R C Grapple hook part 2. Tree Climbing made Easy

[@Gabriel_Moline]

One thing is certain, you are the most professional of all the climbers. A pros pro, is certainly an understatement!🌿🌸

[@Queetsdog]

All the “pro climbers” in the Facebook groups will tell you how dumb you are for asking a simple question or try to get some help with pricing. That seems how most of the guys out there are.

[@williamsolomon1307]

I have no doubt! I take mental notes when Reg has something to show or say

[@jackberdine]

​@@Queetsdogthey're probably trying to save you from dying. Learning tree work from KZbin is extremely dangerous, and if you're not asking the right questions, maybe they're trying to scare you off.

[@calvinwoodman6116]

dog eat dog protect his own territory WAY UNPROFESSIONAL ​@@Queetsdog

[@calvinwoodman6116]

​@@jackberdinethat can be a good thing til they get the proper training in Right & Safe environment

[@richardf9137]

As a 72 year old active Climbing Arborist I Absolutely Love to Learn New Techniques in Climbing From Top Shelf Arborists in The Community. Wonderful Educational Video!!

[@calvinwoodman6116]

Man 72 AWESOME - especially watching Reg - I'm kicking over 66 , after doing AZ trucks driving for 32 yrs. & I started my own Business at 50 - don't know why I didn't start sooner with the last name of Woodman 🙏🙂

[@calvinwoodman6116]

In Barrie Ont. Canada - I'm starting to use The DMM Captain Hook + a GRI GRI progress capture device along with Hand asender w. foot loop getting in location & gri gri easy release back w. careful control

[@CatDaddySteve]

61 here 😸

[@maddiielisabeth3925]

27 here, but I started when I was 17. I am looking forward to getting 50+ years of experience like you mad blokes 😂

[@CatDaddySteve]

@maddiielisabeth3925 PLEASE become an owner & get our of the trees before You turn 50 brother

[@neightjay]

Good show Reg. Yet another great product, and thanks for the awesome demonstration. I never thought I needed a grapple but you have opened my eyes to many different possibilities. I started thinking back on previous climbs and how I could have utilized that device. Well done.

[@dan-dan-da-treeman]

You sold me with your intro video Reg. Thanks for all you do. Keeps me going. I truly appreciate you sir.

[@TimberTrainer]

I'm glad to see you are still working on your new device.

[@gravitytreeworx6744]

Certainly looks like a good energy saver in the big spreading trees

[@norwegiantreeclimber]

Great video, lots of good explanations and demonstrations. Now please show and tell us more about your climbing device! It looks very smooth and compact. Hoping I will be able to buy one in 2025.

[@Recoates]

2025 is what Notch have stated. Can't say which month yet. They have already invested a ton of time on prepping and testing, so it's well underway.

[@norwegiantreeclimber]

@Recoates That's awesome to hear! Thanks a lot for answering, I'll definitely keep a look out for it. Cheers mate.

[@youtubedan1443]

@@Recoates My man, that thing looks smooth as butter on the rope! Don't know how much you are allowed to divulge. Looks like a bunch of slick pins on it. Is it mid-line attachable?

[@Recoates]

Yes, on both points. Although, the production model may or may not have slick pins when it comes out

[@willtricks9432]

Seeing the tool in action shows that a lot of thought went into the design. Dropping down and scrambling up skinny slippy limbs to trim a couple of sticks takes a lot of effort. This slick hook should make life easier. Cheers

[@jacksneddon4106]

Thanks for the video reg great explanation. Looking forward to your device coming out! Glad notch is investing in it as it looks so smooth

[@danmcburney3247]

Another great tool for the bag !!!! And a really good demo video.... Thank you so much for your time Reg, it's really appreciated 👊❤

[@kizzle621]

awesome demo of the grapple Reg, i was on the fence about getting one but i do alot of large tree pruning and this would work perfect for me.

[@mj-dd2fb]

Reg, you're on a roll, thank you so much for your time to create & post the vids!

