Hi All. Let me just first apologize for being new, I know this is basic stuff but...
I'm shopping for basic gear for DdRT enough to get me started. I have decided on the Poison Ivy Rope. Now...

1. Do I need an eye splice
2. What is the purpose
3. Is it compatible with basic DdRT (so even if I don't need it now...might I want it later?)
4. Does it have something to do with split tails?

and 2nd question which saddle should I buy?
A. New tribe basic
B. Petzl Navajo

Ok I lied, thats more than two questions! Any help appreciated.

Originally posted by TreeBird
Hi All. Let me just first apologize for being new, I know this is basic stuff but...
I'm shopping for basic gear for DdRT enough to get me started. I have decided on the Poison Ivy Rope. Now...

1. Do I need an eye splice
2. What is the purpose
3. Is it compatible with basic DdRT (so even if I don't need it now...might I want it later?)
4. Does it have something to do with split tails?

and 2nd question which saddle should I buy?
A. New tribe basic
B. Petzl Navajo

Ok I lied, thats more than two questions! Any help appreciated.

You do not need an eye splice. It is for advanced climbers who have a specific reason to use it. It is irrelevant for your purposes. I've been climbing for 2 years and do not use an eye splice on my main climbing rope. Doesn't mean it's wrong to use an eye splice but it is not needed to climb. If you use the most easy to install and commonly used cambium saver (sleeve or pipe) the eyesplice will not allow you to climb on both ends of the rope.

You don't need an eyesplice to climb with a split tail. A split tail is not needed to climb DdRT. I don't use split tails, doesn't mean split tails are not good, just means they're not need to climb. It's an enhancement used for specific reasons.

Starting out it's best to keep your system clean and simple. You can add more components when you realize through climbing experience how they might help (or not help) you customize and optimize your system.
-moss

Originally posted by TreeBird
...and 2nd question which saddle should I buy?
A. New tribe basic
B. Petzl Navajo


A climber I know recently switched from a Petzl Navajo to an NT Tengu saddle. I can only describe their response as ecstatic revelation in the comfort difference. The NT saddles are designed for long hang times, which is a lot of what we do rec climbing. If you partially support your weight on the tree with your legs you can survive the Navajo better but... your legs will get tired very fast climbing this way.
-moss

Great information!
I totally forgot about the Cambium savers that would be a total drag.

I am trying to get the basic gear I need but getting quality products that will make upgrading easier. Its hard to know what to get when you don't know what you are doing. I watched the Tree Climbing Basics video which is where I cam up with my shopping list, but the whole eye-splice through me for a loop thanks for clearing that up!

As for saddles...I kinda figured that would be the answer...I just can't get over the fact that the Navajo looks better (No offense NT). I guess I'm shallow!

Anyone want to comment on my shopping list?
150ft Rope (poison ivy)
Saddle (NT or Navajo)
Helmet
2 leather Cambium savers
2 Tri-Act Petzl Am'd biners
5 accessory biners
225ft slickline (for 150' and 75' throwline)
2 Throw weights
Throwline bag
Rope bag

$523 before taxes and shipping

I agree with Moss the New Tribe Saddle is way more comfortable that the alternatives. I am sure that other people will disagree with me but I just ordered my third New Tribe Saddle and I am looking forward to its comfort. They last a long time ( I just gave my older saddle to my relatives in South America and they are so enthusiastic about climbing that I will shipping a couple of extra sets of gear including some small size kids saddles soon. ) The cost is also more reasonable than a regular Arborist Work Saddle. I suggest to get the Tengu Saddle or one of the basic ones with side "Ds". You will use the "side-Ds" later on as you get more advanced in the tree climbing for balancing and limb walking in the tree . ( speaking from 4 years of experience).

On the splice eye end. Give it up for now for the same reason Moss expressed earlier. TreeBird, Welcome to the Tree Climbing Community.

List looks good. The leather cambium savers can be tricky, they tend to work best for narrow diameter branches. The "Su Sleeve" or "Dan House" from NT is going to give you the greatest range of use and ease of installment for different diameter branches and limbs.

I know climbers who swear by the leather sleeves and I also know climbers who've bought them, tried them and never used them again.

Good or bad looking saddle?
After 15 minutes hanging on the rope you won't care what your saddle looks like if it isn't comfortable. It will end up gathering dust.
-moss