People probably looped every hole on the F4. That slows it down to a crawl. If they skip #3, it works much better. I’m not recommending that, but just an observation.
Hi Scott, just received my halfline 2.0 system the other day and got up in the tree quickly and quietly for the first time. Everything works great. Had a question on the footloop but tried it again and got it sorted out. System works great and I love it. Looking forward to not have to carry four sticks in with me next year OR any sticks for that matter.
Glad to hear it Brandon , Another week we’ll be in our off season and start pumping out some more informational videos. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Thankyou for your support !!! Climb Safe !
Scott, another great setup, I would like to move from SRT to Halfline, and since I have most of the gear already - to get started I would like to know what is the knot you are using to make the eye in the half line, it's nice and compact.
Knocked it out of the park once again my friend, and as someone that’s been privileged to have been one of the field testers for this new system this season, guys this system will knock your socks off
I'm using the F4 with rescue tech. The first few climbs were a little rough until I got used to it. Now I'm able to climb quite quickly. I don't plan on going away from the F4. Thank you for continuing to try to improve and come up with easier climbing methods for people.
im dropping some weight to be able to meet the weight requirements for the saddles. Will be looking at picking one of these kits in the spring so i can get practicing.
Sounds good. The New 2.0 system is easier and smoother on ascending and descending plus the foot loop gives you a true 3 to 1 mechanical advantage. If needed
On a side note, I find it maddening sometimes to have noise from aircraft when hunting. Seems our ears are straining to hear the sounds of animals near by.
More questions from Australia, what is your setup for Hunting once you are at your desired height, do you stay hooked up to the Vergo on the halfline or use a Tether/ropeman/Prussik etc. Thanks for a great channel, your SRT setup got me started with Saddlehunting here in Australia.
That’s awesome, Thankyou !!! It depends on my crotch in height to my platform . If that angle is to close to 90 degrees, then I will tether in at a 45 degree angle for increased comfort . I run a 9ft piece of 9.5 super static for my tether and a 8mm the to eye tied in a Knut hitch. Brakes very easily yet holds tight . I also run 2 adjustable bridges on my Cruzr XC . Short for climbing in and out Long for my tether and better comfort without having to adjust .
I'm just getting feet wet with SRT and I'm a big fan of this system! Really excited to try it! Question though - I've read that there's kind of a rule of thumb for hitch cords in that they should be at least 2-3mm smaller than the climbing rope. Will those 8mm eye-to-eyes be effective on 9mm/9.5mm ropes?
At 6:05 when you went to install the hitch. Do the hitch eyes go to each side of the device? Similar to how a rope wrench would be installed? Or just on the one side? Have you ever used a Petzl GriGri? Those CT hand ascenders are really nice. I've been wanting to get one. They just released a new device called the "Cric" that looks pretty jazzy to.
The hitch cord installs on same side opposite break handle . If you install it either side it would interfere with the break . Same with Gri Gri or Madrock . I’ve used Gri Gri + for yrs , great device but I like Vergo more . The Cric would work in a pinch for this but I prefer CT over it for 1) having a handle is a big plus for this technique 2) quicker and quieter on and off the rope .
I have 1 ? Scott. Does the 9 mm CIV work with an 8 mm 30" hitchcord? Cuz I'm not planning on using a foot ascender. Just The CT with the new 2.0 system. I haven't gone to the website later but will once I find out about product availability. Looking to do many presets late February. We r 60" behind in snow compared to last year here in central MN. I did ZERO presets last year. We had 90" of snow followed by 5 consecutive days of 90* in April @ the start of turkey season with triple the amount of mosquitoes. Looking forward to a better off season. Take care.😅
Scott, is working the hand lever more similar to the grigri+ or more similar to the safeguard? My trigger finger has trouble with the safeguard but not with the grigri.
Yes it will. Load your Madrock with the brake facing away from you and both legs of hitchcord facing you. The Knut hitch is about the simplest and most effective knot you can tie . The Madrock and Vergo tend it beautifully.
Question! If you were hunting an area primarily with very tall pine tress that had next to no limbs, how would you go about getting up the tree or building a set? Would you kind of ditch this system as a climbing method and opt for the base of a climbing stand, and kind of go that route, or try something else?
