Crikey, a Snake! Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology (A.R.T.): Snake Tail

Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology (A.R.T.) is widely recognized for its innovative approach to tree climbing equipment, delivering gear that improves safety, efficiency, and performance in field operations. In addition to their cutting-edge mechanical devices, A.R.T. provides what is considered by many to be the premier anchor system available today – the SnakeAnchor and SnakeTail. For this blog, we will focus on the capabilities of the SnakeTail only.

A Brief Introduction

A.R.T. is renowned for its innovative arboricultural devices such as the SpiderJack 3, Ropeguide TwinLine, SnakeAnchor systems, and notably, the Positioner 2 with a swivel! These products were created by the mastermind Hubert Kowalewski, who made his mark in the field of arboriculture with the invention of the LockJack device in 1998. Following the success of the LockJack, he established Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology. It is with great respect that we acknowledge the passing of this remarkable inventor in June 2019.

Snake what?!

If you haven’t heard of A.R.T.’s SnakeAnchor or SnakeTail, you are seriously missing out on some of the industry’s best-kept anchoring secrets! The two items just mentioned are modular anchoring systems featuring multiple independently stitched segments along the MegaTwin 8mm rope, which was a collaboration between founder Hubert Kowalewski and the rope manufacturer, Gleistein. Each one of these stitched segments has a static load capacity of up to 4kN working load. 4kN?! I know right, sounds crazy; however, this was by design. First and foremost, the rope is suited for life support applications and secondly, when a force of 5kN or higher is applied—the stitched segments will rip. As you can imagine, if a shock is introduced into the system, the stitched portions of the SnakeAnchor/Tail rip and help absorb some of that shock load.

SnakeTail & SnakeAnchor

Both anchoring systems virtually share the same design and functions, with slight differences within the SnakeTail as it only comes in one size of 115 cm or roughly 45 inches long, and the grooved ring can be removed for your creative needs. For me, the SnakeTail pretty much lives on my DMM Kinisi Max (for good reason), and it does not come off unless I am competing, and I find myself needing to shed weight before an event.

There are three different applications in which I utilize my SnakeTail, and they are as follows:

1. Stationary Rope (SRT) redirect. This redirect is pretty basic, and it requires one carabiner to successfully execute. The SnakeTail wraps around the tree limb like a python and the tail passes through the ring; pull tight and it cinches down to the limb. Place a carabiner in whichever stitched pocket is desired; take into consideration the angle and direction that the climber will be working within the tree in order to prevent side loading of equipment. Finish it off by clipping the climbing rope through the carabiner and you have yourself a non-retrievable dynamic redirect.

2. Retrievable Moving Rope Redirect. I was shown this redirect by a good friend, and it is the reason why it has not left my side! Additionally, two carabiners are needed and to reduce some of the drag that will be experienced, I will incorporate a DMM Pinto Rig pulley. The setup is fairly simple; the tail of the SnakeTail passes through a suitable anchor point, one single carabiner will be attached to the end and the working end (spliced end) will clip into it. At the opposite end of the SnakeTail (where the ring is located), the carabiner/Pinto pulley combo is attached at the preference of the climber. The running leg of the rope (hitch side of the rope) is captured within the Pinto pulley itself; however, the working end will also be captured here but only into the carabiner and not inside the Pinto Rig pulley. The reason for doing so is to prevent the SnakeTail from rotating around the tree’s branch union whilst climbing about. This redirect is retrievable from the ground but the downside to this version, it will pull out the main anchor with it, so choose your redirect wisely! 

3. Friction Saver. To configure a friction saver, the same tools as the retrievable redirect will be needed and I like to attach a DMM XSRE Screwgate carabiner to the very end of SnakeTail and lock it down with the lock bar to prevent it from rotating. Simple install: SnakeTail over the anchor point (I do ring over first), attach carabiner/Pinto Pulley Rig combo to the opposite, and follow that by passing the rope through the pulley and the ring. The running leg of the rope will be captured by the mini carabiner and when it comes time for retrieval, a large DMM Cone will work best.

4. Foot locking system. This isn’t something I do on a daily basis, but I will practice it on occasion to keep the technique fresh in my repertoire. A shortened foot locking prussic is required and will Girth Hitch to the ring of the SnakeTail. This is then attached to the access line via Klemheist or the traditional 6-coil Prussic. The carabiner/Pinto Rig combo attaches to the ring and a separate moving rope system is passed through. The spare carabiner is then attached to the segmented pocket and left at the ready. Foot locking on a system such as this enables the user to lock up to a certain point, stop, and spike underneath the Klemheist, capturing the spike with the carabiner that was left on the SnakeTail. The climber is then free to move about and work, once ready to ascend again, the climber removes the spike and will continue to lock up the climbing rope. Once at the anchor, the climber secures himself and properly ties into the branch union using their moving rope system, and the rope used to foot lock will remain as an access line – which is good practice. 

Conclusion

Advanced Ropeclimbing Technology (A.R.T.) certainly houses a great variety of tree climbing gear, and the SnakeTail exemplifies its commitment to providing multifunctional climbing equipment! The adaptability enhances operational safety while providing a range of anchoring methods tailored to the climbing arborist. If you have experience using this anchoring tool, share your insights—collaboration drives innovation and elevates the arboriculture profession to new heights!