Is The Ropeman One Still The Best for A Lineman Belt?

[@lawrencemiceli1611]

I recently “built” a lineman’s rope following an earlier video of your’s…. It’s awesome!! I am new to using climbing sticks and I was sweating bullets when I was setting my climbing sticks. It was very difficult to keep tension on my lineman’s rope using a rope with a prussic knot. It was very dangerous. When using my new lineman’s rope with the ropeman ascender 1 I can adjust the tension on my rope and stay safe at all times. Thank you for this tip!!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love hearing that. Glad you are enjoying the lineman belt and staying safe

[@stevengaunt4017]

Just bought everything to make my setup thanks for the advice!

[@SamkoTradBow]

You are gonna love it

[@deangreen7300]

I love my rope man 1 lineman's belt. Probably the best thing I ever made. Thanks Jason for the tip.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Such a great system. Glad it's great for you as well

[@caseysmith544]

@@SamkoTradBow I got, rather found a Brand of bow that will work with my 24 inch draw length, the modern GREAT PLAINS TRADITIONAL BOW COMPANY their Youth 52 inch Flat limb shortbow in micro reflex deflex that they spine the custom bows at 24 inch draw. I got the bow at 45 pounds at 24 inches, with the hickory riser and Limbs. I call the bow a shortbow as due to size can't really be called an actual Longbow now. The Bow has the small notched straight grip with the bow. The small notched straight grip the type I like for the flat limb longbows probably not needed seeing as I got I got a youth bow made more for ages 10--11 on up, to be able to grip like a regular longbow. I also got a better case, a 53.5 inch zipper light padded case off Amazon rather then just a sock for this bow for $35, $38 with tax. I got the light padded case since it is nearly double of the 54 inch Recurve, I got for $178 with the longbow at $325 total with taxes figured into price, but not including the lower rug only part rug rest I got for $2.50 off the site as well as I do not like hair rest for lower portions the arrow sits on. I also got some Bowjax II silencers in black off amazon since the bow comes with either a Fast Flight or Dynaflight D-97 string that might be too loud for the bow.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@caseysmith544 awesome! Great plains makes fantastic bows!

[@caseysmith544]

@@SamkoTradBow Thanks, for the review. This is however the newer company in Kansas bought off the old Texas one in 2015 and in 2016 is when they first made bows. Still some very similar models they make from the old company, with addition of the custom weight to the bows including the Youth models, why I was able to get a 45 pound bow at my draw length of 24 inches. I think they are one of the closer Companies to me in Pierre (Pier) South Dakota. This is including American Archery in Northern Wisconsin that the smaller draw kids bows are only a set weight or at some point Krammer Ammons his company Shatterproof Archery should have a few models and I could probably get my 24 inch draw on the bow in addition to the 28 inch draw standard.

[@basicinfo.9315]

I use the Ropeman 1 because I still use 11mm rope. I guess they are using the Kongduck or whatever its called with the smaller 8mm rope. The Ropeman 2 was designed for smaller rope, but it has teeth that chews up your rope. I agree with you 100% the Ropeman1 is the best. I do occasionally use the prusik but not very often. I have used the same Ropeman for the past 10 years.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep the ropeman one is amazing. The ropeman 2 is very hard on ropes.

[@blessedvetoutdoors]

Thank you for this review. Simple and to the point with nothing but facts. God bless and happy new years sir.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it

[@buckfever4721]

Since I saw your first video on this, instead of using that for a lineman's belt I use that as my tree rope. I remain attached as I set my stand and sticks and I love the one hand operation. I just prefer having the rope come off my back and attached above me out of the way. The ropeman 1 is rated at 15Kn or around 3370lb/f. Thank you for your videos!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you love it and thanks for the rating info. Could not remeber what it was actually rated at.

[@anotheryoutuber_]

i hear you, i use a 11mm static linesman belt and 8mm prusik with a low friction tender cord for similar reasons i use a recurve bow. ropeman is nice and i use it quite a bit for recreational climbing, ill even keep one in my hunting bag that stays back at camp so if i have an issue itll be my backup for the next day. i am just a huge fan of keeping as little metal as reasonable in my setups. for me its not about cost or weight, its the ease of being a bit quieter and using a system that is easy to duplicate without specialized gear. the ropeman is faster to set up and adjust but its an amount of time that would need a timer that can measure fractions of seconds. thanks for you content, stay safe and lets keep growing as a community while doing the thing that keeps us so excited about those fractions of a year where we get to enjoy hours of effort into thrilling moments of success.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Awesome. Glad you are taking your safety seriously and sounds like a great system!

