Which Friction Lowering Devices?

[Jamie Jones]

Just starting to get in to getting a rigging kit together and I have been looking at which Friction Lowering Devices to get?

The only one I have used to date is the Tree Runner P500 Rigging Device / Abseil Brake that is attached to the tree with a Ratchet Strap. The Device has rubber feet so you don't damage the trees stem...

Do people rate this device? 

I was wondering what Friction Lowering Devices people use and what they would recommend getting?

[Dan Maynard]

Short answer, yes.

You sort of need to use a portawrap to see the advantages of a fixed bollard, the thing with the P500 it's not too big so it's easy to set up.

I was pointed to it by the guy assessing my CS41, it's also what he had in his truck bought with his own money.

[MattyF]

RC 2000 is almost as good as a bollard and nice and easy to set up , maybe a little cheaper than the p500 ,I would definitely take one over a port a wrap for serious rigging.
You definitely can’t go wrong with the rc2001 for a fixed bollard .
you have the choice of changing to rubber mounts , I’ve rigged out some very big trees and lumps with them and it was my go to device before I got a Hobbs.
The pinnacle of lowering is the GCRS but it’s expensive and not as robust as the hobbs , well in my hands any way...

[Alex O]

We use a port a wrap for bits of pruning and small dismantling and a friction drum for the big take downs and a mixture of 2-4 pulleys to take the sting out. But I guess it depends on what you want to be doing, you can always add to your kit along the way

[Alinicoll]

I would go for a fix bollard over a floating device any day. We have the tree runner, its pretty light and works great.

 

In the past I have used an RCW3001 which is bomb proof but heavy, not used the 2001.

 

[Mark Bolam]

You won't go wrong with the Runner or the 2001.

 

Dan is spot on about the portawrap.

 

Whenever I see people using them I cringe, it's like using a bow saw.

 

I always like the back up the bollard with a whoopie sling at the base to back up the ratchet strap.

 

 

Hopefully you will go for a GRCS then sell it on to me for £50 after a few weeks.

[Andrew McEwan]

The treerunner p500 is great as you know, wouldn't be without it, the rcw3001 with the winch is a heavy lump as already said but lots lighter and cheaper than a grcs and a mega handy do it all option if you can only buy one.

[TIMON]

Stein RC 3001 here, good solid and simple to use and get ussd to.

 

Couldn’t get on with a portawrap, I’ve never met a groundie that liked using them,

 

[Andrew McEwan]

What Mark said with a whoopie or dead eye under any ratchet strap device, or just wait for the moment a big lump sees it head up the tree if not cut in........embarrassing

 

I think you can still get a tongue/foot hook thing for the p500 which is easier than cutting in.

Edited February 28, 2020 by Andrew McEwan

[MattyF]

I would go for a fix bollard over a floating device any day. We have the tree runner, its pretty light and works great.
 
In the past I have used an RCW3001 which is bomb proof but heavy, not used the 2001.
 

Just a scaled down version of the 3001 , but still meaty enough for take downs in uk.