Why SRT?

[sawinredneck]

I see it on rock climbing etc. but I can't really see the usefullness in a tree.
You set the knot at the top, climb, but still have to DRT down right?
In a removal I can see it being handy, set the tip, drop the lower branches, blow the top then move you're tip as you come down right?
Sorry, I am missing something bigtime with this setup.

[No_Bivy]

good for really long ascent or where you can isolate both legs for DRT

[sawinredneck]

So SRT up, then DRT back down?

[No_Bivy]

yep...Old Tom D swears by it all the time.....But I say heck no. It has its place just not all the time.

[sawinredneck]

I can see some positive aspects, a quicker re-direct etc., but I think clibing one to one would be a lot harder.

[No_Bivy]

well I have never used the unicender....but he swears by it. I don't like the idea of my rope anchored to the base while working. I fear someone cutting it or falling limbs snagging it. I use it for ascent only...gotta be tall too

[sawinredneck]

ANCHORED at the base? Why would that be necissary? I thought it was the same as DRT, just one rope and new ascenders/decenders?

[No_Bivy]

so you can retrieve your rope after you descend

[sotc]

handy for long ascents. gets you to the top with less energy expended and faster. once your at the top switch to doubled rope for working. thats all.

[Blinky]

Like John says, long ascents, otherwise, it's pointless to me. I tried it for about six months but never really cared for it.
If you're gonna tie off at the base you're doubling the load on the crotch or limb so pick good ones.

[Bodean]

I agree that having tied at the base is just risky.

Also Andy,
You mentioned starting removals at the top....
That's just makes me cringe with hangers in mind.
Removals from the bottom are best started.

I don't know tomato or tomato

[OTGBOSTON]

I agree that having tied at the base is just risky.



of course it can also be safer 'cuz a ground worker can lower you in the event of an emergency

[Skwerl]

If your rope is tied off at the base of the tree, the most likely cause for emergency will be accidentally cutting your rope. And then the groundman won't have to lower you.
;)

[sawinredneck]

I mentioned removals to set the TIP, slice the tree on the way up and work the spar down.
Seriously, I know little to nothing of this, trying to learn a bit.

[OTGBOSTON]

If your rope is tied off at the base of the tree, the most likely cause for emergency will be accidentally cutting your rope. And then the groundman won't have to lower you.
;)


True.........If you use it just for access and then tie in DRT elsewhere,, it could be used as an acess line for a rescuer.

I've gone over these "how" and "why" scenarios in my head a thousand times. Nice to get them out in the open, good thread.

[Bodean]

My groundman better be able to spike up and lower me down.

Too many saws and dynamic chaos on the ground.

Maybe if the ground was still with morning dew and I was a researcher, I'd tie off the ground with a monitor posted.

But not on a treeJob.

That's just me, I rarely trust anyone else but me for my safety in a tree.
I'm selfish that way with my safety.

Ropers are different, I can cover myself with them lowering something.

There's a place and time for everything.

[OTGBOSTON]

I mentioned removals to set the TIP, slice the tree on the way up and work the spar down.
Seriously, I know little to nothing of this, trying to learn a bit.

this is the first application I thought of when I learned of SRT.

[Skwerl]

Using TD's SRT method, your rope is routed up along the trunk, over your tie in crotch and then back down to your friction device. Every single limb that you cut off the tree will be right next to your lifeline running up the back side of the trunk. Either you leave a big stub on every single cut or else you will be cutting right next to your lifeline. My 20+ years of climbing tells me that repeatedly cutting right next to a rope will eventually result in a cut rope. Period. This is why we always route our rope away from our work, and this is the biggest shortcoming of working off SRT. When the rope is under tension, it is much more difficult to reroute and you are much more likely to 'just be careful' until you accidentally cut your rope.

[Bodean]

I see.

Right on.

Are you talking about srt'ing through the brush and canopy to your TIP.

On removals I usually climb the tree as I'm wrecking.

I totally understand sometimes having a high end TIP for rigging far and low pieces.

[sawinredneck]

If your rope is tied off at the base of the tree, the most likely cause for emergency will be accidentally cutting your rope. And then the groundman won't have to lower you.
;)

Yeah, I fail to see how it would be helpful at all in a rescue scenario!! I can't see how you could get someone down DRT even!

I'm with Deva, spike it and get me out NOW!!

[MasterBlaster]

SRT for anything other than ascension is just wack yo.

