Avoid DdRT Tree climbing injuries

[@AugustHunicke]

I came for the thumbnail and stayed for the healing. I am where you would have been if you had stayed. I have never been intellectually convinced until now. But then again, I resisted the change from closed system to split tail climbing longer than anyone, and I had a mullet long after it was dead. Time to stop dabbling and start converting. Thanks.

[@MWiles123]

August Hunicke my mullet excuse was, a sunburned neck and wood chips down my shirt... LOL

[@tomplucknette5941]

August, your opinion means a lot to me, would you mind weighing in on SRT Redirects? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWfOaoRtbbKGmZY

[@jgut69]

Yes indeed August! By the way thank you for the slip bowline demonstration in your latest vid. I tried it and practiced today!

[@EnigmaticPeanut]

i guess i should skip the ddrt completely. im starting and i was going to use the blake hitch...

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

@@EnigmaticPeanut I had those injuries from lack of movement while wearing a full body harness that ironically I had to wear to protect me from a fall. The repetitive motion along with my limber movement being restricted was giving me the same problems Reg used to have. Some days using DdRT I noticed that it seemed harder cuz of the friction involved in the moving rope system. U might want to to checkout the JRB Clinbing system on KZbin. This John guy is a genius but don't expect to get alot of answers from him. Just refer to his Playlist & watch only what u think applies to your style. I just saved u hours with that tip. Using a double rope w/o a moving rope system with all the friction will save alot of wear & tear on your equipment but u also. All I know is that I'm probably 10 years older than Reg & I don't giveup. But @ the same time I have obligations & longevity & a good life r on top of my list. Take car🙏.

[@libertytreeexperts8904]

One of the best videos on tree work I've ever seen, notwithstanding spooky back lighting:) I've been in the trees 17 years now and am 43. The weak link for me has always been my hands. I used to wake up in the morning and have to pull my fingers open. I thought I was getting too old to climb, Then I made a few discoveries. 1) You can take down a huge tree using a 5lbs Stihl 150 (cuts under 10") 2) Atlas gloves give super human grip. 3) SRT w/ Roperunner is effortless on the hands when compared to DRT. I feel like there aren't many young people getting into climbing and that creates opportunities for older experienced climbers who will be in high demand going forward. Good climbers will be able to name their price. We need to get away from macho "giterdun" mentality and embrace the science of longevity. I think I'm going to do my own video on this soon.

[@alexbeedie6940]

I get laughed at but I stretch every morning and evening and it makes a huge difference I would highly recommend it to any arborist I have never got injured since I started stretching.

[@TriggaPleas]

Couldn't agree more. Stretching makes you stronger and faster and stops injuries.

[@fern6114]

I’m not making woodclimbing but working with wood and I’m 59 now It’s als the age and the work with heavyweights that uses your body Warming up a little bit 10/15 minutes helps a lot Hiefenecher ART on Facebook Cheers from Luxembourg 🇱🇺

[@Johnnyreengo]

you are 100% right. more often than not the most boring solution is the best solution.

[@r.g.3636]

you are one cool dude Reg,,,,, a great teacher,, very educational..great style,, very skilled,,,thank you for being there...... i had a couple climbers teach me to always take your climbing line OFF our body ,, and use 2 safety ropes , the bottom one double rapped around the tree, before cutting big tops and chunks,,, so if the top or chunk grabbed your climb line on the way down,,, we would still get to see our girlfriend that evening...... ive been a professional timber faller and climber on the mendocino coast, ca. u.s.a. for 24 years,,, ive lost 4 timber faller partners putting wood on the ground for the environmentalists etc.,,,,, im 65 going on 28, lol...... i love your videos so much, thank you Reg..... keep them coming........ royman

[@NHlocal]

Reg, I agree 100%. The "bad" repetitive motion can cripple a person. I come from a different background. I've been working in a machine shop for 30+ years performing literally 100s of thousands of similar repetitive motions. I started climbing on a DdRT system about 8 years ago. Right away I started getting severe pain in my forearms. The onset of tendinitis. I'm with you on the doctors, I don't like to go for things like that for the same reason as you. I don't see them getting better, but that's another subject. I switched over to SRT about 4 or 5 years ago. Right away I noticed a lot less pain in my forearms. I was using the Hitch Hiker system which still needed a bit of effort to slack tend. About 1 1/2 years ago I switched over to a "mechanical" (Rope Runner) device. Tending slack is just about effortless and I now rarely have any pain in my forearms from climbing. So yes, I have found what you are explaining to be very true, for me anyway. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your insight on this. I very much appreciate it. Be safe. Randy

[@moretmolina274]

At 5 years later I'm re-watching this video it always makes sense to go back and reassure yourself to take steps with proper climbing procedure bravo your videos are still number one

[@RichardMumford1]

True and real life stuff, thanks for being a voice climbers listen to.

