Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball

George Hayduke · 21st May 2007, 12:36 PM

I use the small diameter Fling It or Zing it when I need two lines. FI is my favorite!!!

Eric Frei · 21st May 2007, 05:11 PM

I use throw bags mainly or most often to set pull lines for felling.... and the occasional prune.

kauriman · 15th June 2007, 03:27 PM

Sorry for the long silence, but i tried to post and kept getting cut off for some reason.
We should have a web site up soon. i'll let you all know.

Cheers
Kauriman

Eric Frei · 15th June 2007, 05:56 PM

There's something whacko with the wires down thatta ways.

I had a Skype chat to Tim and it kept cutting out, even ADSL connections rely on phone wires.

Bermy · 3rd July 2007, 05:15 AM

I have a 10oz rocket out here in Bermy land, but as I posted on another site, I have a throwing disability.

The rocket at least lets me get the line up in less tries than my weaver, I WILL NOT say how many tries I need.
I'm actually in need of throwbag therapy, it's very sad.

jim1nz · 3rd July 2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bermy

I have a 10oz rocket out here in Bermy land, but as I posted on another site, I have a throwing disability.

The rocket at least lets me get the line up in less tries than my weaver, I WILL NOT say how many tries I need.
I'm actually in need of throwbag therapy, it's very sad.

Haha come on mate you cant be that bad! You know what they say, practice makes perfect...

Bermy · 4th July 2007, 12:02 AM

Oh boy, good thing you are on the other side of the planet!!!
Little children on pedal bikes are not safe, windows, potted plants...

I will practice some today, duck everyone!!!!

Eric Frei · 4th July 2007, 08:58 AM

I threw the 20oz bag real hard and high to get it over a cotton palm head, as you know it's good to go much higher and over the top so the bag comes down.

First throw of the morning, too lazy to get the big shot out, give it heaps and RUN RUN ... it's a rain maker!

It went straight up way high and came down right on the dudes new pergola roof denting it.

Well, we got the rake out and became professional ding removers by pushing up the tin roofing till it was nice again.

Bermy · 4th July 2007, 11:14 AM

Thanks, Ekka, you made me feel better!

TrevMcRev · 4th July 2007, 08:42 PM

My first crack with my new fandagled throwbag about 10 years ago that was supposed to go high up into the canopy to access a big Ficus in a clients front yard went backwards over my head, over the powerlines and landed in the street tree

Practice helps, so does a bigshot. Love the bigshot. Spins out the customers too

Eric Frei · 5th July 2007, 08:30 AM

Just as well no cars in the street.

xylem09 · 25th January 2009, 11:18 PM

Gday all,

I'd like to stir the pot of convention and say that ALL throw BAGS are OVERRATED.

DRAWBACKS
You are limited to a single weight
The seams split
The shot leaks
Lead shot is poisonous
Steel shot rusts
You can only buy them from a limited number of specialist stores
They are EXPENSIVE!
They aren't easily retrievable when they get stuck

You'll all have a chuckle but before you dismiss this idea be bold, be different and TRY IT.. it has worked for me consistantly over the last 10 years.. It is deceptively simple.. just poorly marketed ..like many of the best products!

STEP 1
Buy yourself drink from any store you care for..
Choose a 320mL or 600mL screw top PET bottle (Coke brands are often my favourite shape smaller is better)
STEP 2
Drink the contents - then using your Leatherman or Swiss army knife(GET one if you don't have one of either - they are invaluable!) bore a small hole 5-7mm diameter in the centre of the top of the cap
STEP 3
insert the end of your throw line (3-4mm orange poly line is cheap, easily sourced - think Bunnings - strong, visible in the tree and slides and pulls well) into the new hole in the cap and pull 50mm tail through
STEP 4
fill the bottle to the desired weight with whatever comes to hand (preferably not liquid but if you are desperate...it will work) roadside gravel works fine, sand is easy to fill, dirt is easily sourced, the point is your imagination is the limiting factor!
STEP 5
screw the lid back onto the bottle so that the tail of the throw line is held tight by the thread of the cap - don't tie a knot in the end!
STEP 6
Get back to work!

