Quick Answer: The Flint Locker also called the Soft-8 is a stationary rope system (SRS) canopy anchor built from a large ring, a small ring, and a webbing sling (or an adjustable friction saver). The climbing rope is knot-blocked at the...
Short answer: The core categories of tree climbing gear harness, arborist rope, work positioning lanyard, handsaw, throw line, and hitch system haven't changed. What's changed is the tree climbing equipment within each category. Modern arborists still need the same fundamentals; they're...
Introducing the New Petzl Pantin CLICK The tree care industry is kicking off 2026 with a wave of new gear releases. Over the past few months, mechanical ascenders like the ISC Reflex and A.R.T. Blackbird had drawn plenty of attention,...
The One Pulley That Belongs in your Kit! DMM PINTO pulleys have become a staple in arboriculture. At nearly any tree care job whether pruning, removals, or climbing events you’re likely to see one in use. The original PINTO built...
A.R.T. Blackbird Review The Best Mechanical Hitch for Arborists? Every few years, a new climbing device emerges that makes arborists stop mid-scroll, lean closer to the screen, and say: “Alright… this might change things.” That is exactly what happened when...
ISC Reflex Review: Does This Mechanical Hitch Live Up to the Hype? Historically, arborists have relied on rope-on-rope friction systems for tree climbing, positioning, and work suspension. Over the last several years, however, the arboriculture industry has experienced a major...
In part 1, I covered why mechanical tree climbing devices have become such a cornerstone of modern arboriculture and how to think about choosing the right category for your climbing style. Now it’s time to talk about specific tools. Time...
By the time you’ve spent a few years climbing trees, you quickly learn two things: Gravity never takes a day off. Your climbing system matters almost more than anything else on the job (if your sole duty is to climb...
Friction savers are increasingly being adopted within the arborist community, which represents a positive development. As advocates for their use, we have consistently highlighted the benefits of friction savers in professional tree climbing ventures. While not as attention-grabbing as newly...