[@tomplucknette5941]

Ive taken away so much from your experiences and how you approach climbing, thank you Richard

[@nate2838]

I've been climbing for three years now and while i'm interested in single rope, i don't know any single rope climbers in my area that i could learn from, so it will likely be a while before i experiment with it. One of the main reasons i would be interested in single rope is how easily you can redirect you line for a better angle. One thing i would like to point out is how useful a foot ascender is in DDRT. While it is not strictly necessary, i find it very useful for saving energy when the situation isn't ideal for hip thrusting ie hanging from your rope out of reach of the tree, or simply on the underside of the lean where you cant engage your legs very well. Another area i find the foot ascender very useful is when you have your rope around the lowest branch in a cluster (say accessing a tree and you couldn't get the second branch so you could stand on the first) when you get to the branch standing on the foot ascender keeps you body upright and raises it an extra foot or two, making it much easier and less strenuous to get your lanyard around the next branch or stem. If your climbing ddrt and don't have a foot ascender yet, get one as soon as you can, there are times it will save you a lot of strain and some time as well. Thank you Reg, this is a video i come back to from time to time, and is one of the reasons i picked up a foot ascender.

[@TreeCraftbyAndrew]

Brilliant vid. Thanks for posting. Most climbers I've encountered are resistant to SRT. They're also the ones who hollow out the interior of the tree's canopy cos they can't get out to the tips of branches with DdRT. Here's to hoping that 'hip thrusting' isn't being taught anymore!

[@MonkeyGus]

Climbers only hollow out a canopy because the boss has priced it like shit.

[@samuelluria4744]

Painting with a bit of a broad brush there Sir...

[@briankennedy1313]

TreeCraft by Andrew lions tailing and climbing system preference are two totally different things.

[@RobertYoutsey]

"You're better to get on board than in the way". Well said and I wish companies and such would heed your advice but many fall to greed. Good vid, thanks.

[@brianmerkerson2414]

Robert Youtsey hi i dont know if im getting this right.but the company ive been at since 08 is get on up it & get it done.theres no beginning time aloud to get rigged up to make my climb easier,set rope up in tree for srt.i so wanna switch to srt,been ddrt for 15yrs & was just right arm&shoulder pain now its becoming both in pain

[@paulmorin2582]

I'm late to this particular video, but have been following your teachings for a while, Reg. It seems to me everything you publish is super valuable and instructive ... pure gold as the saying goes ... particularly in the no nonsense way you do it. Thanks for caring enough to continue to put these videos out, including the many great ones you've done since this one.

[@bonesthenorthwoodswarriors1854]

It truly amazes me how relevant your content is, even the oldest videos on your channel are immensely relevant even after all these years. Your honesty & sincerity are greatly appreciate, and only matched by your generosity. When I started climbing I reluctantly when with SRT straight away, and have been glad I made that choice, and this video cements that decision completely.

[@mink33]

embrace the cement!

[@treewizard2341]

Well worded mate. SRT has many benefits. Less energy used to climb, and it reduces risk of overuse syndromes. Awkward to learn, and time consuming to dial in a preference with ones gear and approach to climbing. But the benefits work out. In time.

[@tonystath4445]

very eye opening. 24 yrs in and I've yet to consider SRT. good insight!

[@terryhale9006]

Glad that the switch worked out so well for you. Very convincing. Thanks.

[@timetter7062]

Please make a video of you setting up your SRT set up. Great stuff you rock!

[@AWSMEAD]

well said indeed. I use SRT in every situation now and can't think of any advantages with DDRT personally. Nice one.

[@nickmiller5521]

Thank you for the great information, Reg. I'm in Kansas. I'm one of those 25 year old "up and coming climbers" and business owners. I need to learn from as many of your mistakes and successes as possible!

[@chamness964]

I'm slowly going over to srt. But I have removed a tree with srt. I like it a lot better than ddrt. And like you said reg my elbows are starting to get to me. And I've been climbing for 12 yrs. I'm 37 now. Thanks for the input reg. Awesome buddy.

[@daviddobedoe]

I think much of what you say is right. In my opinion srt for tree work has some way to go. The rope runner and bull dog bone are showing the way but not there yet. Sorting a good rope wrench, prussik combination is a pain and difficult to get smooth. The smoothness of a zigzag but on a srt set up and all made to ce standards is what i look forward to.

