I am just using a five wrap hitch which essentially pulls down into a Valdotain Trese. If I sit for a few minutes I have slight trouble getting it started but once it does it works fine. Fingertips get a bit hot if I'm not careful. It works fine and like I said several of the tree arborists mention the same thing with friction hitches. They can vary from day to day or rope to rope or same rope with more wear. That is just their nature. They will never be as consistent as a metal device. That is why people use the Ropeman so much in spite of the additional weight.If it's binding up, try lengthening it a bit at a time till it stops binding. If it continues binding may have to switch hitches, adjust how many wraps it has, or a larger diameter hitch cord that doesn't dig into the climb line as much.
I've considered getting the newer HHX but haven't pulled the trigger one on yet https://climbing-innovations.myshopify.com/products/hitch-hiker-x-without-swivaeye
Edit: I probably should have bought the HHx but I was just wanting to try it without spending a fortune. I did buy a shackle for the HH2 which works great. I will post a picture. It is wide but provides plenty of clearance for the Hitchhiker holster which I recommend for tending.
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