[@man-on-a-tree]

Hi Reg Recently saw your videos about R C Grapple hook and was right away fully convinced of this new hook you developped, after using other hooks in the past which did not convince me so far. I ordered it directly from Notch since it is not available in Europe/Switzerland yet. Payed 70$ postage😅, got it yesterday and used it today on an old huge plane tree to set up 160 yards of christmas fairy lights in the tree for a customer - and IT SAVED MY DAY!!! fantastic job Reg, thank you!!!

[@Recoates]

@man-on-a-tree I am delighted to read that the grapple hook met your expectations, and was worth the hassle of ordering from the US. All the best, my friend.

[@eddiephillips2000]

You certainly do make it look easy Reg. Thanks for sharing your info!

[@AWSMEAD]

Excellent, comprehensive demonstration. Thanks for taking the time.

[@marklam8548]

Thanks nice teaching . It seems quite the useful tool! I learned on the line clearance crew where we climbed with a 12' hook polesaw. So I have used it much for similar "antics" on my own for 30 years of tree work. Happy climbing sir.!😊

[@richie1593]

It seems to be that awesome people are skidding to a halt to watch you demonstrate it !

[@arthurmcduffey6089]

Thanks for a great explanation. I've watched the video twice now, and sure I will be watching it many more times, I ordered a R C Grapple today. Thanks!

[@man-on-a-tree]

Fantastic demo once again - great technique to reach positions in the canope without exertion. you always makes things look so easy! Thanx!!!

[@CherokeeJackson]

Good morning Reg! I sure miss seeing your videos on a regular basis! Take care of yourself!

[@toronto_trees]

Thanks for video sharing, Reg. Nice to see that grapple hooks can be a handy tool even when moving around the tree. I previously thought grapple hooks finds its use mainly when traversing from tall conifer to another.

[@lukasking2573]

Great video, thanks. I like the more versatile Arborix Approach throwing steel hook. One of the big benefits is that it is heavier ( better for throwing long distances ) and it will never break apart.

[@Recoates]

I have not used the product you refer to, so I can't say which I prefer. Also, the Notch is actually heavier than this other hook. Furthermore, I have never seen the Notch grapple break apart, have you ?

[@nate-408]

You are certainly a master of your craft. Well done bud very well executed and demonstrated. Keep up the great work and innovation. Thanks for sharing.

[@wesjazz7117]

Best aborist, climber I've seen on you tube.love your work.

[@ishure8849]

G'day Reg, I hope you all have a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year 👍.

[@Recoates]

Thanks Andrew. Same to yoy mate

[@boboustedt1309]

Yet another wonderful demonstration of tools to use in the trade, thanks for the countless hours putting this video out Reg, you have been putting so many videos out lately! Thank you! #PNW

[@merlenelson4894]

Great video showcasing the potential of this tool. I always have my Captain Hook kit on the truck and frequently weigh the time cost/benefit options of calling for it before toughing it out. I could see the value of having this with me a lot more often and using the opposite end of my climbing line to shortcut across my tree. I better order one.

[@VeteranTreeService]

Bang on mate! Thanks for giving me some more ideas. 💡👍 Time to step my game up!

[@neightjay]

I agree. I've been watching and noticing you've started to slip. Just kidding, you're kicking butt.

[@VeteranTreeService]

@neightjay 😉😁

[@calvinwoodman6116]

Reg every movement looks like the Purest of FINESE Sir

[@Treeboyltd]

Il be getting one of those. However Reg you make it look easier then it is I’m sure!! Great video.

[@Recoates]

Not true. It really is that easy. You just have to be thoughtful and orga sized with the tail end of your line.

