Forrest,
The first tool was the leather "Cambium Saver". I've seen it in use but dont have one. Not hard to set from ground or retrieve. Has more friction than two ringed friction savers. These require an isolated crotch to set from ground. I rarely do this, as, A, I work in lots of conifers, and B, typically use other ascension methods.
Also, I don't always use friction savers, if the bark is thick, the retrieval possibly difficult, and the rope is worn a bit already. also, if the tree is small and the wear on the crotch will be minimal, I sometimes don't bother.
I now prefer non ringed f savers, with a biner and pulley on one end, large biner on the other. You can, if needed, use another for a redirect and both can be retrieved from the ground. Only reason fro the pulley is if you are doing considerable up and down work, it makes going back up a real breeze. But it puts most of the load and thus friction on the climbing knot, and this must be taken into consideration. Works well with the Vt (French prussic), but will tend to bind up most knots.
So, think we know our ropes:? LOL