ADVANTAGES
PET is recyclable - they don;t last forever, so please recycle
fill it with whatever you want - forget arguing about lead vs steel shot etc you can use $50 notes if you want - its YOUR choice!
the bottle weight is infinitely variable - change it to suit the occasion!
You can get the bottles anywhere - in fact everywhere! - If you're a full time arborist I'll bet theres one on the floor of your truck/ute RIGHT NOW!
You get a free drink with your new bottle and at less than $4 that is a BARGAIN!
BEST of ALL - the bottle gets STUCK.. pull as hard as you can and hey presto the throw line pulls out of the cap and the bottle falls to the ground (99% of the time - the other 1% - who cares buy another one!!)

DRAWBACKS
People will laugh at you because they think you are a cheapskate - the solution to this is to call your bottle a "Legendary Super Dooper Rocket Throwball" and tell them its worth at least $50 US - they'll buy 4 off you on the spot..
Occasionally after numerous impacts they break - go back to STEP 1
The cap occasionally splits - buy better quality bottles (drinks) and keep a few spare
They aren't always perfect for Big Shots - they will work - but keep your shot bag (after all it cost you $30 right?! and theyr not much good for ANYTHING else) for this occasion and you won't have to waste time replying to this post when it doesnt go right for you..

Let me know what you think - or don't
Your imagination is your most powerful tool and often the least used.

Thanks for listening!

TrevMcRev · 26th January 2009, 10:42 AM

Hey Xylem

,

Got a video clip of you hand tossing that through a 60' high target fork???

Love to see it!

Seriously, i credit your "bush mechanic" style innovation, yes, its cheap or next to free really, but do you really think it can be thrown as well as a harrison rocket???

I can see how someone who never really mastered using a throw weight really well, let alone a harrison rocket, may think they can toss any old lump of weight just as well.

It be great to see someone pull your system out for a pot shot at the next Tree Climbing Championships, that'd stir up some funny looks

Nearly every serious competitor around the world uses HR's, that could be for a good reason...or maybe they are all just sheep following, and its just that they havent caught onto the performance of the coke bottle yet

Do you use proper throwline technique for the toss, or just lob the thing?

I seriously might just try this once out of curiousity of how good...or bad... this might actually work.

Not that i would actually use it.

I do like the idea of a free drink though, maybe i'll start throwing one in with every Harrison Rocket sold!

TrevMcRev · 26th January 2009, 10:58 AM

Oh but if anyone wants to they can always order a Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwbag from Tree Gear Arborist Supplies.

For tree world members i'll throw in a free softdrink of your choice

Eric Frei · 28th January 2009, 09:27 AM

Here's some more classics.

TrevMcRev · 28th January 2009, 02:12 PM

I think the shifter would out perform the 1/2 brick

And a good time saving measure too by not mucking around with a throw line and tying it straight to ya 8mm polyprop climb line

Me thinks he was 1/2 a brick short....

treevet · 28th January 2009, 02:30 PM

I REALLY want to see a vid of the Xylem rocket being shot out of the Big Shot.

Does it always clear the forks.

Seems like beer bottles may be the best choice to sooth the embarrassment with its contents lol.

JohN Dee · 29th January 2009, 06:28 PM

We actually used that system the other day, it worked very effectively the 320ml P&N bottle (Wouldn't recommend the 600m or even the 390ml...)

My opinion would be though it would suck for dense trees or ascending branched trees like blackbutts. Oh and also you can't cradle it to get a good high accurate shot - you've gotta lob it.

Of coarse you wouldn't bring one of these suckers to a climbing comp, definately a harrison rocket for those seldom occasions.

But Xylem has a good point though besides dissing ALL throwbags, for the the coal face of the arb industry this is a very convenient method. No worrying about bags tearing or getting caught and if it does get caught so what? If you're not picky and have nothing else why not? You get a drink with it too!

lol

P.S I wouldn't recommend these in a Big Shot either, but the day you need your BS is when you do bring your throw bag.

soutz · 26th February 2009, 11:58 AM

been using a rocket for 8 years. never lets me down, have never ripped boken etc. just bloody awesome. so you can get a fair amount of time from a high quality product.

McDlt · 22nd August 2010, 01:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kauriman

Sorry for the long silence, but i tried to post and kept getting cut off for some reason.
We should have a web site up soon. i'll let you all know.

Cheers
Kauriman

Are there any vendors in the USA for the Harisson Rocket? Fresco Arborist supply seems to be out of business.