[@prairiemushroom]

Reg again many thanks for the 2nd video on the hook and traversing and esp. for the time you took to talk about progress capture. Where I ran into the problems a few years ago was with 10 mm Sirius and a prussik/ pulley - coming back from work on a second tree, I yee-hawed along the cord until I hit a long section of sapped up 10 mm whereupon everything stopped and the knot literally became a knife knot. I ended up having to cut it off and came back the rest of the way to my initial tree using a munter/ biner for friction. So I tried wrench/ hitch combos and Zillon on 11.5 tachyon (you're right too hard to throw) and have now come back to prussik and wrench on 10 mm. Hence the questions. We do have flatter rope angles maybe than out on the coast there (trees aren't as big and a lot of them got really squashed/ destroyed up top in a giant heavy wet snowstorm in Sept years go) but the problem scenario was still way under 120 degrees. And I too don't like 2:1 to try and maybe force things, in case of bad things and then a Big Swing back to pain. You might consider a tree climbing school/ lessons in beautiful Victoria there - you'd be booked up for a long, long time. Or DVD's ?? Cheers guy

[@sandgroper-ig9nk]

Tx for the info fantastic bit of info training .Yes you made it look easy and the couple of pointers was a good heads up cheers buddy,👍

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Amazing demo Reg.

[@troyerthedestroyer]

Thanks for sharing your insights Reg! I rarely have a foot ascender on these days since my work is primarily removals and keep a mini mechanical advantage along with the grapple, prusik, rope in a little kit bag. You make a good point about over loading but I think you yourself being the link between those two points makes it pretty intuitive to slack off you primary as you advance and drop down a little below your target rather than attempting a linier route. I love that your devices is a more of a trigger and not a lever, it looks buttery smooth. How does it work for double rope?

[@Recoates]

Device is Good with doubled rope. I bolted a spare foot ascender on my right spur. It's been surprisingly useful on removals

[@troyerthedestroyer]

@@Recoates I can imagine that comes in handy for sure. I can't wait to try out the new device. Can I sign up to be a test monkey?

[@Recoates]

I don't have a say in that part. Notch have their own testers close to where they are situated. Probably they have to sign waivers etc

[@havespurswillclimb]

Excellent presentation on the RC Grapple Hook. I can see a lot of work went in to the development of the Grapple. It could have taken a lot of different shapes and sizes and bends and twists. Kudos to the developer for coming up with a final design that looks to be near perfect for the job(s) intended. You done good Reg. Dinner on me (should you ever venture to NE Tennessee). Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

[@WAHLS_arbor]

Reg, it took time to put it together with shipping and whatnot through the holidays but ive put together and been using the grapple setup(9mm tight eye 40' rope with wrench and 8mm hitchcord) and its the best tool for arborists **actual arborists** .making it simple for end weight pruning giving you the ability to make the right decisions for cutting, saving so much enegery and anxiety. Squirling no longer! Also great for recreational climbing . i put up a short

[@br-dj2ti]

Very nice job amazing product Reg God bless stay safe

[@dankotos61]

Thanks for sharing that with us Reg.

[@sporranheid]

Simplicity can be the hardest thing to achieve. Reckon ye've cracked it. Friend gave me an amazing book, The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant. Ye may know it already. I'm only halfway but would thoroughly recommend it. Extremely well written, looking at the history of logging in your area, starting at the Queen Charlotte Islands. All the best, Mark

[@spelunkerd]

It seems like an elegant design, easier to flip off once you're done without snagging adjacent branches.

[@rayclark9643]

Great demo Reg very informative thanks!

[@calvinwoodman6116]

Great Essential thoughts for Safety in tips Reg ✨️✨️🙂🌄

[@simsapot]

Thanks Reg, Amazing skills!

[@DHook]

I’m curious Reg if you’ve played with clipping into the hole at the pivot point as a quick doubled lanyard once you reach your traverse destination. This seems like a useful option to lanyard in quickly to set up a redi with your climbing line.

[@gpwrinkled]

Wonderful device. I purchased one and have been practicing and it is as easy as you portray. Thank you for it. My only disappointment is that the grapple itself is only stamped with a serial number and the Notch name, but nowhere says “RC Grapple”. Disappointing as you (RC) should be recognized on it. Thank you again.

[@Recoates]

@@gpwrinkled thanks for the message. It was actually Notchs insistence that it be called the RC Grapple. I didn't actually care what they called it, but they wanted my initials attached to the product. They have been very easy to work with overall.

