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I'm lost

JoyRyd

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 1, 2019
666
638
93
NW Colorado
Welcome Youngblood. I’m new here as well, but saddle hunting for a couple of years. You are in good hands! This place is full of information via a firehose!! Good luck and have fun!!
 
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bj139

Well-Known Member
Jun 13, 2019
5,377
3,465
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SE PA
I’m in Canada so I won’t give you anything specific, but I bought rope at a local outdoor store.

Then I went back and talked to a guy who turned out to be an arborist. He advised that climbing rope and arborist ropes are different in the way the strength is spread between core and sheath. Essentially arborist rope will handle the running on the tree much better.

So my advice is to look for an arborist supply store in your area and NOT an outdoor store.


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Arborist ropes are nearly always 10mm or greater diameter for ultimate strength. Many people want to go smaller diameter for less weight. Thus 8mm Oplux. Arborists don't care about the weight of the rope since they usually drive right up to the tree. If climbing rope can handle being dragged against rock I think dragging rope against trees might even be gentler. I use 8.5mm climbing rope and feel the stretch will help me if I fall. I tend to not obsess anymore about the details including a bit of extra weight. Most all climbing rated rope will work fine.
 

MaxJac

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2019
471
446
63
Sandhills, NC
Where are you in NC? There is an NCPalooza in the works where you will be able to try out many options and see what you like in person, stay tuned...
speaking of the NC Palooza.... we talked about it a while back. Something to plan during the post hunt season to hunt antlers and learn from the past season or something to plan for more close to the next hunting season?
 

Bwhana

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 8, 2017
2,291
4,719
113
Hickory, NC
speaking of the NC Palooza.... we talked about it a while back. Something to plan during the post hunt season to hunt antlers and learn from the past season or something to plan for more close to the next hunting season?
Working on it behind the scenes right now on a specific date and suitable location. Targeting a Saturday in March (not too cold or hot and prior to turkey season) to share and compare saddle gear and techniques, with some NC bbq for lunch. I will create a new thread when ready.
 

robstewart

Well-Known Member
Feb 4, 2019
512
404
63
55
Arborist ropes are nearly always 10mm or greater diameter for ultimate strength. Many people want to go smaller diameter for less weight. Thus 8mm Oplux. Arborists don't care about the weight of the rope since they usually drive right up to the tree. If climbing rope can handle being dragged against rock I think dragging rope against trees might even be gentler. I use 8.5mm climbing rope and feel the stretch will help me if I fall. I tend to not obsess anymore about the details including a bit of extra weight. Most all climbing rated rope will work fine.

I use an 11 mm rope and it doesn’t weigh that much. The arborist explained that climbing rope has more of its strength in the sheath and less in the core. Arborist rope is the opposite. If a climbing rope is damaged it significantly reduces the strength. This is less of an issue with arborist rope.

I’m not an expert though, merely regurgitating what I was told.


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tim_dawg22

Well-Known Member
Oct 7, 2018
341
308
63
speaking of the NC Palooza.... we talked about it a while back. Something to plan during the post hunt season to hunt antlers and learn from the past season or something to plan for more close to the next hunting season?

Interested in the NC Palooza. Should be here for another year.


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tim_dawg22

Well-Known Member
Oct 7, 2018
341
308
63
Working on it behind the scenes right now on a specific date and suitable location. Targeting a Saturday in March (not too cold or hot and prior to turkey season) to share and compare saddle gear and techniques, with some NC bbq for lunch. I will create a new thread when ready.

Looking forward to this for sure!


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MaxJac

Well-Known Member
Mar 13, 2019
471
446
63
Sandhills, NC
Working on it behind the scenes right now on a specific date and suitable location. Targeting a Saturday in March (not too cold or hot and prior to turkey season) to share and compare saddle gear and techniques, with some NC bbq for lunch. I will create a new thread when ready.
I like the BBQ part of it a lot.... :) let me know if I can help in any way
 
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IkemanTX

Well-Known Member
Oct 16, 2015
3,501
3,831
113
Looks like there is a tethrd teach n train event in Raleigh feb 28th-March 1...

Might give you some hands on time with one...



................................................................................All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx
 

Ontariofarmer

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 25, 2015
5,258
5,095
113
I use an 11 mm rope and it doesn’t weigh that much. The arborist explained that climbing rope has more of its strength in the sheath and less in the core. Arborist rope is the opposite. If a climbing rope is damaged it significantly reduces the strength. This is less of an issue with arborist rope.

I’m not an expert though, merely regurgitating what I was told.


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I am sure an arborist rope is more durable. My local Stihl dealer sells it. However an arborist has mor hours more movement mor e abuse on a rope in a year than we have in ten seasons.
Go for Oplux. Buy once cry once


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Brickz

Member
Dec 29, 2019
80
12
8
Alabama
Saddlehunters never fail to give great information, that’s why I like this community!

I’ve been in a saddle a couple years and the learning curve is fun. Except I keep spending money, it’s never ending. I have sticks with aiders but if I could go back, I would try WEI steps and knaider/swaider method. I use homemade steps and a DTS as a platform. My current thinking is to use the single stick method for cost savings since I already have sticks.

Nonetheless, you will probably end up with several methods of climbing and a room full of gear before it’s all said and done.

Use the off season to practice and find your method of choice! Palooza sounds informative as well. Good luck hunting.




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woodsdog2

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jun 28, 2019
8,170
10,407
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Buy a saddle from a well known company, buy climbing sticks (I think they are the easiest to learn at first) purchase a platform or ring of steps. Try everything at ground level first and then elevate yourself to your comfort zone. If you don’t like something, buy something different and keep the one you like more. I’m experimenting all the time. Quality stuff holds value well and you shouldn’t lose much on any of it.
IMHO, this is great advice!!!!
 

bj139

Well-Known Member
Jun 13, 2019
5,377
3,465
113
SE PA
I am sure an arborist rope is more durable. My local Stihl dealer sells it. However an arborist has mor hours more movement mor e abuse on a rope in a year than we have in ten seasons.
Go for Oplux. Buy once cry once


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I have two 50 meter lengths of 8.5mm climbing rope I bought before Oplux was introduced. What would I gain going to Oplux besides bragging rights and a membership in the Oplux club?