[@josephtreadlightly5686]

Great video Reg. I recently made the decision to SRT. I climb for 2 reasons. 1. I have a farm with fencelines & overtime things & conditions change. I left a longtime job a couple of years ago. I'm older than u & I'm lanky & limber. Those 2 last things made it impossible for me to wear a full body harness. I was getting daily chronic pain in my shoulders & elbows. My lifestyle has changed that. 2. I'm a bowhunter & travel farther & needed a way to get up in trees to hunt while keeping the weight of gear as low as possible. I ride a fat-tire bike to get back. Then I hook a climbing line to a preset paracord to ascend. I'm using a double rope with a climbing leg loop with a Michoacon friction hitch on each side of the rope. No more pulling my self up doing DdRT. More redundancy & less movement & noise which is important to me. I did alot of DdRT 🌳 removal last year. After this summer I'm going to invest in the new SRT equipment. I already have thousands of $$ in arborist equipment to live a more efficient & healthy lifestyle. I hope more people watch this video. Glad your chronic pain has gone away as well as mine. Take care 🙏.

[@judsonkimble]

Great video, Reg. Very important. Thanks for sharing.

[@thim8009]

I tried srt briefly and it was foreign, I didn't have full equipment either . What you said make sense so should get more equipped to do it properly.

[@RememberTheSlapFilms]

Glad I watched this, just starting into climbing, bought a SRT setup yesterday. Looks like the way of the future.

[@clintheser6314]

Glad to have your insight. I climb drt, yet I have used srt off and on. Climbing drt I wear a foot ascender and try to use it whenever ascending. I have had pain in my forearms, although the gripper gloves have really helped. Thanks for the vid!

[@TheJoeman11]

Thank you Greg, you took most of the mystery and doubts out of SRT for me. Bless you man.

[@Fapasztor]

Thanks Reg! I was thinking about changing from running double rope to SRT, because another reasons what you mentioned. My biggest enemy when I climbing is the friction! Any re-direct more friction. With SRT I guess much less friction we talk about. Am I right? For me mostly big reductions and reshapes on protected trees so I need a better solution. At the moment I using a zig-zag and an old school cambium saver and still not enough. Have you ever tired any mechanical friction devices(zig-zag, spider jack)? Please look after yourself, because many of us would like to watch your videos for long time! Be safe Mr Coates! Levi from South England.

[@Chevron.Muskoka]

Hey again another great vid popped up! SRT without a doubt is keeping me in the game. It just doesnt force me to battle with physics. I still use DRT(MRS DDRT Or whatever the local verbage is) when moving out off the stem as (with a friction saver) for me it seems like less effort for work positioning and returning. Otherwise I have yet to find where I can't employ SRT. Ive got a fused L5S1 and two discectomy above it from other herniated discs. My elbows burn from starting saws most of my adult life and my knees are shot from carrying kit and gear all over this creation. Climbing isnt just my way of living but also my body's physio therapy and that critical thinking place my mind needs to be quiet. I wish I had of caught on sooner

[@yupmmhm7227]

thanks for the great video bud. really appreciate your honesty and sincerIty. glad your feeling better and still kicking but. learned a lot from you, and other KZbin Arborists as well. I'm still pretty new to the game. I started on srt and actually struggled a little trying to incorporate drt into my system. like you I've found it to be really beneficial only on traversal. never done any crane work so cant really speak to that. im useing the Rope runner, and as wicked as it is thinking about switching to Rope wrench for the added bit of control and more predictable nature of it. additionally the high speed repelling offered by the Runner isn't essential for our work and is actually a more dangerous and less secure system IMO. considered the Zag Wrench tether but non-midline attachable sounds like PIA. Akimbo is taking forever, wondering if someone hasn't deliberately put it on ice. Wrench seems like the way to go. affordable too. Good luck to you bro. God speed. keep em coming. eagerly awaiting your next

[@topsaw]

What a great video! I'm sold, I'm 52 and been climbing for decades, elbows hurt, I thought from drop starting saws so went to electric, no change. I've been hesitant to go srt but will give it a try

[@twinzscapes8369]

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@angusandrew3967]

I came to tree climbing from a mountaineering background and used my own version of an SRT system because that was what I was used to. Went to college and was told to use Ddrt. After ten years developed tennis elbow problem. Packed in climbing. Became a tree officer. Nowadays I am back climbing, mostly for inspections or looking for bats on an SRT system. So I’ve come full circle. No elbow problem. Note: there is no mechanical advantage to Ddrt. The pulley needs to be on the load being raised, not on the anchor point. You’re pulling your weight up and it knackers your back from thrusting and your arms from repetition.