[@stephenxburrage]

Sweet video Reg.. ❤ I wanted to experiment w a hook by attaching it to the tail of my climb-line since the tail is always with me yet it’s never used.. figured this would be a good way to avoid having to use a separate rope for the hook. And you’d be able to have the hook on your harness at all times just in case you need it

[@jibiroo]

Great demo thanx I will be getting one for sure.

[@callie_waldschmidt]

Very slick, looks like I need one! Thanks

[@CKupelian]

I would love it if you could put together a kit with a 20 or 25' rope with the tight eye, a rope grab of some sort, and the nice little bag you use. Thank you for keeping the price reasonable.

[@Longtimerolling]

Nice demo, thanks for your time.👍

[@rifraf262]

This looks extremely fun.

[@bonzey1171]

Good info, thanks for the demo

[@setherickson3373]

Appreciate the demo. SOLD!

[@steventhomas5145]

I would of liked to of seen vidio footage of how you routed the line with the hook at the harness to the foot assender.which foot the assender was on.Im 61 and still use a prussik loop.

[@likeakite]

Very nice. How climbing gear a related items have come on since I was an arborist in the 1980's.

[@aljaz_plankl]

Hey Reg. Thanks for the video. What lenght of rope do you use for the hook?

[@martinscott3079]

Having just purchased a captain hook, i may have to get one of these as well.

[@lukasking2573]

For what reason?

[@mark-d9k9b]

Excellent demo, thank you. It adds a whole new dimension of possibilities in tree work. Was that a prototype of the ascender/descender on your climbing line?

[@Recoates]

@@mark-d9k9b yes it was

[@hosocat1410]

Great demo! Thanks.

[@fellowbrotherinwar]

Try the gri gri and a ring loop with revolver kwicklock. Good combos

[@jiffypop247]

Can't wait to try this out. Here in Minnesota i usually want to use my dmm hook in silver maples. They can be so horribly broad, and not offer anything less than 4 inches in diameter to throw to. Pretty awful looking at the hook precariously perched on the nose, no go.

[@cldiver-nickgajowski2092]

Super job Reg!!👍 I remember having to get permits to drop trees in Metchosin. Have the municipalities relaxed or tightened up?

[@Recoates]

Probably worse now than ever

[@treemands]

Hey Reg...I like it, its affordable, gonna buy one. Cheers.

[@boomupengineering]

I know I need to get friendly with a grapple, as a heavier climber. I can't do huge swings and such - I have to pull myself around often enough. I have set second climb lines to do just that, but a grapple would be quicker and more flexible. So, I will probably eventually buy one of your grapples. I'm more interested in the descender though. I hope it can handle heavier climbers better than my Unicender and Rope Runner Pro. I have to wear gloves with my Unicender to control my speed. The RR Pro...it is hard to release when I have enough holding friction. I'll wait till 2025 when your descender is hopefully released. I was looking at the Vertec Rope Runner but now I'll wait.

[@63sfletcher]

Thanks again for the info Reg , Notch RC Ascender next? Warrington UK

[@Recoates]

Yes, well underway

[@chrisa1250]

I'll get one as soon as they're available. You've advised it's a lot of challenges to get it to market. I can't imagine. ​@Recoates

[@ryanwalker7350]

Definitely adding this to my Christmas list. Just curious, what device are you climbing on? I don’t recognize it.

[@Recoates]

@@ryanwalker7350 it's home made

[@unddannkommtbierinsspiel]

Great video Reg! I think I have to get one since I didn’t use a hook for over 5 years now because I didn’t like the existing concepts. Do you know if it will be available in Europe soon?

[@Recoates]

They already sell them at Honeybrothers UK

[@Dolmar-Rick]

Nice demo Reg. Works lovely on the right tree. It's great if you have a nice high anchor and not tons of branches in the way when throwing to limbs. I've got the Dmm hook, but I've not used it much. Though I did some pruning on wide spread, oak not that long ago, and I should have used it🤦🏻‍♂️. Anyway, I quite like that device...looks like it would get stuck a lot less than the hook, and limbs have to be the right size or smaller within reason. Is that what you didn't like about the Dmm one out of interest?

