Using the Big Shot | Throwline Basics for Tree Climbers

The Big Shot is a mechanical aid for setting ropes in trees using throwline. Let's take a look at how to set it up and use it. Thanks for being here Climber Nation!
"We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master." - Ernest Hemingway
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Patrick

[@troyarringtonsflounderpoun3001]

I have added height markers along the length of my Pole to get a guestimate of how far to pull it back for the height I require. Adds some consistency to launches. Mark a line about every foot or 6 inches, launch the ball and then write that number down on the line mark. Has been very helpful in dense canopies.

[@Billster1955]

Thanks Patrick, I just got the Big Shot and the Trigger.

[@TimberTrainer]

Good point about launching with a lighter weight for hight, then adding more weight to manipulate the line.

[@denniswaugh841]

Good straight forward demo. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Sideshowbobx]

We got our Bigshot marked out with rings of tape for different distances and use an 8oz bag, this great tool if you work urban commercial properties with tall trees close to buildings. 10-12oz will likely take a window out if this go south, 8oz usually bounces back. But at times it lacks momentum for really tall trees.

[@mattspon9725]

I can not recommend notch’s trigger enough! I use the same weight every time. Its consistent enough that i can usually pre-determine where to move the trigger to, and get the height i want without overthrowing.

[@anthonyr6286]

I like learning the root ways of doing things as well. I just ordered a Big Shot but still will continue to practice by hand

[@kentwhoo]

Beauty, bro. Love then slaps from Phannerman. Thanks again, brother.

[@mvblitzyo]

most excellent information ..

[@firedtradesman]

Thank you sir. Helluva Job.

[@joshpomponio2993]

Big shot is awesome I got a trigger on mine it’s great

[@quick04sti]

It loves golf balls as well

[@1210naa]

Ni gara2 video kucing ni aku ke sini. Nice info, om 👍

[@timoimmonen1861]

Hello from Finland.

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

Cheers from Canada

[@GmGarlo]

what is the best throw line in yout opinion? Great info !

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Now you need the APTA. I have both and the air launcher is more accurate (I think).

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

Also, don’t let the rubber crack and dry out by letting the sun hit it. Put it away In the truck or the shade. Had one snap back on me once. (You said that)

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

that's a great point, the one in this video is quite old and cracked

[@kentwhoo]

Great info, bro

[@seanarbor3759]

We’ve been in the live chat 👍

[@bobwiese6128]

Brilliant! TY

[@batmantiss]

The crossbow trigger is the bee's knees.

[@splashykoy11]

Now’s your chance to be a big shot

[@mosler302]

I found the Big Shot more frustrating than it's worth. The shot bag kept hitting the elastic tubes & went nowhere. My problem is 10 years ago I had my right shoulder(my throwing arm) replaced with a prosthetic one, so all my coordination & strength is gone. My son told me to get a small drone to carry the throw line where I wanted. Why didn't I think of that?

[@UncleKennysPlace]

After a week of tossing a weight (I use a tennis ball filled with plaster most of the time) I find that my retirement-age shoulders aren't up to the task. Will be acquiring this rig in the next week or so.

[@savage22bolt32]

Advise from a 70 yr old hobbiest; Get the trigger. It has very powerful rubber bands and you'll never be able to pull it back, hold it, aim & release.

[@clwilli]

@@savage22bolt3270 and climbing trees?

[@fharborista8346]

Muito bom!

[@danthornton1118]

Where can a person find a 2-foot long Marvin pole?

[@andrewb7817]

how far can it shot 200 grams fishing tackle?

[@Basswoodtree]

What’s everyone feel about trigger vs none? I couldn’t get hang of it without, and like the notch trigger so far. Although I have read the longer you hold it the more power you lose.

[@mikefrerichs8860]

I used just the basic Big Shot for a couple of years, and then built a progress capture/trigger very similar to the one Dan demonstrates here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h56ann6dobR-gpo. I found that my accuracy immediately went up, and after some practice with the trigger I now usually hit what I'm aiming for on the first shot. I love being able to take my time aiming, not having to struggle to hold the stretched rubber bands.

[@usernamemykel]

Jake, that is true.

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

interesting Patrick, where do i buy the sack, the line , the weight, the benji cord and system and the poles?

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

@@briankennedy1313 no, bartlett simple when you have a bit brains

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

@@briankennedy1313 thank you Brian and my most sincere excuse after your really a very disappointing answer to me

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

I like Wesspur

[@TreeMuggs_PatrickM]

you'll have to excuse Brian, he comes across as an arsehole on the interwebs.........

[@hendrikarqitekt6286]

@@TreeMuggs_PatrickM i thought i did, no problem, but his first answer was stupid

[@raidermandan8226]

For me...the Big Shot is only half of a tool and it's only at it's full potential once you add the trigger.

[@arboristBlairGlenn]

At 11.25, I show the APTA and how we use it. Big shot was my go to tool for high shots but now it’s the APTA kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpXNiH2nrbeZfNE

[@e.lebrunet6311]

I definitely lost my hand throwing "skill", close to always use my big shot. I should get back at it

[@norbertriojas]

Oops. ( Hit send instead of enter) Attach your throw line to fishing line, pull over, then attach rope. Two step process but worth the time cuz a 10 oz throw weight is gonna get stuck!

[@MrDschubba]

Big shots are great. Especially when u useless at hand throwing like me. Easy shot over 25m branch 1st pop

[@dronemaster2007]

1st one here

[@kentwhoo]

Never done the snowfall yet. But rocks, shoot them in the lake! Lol

[@TheToolnut]

Pine cones are great! 👍

[@kentwhoo]

@@TheToolnut 💯✌️🤍

[@usernamemykel]

In the world of slingshots, what you refer to as “horns” are “forks”.

[@dronemaster2007]

Only one here

[@norbertriojas]

Forget the Big Shot for tall trees. Waste of money. Buy a $10.00 wrist rocket at Walmart. Get a spool of 20lb test fishing line and 2oz weight. Shoot that over the crotch/branch.

[@dallinclark607]

Only 20lbs? How does it do stringing 12.7mm climbing rope?

[@norbertriojas]

@@dallinclark607 Sorry, I should have elaborated. You’ll have to attach your normal throw line to the fishing line and pull that over next. (Fishing line obviously not strong enough to pull over the rope) Then attach your rope to the throw line and pull it over. It’s a two step process, but it’s a small inconvenience. So it’s a $10.00 wrist rocket vs. a $200 Notch Big Shot

[@mosler302]

Bless you!

[@Chollanger148-pv8jp]

You can get very strong fishing line btw. Braided spectra etc

[@norbertriojas]

@@Chollanger148-pv8jpYou’re right! Kind of pricey, but they make up to 100 lb test. That definitely saves the extra step of attaching arborist throw line. I’ll give it a try. Thx!

[@michaelfulton6662]

God dam they talk so much

[@usernamemykel]

You're holding it upside down. Elastic bands should be above the pole, not underneath.

[@usmcxx1775]

Not according to Notch instructions.

[@usernamemykel]

@@usmcxx1775 “ Notch” was not the Deputy Chief of the National Slingshot Association.

[@usmcxx1775]

@@usernamemykel Haha! I can't argue with that. I agree with your point concerning a slingshot, but I believe the concensus of using the Notch Big Shot upside down is so that the throw line attached to the the bag doesn't get caught on the device. Therefore, I will continue to use with the bands facing down.

[@usernamemykel]

@@usmcxx1775 Sounds reasonable.