[@Johnnyreengo]

o rig

[@FishFind3000]

The word your looking for in the beginning is called thumbnail.

[@tterryshenanigans1820]

Clickbait brother

[@AndrewHecker85]

I've only ever climbed with a lanyard (I just do this stuff on the side), but I've been thinking that my rope work needs to become more varied if I'm going to start doing more challenging trees. This was a really helpful video for me. Thanks for taking the time to talk about it.

[@livestronger4344]

I'm Same boat as you Andrew. Only climb with a lanyard. Small and part time, but looking for some added safety and ability / options. Curious if you ever made the switch.

[@majiccarpet5688]

Thanks for the words of wisdom! Ive been a climber in Ottawa On for 5 years now and i have the same issues sore neck sore, elbows, and knees i assume from spurring and twisting my legs unnaturaly. Im only 24 and im planning on leaving the arb business due to my pains. but before i fully make up my mind im defenitly going to try out the srt!

[@mink33]

are you still climbing 3 years later?

[@josephazersky8253]

You're great thanks for posting these, I've about 0.00% doubt that you're on-point because the whole 2:1 mechanical advantage with DdRT climbing is "an advantage" of strength but an equal-and-opposite disadvantage of distance-travelled and, as you said, you're using your arms and doing weird "center-aimed pullup's" when pulling-up through DdRT and you're hardly utilizing your best muscles IE your legs/hips/glutes/core, the DdRT movement is an "upper body pull" (and a center/downward pull) which are known to be hard on elbows and upper backs (from a weight-lifting perspective) and, even if it *were* an ergonomic position, in the end you've still gotta pull your bodyweight up to the same height and you're using only arms/back...when ascending SRT, you're not only in a far more ergonomic "muscle-movement" position but you're also driving your upward-ascent with your strongest muscles, so you're literally changing your body's ascent-expenditure from "half-bodyweight, and half-speed, 100% with a pull-up/row type arm&back movement while arching-backwards", or "full-bodyweight, but you get to be in an ergonomic position and you utilize your entire body, with your strongest muscles pushing-up your ascent and your weaker muscles 'guiding'/positioning you", I may be VERY new to climbing but having tons of time training people this is very obvious, as you say it's not doing it once it's the repetition, when doing repetitious moves your posture & the ergonomics of the move itself are HUGELY important and the srt-ascent "motion", compared to the ddrt-ascent motion, is just a night-and-day difference, I'm so glad you found that for yourself & that you feel better, and glad you shared it because I'm new and I NEVER would've guessed this til I'd gotten my already-messed-up arms hurt even more & figured out for myself that one motion is "good & OK" while the other really is not, not repetitiously!! Am betting the upper back, neck and arm injuries are hugely pervasive amongst any long-time DdRT climber, just hearing someone's done that motion repetitively for long times is like hearing of someone who only jogs backwards and wonders why their legs are always sore!!!

[@jasonfeazel3806]

Love your videos Brother, I’m a fellow climber and I’m waiting on my rope wrench to arrive in the mail as I type this comment and I cannot wait to try it out. Climb safe and GOD Bless. 🙏😇

[@ryanalbright6510]

Thanks Reg. I all ways look hard at new technology I never fought it. Change comes hard for many of my co workers. I herd that workers and unions fought the ratchet wrench. Really. I was on a high line transmission job and everybody was fighting the use of helicopters I fought for years to get the company i worked for to use bucket trucks and other devices to make work easier I was cussed at meetings and bad mouthed all the time. It took years for the company to come around and my co workers to embrace new tools now they will never go back. How quick they forgot the old methods. They never come back and say you were right.

[@treeawareness2153]

I have dabbled SRT but haven't lept...to hear you describe all of the pain and that you are better now... I'm placing an order Tonite.. I've always been an early adopter...on new stuff..I really don't know why I've resisted this particular technique.. maybe cause I've struggled early in the process of implement ING.....thanks Reg

[@taidgh15]

Very interesting video I use drt all the time except for a few situations but I think as things progress with ascenders the injuries previously obtained are lessened or faded out I use a knee and foot ascender system now like the SAKA or the HAAS and I find yes my back is no longer as knotted twisted or sore at the end of the day in a tree, it's also great if I'm using srt too for ascension. Your legs are the strongest muscle in your body use them

[@billhowe4863]

Because of this video and other factors I'm going to be learning srt from a local climber that I respect, however I honestly don't think I'd be willing to without hearing your experience reg, you just have a way of getting a point across. For nearly 20 years I've been stubborn, strictly footlocking and climbing on a closed system. A recent fall due to a tie in point failure that wouldn't have happened with srt I'm keen to open my options.

