ..thank you
Can you use a rope wrench and the Zigzag together for the extra friction or is a shakene necessary?
It work .now petzl won’t cover it if there is ever a failure in the system when using the rope wrench instead of the chicane.i don’t know all the details about it but im sure the info can be found online.
Im a beginner what do you think about the unicender
I climb the way he showed first my whole career .probably the only younger guy climbing old school still
I’ve climbed a moving rope system since I started. I don’t think I can ever switch to srt for a prune or removal but I just started using it for acceding a tree on a prune. Way way easier than mrs. It’s a game changer, especially with the time wasted isolating your line throw balling it.
Gettin it done safely, earning a paycheck. Keep after it!
I'm old school
@@richiemitchell2576 same but now im just plain old old , old n banged up , im looking for anything to make life easier . The big thing is to get trained using this new stuff . Time is money but money is no good if you hurt yourself or worse . Either way stay safe if its old school or learning an easier way .
I'm old school too, Blake's hitch is the only way I climb.
I'm curious to know what state the video was made in. It looks like Massachusetts or New Hampshire. Let me know please, thanks.
TAKE YA A YR TO GET UP WITH THAT 1ST DEMO!!
Literally does everything except why I viewed. Lol wanted to see the rope runner as it comes down the rope
There is an entire series of videos covering the Rope Runner on our channel. ua-cam.com/video/l2avVjZ7sMw/v-deo.html
Muito bom, parabéns pela grande demonstração dos equipamentos !
Great Video. What size rope do you recommend I use to climb tree with?
1/2" is a good starting place.
Very nice video
Thanks
Seems like climbing trees with almost no gear is possible, although - I haven’t seen the first step - how to get the rope up there in relatively high branch?
Oops, no worries, I just needed to educate my self a bit, watching this channel videos, found a book mentioned “tree climbers companion”, where all the necessary vocabulary was found and turns out - this channel also have a videos how to throwline. 👌🏼
It's called a throw ball. A heavy sack on a guy line you toss it up. It falls down to earth you attach your line.
Why are they complicating the nomenclature of two different ways of climbing? The KISS method is good. 100% you should know the basics. Blake's hitch is a must. I'm just a dude though.
Bro, im with you.
Awesome video bro. Only thing I query you on is your claim of mechanical advantage whilst using drt , im pretty sure it's not actual mechanical advantage where you gain pulling potential , the only advantage gained is having to move across half the distance of rope .
Please correct me if I'm wrong, im not trying to be a dick.
its a 2:1 mechanical advantage. You only have to pull have your weight.
Desse jeito, parece que a corda tem atrito maior ao ser puxada.
👍
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇬🇧
2:57 Bro farted paused and looked at the camera. Lmao 🥹
Everyone farts bro.
Safety
Your title says "TREE Climbing Systems". All you showed were ROPE climbing systems, NOT Tree climbing systems.
🇹🇭❤️👍
Gee thanks dude... now I have to spend more money now that I know enough to be dangerous!
Harness
Spiderjack 3 is way better than the zigzag
Stick with my unicender.
Great job showing your proficience in rigging, not so much how, jumping video near, far, at least a diagram would be more helpful. Pretty much so far same with all videos on subject.
I bought all my gear from you guys and I love every bit of it! I'm just a hobby climber that does his own tree work... kinda. I have an arborist friend that got me in to climbing so he'll normally come help when I get the saws out. I have lusted over a rope runner pro since they were on pre-order but I just can't bring myself to pay that kind of money for a hobby. One day I might do a tree job or two to start recouping some of the hundreds of dollars I've spent.
I'm in a similar boat... Hundreds of dollars on just a hobby. Girlfriend doesn't love that 😂
This was inspiring to know the capabilities; expenses; and techniques to work with. This helped get a better perspective of arborist equipment expenses; and what expense should be prioritized over another of lesser advantage.
Thank you!
As a new/learning climber, this video is a fantastic reference and explainer of the basics. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Same here went on a tree trimming job and didn't know the hip thrusting to go strait up, man my arms are so tired from pulling myself up then synching the slack
I will be watching this over and over. Invaluable demonstration. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Did anybody notice he farted.. 😄 minute 2:57 .. Wth im crying 😄😄😄
I’ve used Blake’s Hitch since I was a kid! If you don’t want any extra equipment in the tree, the Blakes Hitch is the way to go. I climb DRT most of the time. Interesting fact, my uncle invented it.
