WANTED Climbing Gear

BrokenSVT · Nov 8, 2017

Hey guys! I've found a mentor and would like to start climbing a bit. I'm not ready to break the bank on premium brand new equipment just yet. I'm hoping maybe some deals are out there to be had.

I'm looking for gaffs, saddle/belt, ropes, helmet, the whole shebang...on a budget at first. Hoping to secure an SRT setup over time.

Thanks for looking!

chipper1 · Nov 8, 2017

BrokenSVT said:
Hey guys! I've found a mentor and would like to start climbing a bit. I'm not ready to break the bank on premium brand new equipment just yet. I'm hoping maybe some deals are out there to be had.

I'm looking for gaffs, saddle/belt, ropes, helmet, the whole shebang...on a budget at first. Hoping to secure an SRT setup over time.

Thanks for looking!

How fortunate you are to have found someone, so many of these guys won't say a thing to help you in person or even let you work with them if they know you want to climb, not sure what the deal is there.
Buy good equipment to start with and don't skimp, it will make the learning process much more enjoyable.
Don't wait to get into an SRT setup, at least do single up double down if you want to wait on a mechanical prussic/a rope wrench. Even an old fart like me(47) can easily get into the canopy on SRT.
You can buy a kit from tree stuff or wes sure(I think they have them) with all the pieces you need to get off the ground. Even if you realize you don't want to climb the gear doesn't loose to much value, you just need to come up with the cash up front for it.
Hope this helps,
Brett
PS I'd sell some of my doubles, but my boy will be using it all soon enough.

BrokenSVT · Nov 8, 2017

chipper1 said:
How fortunate you are to have found someone, so many of these guys won't say a thing to help you in person or even let you work with them if they know you want to climb, not sure what the deal is there.
Buy good equipment to start with and don't skimp, it will make the learning process much more enjoyable.
Don't wait to get into an SRT setup, at least do single up double down if you want to wait on a mechanical prussic/a rope wrench. Even an old fart like me(47) can easily get into the canopy on SRT.
You can buy a kit from tree stuff or wes sure(I think they have them) with all the pieces you need to get off the ground. Even if you realize you don't want to climb the gear doesn't loose to much value, you just need to come up with the cash up front for it.
Hope this helps,
Brett
PS I'd sell some of my doubles, but my boy will be using it all soon enough.

I appreciate the advice and info. I'm eager to get started, and the budget doesn't allow me to jump in feet first just yet. I'll get there--just hoping to find some things that perhaps folks outgrew skill-wise, or budget-wise themselves.

I just checked out the kits on Treestuff. Not surprisingly, they look incredibly well thought-out. That's definitely the direction I'll go when I get there!

I look forward to my boys picking up the skills as well. They're tagging along on most tree jobs already, and are a huge help!

chipper1 · Nov 8, 2017

BrokenSVT said:
I appreciate the advice and info. I'm eager to get started, and the budget doesn't allow me to jump in feet first just yet. I'll get there--just hoping to find some things that perhaps folks outgrew skill-wise, or budget-wise themselves.

I just checked out the kits on Treestuff. Not surprisingly, they look incredibly well thought-out. That's definitely the direction I'll go when I get there!

I look forward to my boys picking up the skills as well. They're tagging along on most tree jobs already, and are a huge help!

I hear you. I took a while to build up to what I have now, and there's more I would like to get. Using outdated gear or lesser than the mid grade gear will make the learning process much slower. If I buy quality then I'm much more apt to want to use it, and it makes the job more fun than work as I enjoy running equipment, and that's basically what the gear is. I don't enjoy mowing the yard, but I like running my exmark mower, even made a business out of something I don't like to do lol.
Once you ran a pro saw I'm sure you didn't want to take a step back, it's the same with quality climbing gear, and the price difference isn't that much in comparison to what you get but you may have to wait a bit longer to get it or sell something else.

It's awesome your getting that time with your boys out working, I wish more kids these days were able to do that, it would change the country.

BrokenSVT · Nov 8, 2017

I agree on the notion about the kids. I say it all the time. The problems we're experiencing as a society can all be attributed to a lack of masculinity, which by default negates femininity and so on. The gender lines are blended, no one is providing leadership and discipline, the younger generation are suffering. It's a shame.

I have three teenage boys and a seven month old boy. They'll be men.

You're right regarding gear as well. I'm still hoping for a deal to start. The kit I'd like from treestuff is $1200. That's no small investment...

Dub11 · Nov 8, 2017

BrokenSVT said:
I agree on the notion about the kids. I say it all the time. The problems we're experiencing as a society can all be attributed to a lack of masculinity, which by default negates femininity and so on. The gender lines are blended, no one is providing leadership and discipline, the younger generation are suffering. It's a shame.

I have three teenage boys and a seven month old boy. They'll be men.

You're right regarding gear as well. I'm still hoping for a deal to start. The kit I'd like from treestuff is $1200. That's no small investment...

When you do find your starter kit can you post please. I'm interested my self.

Orangeinthebarn · Dec 11, 2017

Check with @tickbitintn

BrokenSVT · Dec 11, 2017

Dub11 said:
When you do find your starter kit can you post please. I'm interested my self.

