Jdtrees

You can use the CE lanyard in a traditional DRT setup if you need to ascend/descend on it.

Bought a 7m one a couple of months ago and its been out of my bag nearly every day. Fast, smooth and sexy. Can't recommend it enough. Just make sure to set the hitch for the first few days you use it. Great for all the various ways it can be set it up too. Brilliant.

I just don't like spear cuts lol! Good luck with it and climb safe! Look forward to the video.

If you're going to dismantle it why not chog down with step cuts rather than start using uncontrolled spear cuts? Just curious

Have a look at some of the Canadian job sites mate; the work is mostly seasonal for arb but there seem to be plenty of opportunities. Ontario, BC and Alberta seem pretty big markets.

Akro Multihire in Livingston are a good bet- kits always in A1 condition.

Tried my boss's carbon/full velcros and yeah...... pretty damn sweet.

The aluminium shank, velcro uppers and leather ankle strap are excellent.

Akro at Livingston are the guys to talk to. Kits always A1.

Seconded

I only put my second line on when cutting. Like in my avatar pic. Shall review the techniques.

If you have a good dealer near you 2nd hand isn't always a terrible idea. I bought a 254xp over a year ago and its a fantastic machine- even though its had a hard life it still has the heart of a lion! But then as the great-great-great grandfather of the 550 its a good lineage I guess. (Another plus- you can have 3 254s for the price of 1 new 550)

Had a similar moment a few weeks ago on an ash, was tired at the end of a long day and didn't kick in hard enough- when I stepped up the gaff just peeled a strip of bark and I shot down about 12 feet before I managed to stop myself (cracking bruises on the right forearm, bicep and chest). Like you say, gives the old confidence a bit of a knock! To try and feel a bit more comfortable I passed my lanyard from the right leg D (climb in a treemotion) round the left side of the stem then round to the left D in a figure 8 pattern. Figured if I lost my gaffs again I wouldn't go far as the lanyard chokes onto the stem. Haven't fallen on to this, just hung gently, but it could be a bit hard on the knackers! No doubt there's some reason why this is a terrible idea but it worked for me until the elvis leg went away. Its like the falling off the horse thing- just have to get back on.

Can't help but feel this is something your tutor should be able to help you with! Practice practice practice!

Happy hunting!