[@GrantMillerMusic]

My experience with chiropractic care has been positive. I had a string of lower back injuries ( that were debilitating to say the very least) over a decade ago. Through a combination of regular chiropractic visits for the first year of injuries and a consistent and steady regiment of core strengthening and stretching exercises my back has been injury free ever since. There may be chiropractors out there that possibly string clients along for monetary reasons I'm sure, but that can be said for any business or trade, all depends on the integrity of the service provider.

[@stihlsavvy]

I switched over to srt about three years ago to save my rotator cuffs and back. The only problem with my body I've had since has been a sore knee from using my right leg in a foot ascender. I fixed that by buying a SAKA and using the other leg on long ascents. I tell all the climbers I meet that if they want to extend their climbing life they should start familiarizing themselves with srt.

[@samuelluria4744]

Ever hear that old blues song, "Happily Married Man"? That's how I feel about my rotator cuffs... haven't seen'em in two or three years...

[@Scott-cu8nf]

Hey Reg, I don't care what image you put up, when you put a video up...I watch it because I usually learn a thing or two and it is also entertaining. But I did like the image. Thanks for sharing all that you do.

[@oahutreeworks300]

Went through the same revelations about 4-5 years ago and like Reg was also a pretty strong non-believer for the first several years when it was gaining popularity. When you start realizing how much easier and more efficiently the work seems to be happening it becomes pretty obvious.

[@colsinclair7793]

Thought I was taking a heat attack, turns out it was muscle pain shooting down my arm. The joys of climbing!

[@dereksmith4791]

This video has gotta be a top-5 for me and I don't use ddrt, it's just such an outstanding reminder of the dangers of repetitively-exerting oneself at odd/unfriendly/non-ergonomic angles&positions, while I started late enough that srt was 'king' so I just learned that way, the reality this applies to more: I've already found that the way I hold my chainsaw was improper (ergonomically not safety) and have had a marked improvement *immediately* upon correcting/improving my grip on the saw (well, more my wrists' angles and shoulder angles, was hunching-up on it too much - not unlike the reach-up part of a ddrt ascent) This video is awesome for its main meaning ie DdRT = repetitive stress issues, a point that in ~1/2yr of studying online-sources I have *only* found mentioned/advised-against on this video/url right here, but its point goes beyond just ddrt so thanks again!! Have been meaning to incorporate more ddrt for limb walking better so am incredibly glad that, due having seen this vid a few times, that it's just ingrained in my head that ddrt ascent is an awkward position which'll let me be more aware of my body while practicing it (hell it's helped me insofar as my pole-saw, when I've got the fiberglass extended to like 10' and am reaching-out from a tree to something, I used to let my back take *way* more force than I should've, have recently found myself spending the extra time to get a better spot just for purposes of avoiding repetitive-stress-at-awkward-angles issues as this stuff is physically-beating enough on its own!!) Thanks, as always :) (have finally finished your series now, graduated Reg Coates U or rather finished the curriculum at least ;D )

[@localcrew]

Thanks for sharing that knowledge. It's priceless

[@MrTreeNation]

I used to have elbow and shoulder pain when I climbed ddrt. I thought "how the hell am I going to make it to 45 and still be able to do this." Now that I climb srt I'm pain free more efficient and can go places I couldn't with Ddrt. I think the use of foot ascenders has helped to take the strain off my upper body and put it on my legs which can handle it.

[@ArsonistArborist]

At least you're straight up about click baiting haha. You make some good points. I loved SRT ever since I started, and never went back. Maybe a year ago, I tried out DDRT again and, man, I hated it. Just seemed incredibly inefficient. I can't wait til the Akimbo comes out next year, looks like an amazing device. I've heard the drop starting shock loading your body claim before, I don't agree with it. When you start from a leg lock or ground start, your starting from a stationary position and reefing on it. In my mind that shock loads the body more then a drop start. When you drop start it, you're using the momentum of the saw to do the work. I don't understand the claim. A safety guy told me it was unsafe. As long as you have the break on, how is it unsafe? I've never understood that claim

[@Recoates]

You just have to do whats right for you Ryan. A lot of safety guys just invent stuff for the sake of keeping themselves relevant.

[@briankennedy1313]

D. Ryan Shaw pretty sure ground starting is a safety issue rather than for preventing mechanical injury. But pulling with one hand and pushing away with the other seems a lot easier than bending over and starting from the ground awkwardly. And if you can’t handle a saw not to cut yourself when drop starting then you shouldn’t be handling a power saw in the first place.

[@treebutcher2000]

I suffer from from those exact injuries you mention and i too thought that it is through constantly starting saws- elbow pain anyway. Maybe it is time to look at what the hype is about with this srt.

