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Climbing equipment is the backbone of every safe ascent, but even the most durable ropes, harnesses, and hardware have a finite lifespan. Knowing when to retire worn or compromised gear is one of the most critical skills an arborist can develop—because what you can't see can sometimes hurt you the most. Every time a climber leaves the ground, their safety depends entirely on the integrity of their equipment. Ropes, harnesses, carabiners, and mechanical devices are engineered to perform under extreme conditions, but no material lasts forever. Over time, repeated use, environmental exposure, and the natural aging of materials take their toll. Recognizing...

Work positioning lanyards are the unsung heroes of the tree care industry—they keep climbers stable, secure, and efficient while both hands are busy with the task at hand. The DMM Nomad+ takes this essential tool and elevates it into a fully engineered positioning system that blends traditional friction-hitch control with modern innovation. For arborists, the work positioning lanyard is far more than a simple backup line. It is the tool that enables micro-positioning—that critical ability to lock in a stable stance, align the center of gravity, and work with both hands free for cutting, rigging, or using pole pruners within...

Mechanical climbing devices continue to reshape the arborist industry, and the ISC Reflex has been one of the most talked-about releases in recent memory. Does this compact, rescue-capable hitch truly deliver on its promises? Here's what climbers are finding out on the rope. For decades, the tree care industry relied almost entirely on rope-on-rope friction systems for climbing, positioning, and work suspension. But in recent years, mechanical climbing devices have steadily gained traction, offering new levels of efficiency and control. One device that has sparked considerable discussion is the ISC Reflex—a mechanical hitch that has drawn attention for its compact footprint,...

The Rope Runner lineage has always been a favorite among SRT climbers, but the new Vertec model and its optional Aeris Friction Body Kit promise to take performance to the next level. We put the combo to the test to see if it lives up to the hype. For those who live and breathe stationary rope systems (SRS), the Rope Runner needs little introduction. Born from the inventive mind of Kevin Bingham in Detroit, the earliest versions were handcrafted from aluminum using shop tools like Sawzalls and drill presses. Over time, the design evolved through water-jet fabrication and several upgrades,...

The tree care industry is always evolving, and every so often, a piece of gear comes along that genuinely changes how we work in the canopy. The original Akimbo from Rock Exotica was one of those game-changers, and now, the wait is finally over. The highly anticipated second generation, the Rock Exotica Akimbo 2.0, has arrived, setting a new standard for compact, versatile climbing systems. What is the Akimbo 2.0? The Akimbo 2.0 is an advanced, mechanical friction device engineered specifically for the demanding world of professional tree care. It’s a streamlined evolution of the original, designed to be your all-in-one...