[Bodean]

I can't see how you could get someone down DRT even!


Aeriel Rescue
Take a quick course, with your local.
or even practicing with a buddy.

It's helpful knowledge and experience.

[sawinredneck]

I see.

Right on.

Are you talking about srt'ing through the brush and canopy to your TIP.

On removals I usually climb the tree as I'm wrecking.

I totally understand sometimes having a high end TIP for rigging far and low pieces.

Right!!
Being spikless has hurt me a bit lately. Bunch of dead pines so it's a bear to set a line. I lanyard up, set my tip, then have to come back down and slash. 30-40ft trees it's not a huge deal.
Now on a big Cotonweed, I think this SRT might be the ticket!

[Old Monkey]

That's why the rescue climb scenario has never made sense to me. If a climber is hurt throw the spikes on and get him out quick. Unless you happen to have a climbing competition champion footlocker on your crew that is.


The first time someone showed me SRT I told them there was no way that my life line was going to be available to anyone who is working at the base of the tree.

[xtremetrees]

I told them there was no way that my life line was going to be available to anyone who is working at the base of the tree.

Thats why I'm reading this thread

[The Branch Doctor]

I've used it as a quick way to get up high without expending too much energy. However, when I do go that rout I have my climbing line in a backpack and transfer over to that one once I get to the top. I prefer to leave the SRT line installed on the scary ones so if something goes bad and I get hurt my rescuer already has an access line ready to go.;)

All I know is if I'm ever in need of an aerial rescue they better be able to get to me as fast as humanly possible... could be the difference between surviving or dyeing in a tree.

[No_Bivy]

It is good to leave an access line if things are sketchy....spurs could be quicker..........................avoiding it is PRICELESS

[Stumper]

SRT has its place-even working off a single line- it just isn't the be all and end all of climbing. As for spiking up for a rescue..... I can get aloft quicker SRT than I can on gaffs.

[sawinredneck]

Fair enough Justin, just trying to figure out all the hype. I thought it might be handy for another trick in the toolbox.
Seems to me you could just use a splittail on the SRT line and climb single line the same as DRT without all the gadgetry, albeit not as fast?

If you can asscend that fast, you have impressed the heck out of me!! I have seen some fast footlockers, and seen very fast decents. But never seen anyone make great speed going up a single rope.

[Stumper]

Andy, Naw-NOT that fast-I don't footlock and am slow on gaffs. Yes it is possible to SRT without gadgets but it is S L O W. The whole rope climbing thing started with prussiking. It works but is tedious since the knots want to lock down and you must break and slide your hitches for each movement. Mechanical ascenders release and glide upward easily.

[sawinredneck]

Don't you still have some sort of a prussik for a safety on SRT, or is it just the ascenders?

[lumberjack]

You "have" to have 2 mechanical points on the rope or 1 prusick of some sorts.

I feel pretty confident climbing on a single, closed shell ascender like the CMI Rope Walker. I don't feel confident on a single, open shell ascender like a regular hand ascender.

[sawinredneck]

I've been reading more about Carl, thank you.
Not sure I like the "open" acenders much either:O

[Blinky]

[...]just trying to figure out all the hype. I thought it might be handy for another trick in the toolbox.
[...]

It IS that, another thing in the toolbox. Useful to know, sometimes the best way to get into a tree... but a lot of it IS hype.

Nobody has shown me how it improves over DdRT for generally getting around in a canopy. So far it adds at least as many problems as it solves. I'm all ears though, a truly elegant single rope improvement would be cool.

[sawinredneck]

I am glad to hear I am not the only one curious about this.

[No_Bivy]

It IS that, another thing in the toolbox. Useful to know, sometimes the best way to get into a tree... but a lot of it IS hype.

Nobody has shown me how it improves over DdRT for generally getting around in a canopy. So far it adds at least as many problems as it solves. I'm all ears though, a truly elegant single rope improvement would be cool.

word......spoken like the prophet you are.:D

[chucky]

Word 2nd. :D

[NickfromWI]

You can also anchor the rope in a neighboring tree. The further away from your TIP you anchor the rope, the less the stress on the TIP. Also, with a ground anchored SRT setup, you have the option to route your rope through several crotches, which also lessens the load at the TIP.

I find SRT super fast for long ascents, but I find something very natural about working a tree DRT.

love
nick

[lumberjack]

The farther the angle the more angled vector you're putting on the TIP, which can be worse than the 2X of a straight tie on.