[@sarafayelawton652]

I use an 11 mm rope on my LB with my ropeman 1. I'm getting ready to make a new LB before the season starts, so gonna review your DIY LB video. The old one is ready to be replaced.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Such a great system. Glad it's working so great for you

[@JohnSims3]

The PMI EZ Bend is the best rope for the LB. Like Jay said, it's stiff but not too stiff. You can order it by the foot. Took forever to get though...And they have it in black :D

[@sarafayelawton652]

@@JohnSims3 thanks I just ordered some from REI.

[@JohnSims3]

@@sarafayelawton652 You'll be happy...

[@arthurcarstens]

I personally use the 8mm rope with the Ropeman 1, The trick is to get a carabiner that is round on the shank, some carabiners out there are slimmer on sides of the shank, the round shank takes up the space in the hole of the ropeman which applies pressure against the cam's teeth, this causes the teeth to bite the rope like crazy. been using it for 1 1/2 years with no problems. YMMV

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep heard of people using 8 with it as well.

[@zb5715]

Rope man 1 is great for what it is but I moved down to 8mm linesman and tether with rope 7mm prussic’s and tenders and it makes a world of difference in bulk and carry and noise reduction (less metal). I don’t see any safety issues.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you found something that works great for you

[@Sethhaun78]

A prussick knot will always be the safest..it's why ansi ,Osha,and the I.S.A have all tree work arborist use them .I'm interested in the ropeman for light solo rigging ..arborist work..never climb on purisick cord that's not rated and 8mm or above in tree s...there's tons of ropes from 11mm to 13 mm that way nothing like blue moon ..200ft weights nothing

[@garrettstraffon608]

Yep that is the ticket! I’ll be getting one. Thanks again

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@victorfeliciano6092]

Do you have a video with the new knots you are using in this set up. Definitely plan to run this setup next month!!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@victorfeliciano6092 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHPLXmp_pZqBiJo

[@JA-hn3to]

I went with a CT Roll-n-Lock and it makes a little more noise than I like and will be looking to replace with a ropeman .

[@SamkoTradBow]

Lots of great options out there but the ropeman is hard to beat

[@JohnSims3]

You'll be very happy...

[@dougmorgan3059]

Made one last year and some how lost it. I am on my 2nd one now I just had to have another one!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you like them! And glad to hear you are taking your safety seriously when in the tree.

[@zekeoutdoors]

So with the rope man you need the correct diameter caribener to ad tension to the rope? If ita to thin the rope will slip,?

[@SamkoTradBow]

No. You want a round shank carabiner otherwise the carabiner will want to fill to the flat side. Will still work great and not slip. But more convenient to use a round shank carabiner

[@millerb32]

Mileage may vary...but my opinion based on my experience is a resounding NO. For me, for lineman specific, 8mm line with 6mm accessory chord in a distel with a tender. Cheap is not in the equation for me...but ease of use with a single hand, and the fact that the ropes are rated for taking a dynamic load...where the Ropeman is NOT rated for taking a dynamic load. HOWEVER, if it's not broke...don't fix it. For how I run it, I get alot more control of the distel wrap when I go to let line out with a single hand. It's just a smoother operation for me as compared to the ropeman or a kong(which I ran last year), and that makes ME feel safer. Plus the way I run my 6mm Distel to poacher knots on the caribiner, it's essentially doubled up and the single possible breaking point is way up on the last wrap...so essentially all of the load is distributed(exponentially stacked) over several wraps before it could fail. As usual though, I always close it out as I begin it, my way is not right, someone else's way is not wrong as long as it works safely.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you found something that suits your needs!

[@millerb32]

@@SamkoTradBow WE both have!! Love your channel. Thanks for all the content.

[@pug335]

I am interested in this rig of yours if you could expound a little more on it please?

[@304deerslayer]

I would love to see a pic of your setup I've been wanting to get rid of ropemen because of what you said about easy of use. I run an auto block as backup in case of fall.

[@michaelsavage3244]

I use it on both lineman’s & tether

[@SamkoTradBow]

That's good. Glad you are taking your safety so seriously. I now climb with both as well.