Prepare for a big post once the last pieces trickle in. I went ahead and bought new on Treestuff.com.

Orangeinthebarn said:
Check with @tickbitintn

Thank you! I just bought a bunch new from Treestuff a couple weeks back. I'll be looking for odds and ends still, so I may give him a holler.

Bmezz88 · Dec 11, 2017

Dub11 said:
When you do find your starter kit can you post please. I'm interested my self.

One thing I will give you some advice on is gaff pads and saddle. If your budget allows, buy a saddle with a rope bridge. 4 dee saddles will pinch the hell out of your hips and make for an unpleasant learning experience. I like to refer to them as torture devices lol. As far as gaff pads, buy anything other than L or T pads. Pads with a metal insert are a lot more rigid and prevent the shank of the climber from digging into your leg. Either the Weaver super climber pads or velcro wrap pads are the only ones I will ever use again. Those dam L and T pads make it feel like your calf is being separated from your leg after a long period of time.

BrokenSVT · Dec 11, 2017

I snapped up a Weaver Cougar saddle because the price was right. I also snagged some rigging plates and rope to Liger it.

Bmezz88 · Dec 11, 2017

thats awesome man! What kind of gaffs are you planing on using? Only reason I ask is because I have a pair of weaver super pads if you need em.

BrokenSVT · Dec 11, 2017

Bmezz88 said:
thats awesome man! What kind of gaffs are you planing on using? Only reason I ask is because I have a pair of weaver super pads if you need em.

I've got a line on a set of Bashlin aluminum Climbers. I'm buying them as soon as my toy budget allows it.

Bmezz88 · Dec 11, 2017

BrokenSVT said:
I've got a line on a set of Bashlin aluminum Climbers. I'm buying them as soon as my toy budget allows it.

well if you need pads just let me know, I'll send them to ya. All you have to do is pay shipping.

BrokenSVT · Dec 11, 2017

Bmezz88 said:
well if you need pads just let me know, I'll send them to ya. All you have to do is pay shipping.

That's incredible! I'll certainly take you up on that. You're the man!

Bmezz88 · Dec 11, 2017

BrokenSVT said:
That's incredible! I'll certainly take you up on that. You're the man!

Just pm me your address and Ill have them shipped out on saturday

stihl saws · Dec 11, 2017

Bmezz88 said:
One thing I will give you some advice on is gaff pads and saddle. If your budget allows, buy a saddle with a rope bridge. 4 dee saddles will pinch the hell out of your hips and make for an unpleasant learning experience. I like to refer to them as torture devices lol. As far as gaff pads, buy anything other than L or T pads. Pads with a metal insert are a lot more rigid and prevent the shank of the climber from digging into your leg. Either the Weaver super climber pads or velcro wrap pads are the only ones I will ever use again. Those dam L and T pads make it feel like your calf is being separated from your leg after a long period of time.

Excellent advice here. I can work fine in a 4 dee, but those cheap gaff pads are pure hell. Good pads are a must have.

Lightning Performance · Dec 11, 2017

I bought my saddle oversized with a bridge, two D, tall back pad with a bozen seat. Everything is adjustable with infinite adjustment waist strap.

Custom bent by me Buckingham steel, steel shin plates custom bent by me with double padded Velcro straps.

Make your gear fit you.

Khntr85 · Jan 5, 2018

Hey I tell ya I got lucky and have an older guy that’s a close friend teach me....i just wanted to know the basics...well it’s very addictive!!!!

I have just the basics, saddle, bought new rope, gaffs, throw line, wieght bag.....you can go crazy, but I just wanted to get the basics down, then I will buy more as I make money....it’s a great skill to know....I will/have saved thousands taking trees down at my house by myself!!!

BrokenSVT · Jan 9, 2018

Khntr85 said:
Hey I tell ya I got lucky and have an older guy that’s a close friend teach me....i just wanted to know the basics...well it’s very addictive!!!!

I have just the basics, saddle, bought new rope, gaffs, throw line, wieght bag.....you can go crazy, but I just wanted to get the basics down, then I will buy more as I make money....it’s a great skill to know....I will/have saved thousands taking trees down at my house by myself!!!

It's definitely a huge plus to have a teacher/mentor.

I started collecting gear with a very basic mindset, but admittedly the bug has bitten me. I've got a very nice DdRT setup right now, but I see a Zigzag in my future. More ropes and a SRT setup will certainly follow.

But I agree, definitely a great skill to have!

Khntr85 · Jan 10, 2018

Yes sir it is....and I tell you what for an active guy that don’t mind working his ass off, it’s actually fun....But then agian I am not the go in after work and set in front of the tv type either!!!!

I know people dont buy books much anymore, but many really skilled guys with years of experience recommended this book....it’s cheap, not to thick, and super handy....I have went to grab it many times to remember a knot, or figure out another....it’s got everything about climbing and it’s a no bullsh*t type book, straight to the point...I think you would really like/benifit from it....

Now I just need to get some time to rebuild this damn 200t so I don’t have to climb with a damn ms180, LOL!!!!

Pic of that book

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