big shot decision, please help

[Sizzle-Chest]

okay, so i randomly came on 100$ today, and i want to get some gear. so, should i get a pantin and a big shot head (and make the poles) or buy a whole big shot? any input appreciated. also, if you are familiar with the bigshot, what would work for poles as far as materials and sizes? Thanks

 

[Redbull]

The Big Shot puts a LOT of force on the poles. For safety reasons, Sherrill requires fiberglass poles. You could prolly use metal pipe, but it would be awfully heavy. I would just get the Big Shot set.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

The Big Shot puts a LOT of force on the poles. For safety reasons, Sherrill requires fiberglass poles. You could prolly use metal pipe, but it would be awfully heavy. I would just get the Big Shot set.

i was going to use two 4 foot pieces of over 1/2 inch galvanized pipe connected with a double female. i think it would be pretty strong, no?

 

[Redbull]

Now, when you say 1/2", are you talking diameter, or wall thickness? Also, 2-4' sections or 1-8' section seems to be the magic number for length. I had 2-6' fiberglass poles and that was too tall, 1-6' was too short, so Goldilocks(sp?) says, "Why don't we cut one section till it's just right?" That just right size was 8' total length. For me at least. I think 1/2" would be too small of a diameter for you poles though.

 

[Redbull]

I could measure the adapter on the head for ya.....but ???? it's cold outside!!!

 

[Redbull]

I can measure it for ya tommorrow though

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

thanks, also, if you have the ability and the time, could you snap a picture of the head relative to your hand or something? either way, thanks!

 

[Redbull]

No prob. I'm stayin home with the kids all day tommorrow, so anything to get me out of the house for a minute!

 

[TreeJunkie]

go for the big shot w/ one 8 foot pole. this will save a couple bucks vs. buying the setup w/ two 4 footers. Don't skimp out and try to use different poles the fiber glass is the way to go. Remember they can serve two purposes; both as big shot pole as well as pole saw or pruner pole.

If you're working w/ a budget then stay away from equipment like the pantin. This is one of those items that might be handy occassionally. When i say occassionally i mean like twice a year. I owned one for about 2 years and gave it away b/c i couldn't have it taking up space if it didn't serve a purpose.

Learn to footlock well and you'll never need a pantin again. You're a young buck you should have no problem w/ this.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

I want to footlock but I cant. . . .

really though, i havent spent enough time trying. maybe i should do that before putting money into a pantin. now im leaning toward the big shot, but I would get the two poles just so i can fit them in my rig.

 

[rfwoodvt]

For what its worth...until you get your line in the tree, the pantin is useless.

We used a homebrewed Bigshot for years, made it out of 3/8" rod, bent to shape nad welded to a socket made out of Conduit. 1" I think.

This mated onto our Jameson Poles. We used one 6 footer and one 4 footer. Our designe was abit off and created some problems so I replaced it with a commercial BS head.

Anyway, we use it for tight shots and near vertical shots now.

So, if you ain't gut yer lahn in de tree, den you doan need the fancy climbing stuff.

Besides if you use the Ddrt technique a simple ascender or two with foot stirrup is sufficient, especially if you have your groundie tailing for you.

SRT is a different story all together.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

I am the groundy . . . currently i use a rope grab strapped to my foot, but i dont like that much. but you make a very good point that if i cant get in a tree, then all that stuff is worthless. i figure i can make a decent BS for 40$, but it might not be good enough.

 

[Tree Machine]

Pro gear makes the pro a pro. Dont'cha know, Joe?

Footlock. Here's a video to inspire you.

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

Pro gear makes the pro a pro. Dont'cha know, Joe?

Footlock. Here's a video to inspire you.

dang TM, forget the big shot and pantin. just tell me where i can get me a pair of them rocket slippers?

i think a more appropriate question here is, where do i waste more time, climbing or thowing. Answer, about 10 times more on setting my throw line.

 

[rfwoodvt]

Footlocking is great, but after 8 years I have discovered that not everyone can do it. Especially me. It might be upper body strenght or joint problems. It might be hip flexor or abdominal strenght issues.

Footlocking is a great tool, don't get me wrong, but like any tool, its not the only tool.

Other tools that help you work smarter are often the better choice.

Besides, with ADA regs, we can't just say footlock-it or forget-it.

 

[pbtree]

Buy the whole set...

 

[Redbull]

Here ya go Sizzle.

 

[Redbull]

I still think you should buy the real deal though.

 

[fpyontek]

Sizzle-Chest,
I find that the Big Shot is indispensable. You can buy the fiberglass poles separately and as TreeJunkie said use them for your polesaw or pole clip. The rubber tubing on the Big Shot head is easily damaged if mishandled and will develop a tear.
There is a replacement rubber tubing wiith attached pocket that you can buy to put on the BS yourself. I didn't have much luck replacing the rubber and getting it right. So, when the rubber tubing tears I buy a new BS head. Therefore I have several old BS heads which need the tubing replaced. If you would like to try to repair one,and think you can save some money that way, you can have an old BS head.

Fred

 

[Sizzle-Chest]

Sizzle-Chest,
I find that the Big Shot is indispensable. You can buy the fiberglass poles separately and as TreeJunkie said use them for your polesaw or pole clip. The rubber tubing on the Big Shot head is easily damaged if mishandled and will develop a tear.
There is a replacement rubber tubing wiith attached pocket that you can buy to put on the BS yourself. I didn't have much luck replacing the rubber and getting it right. So, when the rubber tubing tears I buy a new BS head. Therefore I have several old BS heads which need the tubing replaced. If you would like to try to repair one,and think you can save some money that way, you can have an old BS head.

Fred

sent you a PM, thanks man!