Treecreeper1961

Oh yeah, these spikes look great, they feel light and the pads appear sensible. I like the idea of velcro leg straps and leather foot straps. Unfortunately none of this is much good if after a month the rings have worn right through the shanks. It even states in the info. not to etch them as it reduces strength. Well mine are now well and truly etched with a unique i.d. code. I have not yet contacted the supplier, hectic day today. I will make a post when I hear what they say. Ben

The problem with my x2s is that the rings on the foot straps have badly worn the aluminium on the side of the u of the footplate after just six hours use. I could not believe my eyes when I took them off. The ring's too hard! Or the plate is too soft. Not impressed.

Not from fletcher stewart I should add.

I have bought a pair. Felt ok. Some concern about wear already.

Hi Detritus, Hope you don't mind me commenting, what with me being a newbie and all..... I'm not exactly experienced in matters of the Meripilus but have read about it recently studying the Tech. cert. arb. This is one of those difficult decisions to make, a tree with considerable amenity, and probably conservation value, showing what appears to be possibly early parasitic infection by a fungi capable of causing windthrow. The reality is that the tree's prognosis is only going to get worse. The target risk is high. If the decision to remove the tree is delayed for years the safety of those that pass by and especially those inevitably employed to remove the tree is brought further into question. If the tree stood in a park or less intensely used location perhaps the options would be more inviting to explore but in this situation, why delay the inevitable. Trees may be more appealing than many people but I am sure our consciences would suffer less by the felling of even such a fine tree than the tragedy that could be the alternative. I don't know how exactly investigations on the underside of roots are undertaken or how easily the findings are assessed? It is not a responsibility I would relish but I think I would recommend the removal of this tree.

Yeah, I think so, not sure when I will get an opportunity to mind. Thanks, for all posts.

OP being Ocean Polyester and AP Armour Prus?

Thanks, you are right. Spiderjack would be a huge leap for me at the moment, both in expense and technology. What's the life expectancy of a spiderjack?

Hi, I have done the Tech Cert this year, online with Myerscough, as well as some additional training with Treelife. It seems that this is the final year for the level 3 qualification and the Tech Cert has had a much needed overhaul. The structure of the course/qualification has changed considerably so I am told, with a continuous assessment approach rather than a high pressure, all or nothing, hard, intense combination of written and practical exams. I am currently waiting for my management exercise results. Try contacting Keely at treelife for advice,there must be something set up for next year by now. Ben

Hi all, This is my maiden post on arbtalk and I hope it's ok to start by asking for some advice. I have been climbing for about thirteen years. I learned to climb on a Blake's hitch. To begin with, I used a length of my climbing rope as a Blake's. At some point in time I started using 10mm Liros Hercules and found this to be very much to my liking, hard wearing, no binding and really good control. I have experimented with prussicks and Klemheists and always prefer the Blake's, even more so since using 10mm cord, perhaps it is done to familiarity? When my Liros ran out, I bought some Beal and this seemed less smooth, more easily worn. Our latest LOLER inspector has kindly sold my boss 10mm marlow on the last two inspections, to replace my failed cord. Hmm, much appreciated. At some point, I have lost sight of the fact that the Blake's hitch should be tied with rope equivalent to your climbing line. Why is this recommended I ask? O.K. I know the answers to this when I think about it. Single length open hitch needs the strength, tucked bridge needs the abrasion resistance and the hitch has the binding reputation. So, it seems I have been climbing on sub standard hitches for about six years. Oops:blushing: Ironically, this has also been the most I have enjoyed climbing, largely due to improved performance in my hitches. Sorry for this long winded ramble. My question is, is there a 10mm cord rated high enough for the Blake's? Also, does anyone else have similar preference to me or am I just a misguided fool? I am aware my climbing technique is less than state of the art and I would like to improve it. Generally I use two ropes when required, together with a flipline with a 10mm vdt. Any advice or suggestions would be great. Cheers.