21st May 2007, 05:11 PM	#32
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	I use throw bags mainly or most often to set pull lines for felling.... and the occasional prune. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

15th June 2007, 05:56 PM	#34
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	There's something whacko with the wires down thatta ways. I had a Skype chat to Tim and it kept cutting out, even ADSL connections rely on phone wires. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

3rd July 2007, 05:15 AM	#35
Bermy Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bermuda Posts: 88	I have a 10oz rocket out here in Bermy land, but as I posted on another site, I have a throwing disability. The rocket at least lets me get the line up in less tries than my weaver, I WILL NOT say how many tries I need. I'm actually in need of throwbag therapy, it's very sad. __________________ Keep smiling, people will wonder what you are up to! (especially if you're gunning a chainsaw!)

4th July 2007, 12:02 AM	#37
Bermy Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bermuda Posts: 88	Oh boy, good thing you are on the other side of the planet!!! Little children on pedal bikes are not safe, windows, potted plants... I will practice some today, duck everyone!!!! __________________ Keep smiling, people will wonder what you are up to! (especially if you're gunning a chainsaw!)

4th July 2007, 08:58 AM	#38
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	I threw the 20oz bag real hard and high to get it over a cotton palm head, as you know it's good to go much higher and over the top so the bag comes down. First throw of the morning, too lazy to get the big shot out, give it heaps and RUN RUN ... it's a rain maker! It went straight up way high and came down right on the dudes new pergola roof denting it. Well, we got the rake out and became professional ding removers by pushing up the tin roofing till it was nice again. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

21st May 2007, 12:36 PM	#31
George Hayduke Former Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Slickrock, USA Posts: 87	I use the small diameter Fling It or Zing it when I need two lines. FI is my favorite!!!

15th June 2007, 03:27 PM	#33
kauriman Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NZ Posts: 53	Sorry for the long silence, but i tried to post and kept getting cut off for some reason. We should have a web site up soon. i'll let you all know. Cheers Kauriman

4th July 2007, 11:14 AM	#39
Bermy Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bermuda Posts: 88	Thanks, Ekka, you made me feel better! __________________ Keep smiling, people will wonder what you are up to! (especially if you're gunning a chainsaw!)

4th July 2007, 08:42 PM	#40
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	My first crack with my new fandagled throwbag about 10 years ago that was supposed to go high up into the canopy to access a big Ficus in a clients front yard went backwards over my head, over the powerlines and landed in the street tree Practice helps, so does a bigshot. Love the bigshot. Spins out the customers too

5th July 2007, 08:30 AM	#41
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Just as well no cars in the street. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

25th January 2009, 11:18 PM	#42
xylem09 Former Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: sydney Posts: 14	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball Gday all, I'd like to stir the pot of convention and say that ALL throw BAGS are OVERRATED. DRAWBACKS You are limited to a single weight The seams split The shot leaks Lead shot is poisonous Steel shot rusts You can only buy them from a limited number of specialist stores They are EXPENSIVE! They aren't easily retrievable when they get stuck You'll all have a chuckle but before you dismiss this idea be bold, be different and TRY IT.. it has worked for me consistantly over the last 10 years.. It is deceptively simple.. just poorly marketed ..like many of the best products! STEP 1 Buy yourself drink from any store you care for.. Choose a 320mL or 600mL screw top PET bottle (Coke brands are often my favourite shape smaller is better) STEP 2 Drink the contents - then using your Leatherman or Swiss army knife(GET one if you don't have one of either - they are invaluable!) bore a small hole 5-7mm diameter in the centre of the top of the cap STEP 3 insert the end of your throw line (3-4mm orange poly line is cheap, easily sourced - think Bunnings - strong, visible in the tree and slides and pulls well) into the new hole in the cap and pull 50mm tail through STEP 4 fill the bottle to the desired weight with whatever comes to hand (preferably not liquid but if you are desperate...it will work) roadside gravel works fine, sand is easy to fill, dirt is easily sourced, the point is your imagination is the limiting factor! STEP 5 screw the lid back onto the bottle so that the tail of the throw line is held tight by the thread of the cap - don't tie a knot in the end! STEP 6 Get back to work! ADVANTAGES PET is recyclable - they don;t last forever, so please recycle fill it with whatever you want - forget arguing about lead vs steel shot etc you can use $50 notes if you want - its YOUR choice! the bottle weight is infinitely variable - change it to suit the occasion! You can get the bottles anywhere - in fact everywhere! - If you're a full time arborist I'll bet theres one on the floor of your truck/ute RIGHT NOW! You get a free drink with your new bottle and at less than $4 that is a BARGAIN! BEST of ALL - the bottle gets STUCK.. pull as hard as you can and hey presto the throw line pulls out of the cap and the bottle falls to the ground (99% of the time - the other 1% - who cares buy another one!!) DRAWBACKS People will laugh at you because they think you are a cheapskate - the solution to this is to call your bottle a "Legendary Super Dooper Rocket Throwball" and tell them its worth at least $50 US - they'll buy 4 off you on the spot.. Occasionally after numerous impacts they break - go back to STEP 1 The cap occasionally splits - buy better quality bottles (drinks) and keep a few spare They aren't always perfect for Big Shots - they will work - but keep your shot bag (after all it cost you $30 right?! and theyr not much good for ANYTHING else) for this occasion and you won't have to waste time replying to this post when it doesnt go right for you.. Let me know what you think - or don't Your imagination is your most powerful tool and often the least used. Thanks for listening!