Good question ! 3 answers : 1) I carry a stirrup on a short tether in my other saddle bag. If I were to run into this situation on a blind hunt . I could 2 tether up the pine and be in the game within minutes. If I like the spot I could leave a false crotch so when I return, I can use my system and half-line into the tree in half the time . 2) I’m thinking of carrying a One stick with me this season . It will become my primary platform whether I need to one stick into a blind area or I’ll use it with my half-line as my platform. This way I have all options covered. 3) I have a climbing platform company sending me a compact climber to demo and get my feedback on. I think this is going to be a big hit with the climbing saddle hunting community ( hybrid) It would be a great option for limbless trees with a lightweight compact climber . I’ll be dropping videos on this when I get it . All 3 options can be improved by leaving a false crotch to be easily rope climbed on returned hunts . Hope this covers it. I’ll be adding footage of these options and give you my thoughts on these techniques and adopt them when I see fit . Thanks CTA for the questions. Climb safe. PS. Jerry over at Custom Gear Modifications builds and sells the crotch rings for leaving false crotch’s in limbless trees.
I'm 6'2" and 218-220 lb. I using a 35' length of 8mm Sterling Oplux . I'm currently using it as a tree tether/Rappel rope using a figure 8 and a prussik. Will the new device work with 8mm rope?
I will say I used the F4 system in the start and my first ascent was fine once I got used to the motion. The initial descent was fine too though the system seemed to go from locked up and near free fall using three of the four holes in the F4 with only a slight change in pressure to break the system. The is completely user error I realize, but I essentially feel from 10-12 feet up and landed directly on my back probably three months ago. The main issue (in my opinion) is that the F4's braking system goes against every natural instinct you have. Once you begin a rapid descent that you were not intending from a very minute change in grip, your natural instinct is to grip whatever you can with everything you have to prevent a free fall. This obviously only worsens the issue as you have effectively opened all the holes and removed any friction form the system resulting in a free fall. Trust me, it hurt. I still feel it today.
Sorry to hear about your mishap . I’ve gotten a handful of reviews where people were having trouble . I’ve experienced some light drag while ascending but never anything like dropping that far or the F4 not holding The only thing I can think of is one of your descents must of been to fast prior to your fall and the rope glazed over . That would definitely have that dramatic of an effect on the rope . I’ve done it myself yrs back in tree care , when I burned up my split tail on a fast descent and it never held again. Had to get rid of it . Do you have any other ascenders / descenders that would work with 9mm or 9.5 ?
Again, I think to was totally user error. I have a Grigri and a Mammut Smart. Some figure 8s, etc. I may try the Grigri when I get the courage to go back up or just get one of the Trangos. @@NYSaddleHunter
As a big fan, think you need to acknowledge you should be in shape to use ropes without exhausting yourself, lest you take an hour to climb the tree. I’ve killed deer using DRT, because of you guys. I was drenched in sweat from it and 40 lbs lighter back then. Just tried the first version halfline. Left me exhausted for an hour. I’d love to learn that my technique sucks, but I can’t figure it out if that’s the case. Am I doing something wrong? I’m getting up there, but it takes such a toll I can’t shoot my bow for an hour+ after reaching height.
This is easier to ascend , but you still have to be physically fit to a degree . Any type of climbing wether it be ropes , sticks , climbing stands is going to be some degree of difficulty if your out of shape . This system is a true SRT in that the footloop works flawlessly with the hand ascender giving you a 3 to 1 advantage . But still requires some level of physicality
My opinion is that it's a technique issue and not a physical issue. I'm 54 and have been half rope srt-ing for about three years. You've got to get your foot under you with this method. It's really easy to push out instead of down. When you push out, it turns into a workout. So your foot loop has got to be set up in the right spot for you, or it isn't going to work to your benefit. I carry 30' of rescue tech, a notch quickie link, hand ascender, foot loop, madrock, and the necessary carabiners. Good luck
I just could not get into the swing of the F4, it was too hard too ascend and didn't work well with a footloop. I am back on the Sterling HTP Rope 9.5mm and the Grigri, which I liked MUCH better. I suppose I will cut the 75' in half and make two ropes in the halfline manner.