If ya gotta angle it to make it safe, it's too sketchy to climb IMO although what Nick says is certainly valid.

[chucky]

Can indeed increase the stress on the rope as Lumberjack says, and Kenny explains:

http://www.mytreelessons.com/Pages/Rope%20Angle%20Leverage%20Calculator.htm

[Burnham]

I use SRT a fair amount, but for one thing only...long ascents.

It's far easier, and also much more adaptable to changing conditions attendant to different positions in the crown to change over to DbRT once you attain a high position in the crown.

Don't be dissin' my handled ascenders with whiney safety police noise :)...a pair of "open shell", i.e. handled ascenders gives complete safety in redundent attachment points on the ascent line to meet anyone's standards, so long as both are attached at above the climber's COB, i.e. waist high or a bit above.

[hmm]

I find SRT super fast for long ascents, but I find something very natural about working a tree DRT.

love
nick

IT is great for long ascents into a tree, then (as stated) you switch over to Ddrt for your work. Anchor to the Base does allow a groundie to lower you should that be required. I have not worked off SRT so I can not comment on that. One thing I see is it is more gear to climb, BUT as we age, it is easier on the body, mar bars or pantins are great and useful with SRT.

my opinion only

thanks

hmm

[No_Bivy]

:P

[darkstar]

I still use a gri gri in the SRT metod just in case my top anchor broke i could withstand a major major fall and not even harm the sheath of the rope haha.
Ever thought of falling a long way only to be caught by an ascender or a prussick type knot.
HMMM hard for the tree guys to ponder , i know.:D

[No_Bivy]

Ever thought of falling a long way only to be caught by an ascender or a prussick type knot.
HMMM hard for the tree guys to ponder , i know.:D

it would be bad..... Why would you be set up to take the "whip" using SRT for access?

[Burnham]

I still use a gri gri in the SRT metod just in case my top anchor broke i could withstand a major major fall and not even harm the sheath of the rope haha.
Ever thought of falling a long way only to be caught by an ascender or a prussick type knot.
HMMM hard for the tree guys to ponder , i know.:D


it would be bad..... Why would you be set up to take the "whip" using SRT for access?

John is right...there is no reason a rational climber would be exposed to that risk. More likely to be hit by a meteor on rope.

[High Scale]

I have, after around fifteen years of tree climbing, in the last two months tried SRT for ascent into the tree, after a few teething problems I have, I think, just about got used to it.

I find it as just as tiring at the moment but am trying to improve my fitness to make it easier.

I use a lead weight to weigh down the line instead of my saw, I saw Pablo using a weight last year and thought it was a good idea.

[hmm]

So why not train new climbers this method to enter the tree, get them exposed to SRT FIRST? You show them footlock and other methods, why not this.

just my thoughts

[OTGBOSTON]

I use a lead weight to weigh down the line instead of my saw, I saw Pablo using a weight last year and thought it was a good idea.

I tie a slipknot in the line and hang my F-cube off of it with a 'biner;)

[sawinredneck]

So why not train new climbers this method to enter the tree, get them exposed to SRT FIRST? You show them footlock and other methods, why not this.

just my thoughts

Because the DRT is what you NEED in the tree 90% (or more) of the time. It's tried, it's true, it's effective, and WORKS!
SRT, as I was told when I first started even thinking about it, is gear heavy and expensive.
I had everything I NEEDED for around $300 to start with, SRT is quite a bit more.

[Bounce]

So why not train new climbers this method to enter the tree, get them exposed to SRT FIRST? You show them footlock and other methods, why not this.


Because the DRT is what you NEED in the tree 90% (or more) of the time. It's tried, it's true, it's effective, and WORKS!
SRT, as I was told when I first started even thinking about it, is gear heavy and expensive.


Ditto. However I'd also add that the DRT allows the climber to go up and back down without having to switch out ascenders for descender, which can be a little nerve-wracking when you're a newbie and at the highest part of your climb. SRT is the most complex method I've ever seen because it requires the most gear. You don't start out new guys with the most complex technique out there.

[hmm]

BUT there are tool/gear that can be used for ascent and decent, the unicender is one - there is another thread on that - THe gear needed, is light, a crill/chest ascender is not heavy, webbing to hold that in place. I will agree that it is GEAR intense to a point. Hand Ascenders, they are becoming a normal part of a persons/Climbers gear bag.

