A.R.T. Spectra

[SilkySamurai]

Has anyone who has experience with the A.R.T. Spectra mechanical hitch had any problems with them under proper (manufacturers instructions) use? I purchase one for $465 and, after using it for less than two months, found it to be the most expensive paper weight I've ever bought. I understand the issues with the clutch wearing out prematurely due to using the large handle to control decent as opposed to the wood thumb piece. I've climbed trees for six years and have owned my own tree care business for five years now. I also have over 15 years experience rock (traditional) and ice climbing under my belt. The A.R.T. I purchased doesn't hold the climber in one position on the rope instead it gradually lowers the climber which I discovered while doing a crane removal. I do understand that this is due to clutch wear but must add that it's extremely premature in my opinion. They must've made the clutch out of recycled soda cans. The only way I can see to get any use out of this piece is to order a new clutch and having a machinist replicate a new one off the specs out of a more durable metal, a little ridiculous considering the price. I've had the same $90 petzl grigri for 14 years now and haven't had to replace anything on it. The best advice I can give anyone considering adding this piece to their gear bag would obviously be to skip it, it's junk.

 

[Tree&Stump]

I would email the company exactly what you said, and don't forget to mention all of your climbing counterparts on the world wide web that you are describing their manufacturing mishap to. The thing slides while you are working? That is just dangerous. That's playing with fire IMO, and in most people's opinions here and those on any other forum for climbers.

Unless their customers and their world wide reputation doesn't matter to ART, they'll give you a new clutch, but if I were you, I would hold them to giving you another device entirely because you don't trust this one. I don't trust it. They might even give you something extra for free for all of your troubles. Just be sure you have some kind of proof of purchase, or they might not believe you. Do you have the receipt?

 

[Grace Tree]

Never heard of an Art Spectra. They make a flip line adjuster with spectra link to the saddle but they're not $465. Are you talking about a Lockjack or Spyderjack? I've used a Lockjack for the past 6 years, replaced the clutch once and the only times it creeps is if the line has fine oak sawdust on it and I'm a fat a$$. Do you have the proper sized clutch; 7/16" or 1/2"? Clutch in right side up?
Phil

 

[SilkySamurai]

Never heard of an Art Spectra. They make a flip line adjuster with spectra link to the saddle but they're not $465. Are you talking about a Lockjack or Spyderjack? I've used a Lockjack for the past 6 years, replaced the clutch once and the only times it creeps is if the line has fine oak sawdust on it and I'm a fat a$$. Do you have the proper sized clutch; 7/16" or 1/2"? Clutch in right side up?
Phil

Phil, my bad it is a Spyderjack which I've noticed they've reduced the price to around $400. The clutch is the one that came stock with the device and I've never removed it. I can see a little wear on the clutch. From the demonstration video I found on this device it showed climbers taking massive free jumps from upper canopy to lower lateral leaders. If its supposed to handle that then my super static climbing style should never have worn it out so fast. The last time I used it I had to resort to tying stopper nots in the line below it to stop it from lowering me, i was a bit upset to say the least. I have gone back to using a split tail pulley set up and this thing just sits on a shelf. I have also used a Rope Wrench and have nothing but praises for it, works beautifully. I'm waiting on a Petzl Zig Zag to try out, I have faith...after all it's Petzl. Until then ill use my GriGri for crane removals.

 

[Grace Tree]

Maybe try a couple things before you scrap it. Take the clutch out. The one they ship with it is for 1/2" line. If you're using a smaller line it's going to slip. Also, make sure the arrow on the clutch is pointed up. I'm blind without my glasses and I've put mine in upside down a couple of times.
Phil

 

[Pelorus]

Have you tried using a different (slightly fatter) climbing line in it to see if it still slips?

 

[Treepedo]

I use the Singing Tree Rope Wrench alot or
cange it completely for a rack.
I also run 11mm rope.
There are many ways to conserve the clutch. Foot/boot wrap, glove the hand, natural crotch etc.
Get a RW and make that clutch last a lil longer.