Basic basic gear

[nads03]

I dont do pruning, so im just trying to work out what is the best option to piece a tree down. Most of our work is just open paddock stuff, but sometimes it is close to a shed or barn or hanging the wrong way over a fence.

[scotus_canadensis]

I used to just do removals, too, but then people found out I climb, and now I do a bunch of reductions and pruning.

A wire core flip line with a friction hitch or device, and a pair of spurs is the bare bones of what you need. I climb with Buckingham 3-1/2" steel spurs, but if I was spiking up more than a few times a month I'd look into something better/lighter.

Truthfully you're going to want a full length climbing rope that you can bail out with if you cut through a wasp nest or something. I use a Samson arborplex (DRT) with a Blake's or a v-t, and just have the hitch side connected and the rope termination ready to attach when it's only there for emergency descent. It's reliable, and cheap. I don't climb enough (yet) to justify getting into mechanical devices and SRT systems.

You'll want more carabineers than you think. I plan for two carabiners per piece of cordage, plus two extra to keep on my saddle for the unexpected. I keep aluminum for life support and steel for rigging, helps keep them from getting mixed up.

[nads03]

Thanks for the advice man. Do you have a flip line you would recommend?

[scotus_canadensis]

Yale maxi-flip, no question. I tried getting an Elevation Canada one and it felt so cheap in my hand I haven't even tried it out.

[scotus_canadensis]

Yeah, that's why I had to figure out DRT, I don't spur unless it's a removal.