[@iBleedStarsAndBars]

I wouldn't change my Ropeman 1 for anything. It works and it's proven.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree 100%. And it's dead quiet light weight and doesn't tangle or come untied

[@bonniekincaid6490]

love the video! thank you! Do you have a link for the green harness you have on?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Tactisaddle.com. its called the tbws tree stand harness. I also have a couple videos reviews on it from late this summer

[@bonniekincaid6490]

thank you@@SamkoTradBow

[@tools4spoons]

Can you use your lineman belt setup as a safety line or do you recommend a separate system?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I recommend a second safety line. 2 reasons. 1 is so you can connect the second when you have to disconnect to get around branches. 2. I would not want to trust anything mechanical for a slack line shock load fall. I'd go prussik or knot for the safety line.

[@UnitedViral]

What happen to the petzl falcon harness you were using last year? found something better?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Made something better! Had John at tactisaddle.com build one to my exact specs. 8 prototypes later and this is the final version and is available for sale theu tactisaddle.com. I have a full review of it and the options on my yourube channel I made about 2 months ago

[@snapcrack55]

Ive been using a Ropeman 1 this year, BUT i don't like the noise it makes. A little clicking onmy buckes and such. Im tempted to go back to a prussic, never had any issues with it.... Am i wrong?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I never had a problem with it making any noise. And the speed of adjustability is vital for me. And I would think climbing the tree and hanging the stand would make much more noise than a slight buckle tink. But I only say this because yoy asked. Use whatever method you like best. For me for the last 25 years it a ropeman all day everyday, literally.

[@robertsophiea05]

I like the ropeman 1 for my lineman belt. I also have a ropeman 2 I am not using. I am considering using the 2 on my safety line so that is easier to adjust but I am on the fence if it is worth the bulk. Anyone using a device on the safety line?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I dont think the ropeman is rated (officially rated) for a static line shock load with slack. meaning it may not be recommended for a slack line tether. Perfect for lineman belt though.

[@tradmanmike3360]

I HAVE HAD THE 8MM ROPE MAN 1, FOR TWO YEARS WITHOUT USING IT. THIS MY FIRST YEAR TO USE LW STICKS. I HAVE A ASCENDER 1 ON MY AMAZON LIST TO COMPLETE THE SYSTEM BEFORE DOING THE STEPS. I'M TOO OLD TO BE DROPPING FROM TREES. LOL..

[@SamkoTradBow]

Love that you are taking your safety so seriously

[@Ericg3654]

How long should the rope be? I found a site that will let me buy by the foot and I don’t know how many feet to buy

[@SamkoTradBow]

I'd buy 12 feet. This will let you tie all the knots and be able to adjust the length to what you want.

[@jeanpoitras7072]

thank you, do you use Ropeman 1 for your Thether too ?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I do not. I don't trust anything mechanical for a slack line fall. So I use a bowline knot to tie into the tree with a tether.

[@gunit4419]

What length rope and what kind of knot is that?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Length is personal preference. I like about 7 or 8 feet. the knot on the carabiner is a fisheman knot and the other end is a simple stopper knot. At the end of this video there is another video in the upper right corner that shows how I make the knots.

[@rickhuff5197]

What size and name of caribiner for rope man. Please

[@SamkoTradBow]

They don't make this one anymore it was the old style petzel atache carabiner. But any carabiner with a round shank works best. The slab side ones work but always flip sideways cause of the flats

[@yoda4x4]

Hey Jason - just curious... What, if anything do you do with that wire loop that comes on the Ropeman?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I cut it off mine personally. Just so no chance of it snagging

[@yoda4x4]

@@SamkoTradBow LOL... So I'm not the only one who does that.

[@JohnSims3]

Yes!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks!

[@JohnSims3]

@@SamkoTradBow Hey Jason, would you recommend a Ropeman 1 for the tether?

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@JohnSims3 I would not. I don't trust anything mechanical for a shock load froma static line fall. I prussik would be safer in my opinion or a bowline knot

[@JohnSims3]

@@SamkoTradBow I took your advice and purchased a 12 foot piece of PMI EZ Bend in black. Great rope! The Ropeman 1 is the greatest thing to use for a lineman's belt for sure! So easy and lightweight! Thanks for the advice Jason!

[@calebthor34]

Which Rope do you reccomend using?

[@SamkoTradBow]

My favorite is the pmi ez bend classic 11.4

[@bradparlow1581]

What carabiner do you have on the ropeman?

[@SamkoTradBow]

A discontinued petzel carabiner that don't make anymore

[@wk9953]

What harness is that? It looks different than the one you used last year

[@SamkoTradBow]

New harness I designed and now sold thru tactisaddle.com .

