I have 2 hard maple trees in my yard. They are the only two that will make my house if uprooted. For years I've been saying I'm going to top them pretty much in half. I'd estimate each to be in the 50-60 ft range. Well I'm a 45 yr. old male, and not to boast, in tremendous shape. I want to climb these trees (safety belt of course) and top em down. While in my early 20's, I did work a summer with a climber, but mostly pulling ropes, limbing, chipping and stump grinding. On one occasion, he actually told me to strap on boot gaffs, climb about 50 ft. and block it down. He already had it limbed off, and I perfomed the task. He gave me about 15 minutes of ground instructions on how to climb and I must admit, was pretty scared. I'm in no way afraid of heights, and actually would feel safer standing on limbs belted to a tree.
Well, a burning inside tells me to be very careful, but go for it. I like the feeling of self-sufficiency. Of course, there's the other side that say, what are you thinkin dummy, you know better than that. I look at those stinkin trees about every day and say... I can do it... better not..... I can do it.... better not. It's like the Angel and the Devil.
Forgot to add. I'd be using my 028 Super on the climb if I choose to, as I'm completely comfortable with it after having used it for nearly 20 yrs., not to mention, my 015 (small), 361 (big) won't fit the bill.