Looking to start climbing (not for a business)

[jsd176]

I’m looking at getting into tree climbing, not as a business, but for my own use and to help out my family and friends. After looking at the two setups, I’m thinking of getting both the standard rope climbing kit and a spur climbing setup from Bailey’s. I’m looking at the rope climbing setup more for recreation, while I’d use the spurs to remove trees. So with that upfront information, here are my questions. Who has the better climbing spurs, Klein or Buckingham? I’m thinking I want steel spurs, but see Buckingham has aluminum ones too, what are the advantages? Also, what are better “T” pads or “L” pads? It looks like “L” pads are standard. What size flip line would be best and who makes a good one? I’m thinking most tree I’d be messing with would be 24” or less. Is the standard rope climbing kit from Bailey’s a decent starter kit? What could I add to improve it? I was thinking an ascender in place of the prusik? I also see the kit comes with the Tree Climber’s Companion, are there any other books that are worth reading?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Tree Pig]

Base model L or T pads are okay if your not planning on spending a lot of time in them, kinda like a pole climber go do what you got to do and come down. If your planning on eventually removals that are going to keep you in the tree for more then say 30 mins get a set of good pads and good boots. As far as a flip line I would go wire core and at least 9'. Brand is kind of preference, but I would go with one with an ascender. People seem to like the gibbs a lot, I have US Standard which is okay.

 

[bruce6670]

Do you have any climbing experience at all,or are you just starting out from the beginning ?

 

[jsd176]

I'm starting out at square one.

 

[bruce6670]

I'm starting out at square one.

I would definitely get "The Tree Climbers Companion" first. It has a ton of basic information to get you started and will help you to understand the different equipment that is available.

This site is a good place to ask questions.Keep em coming.

 

[voxac30dude]

check out wespur's climbing packages. they have lots of options. but just know your gonna be dropping close to $1000 for all the stuff you need to start out climbing with.

 

[StewartTreeCare]

ill sell you my old gear

 

[TreEmergencyB]

I'm starting out at square one.

where in pa you at?

 

[StewartTreeCare]

where in pa you at?

Wilkes Barre

 

[jsd176]

I'm in the northern part of Pittsburgh.

 

[ArborSmithNw]

I would definitely get "The Tree Climbers Companion" first. It has a ton of basic information to get you started and will help you to understand the different equipment that is available.

This site is a good place to ask questions.Keep em coming.

That will be the best $15 you will invest by far! Each one of my neewbs gets one & we keep one in each truck for lunch time reading!

 

[bruce6670]

I’m looking at getting into tree climbing, not as a business, but for my own use and to help out my family and friends. After looking at the two setups, I’m thinking of getting both the standard rope climbing kit and a spur climbing setup from Bailey’s. I’m looking at the rope climbing setup more for recreation, while I’d use the spurs to remove trees. So with that upfront information, here are my questions. Who has the better climbing spurs, Klein or Buckingham? I’m thinking I want steel spurs, but see Buckingham has aluminum ones too, what are the advantages? Also, what are better “T” pads or “L” pads? It looks like “L” pads are standard. What size flip line would be best and who makes a good one? I’m thinking most tree I’d be messing with would be 24” or less. Is the standard rope climbing kit from Bailey’s a decent starter kit? What could I add to improve it? I was thinking an ascender in place of the prusik? I also see the kit comes with the Tree Climber’s Companion, are there any other books that are worth reading?

Thanks in advance!

I would stick with the prusik cord on the climbline and add a micro pulley for slack tending.

As for spurs,the aluminum ones are lighter and cost more,but if you can afford them,you would like them.

 

[TreEmergencyB]

I'm in the northern part of Pittsburgh.

o yea seems like your pretty close when you get your selve a saddle and rope and get ahold of me ill give ya some pointers

 

[bigredd]

Give Wesspur a call. They have experienced climbers that will assist you with all the basic gear and training materials needed to get started. They can also provide valuable tips on knots and techniques that will help greatly I bought all new climbing and rigging gear last year from Wesspur and have been very satisfied with the quality and service. Will definately need a good saddle, spurs, steel core lanyard w/micro grip and split tail, thow bag and line, climbing/life line with 2-eye prusik and foot ascender for spurless climbing.

Also recommend checking out sponsor Sherrilltree. Their catalog and web site have great illustrations and videos and they will match price with competitors.

Good gear is not cheap, but is absolutely necessary to stay safe.

 

[Toddppm]

check out wespur's climbing packages. they have lots of options. but just know your gonna be dropping close to $1000 for all the stuff you need to start out climbing with.

Whaaaaaahhht? Already a change of heart, here you recommended not buying saddles from Wespur http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=119135

 

[bruce6670]

Whaaaaaahhht? Already a change of heart, here you recommended not buying saddles from Wespur http://arboristsite.com/showthread.php?t=119135

Good catch.