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My big mistake with a new climbing rope that cost me a full day's pay | Arborists - Opinions Matter

My big mistake with a new climbing rope that cost me a full day's pay

So I bought this new 11mm static line from a brand I hadn't tried before, thinking it would be a good backup. It was about $180. First real job with it, a big pine removal, and the sheath started bunching up and sliding over the core after just a few ascents. It wasn't unsafe, but it made everything feel sloppy and slowed me down a ton. I had to stop and switch back to my old line, which wasted over an hour. Between that and the cost of the rope, I'm out like $300 for the day. Some guys say you should always stick with the proven brands, others say you gotta try new gear to find good stuff. What's your rule for testing new equipment without losing money on a job?

3 comments

3 Comments

nora_taylor796mo ago

Oof, that's a rough way to burn a day's pay. My rule is to test anything new on a small, low-stakes job first, like a simple prune. That way if it acts up, you're not totally screwed. I learned that after buying a new saw that decided to just quit halfway through a big takedown, lol. Sticking with proven gear is safe, but you'll never find a better deal or a better tool if you never try anything.

riverthompson6mo ago

Totally agree with testing on a small job first. I'll even run a new chainsaw through some scrap logs in the yard before it touches a client's tree. Check the oil feed and the chain tension after it gets warm, that's usually when new stuff shows its quirks. Saves a ton of headache later.

hugoc976mo ago

Ever had a new tool just feel wrong in your hands? That test run is key to getting used to the balance and the sound before you trust it on a real job. It's not just about finding breaks, it's about building a little trust with the gear. Skipping that step is how you end up fighting your own equipment all day.