Split-tail vs. Prussik

[StewartTreeCare]

which one do you guys prefer? Just learning to use the split-tail. I am curious to what everyone thinks.

 

[Recon Freak]

Prussic for me

The most basic methods are tail-tied or split-tail knots whether it be Blake's or tautline. It has been taught to me for the simple reason that you should know how to ascend or descend from a tree with nothing but your saddle and a rope. I have since progressed to more efficinet climbing methods which have improved my skills, but in a pinch I can get in and out of a tree if something should unexpectedly happen!

 

[mcb]

do you mean -split tail vs fixed tail- or -prussik vs blakes- ? you're saying (climbing system) vs (friction hitch) so its sorta apples and oranges.

personally i think you should try all of them to evolve as a climber. fixed tail is cheapest and simplest to operate with least clutter so it might be the best place to start. slack tending pulley is a cheap improvement, then toss on the split tail and fart around.

for friction hitches prussik and klemheist have worked better for me than blakes.. always jamming on sappy trees. VT and distel are my current favorites. right now im using a distel with a blakes hitch backup above it, all tied from the same rope.

 

[StewartTreeCare]

do you mean -split tail vs fixed tail- or -prussik vs blakes- ? you're saying (climbing system) vs (friction hitch) so its sorta apples and oranges.

personally i think you should try all of them to evolve as a climber. fixed tail is cheapest and simplest to operate with least clutter so it might be the best place to start. slack tending pulley is a cheap improvement, then toss on the split tail and fart around.

for friction hitches prussik and klemheist have worked better for me than blakes.. always jamming on sappy trees. VT and distel are my current favorites. right now im using a distel with a blakes hitch backup above it, all tied from the same rope.

well when i first started climbing i used a bowline to secure my rope to my saddle and a tautline to attach the tail, then i started using a snaphook, now im learning the split-tail, i just bought everything i need for the system.

 

[mcb]

gotcha.

i suggest trying double fishermans and anchor hitches for fastening to carabiners.

 

[StewartTreeCare]

gotcha.

i suggest trying double fishermans and anchor hitches for fastening to carabiners.

I am currently using the girth hitch, is that acceptable?

 

[mcb]

im not familiar with it, sorry.

 

[davej]

I am currently using the girth hitch, is that acceptable?

A girth hitch is ideal for a loop and acceptable as a mid-line knot, but for the end of a line I would think that you would be better off with either a scaffold hitch (aka Double fishermans loop) or an Anchor hitch or a Buntline hitch. Those three are probably the most popular knots for life support.

http://www.animatedknots.com/knotlist.php

 

[outofmytree]

How about you post a picture of the gear you have for the system and then you will get suggestions that match your purchases.