[@SamkoTradBow]

Did a video on it a couple weeks ago, should be 10 vids down or so on my. Hannel

[@wk9953]

@@SamkoTradBow I did see that, and it must have slipped my mind. It is on my order list for this year. It looks fantastic and meets all of my requirements.

[@SandSniper97]

what is the harness you're using now?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Tactisaddle.com tree stand harness

[@BelowAverageRazzleDazzle]

Ropeman 1 - still the best - in 2024!

[@bertnichols6335]

Are you using Static or Dynamic rope?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Static for the lineman belt dymanic for my tether

[@bertnichols6335]

Great! Bout to buy the needed products. I use the Hunter Safety Systems harness and I can’t stand the big straps they use for the tether and lineman’s belt.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@bertnichols6335 you will love the simple function and speed of this system

[@daveyboy8907]

Ropeman 1 for the win.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree 100%

[@mattfrank6804]

What harness is that?

[@SamkoTradBow]

Tactisaddle.com tbws tree stand harness

[@nickricholetti754]

Switched from the ropeman to the kong when i went 8mm line ….no difference in kong and ropeman. the difference is the wayyyyyyyyyyy less bulk of carrying 8mm rope . have the king on my tether and linemen’s belt

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you liked the Kong. I much prefer the ropeman and the stiff 11mm rope on a lineman belt. On a tether capable of a fall with slack in it like we have with tree stands I prefer a bowline knot over anything mechanical. On a saddle a Kong or ropeman works great for the tether as there is no slack.

[@nickricholetti754]

@@SamkoTradBow i should have clarified. yes i’m in a saddle lol. sorry

[@SamkoTradBow]

@nickricholetti754 yep saddles do not ever have slack in the tether like a tree stand harness. So with a saddle mechanical ascenders are fantastic.

[@jacobstiles6040]

Not knocking the video or the information, but majority of the time, if buying the appropriate rope. It'll be rated for shock loads and also have a built in safety factor of like 10 to 1 or 15 to 1. Meaning that whatever the max weight of the rope is advertised for, it didn't break in testing until 10x or whatever times the safety factor is. The 3mm prusik, again if it is quality and appropriate, will be more than enough to handle whatever "shock" loads a single human being can put on it. If you don't trust it, then you just aren't as familiar with it as you should be.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@jacobstiles6040 but I still don't trust and won't use it

[@charlierayt]

Better be cause I bought 2 of em. Lol

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep love the ropeman 1!

[@awesomebillfromdawsonville8715]

👍

[@Pottercountylife]

Was it ever the best? Kong Duck

[@SamkoTradBow]

yes it was and for over 20 years it was the only option. and nothing since has been better. I had a kong duck. it was nice. glad you like yours.

[@northeastbowhunters6714]

nothing better. Not sure who would think the weight of a linesman belt would need to be reduced but if you do, have fun with it. Not something I need to worry about.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree completely. It weighs less that my cell phone with 11m rope and ropeman!

[@manveru88]

Always bugs me when you call it a lineman belt. It's a positioning lanyard

[@SamkoTradBow]

It's been called a lineman belt for many many years. Called a positioning lanyard for like the last 8 or 10. Kind of like calling a pound sign a hashtag. It was a pound sign first and always will be regardless of what people call it now.

[@JohnSims3]

@@SamkoTradBow Like...pound sand? :D

[@manveru88]

@@SamkoTradBow arborists have always called it a positioning lanyard, or lanyard, and I'd bet people were climbing trees and cutting them down before there were power lines to climb

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@manveru88 great

[@davidleist7587]

If it ain’t broke……

[@SamkoTradBow]

Exactly

[@justingreen4450]

No longer available

[@SamkoTradBow]

@justingreen4450 yes it is. Available all over online and on wildcountrys site in stock

[@Sethhaun78]

Also you shouldnt climb spars without a high tie in lifeline ...sorry but hunters have huge HUGE ..lack of saftey and gear .rope man is ok.it is not rated at 24kn so its not sprroved lifesupport..it baffles the mind how they dont make hunters follow guidelines..and why they wouldnt want to follow us professional arborist s..going on31 years in tree service i see these hunting videos its beyond understanding..that said its good rope grab of wich there are several better made for arborists by arborists like the gibbs climb air 2 way..and pursick cord is always safer..always have 2 TIE INS..and hand saw...101

[@SamkoTradBow]

Thanks for the tips

[@santiago4120]

This is why we need certified professionals making these types of videos and not this guy.