Like driving a manual transmission and an Automatic transmission vehilce, it is GOOD to know how to do that.

ONE more thing

MY thought - all climbers should know how to do a switch or re-tie-in, that is similar to a change from SRT going to Ddrt.

now i will return to my side the tree. . . . .

[wiley_p]

Why SRT?

Well if you want a job on any crew I run in the West, you had better be able to single rope, or be a champion class footlocker. The guys I have worked with who are the latter, they single rope too. Its a way easier form of canopy entry, it provides an access or lowering line for rescue, no need to isolate a crotch, etc, etc.

I get calls from prospective climbers, and after hearing how they are the BEST, just ask them. After they tell me that they are great at spurless climbing. Which to me means in a given region, you can enter a canopy safely, quickly, and move with relative fluidity in said structure. i then ask if they do SRT, the answer is 97% no. Then I ask how they get into a Doug fir with the fist live branch at 70'.


Answer, all the sudden they aren't great spurless climbers anymore.

It's not the final answer, but certainly a fundamental skill every journeyman climber should posess.:evil:

[sotc]

ummm body thrust:D haha

[Banned by Squirrels]

This; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_climbing was briefly interesting to read. And on topic.

[hmm]

that is a great read, I wonder who wrote that?

I do remember some one saying
"it is another tool in the bag"

[sawinredneck]

Very good read indeed! Thank you, that actually answered a lot of my questions, mainly how you tied off at the top.
I wonder, if after reaching the top, you tied off a small line on the eye and dropped it you could decend then pull the eye back down to you?
Just thinking al little outside the box.

[Bounce]

I do that sometimes when my line isn't quite long enough to have both ends reach the ground. I use my throwline tied to the eye of the running bowline to pull the rope out of the tree once I'm down. However, the throwline dangling next to me as I descend inevitably gets tangled in my gear and/or the tree, forcing me to stop and swear at it. Otherwise, it's much better to just drape the line over the crotch and descend down both legs with a figure 8. That way there aren't any knots to untie before pulling it out of the tree.

[hmm]

here is SRT with frog walker system - borrowed from tb
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2393525/7461460

that is a quick and easy way to enter the tree

[Hollywood]

I removed a few dead pines (strobus and resinosa) for my old man yesterday. This strobus was super dead so I set a line in a neighboring tree, SRT style anchored at the base. I'm tied in with a Petzl i'D. Set up a quick RADS with a Ropeman and krab. This way I could really tension the line to keep my weight off the dead tree. Spiked my way up and pieced it down over the cabin and other trees. I use SRT like this all the time.

Oh, the blue rope is a lowering line we used to rig the top out.

[Bodean]

I dorked around in my backyard chinese elm with srt today, I liked it.

I would use it If I had a long ascent and that's about it.

I would go up and come down on a muenter, cause I couldn't find my eight.

[will]

SRT is the best way to get into a big tree. Every trick you know makes you a better climber/rescuer.The deeper your understanding the safer and faster you can be.

[Tom Dunlap]

Until you've climbed with a Unicender you'll never experience how well SRT can work.

Oh, I know...I've heard all of the naysayers...too expensive...too much gadgetry... None of that make sense unless you give up cell phones, anything with a computer or chip in it including fuel injection, airplane travel...on and on...we already have technology around us and we like it...or you wouldn't be reading this. Does anyone want to go back to DOS and BBS? Too much gadgetry...pshaw....

If SRT doesn't make sense don't just toss it out off hand until you've learned more about it. After showing lots of people how to SRT either using RADS or Tree Frog they can all see a place for SRT in trees. These folks range from rec climbers to never climbed to rope rescue to experienced tree climbers. I' ve got nothing to gain by promoting SRT other than knowing that the sooner people convert, at least for ascent, the less wear and tear they'll have on their bodies. That conclusion comes from showing physio therapists both trad and SRT rope climbing. they all cringe when they see trad climbing and know that their future is secure because there will always be people wearing themselves out sooner than necessary.

Takes too much time? Not in the long run. Years later when your joints are sore and you need to recuperate all of your time savings will be spent and you'll be in deficit.

Oh, well...

[MasterBlaster]

The dickins you say.

