Ok thanks, I'll have to wait a bit and see if there is anything else I need to order from Sherrill.

Davej, I agree w/ Baker on the REI "rope saver" they will not work for tree climbing due to the high friction generated by the rope moving inside the saver. In the rock climbing case the rope stays in one place (over a rock edge most likely).

The older model Friction savers ( gray color ones) made by Dan House are very durable and they last a long time if handled with care while lowering them from the trees. Even the new black ones last long if handle properly under normal conditions. I have only worn out one in over two years. That is not bad for the cost. The "_meta_l" spiral inside the saver is what reduces the friction on the rope. If you use a regular garden hose it melts inside and the plastic gets all over your climbing rope. (been there, done that!)

Nick Araya showed us a variant of the strap-and-ring using an eye-to-eye spliced rope, carabiners, and a pulley during his splicing class at the Rendezvous last weekend. We were there to learn how to make the spliced length of rope, so we didn't discuss how to place it in the tree, and unfortunately I didn't get a picture (mental or digital)of it. Can anyone supply details, pictures, instructions on its use?

Nick Araya showed us a variant of the strap-and-ring using an eye-to-eye spliced rope, carabiners, and a pulley during his splicing class at the Rendezvous last weekend. We were there to learn how to make the spliced length of rope, so we didn't discuss how to place it in the tree, and unfortunately I didn't get a picture (mental or digital)of it. Can anyone supply details, pictures, instructions on its use?

Read the instructions on how to install a Friction Saver (False Crotch) in the Tree Climbers Companion book. It is not that difficult and it would make your climbing easier if you like to go into the effort to use one.

I do not use them that much because I do not like the tie radius that the rope makes while entering and exiting the rings in the saver. Also i notice that sometimes the pulley jams into the ring at one weir angle that creates more friction than I like to deal with. Arborists use something similar a (Rope Guide) that appears to do a better job.