Wow!
This is an extremely helpful overview!
Great job on a thorough overview of climbing systems Nick. Dare I say your best informative video yet? The lever action devices got skipped, but are not as intuitive to use.
Wow, thanks!
And You may find yourself climbing. With a beautiful house and a brand new wife....and you may say to yourself,..
My God WHAT HAVE I DONE LOL
I'm a new tree climber I've only used the Blake's hitch a pressik and a few times I was able to borrow the zig zag and I liked it so much better than the pressik knot system. Much more smooth to repel and faster to set up. But all this info about the zig zag device being recalled is new news to me. Should I rethink getting a zig zag or just master the old school ways?
How long have you been climbing? Are you in a landscaper as well? I'm a landscaper and have been doing some large felling when I can and only what I'm 100 percent confident in. I've done some topping and fine removal from trees, but I enjoy it so much, I want to safely expand my capabilities. How much did a decent rig cost you?
Thanks but after all these years we still don't have acronyms or know what to call the 3 basic methods of Climbing. Interesting.
Merci pour votre vidéo momo france
I think a demonstration of O-rig system with DRT would improve an otherwise great video. I use O-rig every day and love it.
Would you plls be kind enough to explain to this down under Kiwi.
What harness are you using? Can I use my indoor rock climbing harness that I already own? I have a Black Diamond Solution harness. Thank you great video!!
I've only just passed my climbing ticket and your videos are such a great help
Is rope to rope 🤔good ? As we have so much friction...??? On the rope
Fart @ 2:58
Great informative video. So far the best I've seen as far as explaining these methods/devices. Thanks!
Thank you!
I really appreciate this information I am a total newbie and I'm going to sign up for climbing class in a couple weeks after watching your video
Best of luck! Stay safe.
Just explaining all the different acronyms was a big help! One question, can I use a jet step instead of pulling the rope up as seen in the system @ 6:11 ?
I've got a 400+ year old single Oak Tree in our back yard, located approximately 70 feet from the back of our house, that I was quoted $3,000 to cut up the tree, not including clean up. That being said, I'm investing in myself to hopefully one day, scale the tree, and cut as many large limbs as possible, to minimize the threat of it one day falling on the house where my kids room are located, leaving it heavier on the opposing side so it falls away from the house if it ever falls victim to a bad storm one day.
Very adequate at running a chainsaw, now studying rigging, and climbing.
On a side note, if any company out there wants the opportunity to cut it down for free, it'll make one good piece of content for your UA-cam channel. I'll burn everything, and even film the entire cutting process. Will include free lunches and beer. Located 20 minutes south of Tallahassee, FL. Food for thought 🌳🙂
I know this is primarily an ad for your store, but it would be great if you slowed down a bit, zooomed in, held the camera and knot still, and focused on how you are tying and rigging so it's a bit more of a primer and less of a demonstration of your personal skill level.
I'd suggest checking out some of their other videos where they do just that - he has full videos walking through several prusik knots, their purpose, and how to tie them. This is just a demonstration of the different types of systems to think about, not a guide on how to set them up
I just tried the blakes hitch for the first time this evening. I kind of rigged up a saddle with the harness and belt I wore on bridges.
There was really no where to connect the rope to the front so I make a seat for the lanyard belt. I just went up a couple feet for now.
I have to say it felt kind of cool!
Which one is the best one for a person that has two bad thumbs and a foot injury on left side i can pull myself up using two hands my foot on left is still healing from a fall out of a tree.
Think rock climbing method of tree work work's...
Old school climbing way different...
I'm curious why you don't think the HitchHiker is worth mentioning... you'd be more convincing if you said why they're not worth covering...
You farted and it’s ok brother! Awesome video!
I like the petzl ascender and etrier with a gri gri for SRT. Is there a disadvantage. I also use the Rig in place of the gri gri to feel more safe when hands off.
Thanks for the video! Coming from a rock climbing perspective with a love for gear: why wouldn't you use e.g. a gri gri in combination with a foot loop and a jumar? A whole new world just opened up for me on different techniques for aid climbing
Good question! Thats how i started tree climbing but a RADS system is actually exhausting compared to using a foot ascender and or a knee ascender. Slow too.