Checkout videos on my throwball kits. It explains it start to finish . Looks harder than it is but takes practice to become efficient . Your throw ball kit is how you’ll install your paracord loop up in the tree . The loop is your gateway to install your Halfline system into your tree. And when you descend at the end of your hunt , pulling out your rope reinstalls your preset loop for future hunts
I wouldn’t recommend it. Problem with larger diameter is your overloading the camming mechanism with bulk that could lead to something breaking internally
Thank you very much for your advice. I'm excited about the Half -line 2.0 and will order in early '24. I've been DRT ing for about 4 years and turn 77 this May....I love the freedom to be up in big trees. Thanks for being my mentors!!! jk
Might as well use a cord, tied in a friction hitch, that can ascend and descend,pre tied, with another pre tied hitch with a foot loop, non mechanical and foolproof, also dirt cheap compared to mechanical devices
Yes , but not as smooth compared to mechanical. Plus the new system is rope hitch over mechanical which tends beautifully and gives much needed redundancy.
i appreciate your video and information you supply. The biggest problem I have is I am new to saddle hunting. I have been using sticks but am looking forward to trying your halfline method. The only downside is the learning curve of the system. I am guessing a lot of your faithful have been one sticking, drt, set and have a lot of the base fundamental knowledge. i am still trying to understand the language/terms. i really like the concept of your safety line system for going up the tree and the safety of getting out of the tree. I am still trying to figure out how to set the paracord presets and how to get your line out of the tree after you come down. An idea for the future might be a series of fundamental videos taking someone thru the process from beginning to end. Thanks again for sharing the info.
hey bowhunter, they do cover the fundamentals throughout their videos. You need to spend a couple hours answering your own questions. . This video skims over some things, but that’s admitted within it. I don’t even understand it fully. How to set a paracord preset and how to get your climbing rope down are covered in their videos. I have killed deer with DRT; I know nothing about knots but I can do anything they show me to do. DRT is a great start, and the cheapest. They cover it in detail. I just purchase and tested the half-line system (first version). I will say that you do need to be in shape for rope climbing. I don’t care how easy they make it look. Look up every knot and equipment they mention. Good luck. I overthink everything, and this channel breaks it all down nicely.
@@drucifuh All the fundamentals are in the video library . I will have a new one start to finish coming out later this week. I’ll break every facet of it down so it’s easily understandable. I forget , lots of viewers have been here the last 5 yrs. They’ve watched every video and have an understanding of the fundamentals . So I’ll get one out for the newer crowd . Appreciate your comment 👍
@@bwhtr1 I’m spreading the message that now is the time to be setup for next season. The Halfline is a great system ,but will benefit you greatly by putting the time in Now ! Post and Pre season scouting is the time for installing your presets that will benefit you in the coming seasons. A 1k ft spool of paracord cost you around $70 bucks . You get a minimum of 16 stand sites prepped and ready for the following seasons without the cost of additional money for sticks or tree stands . Plus the hassle of packing extra bulk in . It truly is the most mobile system out there at 3lbs !!! If you want to be extremely mobile pack a one stick in with you , and now you have all the bases covered. So if your hiking in to an area miles back where you have multiple presets but want to stage up for whatever reason you have a universal rope to one stick in , plus the advantage of leaving a preset for a future climb on the Halfline or continuing on to your presets. The system is designed to give you options or shifting on the fly as I call it . But as I said earlier you have to put in the post and pre set work now to reap the rewards later. And honestly I don’t know anyone who kills consistently who doesn’t put in the work beforehand . Besides the fun is in the Prep . 90% prep 10% hunt
Yeah Scott & Joe, i really have enjoyed the 9.5 super static but it's different than Samson Predator so there was a learning curve. I came up with a pinto pulley with the Sterling short hitchcord tied on in a Michoacon fashion & a oval carabiner that attaches to my Fusion carabiner that came with the Flex Predator saddle that clips into my bridge. I made it self tending too. But I'm interested in this new 2.0 cuz I didnt like the blocky F4 design. I do like the CT Quick-roll in the left hand & I'm just wondering if u will have a kit then that doesn't include the foot ascender? I have no interest in a foot, knee or chest ascender. I like the small basic system as is. I usually tie in a 8 mm Oplux tether & I keep my climbing line setup connected & I have more controlled movement. I simply pull up my bow with the climbing line & store the slack above me. I can see this new 2.0 system more accomodating with less slack to deal with once my bow is up hanging in the 🌳. Sometimes less is more. It should allow me to do more filming also. Thanks & I hope u had a great Thanksgiving.😅
Keep in mind , if the Halfline is what you’re interested in. It’ll serve you better several months before season opens to scout and get your presets installed
