D Mc

Quercus, per your post, you made a series of pretty significant mistakes leading up to your condemnation of the Lock Jack. And as far as using the Lock Jack in wet, muddy or sandy conditions, I don't. Don't do that. That's a good day for the VT. All of the tools at our disposal have their place; that doesn't mean we use them all every day. We need to use what works in the appropriate situation.

Competitions are judged by specific criteria culminating in a climb that ends within minutes. The added friction of a rope hitch in no way hampers your endurance in that situation. Spending 6 to 8 hours in a tree(s) day after day you will notice the difference.

I believe most problems associated with the Lock Jack are caused by lack of a refined tree climbing technique, not the tool itself. If you are still at the stage where you are misplacing tie in points, make the occasional cut that doesn't go where you thought it would, or just don't have the time in trees to be able to respond and move the way they do, then you are not ready for the Lock Jack.

Picture a smokin' hot chain saw that cuts exceptionally fast. As long as you don't make any mistakes it will ease your work load and benefit you. But put your climbing line or flip line in its way, or God should forbid a body part, it is no longer a good tool. Don't throw the saw away...learn better techniques and don't make mistakes.

D Mc