Introducing JRB's Maverick Pole 

It's been a while since I've watched a whole video, but this one was really interesting, JRB. Congrats on almost 8K subscribers. You're doing a fantastic job on your presentation. Well done! Will watch more! Your buddy in AZ.

It is always recommended to have a back up on your system for two points of contact on the rope in case one ascending device fails to function. So throw that Garda on already during the first climb and clip onto it as well for a back up. Another not that expensive option is to use a Petzl Tibloc. It's not expensive, glides well, keeps the rope straight and it's as fast to install as clipping a carabiner. One could also get away with only a single rope setting the friction hitches the opposite way and juggling between the two ends. Care must be taken during rappel as if you climbed so high that your rope is not on the ground there is a risk of falling off the rope.

This is a great system for climbing, Safe ,Quiet , Light Weight. I used the Maverick Hitch and Long Horn Agile Hitch last season exclusively , once you learn the ropes you will never go back. John, I have 3 attachments for my modified extension pole. 1 attachment is a tip that converts the pole to a walking staff. The 2nd attachment is a wire configured to grip the Maverick when advancing it up the tree. The third is an attachment that mounts a saw to the pole. Thank you again for your innovation.

Thank you, John! Steve

Cool, I certainly enjoyed this presentation, but I prefer a longer pole, currently using a 5ft extendable to 20ft, but the JRB Maverick pole looks like a quality pole. Perhaps in the near future Ape Canyon can provide a longer pole, but I do realize that a longer pole is a BIGGER pole, more sections and weight, this one is nice in that it is of less diameter and weight that a bigger longer pole. Generally, with a 20 ft pole plus my 7 ft reach I can get situated with one SRT climb, with some repositioning at hunting height , usually works out to about 25ft, but in some situations I drop down to see better depending on the situation. I also like using a different style hook, an S shape with a vertical prong that I like to insert into the Maverick like the Houdini rig (hook option #3?), however I like the demonstrated method, and will test it out. I”m using an 11mm rope, Samson Predator and 8mm Samson hitch cord. This rope is slick and slides up nice even over really rough bark, and ties a good Maverick. It is a little heavy, but I’m only using 50 ft per JRB recommendations for hitch climbing. I don’t mind a couple extra pounds, this rope feels good in hand and is relatively cheap but quality. My pole has a threaded end to which I can attach either my rope hook or a pruning saw. That is really handy in case I ever need to trim limbs for a shooting lane. Thank you John for introducing me to the hitch SRT climb, I really like it, I can walk into a new area, no fuss with a throw ball, and quietly but SAFELY set up on any tree. If I like a particular tree, it’s no problem to install a preset cord from my hunting position for return hunts, and use my 8mm Resc Tech for DSRT. Oh , I am now using a custom DIY RIDGID saddle that I absolutely LOVE, I can walk comfortably with it on, climb just fine on SRT or DSRT. At hunting height, I tie off with a Maverick and rappel down on it. Brother John , via your gracious educational efforts YOU have certainly given me a HUGE tool box to work with, but it’s light and easy to carry in the woods, whether it’s Hitch SRT, preset cord DSRT, or 2TC . Thank you , with my improved JRB methods I had many deer under my saddle , harvested two nice bucks this past season on public ground, a 30,000 WMA that is a joy to explore and hunt, but most importantly was safe and secure at all times. I”m 68 years old this year and still climbing and hunting strong.

Question: I started saddle hunting outa a modified LWC last season. Love it! But, I was dreaming up a way to get my repel rope tether up higher than I can reach … for less rope lifts and faster climbing times. My 30 foot tether / repel rope is fastened to the tree with a carabiner like any tether. I quest my question is… would this stick work on that system. With the rope running through a carabiner. Or would I need to tie a mav hitch? Cheers!

John/JRB, what do you reccommend, if making extra moves, say 3 or 4? As in using carabiners on short bridge.Some trees I've encountered, climbed, needed more than 2 moves with the 6 foot pole. And if I need to attach a floating anchor. Thanks again, Steve

Can you use this with a quick link like most one sticker’s use? I like the maverick but most one sticker’s only use one rappel rope and can’t abandon their main line for another main line. I may be missing something. I really like the idea of being able to advance my climbing line while making moves one sticking or even while using sticks.