Quote:
Originally Posted by sawsong  ... what's so wrong with doing it 'by the book'?
i'm all for innovation, when it is innovation, but if im honest friend, I think you've got a solution there and you're looking for a problem... It's clear to me that youve done your share of tree work with whatever amount of success ... I can personally see you having a nasty accident with those axes... sorry if that came across in a way I didnt mean it, but as a newbie, it's my perogative to be a safety freak. Limb walking still SCARES me, but not half as much as those axes ... |
Nothing wrong with doing it by the book, it's just that the book came a day too late for my first tree. Fortunately the retracting lifeline came in time for my first climb and first takedown.
I have not heard much comment on that item, and browsing through the threads does not indicate that this type of device is used much in tree climbing. It is not as radical as using the Ice Axes to be sure, but it seems to me that it enhances the whole process, while adding additional safety.
You mentioned limb walking, the retractable cable plays out, and then reels in without any tending during a limb walk. It allowed me to focus on keeping my balance while doing it.
Here is a photo of my first tree and it's obvious what limb I had to go out on:
My biggest hassle throughout the process was clipping and unclipping the climbing lanyard around limbs and forks, using the axes may make that easier and faster, and it may not. A lot of testing needs to be done.
We are both newbees here, but you are an old pro compared to me, taking the by the book approach and three years of ground work is the method that suited you and I can't find fault in that.
My method was that there was a job to be done, and I did it the best way I could figure out on short notice, with the equipment and limited skills I had.
Another thing, you just turned 21, I'm going to be 61 in June, so this is a bit tiring for an old man like me, I need all the mechanical advantage I can get.
Aerial