[stig]

I do some seed harvesting every year. For that kind of work, where you are in and out of the treetops all day long, SRT simply can't be beat.
Set the line in the canopy with the bigshot, ascend and switch to lanyard, get the seeds( usually we just cut some branches off and pluck the seed off on the ground) switch to figure 8 and rappel down. On to the next tree.
I don't see how any other method could be faster.

[Blinky]

Until you've climbed with a Unicender you'll never experience how well SRT can work.

Oh, I know...I've heard all of the naysayers...too expensive...too much gadgetry... [...]

Tom,
It's not about disliking technology, for me anyway... hell, I like technology. It's about having extra stuff to deal with on the site and in the tree. Some guys like their harness to jangle with gear, and that's cool by me... but I like having the least possible amount of stuff on me when I'm climbing. I've tried SRT in a few different configurations... I really wanted to like it.

You give me a chance to try out the unicender I'm definitely gonna try it, but with what I have available to me now, I prefer DdRT.

I'm not an SRT naysayer, I just don't find it useful for myself at this point except for long or repeated ascents. Give me an SRT solution that makes me as happy in a tree as DdRT and I'll be a convert.
:)

[gf beranek]

Everything has its place. SRT being one of them. Though, at present, I really can not see how it would be a practical replacement for double rope techniques in our regular work.

I know some people out there have been trying and using SRT in work environments. What's the gain?

[No_Bivy]

Until you've climbed with a Unicender you'll never experience how well SRT can work.

Oh, I know...I've heard all of the naysayers...too expensive...too much gadgetry... None of that make sense unless you give up cell phones, anything with a computer or chip in it including fuel injection, airplane travel...on and on...we already have technology around us and we like it...or you wouldn't be reading this. Does anyone want to go back to DOS and BBS? Too much gadgetry...pshaw....

If SRT doesn't make sense don't just toss it out off hand until you've learned more about it. After showing lots of people how to SRT either using RADS or Tree Frog they can all see a place for SRT in trees. These folks range from rec climbers to never climbed to rope rescue to experienced tree climbers. I' ve got nothing to gain by promoting SRT other than knowing that the sooner people convert, at least for ascent, the less wear and tear they'll have on their bodies. That conclusion comes from showing physio therapists both trad and SRT rope climbing. they all cringe when they see trad climbing and know that their future is secure because there will always be people wearing themselves out sooner than necessary.

Takes too much time? Not in the long run. Years later when your joints are sore and you need to recuperate all of your time savings will be spent and you'll be in deficit.

Oh, well...

.....please. Climbing is generally HARD.....therefore your joints will suffer. You offered me a demo of the UNI...no go.yet to see it. I think SRT has it's place. I have jugged miles of single lines....miles. In a tree, for work, the friction hitch is supreme. Where are all these production SRT climbers....I have never met a one:/:


need a pair of crampons for climbing ice covered trees?

[Frans]

Where are all these production SRT climbers....I have never met a one:/:


Tom promotes 'SRT' continually, but he is unclear about what srt is to be used for in climbing; Just simply ascending up the rope, or moving throughout the canopy to prune or remove it.
At first, Tom promoted various methods in ascending a single line to get into the canopy but,
over time, Tom has appeared to believe more and more in the Uni-cender and seems to use it for working the canopy as well as ascending.

Personally, I don't believe one single system can or should be depended on for all types of tree climbing.
Sometimes it is better to just throw a line in and get to work, other times setting up a system is more efficient.

I've seen alot of climbers trying and trying to hit that perfect limb and taking way too much time to do it.
When simply getting a rope in the tree and getting the job started is more efficient.

I think if you depend on only one climbing system it can make you pretty damm inefficient as a worker.

Our industry is a trade. Starting and finishing jobs is what our industry is based on. So for me anyway, I must pick the most efficient system to get the job done.

[sotc]

hes giving a class in sept on srt, maybe we can ask him:D

[Frans]

Working the canopy using a single line requires that you pick the perfect spot to set your rope. That can take time.

Also, working the canopy using srt, if you want to change your 'tie-in' (not correct term with srt), it can be a hassle. Another point about using a single line thrown over a branch and then having one end tied at the base of the tree is that the forces are doubled on the branch. And...having that end tied to the base is an important safety factor. Should something happen to that tie in at the base, well, that would not be good.

I think SRT can be a good way to work... sometimes. But by no means is it the 'perfect way'. Like any tool in my arsenal of climbing tricks, it is just that, another tool to be used in it's place.