26th January 2009, 10:42 AM	#43
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball Hey Xylem, Got a video clip of you hand tossing that through a 60' high target fork??? Love to see it! Seriously, i credit your "bush mechanic" style innovation, yes, its cheap or next to free really, but do you really think it can be thrown as well as a harrison rocket??? I can see how someone who never really mastered using a throw weight really well, let alone a harrison rocket, may think they can toss any old lump of weight just as well. It be great to see someone pull your system out for a pot shot at the next Tree Climbing Championships, that'd stir up some funny looks Nearly every serious competitor around the world uses HR's, that could be for a good reason...or maybe they are all just sheep following, and its just that they havent caught onto the performance of the coke bottle yet Do you use proper throwline technique for the toss, or just lob the thing? I seriously might just try this once out of curiousity of how good...or bad... this might actually work. Not that i would actually use it. I do like the idea of a free drink though, maybe i'll start throwing one in with every Harrison Rocket sold!

26th January 2009, 10:58 AM	#44
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball Oh but if anyone wants to they can always order a Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwbag from Tree Gear Arborist Supplies. For tree world members i'll throw in a free softdrink of your choice

28th January 2009, 09:27 AM	#45
Eric Frei Admin - Razor sharp and independent 2 X Diploma Level 5 qualified arborist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,820	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball Here's some more classics. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

28th January 2009, 02:12 PM	#46
TrevMcRev Mature Tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 1,605	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball I think the shifter would out perform the 1/2 brick And a good time saving measure too by not mucking around with a throw line and tying it straight to ya 8mm polyprop climb line Me thinks he was 1/2 a brick short....

28th January 2009, 02:30 PM	#47
treevet Backflipper Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio, USA Posts: 2,131	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball I REALLY want to see a vid of the Xylem rocket being shot out of the Big Shot. Does it always clear the forks. Seems like beer bottles may be the best choice to sooth the embarrassment with its contents lol.

29th January 2009, 06:28 PM	#48
JohN Dee Moderator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Climbing around the world Posts: 855	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball We actually used that system the other day, it worked very effectively the 320ml P&N bottle (Wouldn't recommend the 600m or even the 390ml...) My opinion would be though it would suck for dense trees or ascending branched trees like blackbutts. Oh and also you can't cradle it to get a good high accurate shot - you've gotta lob it. Of coarse you wouldn't bring one of these suckers to a climbing comp, definately a harrison rocket for those seldom occasions. But Xylem has a good point though besides dissing ALL throwbags, for the the coal face of the arb industry this is a very convenient method. No worrying about bags tearing or getting caught and if it does get caught so what? If you're not picky and have nothing else why not? You get a drink with it too! lol P.S I wouldn't recommend these in a Big Shot either, but the day you need your BS is when you do bring your throw bag. __________________ We are what we repeatedly do... Excellence then, is not an act, but HABIT... Red : Green : Blue

26th February 2009, 11:58 AM	#49
soutz Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: new zealand Posts: 80	Re: Legendary Harrison Rocket Throwball been using a rocket for 8 years. never lets me down, have never ripped boken etc. just bloody awesome. so you can get a fair amount of time from a high quality product.

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