[@Recoates]

Hi Rick. I've never used a Dmm hook, but I know they are a great company. I designed this hook based on what I already know about climbing. I actually thought up the first prototype while taking the dog for a walk. It resembled a folding saw a little more the this model. Thereafter I worked closely with a designer at Notch and it evolved into this.

[@Dolmar-Rick]

@Recoates Nice, I like the design and was a bit sceptical seeing it at first, but it works really well. Kinda thought you said you weren't keen on the hook types from an older video. No worries 😜👍. I find the dmm a bit bulky and don't carry it unless I really need it. Then, I end up not bothering as you do🤣. Must try to use it more.

[@5axestreeservice]

I've been using (and loving, mostly) the DMM Captain Hook for this kind of maneuvering for a while. The Captain can tend to get "locked" on limbs based on the hook shape making remote retrieval impossible. I usually remove the Captain and move to a lanyard once I get to the spot because of this. From what I'm seeing, the Grapple avoids this issue. Anyone else using a Captain Hook that have moved to the grapple and have thoughts?

[@stevensmith3069]

Great content reg

[@chango1344]

Very nice video. Will your climbing device be produced and sold ?? Maybe by Notch😊

[@Recoates]

Yes on both parts, in 2025

[@chango1344]

@Recoates Very nice! Looking forward to check it out

[@bjornsenmats]

Been considering a hook for a while so for you to have now innovated one - I’m sold! The canopy traversing demonstration was really helpful. What rope are you using for the throwing line?

[@Recoates]

It's 10mm, I think 35 or more ft in length. I'll check the brand and get back to you

[@bjornsenmats]

@ I went for the Sirius 10mm that’s used with the dmm hook as it came with a splice and wasn’t ridiculously expensive. Haven’t used it at work yet but have had a few practices with it and loving it so far. Can’t wait to get it used in a working situation.

[@chondromarecords]

Reg, i never use a grapple but this looks interesting. Would you consider is safe to use the grapple as work positioning? For example you launch it out over something high on the edge of the canopy and work below it as you would with a re-direct or second tie in point? Cheers

[@Recoates]

@chondromarecords Essentially it's designed for movement. Getting from A to B. Not something you'd want to take your eye off or turn your back on while stopping to make some chainsaw cuts. The end user will ultimately decide what is safe for them, but the manufacturer will always recommend that you stick to the tasks that the product was designed for. In this case it is to help the climber move with and between trees.

[@jonathanwebb4404]

Thank you, Reg, great explanations and demos. A question: what will the grapple do if you try to get it to engage on a branch which is more than the 4½" diameter it's designed for? Will it simply not engage at all, or will it, like the Captain hook, engage, but likely lock itself in place and need to be pulled off manually?

[@Recoates]

More likely it will just slip off towards the user. It's not going to get jammed

[@jonathanwebb4404]

@Recoates Thanks Reg - just as I thought. [I've added myself to the Honeybros waiting list!]

[@joelvansickle3623]

Thank you! One question brother, how long is your rope attached to your hook?

[@Recoates]

35ft, I believe

[@joelvansickle3623]

​@Recoates thank you! I got one and love it. Thank you for your videos.

[@andycooper2427]

Hi Reg, great video and demo, will the grapple hook and your ascender/descender being selling in the UK any time soon? Keep up the amazing work and stay safe. Best wishes from the UK

[@Recoates]

The hook is already available through Honey Brothers. The C.D will be out sometime in 2025

[@jackbradley3670]

Very nice Reg. Wonder how it goes with traversing Coconut Palms?

[@Recoates]

Now that's something I've never tried.

[@jeffschroeder9089]

That device looks smooth

[@yubarecordingstudio7578]

Impressive Reg ! How advanced we are compared to 90’s n.eng ✌️

[@mink33]

You got me hooked! Just shut up and take my money!

[@ryandelcourt4774]

How well does your climbing device function with pine pitch?

[@Recoates]

Not like in the video. Really depends how much pitch. Will always advance and lock but descending through pitch is the Achilles heal for all the mechanicals it seem.