[@samuelluria4744]

Starting saws?!?!? That's what Tree-Elves are for, man!!!

[@treebutcher2000]

Problem is I also do a lot of saw/machine repair and maintanence so its not just the treework where im yanking on the pull cords, ive got awful tennis elbow in both arms and often i get tbe neck/ back pain Reg is talking about. Tree work is a hard job for sure, when your young you dont give a shit about trying to make things easier but now im getting a bit older and my body aches im definatley considering anything that may make it easier.

[@Gigharborbigfoot]

Awesome video! I feel like each has it's own time and place. It certainly is easier to have proper work positioning in SRT configuration but can also be achieved with Ddrt with some awareness of your movements. I love SRT for Ivy trees, large diameter trees, trees with a large canopy, and trees that require lots of rigging or ups and downs but for the majority of work I feel like drt is the quick and easy solution and more universal to the more lateral way trees around here grow. Nucca chiropractor has cured my back pain without re-injury 2 years after my therapy. I also swear by the Ergo saddle.

[@ryanalbright6510]

When a man has a very physical job and has invested his life into it, it is a scary thing to have an injury that might make you change your whole life I made it 40 years I did not want a life in an office cubical going to endless meetings fighting to stay awake lessening to some one who has never strained a mussel tell you how to get more work out of the crews.

[@xtrepadoralvarez9599]

I use a trowline everyday to set my rope at the highest point. And never pull myself on the rope alone. I used the tree as my ladder and saves me from the injuries you are talking about. But love your videos. Greeting from long island New York

[@jasonfeazel3806]

I’ve been climbing SRT for around 6 months now and I absolutely love it.

[@tombil77]

You really shouldn't see a chiropractor or massage therapist as they only fix the effect of the problem - thus you have to come back and get treatment. However a physical therapist will make you work out in order to fix the problem and the effect will disappear. It will take long if you've had the problem for long but it'll be worth it in the end.

[@theaxeman4429]

Been wondering about the benefits of SRT for a while now... Thanks for sharing bud! 👍👍👍 Much Appreciated.

[@robertbettis6552]

Very interesting story, im in that transitional period switching over to stationary rope technique. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@dalepfaffenberger3845]

Hi Reg, I have been using D.R.T for 25 years and like the other's that have commented, I to have problems with my elbows and hands. I have now switched to S.R.T /rope wrench, but I'm really struggling to get it dialed in. Is there any chance you could do a video showing your set up and some tips on how to really get the most out of the S.R.T. Such as proper set up and so forth. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Reg.

[@Recoates]

I will, at some point. Just need to make the time

[@gregcampbell5530]

Dale Pfaffenberger check out the theSchultzeffect.com He's got a small course he put together. I'm just thinking about getting started climbing and am right in the middle of the series. So far I love it. I really enjoy your videos and being real here too Reg. Thanks man😜

[@TheJoeman11]

Schultz effect is a video for $40.

[@phaedruskener7732]

Interesting reading these comments, I learned on srt but with the mindset that it’s all situational. No need to abandon ddrt it absolutely has its place

[@randyupladek1855]

It’s been 28 years for me and my wrist and tennis elbow is so painful! Srt has helped a lot but the repetition wear and tear is slowing me down. Braces help but when you’re in pain all the time it makes you crazy, depressed and wondering what’s next after dedication to a trade that killed your body just to make a shit living.

[@georgelewisray]

VERY VERY Well Presented, thanks for this important video !

[@tomplucknette5941]

What do you use for mechanical assenders? How can I sponcer you... I started watching you in 07 when you had posted maybe 20 videos... Your "Entertainment" videos have Alot of "VALUE"

[@T289c]

The arm pain could have been tendonitis. Most trade people that work with their hands get it. When I had it, it lasted 9 months. Finally a doctor told me to ICE it every night. That did the trick. That said I am very happy you have found a better more comfortable way to climb and work. So important for you.

[@devondunkle1063]

I think you just diagnosed the problem with my occasional neck stiffness once or twice a year! most recently it happened from ripping ivy off a oak tree that was clear up in the crown down to sheets of ivy on the main stem! all the jarring and ripping away that shit! but it probably is ddrt!

[@tomkay-bradley3001]

Can totally relate to those injuries, I've found using a foot ascender with my zigzag really helps but still do the hand over hand thing when I forget to put it on.

[@carringtonp1977]

How ironic... I've had to pack up due to a left arm/shoulder long headed bicep tear.. Operations in November, Srt came out just after I started but I never latched on. Least it's not life threatening hey. And I can still work at something else.

[@boydb56]

Awesome, truthful vid, brother.