I have used the Uni-cender, and I have used various methods for working the canopy and ascending the rope using SRT. One point I noticed is that even tho I am dragging around one end of the line while moving through the canopy, it seemed like it was harder to pull around that end, and also to make sure that the path of my rope up to the branch was kept clear. Which meant that sometimes my rope was off at an angle, so if I did fall, I would fall further than if my tie-in was more directly over me.

[sawinredneck]

Seeing some of the pictures rigging up for SRT, it looks like a real PITA!! Plus all of the additional gear you need, to get up, then change it all to come back down? Lots of extra weight, and I am already carrying around too much of that!
Then in the canopy if you move to the other side of the tree, you have to hastle with the rope, or have someone belay you, if they can get around the branches?
And I am feeling stupid, but I stil don't understand the reasoning for having to tie off the bottom of the rope?
DRT is quick dirty and fairly cheap.
It seems there are more questions than answers, as well as all the neato things to buy, for SRT. I think I could buy a few more 'biners, a couple of slings and another 200t for about the same as it cost me to get rigged for SRT!

[NeTree]

SRT has very limited use, in my experience.

Used it today on this tree. Ran a running bowline up, quick ascend to blow off a couple lower limbs, then dropped the rest from the ground. About 10 minutes work.

8)

[OTGBOSTON]

You give me a chance to try out the unicender I'm definitely gonna try it, but with what I have available to me now, I prefer DdRT.



If you meet up with him, he will surely give you a chance to give it a shot:) Tom is a great guy and will not miss an opportunity to teach and share knowledge.

I'm not sure about SRT for working in a tree, but for ascention, it can't be beat. You'd have to be a GREAT footlocker to beat even a novice with a frogwalker system.......

[MasterBlaster]

I'd like to master SRT for ascending some of the taller trees, for sure. Makes sense to me.

But working? I don't think so - not for me.

[No_Bivy]

some SRT today, then drt followed by a spike climb....I like to diversify ya know.:D

[Blinky]

If you meet up with him, he will surely give you a chance to give it a shot:) Tom is a great guy and will not miss an opportunity to teach and share knowledge.

I'm not sure about SRT for working in a tree, but for ascention, it can't be beat. You'd have to be a GREAT footlocker to beat even a novice with a frogwalker system.......

I've met Tom a few times, I'm sure if I asked him and there was time he'd be happy to let me demo the uni.

I'm not trying to match footlocking against SRT. I've frogged... a lot. I still prefer footlocking for anything under 60' or 70'. Mainly because when I'm up I tuck my ascenders on to the back of my harness and don't notice them again till I get down... if I use a prusik I just toss it.
A Pantin usually just pisses me off, my fault I'm sure but I've worked with it and taken plenty of advice... it still comes off the rope at the wrong time or gets in my way when I step through a crotch. Never mind a chest harness and Croll plus the extra rope for the DdRT switch. I just don't like wearing and carrying lots of stuff.

I can set a doubled rope, clip on my ascenders and back'em up a lot faster than I can set a rope, tie it off, put on the Pantin, put on the harness and Croll and hang another ascender and foot loop... especially since I have more acceptable crotches to choose from. I don't footlock particularly fast cuz I rest every 25' or so.

Like most folks are saying... SRT is a great tool to have in the bag but it's not the greatest thing since sliced bread. It needs development and people like Tom are doing that; I'm still waiting. :)

[No_Bivy]

word...............

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[Blinky]

:O That might be a touch faster'n friggin' froggin'... it is a lot crap to wear in the tree though.:D

[NeTree]

Talk about super-fast ascenders.... :lol:

[Frans]

I use a frog type system only to go long ascents. When I get up into the canopy, I take that junk (sorry high quality tree gear) off as soon as I can and then resume my climb.

[Tom Dunlap]

I'll be at the PNW conference in Boise in Sept to do a couple of talks. One on SRT...the Uni will be available for test drives.

Anytime that I go to a tree event I have the Unicender with me.

There's no more jingle in my SRT system than anything but the most basic DdRT system. At it's most basic all I have is a rope, sling and biner for belay at the ground [this could be eliminated too], Unicender with the tether that Rich Hattier and I have fine tuned. That's all...footlock if you choose or add layers for an easier climb. Foot ascender then a sling for the other to make a Tree Frog system.