[@ingokemsies2541]

Thank you, super Video!

[@akantz3048]

Smooth Reg, Masterclass.

[@Gabriel_Moline]

If only I could afford a hundredth of what you climb with! I’m too lazy to get the good stuff!😆🌿🌸

[@DariusBogan-s8v]

Hey Reggie, I made a traverse unit out of a retaining wall Nail Spike. It sick as hell, but Love ur unit, my question is, What did u use to traverse before ur patented unit?

[@Recoates]

It was one designed and made here on the island for heli logging operations, I believe. Had the traditional shape with 3 folding claws. I got it from Wespur. They stopped making them long ago.

[@jeffschroeder9089]

Nice set up

[@shanebrewster2384]

Have you climbed with the Captain Hook? Other than yours being collapsable, it looks like they function quite similarly..

[@Recoates]

No I haven't Shane. They obviously serve the same purpose but otherwise they are different shapes, weights, different attachment points and one has a hinge, the other does not

[@randyupladek1855]

When’s your srt device hitting the market Reg ?

[@Recoates]

2025. Is also now a Notch product

[@hosocat1410]

I think the progress capture comment may have been asking what hitch you use on your traverse line. Since you are basically traversing on an srt line how do you keep the hitch from jamming too tight and difficult to release.

[@Recoates]

Possibly you're right. I'll have to find where it wad and read it again

[@moretmolina274]

Don't forget about the Arborella. I have confidence that it will be a production success. Throw cubes are a thing of the past.

[@Recoates]

It never never really caught fire. Can't think why.

[@JamesBasinger-o3y]

What device are you using on the grapple line attached to your bridge?

[@Recoates]

On the grapple line is just a hitch and a pulley

[@shadowoftheappletreearbori3416]

Hi Reg, thanks for the demo video with the Notch grapple hook. Where in Vancouver Island are you based?

[@Recoates]

Saanich

[@arthurmcduffey6089]

Where did you get the 10mm landyard rope for your grapple.

[@Recoates]

@arthurmcduffey6089 I think they had to custom make it at Notch. But they may now sell them as an extra for the grapple. Have a look on their website

[@lobotreecare]

Would you recommend to you rope runner pro for tending the rope of this hook? I am trying to keep my climbing kit as basic as it can be and sometimes it's annoying to have second rope attached to harness during entire climbing! I rather use srt and keep redirecting. Any good idea to use rope runner Pro on the tail part of my rope ?

[@Recoates]

I'm sure the Roperunner would work fine, if you have one spare. But the video shows a hitch will work fine also, and is considerably cheaper. By using the tail end if your climbing line you might be inviting tangles and getting snagged where you line will become U-shaped down below. Whereas a seperate 10mm line stored in a bag, weighs nothing to the point you hardly notice it.

[@lobotreecare]

@Recoates thank you for your reply! How long should my hook rope be realistically? 10,15 ,20 meters?? Might shorten my spare climbing line and use it! Have couple available

[@tomcanon7972]

Is your new RC climbing hitch available yet?

[@Recoates]

Not yet, but will be in 2025. It will also be a Notch product

[@thim8009]

That thing is slick, I don't know anything else that is that retrievable. How do I get one in the US?

[@Recoates]

Should be available at lots of stores. Sherrill tree, Treestuff, Bishco, Arbsession etc

[@michaelboyle4553]

Thank you

[@JRSahamias]

Best salesman👍where to get one from EU?

[@Recoates]

Honey Brothers UK, so far

[@VisinskiRadoviBeograd]

What is this ascender you're using? Home made?

[@Recoates]

@@VisinskiRadoviBeograd yes, thought up and made in my home

[@VisinskiRadoviBeograd]

@Recoates Is it going to be produced by Notch also? Did you name it somehow? Are you satisfied?

[@Recoates]

Yes it will. No name to speak of yet. I think when it's released it will prove to be very popular

[@VisinskiRadoviBeograd]

@Recoates Keep up the good work!

[@ItreboR63I]

Very slick.