[@billrimmer5596]

Always enjoy your no Bologna style!!

[@xbenxwilsonxhighlights7879]

I’m a bit late but the forearm pain your talking about I had really bad from working with steel. I fixed mine permanently by needing sand in a bucket you can see tutorials on KZbin. Also I did eccentric strengthening e.g hold a hammer straight up in front of you and slowly let it fall to one way and resist it as it tries to turn your arm. Slow an controlled is the key. It fixed mine. I hope it helps you. Love your videos 👍👍

[@tomwilson8190]

I still find drt is better for large crown reductions with lots of branch walking but i will use SRT for access and leave the Srt line set up and use a separate rope for drt. This means not only have I an emergency access line installed but it works as an express elevator should i want to come down. Before SRT I would just stay inthe tree until its done. And for crow lifting and deadwooding pines its great!

[@markhamze154]

Chicken feet i buy at the Vietnam shop at the Gold Coast. Cheapest way to get Collagen! Chicken feet is very cheap and collagen is very expensive!

[@chrisyanik8680]

Great video Reg, thought I was the only one with aches and pains from doing this work. Change is always hard , that's why we see so much old school climbers. It's worth a shot buying new gear. Thanks for all your videos.

[@Treeman-zp7wg]

Sounds like I had a similar back injury and after using srt more, I agree 100% it has gotten better

[@EnigmaticPeanut]

wow. im glad i saw this video. I'm starting out and i was told to use a ddrt using a blake hitch... i dont mind this method, but i mind about being as productive as i can.

[@notmike2379]

I really like Reg. Honest interesting and great visuals

[@patricktobin7401]

Pain in elbow to arm I put down to having the bigger chain saws as coming down! But maybe just me! As do drt quite alot! Srt going up drt coming down!

[@TheTreeBailey]

srt gives no mechanical advantage to the climber..... drt in a pulley is effortless for me. srt is good for accessing the tree. my arms aand forearms go numb as well, research ive done shows nerve damage from vibration. takes a alot more gear an effort to lift yourself up the srt line. i only use it when the tree has no principal leader, or one that isnt growing vertical enough to access the tree drt. not that you care but just my 2 cents

[@Recoates]

I do care how it is for others, of course....thats why the comments are open. The thing is, you don't really need an MA to climb the tree. Same as, you don't need on to climb a ladder of flight of stairs....or balance on a fence. it's just what you get used to.

[@TheTreeBailey]

+Reg Coates ma? excuse my ignorance

[@Recoates]

TheTreeBailey mechanical advantage

[@TheTreeBailey]

been doing only srt for the past couple months, really enjoying itand all its possibilities

[@danmaynard856]

Funny watching this video back, you have changed the saw starting habit now that the battery saw is with us.

[@closertothetruth9209]

Houston advanced chiropratic is brilliant, he does a thing called the ring dinger, seriously man if you read this look them up on their youtube channel.

[@larrybagina76]

Hey Reg, have you tried yoga? Hahaha sry I couldn’t resist. I look at every tree I climb to see what might be more efficient and I literally climb SRS 99.9% or the time. The only time I seem to climb Ddrt anymore other than a few times per year on specific trees is just to double down to the ground which I do often, but that not really ddrt. It’s just a ride home after a beautiful, efficient and almost restful day of SRS…

[@arbolorian]

can just agree with this, I end up the day less tired with srt.

[@evanweeks8492]

Just started climbing a few months ago. I like ddrt with foot ascender until you get to the spar. Then srt down...

[@turtlezed]

Your observations and opinions are taken on board by a lot of followers Reg and I tip my hat to your experience if it helps prevent me getting similar injuries. I am just gearing up now for srt and am looking forward to the uplift in work capacity cos I'm a tired dawg after no time at all these days and any system that saves energy and sheer brute force for more productive activity has to be a positive move, right?.

[@jonowens3841]

Any athlete preforming repetitive movements well have issues with injury. The repetive movements build one set of muscles and scar tissue while weakening and elongating another. A gym would be more effective then chiropractor just some movements that are not pulling to help build up the muscles you don't use all the time. Chiropractic has a bit of a odd history. You might wanna look into the history of chiropractic before investing in that. I have some minor trouble with bursitis/tendinitis but I blame it on small rope diameters and plane over doing it. You make srt more interesting I think I just don't know enough about it to be sold. Haha I pull out my hitch climber set up over here in SC and it's like they seen a space ship. Haha everyone here runs spikes one lanyard and saw..

[@TGCIII]

I've not made that switch. I'm 46 and I coming off cataract surgery so I been down for 2 months. I had a 10 days between eyes and I just couldn't get it done. Does SrT help that much?

