I’m a tree surgeon, I use a stein 65cm eye to eye, I can get 4 wraps but only 2 braids, I’m about 85kg, it works perfectly for me. Thanks for the video!
I have to say something as a beginner my head is spinning from how much gear there is and how costly this hobby is. There is a 100 different ways to do things it’s crazy how many different ways you can ascend and descend a tree. It’s almost overwhelming but you make things simple and I have to say thank you so very much.
Billy, I'm also a newcomer, been climbing less than two years. Just take it slow and easy. Start simple and basic with drt, a few biners, use the Blake's hitch. Get real comfortable with that and gradually incorporate other equipment into you inventory .
Billy Nix I started in February 2020, I’m up to the rope wrench with foot and Hauss knee ascender, its just easier to do a Texas tug or base anchor (as long as branch can hold double your weight) then when I get into canopy switching over to drt with friction knot of choice, though it’s not necessary, I’m considering stepping up to the unicender from Rock exotica, it’s become such a blast, I really like accessing the canopy with rope wrench though with ascenders, so much easier on the body, I’m 43yrs old and my left shoulder just wasn’t liking the body thrusting! Low and slow! Be safe
Hi Bino I've watch a number of your vid's so far and like your style. This one gives me a question about friction that I saw on another channel. He might just be trying to sell me something though... You do this for a living and have used this VT for many climbs so I ask you this: Do you ever have friction heating issues when descending with it?
You can have an issue but it depends on the cord, rope and your weight, also how fast you descend. There are some cords that are heat resistant and that can help reduce damage.
Bino thanks for the helpful information. What is the size and type ropes your using. I just started to climb trees, I am about the same size as you and I am having problems with Blake's hitches not releasing unless I pull as hard as I can on the knot, then burning/melting the rope. I have Sampson predator rope 11.4mm. I have also bought 8mm beeline split tail and I can't get it to release at all with my weight on it. I think this may be a good option for me to try.
How long is your split tail? Also if this hitch does not work I'm also working on more prussik cord hitch videos you might find the one that works for you.
Bino I really enjoy your content, Thanks for the time you and Noah put into material, though I’m sure it’s enjoyable for you two, on another note could you discuss glazing of cord sometime in these videos and when a friction cord is no longer useable, or is it a matter of when testing hitch it won’t grab, I’m sure time will tell, Thanks
Hello Jacob Wilson. I'm sure you've found your answer by now, but peradventure you havent. Glazing is a visible sign of the melting temperature being reached to some point. The integrity of the prussik cord, or climbing rope has been compromised. You can no longer rate that rope to its abs. Yeah! It's a bummer! Prussik cord is famous for showing signs of glazing. Rigging ropes that are abused also. :(
@@benjaminwest2281 thanks, I hadn’t received any answers and am thankful for your input on the issue, I’m using an Ocean Polyester so far it’s good, but I have back ups, I did get a figure 8 since this question, again thanks
@@jacobwilson3316 I'm glad to hear your climbing system is working well. Yes, back ups are encouraged! Do becareful with the figure 8. When I used one, the rescue 8, I thought, if I'm not sober on this repel, I'll drop like an elevator! They are widely used by many, with experience and the Lord gives them success. Remember your brake hand. Take care, Benjamin
You could use a prusik loop with a prusik or a Kemhiest under your hitch and use your foot and advance it on every step. You could also use a foot ascender instead of a foot loop.
@@yawningdog9894 This is a Holly Oak with a smooth but strong bark. The time spent climbing in it has not caused any damage. If the ropes were causing damage I deffinatley would use a cambium saver.
Twice now I've had the top of the VT jam on the rope wrench above, usually after ascending through branches to reach a resting point. That's OK if I want to ascend higher, but the hitch is too tight to allow descent, so to go down I need to relieve weight on the hitch and let the rope wrench rise above the knot. It feels like the VT takes too much room for the 12" tether. I use a 30" sewn split tail, and I've been playing with the number of wraps to try and make the hitch more compact. Any suggestions for a hitch that won't stretch to meet the rope wrench above?
I love the latex palmed gloves for their stickiness to rope, but that same thing happens to me. The latex gets caught in the hitch and tears off, sometimes jamming the hitch. Oh well, at least they're cheap!
Bino, I'm going to be running the hitch hiker 2 (it's what I have to work with). What hitch in your opinion will work best with the HH2? I know I need to try some diffent hitches and hitch cords but I just want a base that is tried and tested to start from so I can feel confident at height. Because I do have a fear of heights and I have come a long way to overcome it but the fear is still there. And my fear starts with how confident I am in my gear being the most applicable for what I am trying to do. Also I am trying to become as proficient as possible with understanding rope work. It's just alot of information. Thank you B.
@@joneifer8145 Thank you. I have never used a Hitchhiker 2 so I can't give a good recommendation for a knot on it. Yes it is a very good idea to get used to the equipment and build you confidence up. Take care.
@@BinoH It's the Squirrel Flex Tether with the ISC APEX and the Rope Wrench Teufelberger Ocean Polyester E2E sling 10mm on the Teufelberger Drenaline I'm going to use the distel hitch with 5 wraps to start
I used double fisherman's bends also on my termination. With the termination on the carabiner it's not required to have a fig 8 but the length of the tail has to be at least 5 diameter lengths of the rope you are using.
I tried climbing with the VT today. I have a maple in my yard I’m slowly taking down as a practice tree. I noticed if I weight the knot, and then try and advance, I notice the rope seems to get “bound” in the braids and the pulley. If I put my weight on my lanyard, I could get moving again, but I were relying on just the climbing line and VT, I fell like I would have been stuck. Perhaps I did something wrong? thank you for the videos, they are extremely helpful. C442
I think I realize what my mistake was. I had attached the VT clip to the top hole of the hitch climber instead of the middle or bottom hole. It explains why it was binding. I appreciate the reply, and advice. C442
Honestly this is the only hitch i use... I've thought about trying some different hitches and eventually i probably will but normally when I'm setting up i just tie the VT out of habit.
I was wondering that very thing. Usually from most examples I’ve seen you alternate which braid is on top as you go down. How I’ve been shown is the first braid coming from the wraps goes on top then bottom then top (if the hitch cord is long enough and you get three braids). Love the video but I think when it comes to climbing systems and explaining how to use them attention should be given to every little detail.
VT makes me bonkers...too much loss of progress with each pull. It also seems like the legs of the VT get longer...to a point, when in use. There's a reason I see most of your videos are using the Michoacan and based on my limited experience with the various friction hitches, I'd have to agree the Mich is the way to go in most scenarios.
I wouldn't tie in dose side little straps loops. Thats really unsafe . U should tie in your center bridge. And notice how you struggling to pull the slack through. Because of that.
Hi Jose, Yes those side attachments are safe to use for climbing. I have the Buckingham Master 5.0 and it has 9 stationary rated attachment points. Thanks for the comment. Take care.