My brother climbs almost everyday. He ONLY uses SRT. There are other climbers who only use SRT too. Just because you've never seen the North Pole doesn't mean that it doesn't exist :)

[Old Monkey]

North Pole? What is this nonsense you speak of?


I'll see you in September I guess and you can try to persuade me. In Boise though, my everyday rope is 80'. I am thinking that I could use SRT occasionally but it would be overkill to use it everyday.

[Tom Dunlap]

OM,

I'm looking forward to meeting you.

All I do is bring a new dish to the pot luck. I never force anyone to take anything that I bring. Bring an open mind and be ready to reconsider tree climbing systems.

[Stumper]

The North pole exists but it keeps moving.
Darin, Be advised that Tom is found of beer-So far as I know he does not drink to excess but he delights in microbrews. If you can locate a local source for some particularly vile , dark amber horse piss you will make Tom's day.

[Banned by Squirrels]

You mean like this?


http://www.patnsteph.net/blogpics/Sierra_Nevada_Pale_Ale_bottle.jpg


Yummy.

[Frans]

Pale Ale is run of the mill stuff. I think he means something like this:

Red Rocket Ale - The brew of choice for mountain bikers, and adventurous types worldwide. (Are you excited now!) This fiery red ale is not for the weak at heart. It originally started out as a Scottish red ale but has taken on flavors of its own. This is a very complex recipe using five different grains to achieve its unique flavor. The caramel malt used is a mixture of Belgian Caravienne and Hugh Bairds Crystal malts. Red Rocket is a full bodied, hoppy brew which finishes on the pallet with caramel malts. Centennial and Cascade hops are used for bittering and aroma.2004 L.A. Commercial Brewing Competition, Gold Medal Winner; 2004 West Coast Commercial Brewers Competition, First Place; 2003 California State Fair, Gold MedalWinner; 2002 California State Fair, Silver Medal Winner; 2001 California State Fair Gold Medal Winner; 2001 Real Ale Festival, Chicago, Bronze Medal Winner; 2000 California State Fair, Bronze Medal Winner; 1999 Great American Beer Festival, Silver Medal Winner; 1998 Great American Beer Festival, Silver Medal Winner - og 1.067, ABV 6.8%, IBU 65+.

[Old Monkey]

I thought the Bear Republic was just OK when I went there.

[Frans]

It is just 'o.k.', but the beer is good. I don't go there for the food.

[No_Bivy]

You mean like this?


http://www.patnsteph.net/blogpics/Sierra_Nevada_Pale_Ale_bottle.jpg


Yummy.

my choice

[SouthSoundTree]

Friction always wins. Friction never gets tired.

[CurSedVoyce]

Nor does gravity.......

[canadiantreeman]

I'm liking srt for conifer removals. I just did a decent pine the other day with a little up and down and srt'd all the way, spikes though. Haven't done much dedicated srt on limbwalky trees as yet, because....well....we don't do too many limbwalky trees. I miss climbing, I think 2011 is gonna be my first comp year, so Imma gonna have to get back into climbing shape.

[CurSedVoyce]

Ok Seriously..

SRT is awesome for entry.. Quick... Actually simple set up once dialed in for the specific climber using it.. Repeatedly.
Higher the better. Efficient.
In conifer dead wood/prunes it rocks.
Stig pretty much has the scenario with harvesting cones.. Get on up after setting your line... Set your fig 8 and get to work. Set your lanyard/flip line as go go.. geter done.
I will not Ddrt off my SRT.. Just cause if I am working the full canopy, I will ascend SRT and just set my Ddrt off a FS R2R set up and get to friggen work .. Less gear. All I do is drop one handled ascender with the foot loop and get on with my day. Easy Peasy.
Everything else in an SRT set up you will use in Ddrt save for the handled ascender and foot loop. Sometimes I will go ahead and set my FS from the ground with the BS and SRT up. Have my groundy take me off belay.. All set for Ddrt. NP. Pull up my saw with the leg that was belayed, tie off to my 2nd biner on the HC pulley as the working end of the system.. Off to work I go.

[Old Monkey]

I did play around in a tree with Tom's unicender when he came to Boise. Its a neat device but I did not care for working in a tree with a handsaw around such an extremely taught line(I'm heavyish). I really like the little Ddrt thingy that he had attached to the Unicender for smaller adjustments. I know that is a horrible description but I'd be hard pressed to describe the thing.

[pigwot]

what was it? a F8 revolver setup?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyXwrXgN0qw