I guess this topic is in the book or DVD that I'll get in the mail eventually but I'm curious which "friction saver" is most commonly used by newbies. Thanks.

I began with, and still use, a leather cambium saver for most of my climbing. After I became more confident with my skills and learned what I didn't know (by reading post here) I tried a ring and strap type friction saver. I can now use either with relative ease.

I like the leather sleeve for it's ease of installation and removal, but it's a bit bulky and can bind in tight crotches or on narrower branches.

The strap and ring-type friction saver is nice for it's versatility. Although more complicated to set up and remove, it can be used in a crotch, over a horizantal branch, or as a false crotch.

I have not purchased a conduit sleeve yet, but I will be soon. They are as easy to install as a leather sleeve, but are more compact and easier to pack.

Whatever you use, practice and think ahead. I've had to leave my cambium protector in a tree overnight because I was too dumb to remember to tie a slip knot in the end of my climbing line!

As you said, this topic HAS been covered in books and videos. Thats how I learned.

Thanks for the quick response. I had seen some of the discussion here about the flexible conduit, but when I noticed it had a _meta_l interior I decided it would worry me, especially with the endcap confusion. Is heat/wear/kinking such a problem that simple plastic tubing/hose can't be used?

Thanks,

Dave


(strange -- is the board seeming to grab the word m-e-t-a out of the word m-e-t-a-l ?)

Davej wrote:
Is heat/wear/kinking such a problem that simple plastic tubing/hose can't be used?

In a word, yes.

Check out some of the reviews here:
http://www.treeclimbing.com/content/blogcategory/37/112/

I see the standard leather one at http://www.wtsherrill.com as item# 30535 for $20. There is also a strange plastic one here; http://www.rei.com/product/719270

Thanks,

Dave

I got my leather sleeves from Sherrill. Nice folks.

The "Spiral" product from REI is not meant to have the rope run through it. It is a grippy silicone rubber-like material. I've used it in rock climbing and rescue rappel operations when static, top rope lines ran over sharp edges. It's not very sturdy either. After only a few uses, it needs to be replaced. It does serve it's purpose though, by protecting the rope kern and keeping the rope from moving on the edge.

This material is NOT what you want for tree climbing.