Mar-Bar feedback

[ripplerider]

Any Mar-Bar users out there? Is it worth the bucks? I have shoulder issues , would this system be gentler on my body than some of the cheaper alternatives?

 

[Fireaxman]

I have a pair buried somewhere deep in a tool box. I retired them in favor of the Texas system.

 

[Grace Tree]

I have a pair but only use them sporadically. If you have a long pitch they're pretty quick and energy saving. The problem for me is that you still have to make the transfer to a working system and lower the Mar-Bars down to the ground once you reach you tie in point so unless it's a long haul to the first work position I'll go with my standard setup, which is a lockjack. I sometimes use the Mar-Bar lowers as foot ascenders. If you are a bad foot locker as I am or if you have bad knees or constantly work on pretty tall trees, the Mar-Bars are a pretty good alternative. Otherwise they're just a nice piece of kit to have on hand. They're nice to use but a little expensive.
Phil

 

[TreEmergencyB]

so to you 2 guys who have mar bars just laying around not getting used.....what would it take for one of them to find its way to pittsburgh.....hint hint

 

[treevet]

Might want to ask Dave ...Treeslayer as he uses the Marbar. I use the Ascentree with the Pantins.

This year a Wraptor may be in the budget.

http://www.ropetekwraptor.com/videos

$2500.

 

[ripplerider]

So how difficult is it to change over to your actual working system once you get to the crotchyour ascension rope is passing over? I still use a taut-line hitch (I know, stuck in the Dark ages). Do you just bring another rope with you and tie in with it or do you lanyard off and reconfigure the rope you ascended on?

 

[Grace Tree]

So how difficult is it to change over to your actual working system once you get to the crotchyour ascension rope is passing over? I still use a taut-line hitch (I know, stuck in the Dark ages). Do you just bring another rope with you and tie in with it or do you lanyard off and reconfigure the rope you ascended on?

+
Well for me, it's not that it's difficult to change over. It's just a matter of lowering the Mar-Bars while bring up the end of the rope to tie in a working system. I work alone about 75% of the time and I don't want to make any transitions if I don't have to. Plus I don't want the Mar-Bars at the base of the tree where they'll be hit and I don't want them up in the tree with me. So within the reckless framework of working alone it's my effort to stay as safe as possible by using one system to ascend, work and descend.
Phil

 

[Grace Tree]

Small Wood I often work alone too and one of the reasons I'm still on the frog system is it being only two ascenders. I usually twist them up and store them on the back of my saddle while I do the climb. The Mar Bars are to large for this.

Good point.

 

[ripplerider]

Treevet do you necessarily have to use 2 Pantins for your system or can you get by with 1?

 

[treevet]

Treevet do you necessarily have to use 2 Pantins for your system or can you get by with 1?

The Ascentree is a double rope technique, you gotta have em both and pushing with 2 quads is way better than pushing with just one.

 

[Jeff_Cochran]

i use mine alot! although if i had it to do over again i would use the double pantin ascentree combo. another nice thing about the mar bars is that you can use them with your spurs on. i use them on most decurrent removals that i have to preset blocks and hang lines. when i do that i can also set up my rope guide while i'm there. both systems are nice. tree vet have you ever tried to ascend the with the pantins around your spurs? i guess you could just take your spurs with you and attach them at the tip no take the pantins off. thinking that way i would use the petzel combo.

 

[ripplerider]

Thank you for your replies. I think I will go with the Ascentree system. Will a loop runner with 2 carabiners work O.K. to connect my harness to the system?

 

[treevet]

tree vet have you ever tried to ascend the with the pantins around your spurs?

No I just have the spikes sent up (my spikes are pretty heavy) but it could be done I suppose.

 

[treeslayer]

I like the Mar Bar bottoms with a Kong double ascender top. And use a loop runner and Alum. biner to connect.

And lowering Mar Bars is a lttle tricky unless the GM knows how, run em down half open and split the ropes at the end of the run, or flip a loop up on an SRT entry.

best answer is a really tall ladder. beat the first 30'

 

[Jeff_Cochran]

Thank you for your replies. I think I will go with the Ascentree system. Will a loop runner with 2 carabiners work O.K. to connect my harness to the system?

i would pm Nick from Wisconsin on tree buzz and have him splice you a bungee life support tether.