Has anyone here ever used a sewn double-ring friction saver (a.k.a., "false crotch") for DRT climbing? I've recently encountered some situations where the best anchor was a pretty wide branch or crotch (say larger than 10" diameter), and the traditional leather friction sleeve by Weaver doesn't begin to go all the way around. I was considering buying a 3' or 4' double-ring system (e.g., https://www.treestuff.com/notch-friction-savers/ ) to solve this situation and wondered if anyone had any advice. I know installation and retrieval are more complicated and time consuming, but does the tight bend of the climbing rope around the rings create more or less stress/friction than running it against the side bark of the trunk/branch?
Also, Notch sells both aluminum and steel ring versions -- thoughts?
Thanks!
- Alan