[@donaldjaccheo5506]

starting climbing at the age of 23 in 1972 we did'nt have all the good equipment then that is available now wish we did retired now at 72 yrs.old

[@rrssmooth6643]

Cool might start SRT more often. Thanks for this video, though posted a long time ago.

[@boyse69]

We can only *learn* from talking about these sort of things ! Every industry has its repetitive strain issues . I see builders everyday not using dust extraction on grinding tools . You would think they would have learned by now . Also something as simple as Lactic Acid brings on DOMS *Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness* . Lactic acid may cause a temporary burning sensation in your muscles while you're working . However, contrary to popular belief, it is not responsible for delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, which is muscle soreness that typically develops a day or two after extreme cutting/ work in general. we've all pushed to get work finished and not taken a hydration break .

[@coilstreeservice9398]

I get more and more interested in srt. I can see it's advantage when using a big shot for example. Just shoot it through the crotch and base tie it rather than trying to fish it down the same side. The other advantage I see is it's potentially safer as if your crotch breaks out it just comes down to the next one. The problem I have with it is I'm under the impression that you need to have a bunch of foot knee and chest ascenders. Also what happens when I want to move my tie in?

[@Wheel333]

How many 50 year old arborists are there ?

[@Recoates]

Loads mate. Tough and resilient people are born. They don't just give up at middle age. Its not hard to stay in shape if you're determined.

[@Wheel333]

Good to hear, I was just wondering. Love your work, stay safe.

[@MrSingleJack]

Good words, good job.

[@AceTreeManagement]

Nice Reg, tell it as it is!

[@wim0104]

Another way of looking at medical interventions: they often allow people to carry on with a bad habit, so that's how some end up coming back again & again.

[@markhamze154]

I'm a tree lopper as well and i went through the same thing. i tried glucosamyne and that didn't work. What actually worked for me you would laugh at. CHICKEN FEET. i MAKE CHICKEN FEET SOUP EVERY WEEK. Chicken feet contain lots of collagen. It did wonders for me. I don't blame you if you laugh!

[@jayjohnson9668]

marco hanse Where the hell do you get chicken feet??!!

[@iwontbebeat7111]

Get a inversion table . Lean how to relax your back muscles and stretch your joints . Ive fixed my sciatica by it and now I'm walking cane free .

[@billhowe4863]

Thanks reg, I'm one of the stubborn old school climbers who's starting to have issues with an old shoulder injury, do you think srt is easier on the shoulders than footlocking?

[@lordben8696]

im 25 years old and i use the double rope way, i feel a lot of pain on my shoulder blades area i couldnt figure out what it is that i do to start the pain but i too had that jult a few times. im going to look more into the single line maybe i notice anything different

[@shadowbanned69]

I know this is a 4-year-old video but chiropractors are not there to fix the problem they're there to help alleviate some of the pain caused by a problem yes sometimes it can fix it, but the problem will always be there you're just trying to live with it with as little pain as possible

[@roydoorenspleet6733]

Chiropractors in the opinion of my spine specialist/surgeon are just bollocks.. Those were his exact words too - and he's dutch lol.. Good instincts you had there

[@greenstair]

Naaah - reckon there's good and bad, like in everything else. My osteopath (not chiropractor mind - what's the difference BTW? - Anyone know?) has worked wonders on me, injuries I've carried for decades (like over 35 years) are sorted AND he gave me exercises and said "...there's no point in your coming back to me until you've done these - I can keep taking your money, but it's not going to help, I've shown you what to do to stop hurting yourself, you have to do it...". Has changed my life. Guy would probably have told Reg, "...what d'you expect hanging around like that, with your back in that position all day, hauling on ropes...". That said, the previous two just fixed me temporarily, but never explained WHY I kept getting injured (lower back), didn't give me exercises that stopped me hurting and, like Ref said, I just kept giving them money. The problem, like so many, is people - find a good one, with integrity, who is doing it for the right reasons, it's a good thing, find a bad one, it's crap. Just BTW, I met a guy, ex-postman from Northumberland, UK, he spent £80k on an operation on his neck for shoulder pain. Didn't work, went to another osteopath who ID'd the issue and sorted his pain. So there's crap and good on both sides.

[@roydoorenspleet6733]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteopathy sorry to say that spine specialist mentioned this along with the above in a single breath lol.. But hey if it worked for you who is to argue! Personally - I think a lot is down to one's self - the power of your mind and will. Becoming aware of your body in any way shape or form to keep it in good running condition is a good thing. And there is a power to any care given.

[@scatoutdebutter]

Thanks for the video.