The zigzag and chicane seems like alot of work for something a petzl id can do for 225 bucks.
Can you single rope ascend without all the expensive gear?
Foot support is great, legs are the strongest on your body.
Just use a remote control winch to lift you to the top.Then work down.much easier, cheeper, faster.
Great idea
@@user-ku2qb1pq7e these systems already exist to maintain wind turbines
HitchHiker all the way.
Smoothest there is.
Great job!
Getta load of this NERD! just kidding man, good stuff
I'm not even 2 mins in this video and outta 5 this is the best nodoubt
Always Great to Rewatch!
Do you have the Morgan and Morgan injury hotline number?
I seen a guy with 2 foot ascenders....very fast
Soup do nuts? Is that French?
Well done being concise and informative.
Thank you!
Thank you guys
You are a real smooth climber on that SRT rope wrench demo 👍🏻
Glad you liked it!
lol ... 2:58 ...headphones on, full volume 🤣😆🌬
Question, can you use a rope wrench with a zigzag in SRT mode …thinking about doing this in order to save some money
No, please do not do that. That is against the manufacturer's instructions for both the Rope Wrench and the ZigZag and could be dangerous.
I'm just getting into trees. I've been helping my buddy who is awesome at it. This video helped me understand sooooooooo much. Thank you
Man I can’t thank you enough for this video 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Glad you like it.
Hi Nick, Why no mention of the UNICENDER by Rock Exotica, something wrong with it?
Honestly I couldnt find mine when I shot this. Its a good device albeit having some wear issues for pro users. Excited for a V2!
@@NickBonner I think this is the first time I've commented on UA-cam. I've searched for info about a Unicender 2 but I can't come up with much. I'd love to hear what you know about it.
Also, thanks for the content! Appreciate all your work.
@@benjaminlong9660 Its coming like the shark in a spielberg flick, you just dont know when and either do i. dun dun. dun dun. dun dun. dun dun.
17:05
ROOKIE NUMBERS….
Thks buddy
Great Video Nick! Always nice to see you in Action! ❤️ Fl
@Mark Grever Some say hes an 'action star'
Just wandering what does he use a chainsaw or climb for fun?
Great info, good video.
I absolutely loved this video! I’m going to go buy some more gear!
Gents looking to get myself a rope wrench full set up. What’s the recommendations?
Hitch climber pulley, and a 30" eye to eye prusick that is at least 1mm to 2mm smaller than the climb line you are utilizing. 2 triple locking carabiners, and a rope wrench. Very simple system. Very reliable.
The reason I say a 30" is for the vast mutitude of hitches you can test and tie. Look up the page "learning the ropes" on Facebook if you have one. They show a variety of hitches you can tie with ease and videos for each
Ok! I need some help hear I’m humbling myself. I have been climbing/line clearance/residential for the past 13 years I just now got out of the old D ring saddles and now have a rope bridge 😂 I use a Blake’s hitch and am trying to learn about using these things. I am very efficient in removing large trees and get made fun of by the young guys for my ancient set up but in my defense they can’t understand how I am so much faster but with years under my belt you just glance at a tree and immediately know exactly what to do where there still thinking or guessing. Any way what is the simplest setup I could get to start me down this path of mechanical descender/ascenders, oh and the pulley thing for the buck strap I have to research that to I still use a double buck strap 😬 once I can get my arms around the tree I just free spike till I tie in. Idk I’m new to all this fancy stuff and want to learn I’m getting older now and I’m starting to feel it.
Combination
Found the blakes hitch would run real nice an stop. Small prusik cord always stopped me, but when wet rope really haft to pull on it to give me more line. Cheers old stuff always good to know. Maybe a vid on the harness an system as one. Tryed it bad for the plums but does work fine. Thanks bro.
Wow, super gr8 demo vdo on drt & srt. So many ways 2 go up on rope w/ prusik & mechanical devices. Thx 4 sharing on Utube.
FYI When using the tender on a simple drt with blakes dont let it get too high / out of reach, itll lock the blakes into going up only due to 2 sided tension and you cant break the tender you can get stuck.