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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...

📌 No universal expiry rule – inspection + manufacturer lifespan Your harness should be retired based on whichever comes first: the manufacturer's recommended service life or visible wear/damage. The DMM Kinisi follows the "plus ten" method. ✅ Expiry formula (Kinisi): Manufacture Date + 10 years = Expiry date 🔍 No fixed discard date printed — you calculate it from the serial number. 🆚 Treemotion vs. Kinisi – label systems Teufelberger Treemotion ✔️ Prints a clear discard date directly on product label.✔️ Easy to read at a glance. DMM Kinisi ✔️ No fixed discard date✔️ Uses "manufacture date + 10 years"...

  Fakopp, founded in Hungary, has become a go-to name for professionals seeking non-invasive ways to assess tree health and wood quality. Their range of acoustic tomographs and other diagnostic tools allows us to peek inside trees without causing harm, providing crucial data on decay, cavities, and structural integrity. One of Fakopp's standout products is the Arborsonic 3D Microsecond Timer. This handheld device uses sound wave technology to measure wood density and detect internal defects. It's a game-changer for those of us tasked with urban tree risk assessment or timber quality evaluation.