Split Tails

[Redbull]

What hitches do you all use with the split tail system. I am interested in learning more about advanced hitches, but cannot find a site to learn how to tie them. I currently use a Blake (unless I'm at my day job where we are required to use Tautline).

 

[Lumberjack]

Howdy... Welcome to AS.

With the split tail you are limited as to what you can tie, but the most popular are the TH (tauntline) and the blakes.

AS is a good place to learn those advanced hitches like the V.T. Distel, Swabeish, and others.

Let me dig up a few threads.

 

[Lumberjack]

Here are some threads of intrest:


http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12666

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13143

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12916

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9691&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5868&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10004&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9168&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8093&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6072&highlight=V.T

http://www.arboristsite.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3547&highlight=V.T

Read those... that will keep you busy, but those will inform you on the most advanced hitches known to man.

Its alot, but its worth it.

 

[okietreedude1]

Redbull,

If your using 1/2" splittail rope, the tautline or blakes work just fine. If your interested in using french prusik, distel, swabish, youll need to drop your rope dia. to bout 5/16". Most guys are using Ultra-Tech but there are other ropes similar to this.

You can pick up the fp from the Tree Climbers Companion. If you have a sherrill catalog, they have pics of the distel & swabish.

When learning these, start low and tie it many times before going too high. I think no matter what you end up using, youll like the results much better than the Tautline.

Best of luck!

 

[Lumberjack]

There are pictures of almost every friction hitch on AS. You just search for them at the bottom of the forum's first page.

If you dont have Tree Climber's Companion, then by all means get it.

I use SRT, but there is only 1 other that does that here. From what I hear, most don't use UT (ultra tech) because it is more expensive, and wears as fast as anything else.

Most use a cheap ($.30 a foot) double braid like Sta-Set or T-900. They normally use either 5/16" or 3/8" with the more common being 5/16".

This is a great place to learn.

 

[NeTree]

I use 1/2" Safety Blue Hi-V, tied with a Blake's. Usually.

 

[xtremetrees]

diddto to Netree's post
I call it the rope that woodn't die!.
Thou its about 1/2 as long as it used to be. ha

 

[rbtree]

Link to great pics, at Christian Hunter's site:

http://community-2.webtv.net/acutabovetree/RopesSplicingKnots/

 

[arbor01]

actually you are still climbing with a split tail system when using these "modern hitches". Spit tail refers to the fact that you have separated your hitch away from the climbing line verses tying in traditionaly with a portion of the climbing line itself. I was wondering what it is that makes a hitch modern. I would think any other hitch than a tautline or english prussik but some seem to think that the VT,FP,Distel,Schwabisch,Knute,etc are very recent additions to our arsenal. Im just wondering how recently most of you were introduced to these hitches.

 

[TheTreeSpyder]

Very good point on split tail, io always see it that way; but tend to let it go; trying just to reach what they mean.

XMan's/Christian Hunter's sight has been giving these jewels away for years to anyone that cared to look. i think in that way he has done an aweful lot quietly for many; beyond even his own knowledge and hopes! Many thanx due!

Wait till them taut line users see a Distel/VT/Knut etc. chord, scoff at it; till it glides into work........

 

[NickfromWI]

Okietreedude, I think it's an overstatement to say that "most guys are using ultratech." It has been my experience that relatively few guys are using ultratech. I think they use it because sherrill sells it. It seems (and Rocky can happily attest to this) that some of these people try it only to find out they woulda been much better served with a $2.00 piece of 3/8ths polyester double braid.

Redbull, if I was you, I'd bypass the tautline and Blakes and go straight to a Distel. It's the simplest and most reliable of the advanced hitches...and as easy to tie as the tautline.

love
nick

ps- Carl, the T-900 is expensive. It has a core of Technora/spectra blend. Sta-set is the standard. If you go to a sail store to buy hitch cord, ask for a polyester/polyester double braid.

 

[murphy4trees]

hate to throw this thread a little off topic but:
Nick,
you said "Redbull, if I was you, I'd bypass the tautline and Blakes and go straight to a Distel. It's the simplest and most reliable of the advanced hitches...and as easy to tie as the tautline."

I was talking with Big Jon last night about friction hitch progression for new climber trainees.... Jon thought Blaskes.... Swabish... Distel... VT...
I don't exactly know why he put the swabish in there... I never tried it... he said something about it being a big knot... bigger handle... less heat etc...

Any thoughts

 

[NickfromWI]

Shwabish and Distel are identical in size (assuming you put the same amounts of wraps when you tie it). The swabish tends to lock up a bit tighter and need more of a pull to get it to advance slack. From what I've seen, the Distel has the best blend of ease advancement, ease to tie, and of course security.

love
nick

 

[John Paul Sanborn]

If they know the taughtline the blakes is not much better. Got to the distel/swabish.

As for splitail, many are using "tress cord" to differentiate the the closed loop systems. I think I'm guilty of starting it when people wer saying VT splittail, Swabish....

one thing to remember when you are quoting your cordage price, add shipping if you are getting it delivered. My 5/16 Stable Braid is .35/ft after shipping.

I know Brian, you bought a bunch when they were offering free shipping.