Notch Insider - Notch Equipment

The Z133 Just Got a Whole Lot More Accessible as a Digital Download

If you work in trees, you've probably heard someone reference "the Z." Maybe in a tailgate safety meeting, maybe from a crew lead after a close call, maybe from an instructor during your latest climb class. But if you've never actually read the … read more about The Z133 Just Got a Whole Lot More Accessible as a Digital Download

Notch Hook Ups

The Hook Ups: How We Built the CE-Certified Comms System for Arborists At Notch, we're always looking for ways to raise the bar on arborist gear. The Hook Ups are a perfect example. They are purpose-built to solve a problem the industry ha … read more about Notch Hook Ups

Notch Rope Runner Vertec with Bollard vs. Aeris Pulley Kit — What’s the Real Difference?

In this in-depth educational video, Notch brand ambassador and field tester Derrick Martin breaks down the real-world differences between the Rope Runner Vertec with the standard bollard setup and the Vertec configured with the Aeris Pulley Kit. … read more about Notch Rope Runner Vertec with Bollard vs. Aeris Pulley Kit — What’s the Real Difference?

Behind the Build: Introducing the Aeris Friction Body Kit for the Rope Runner Vertec

When the Notch Rope Runner Vertec launched last year, it redefined mechanical climbing for professional arborists — no slic pins, seamless adjustability and smooth, consistent performance.Now, the Notch product team is taking it one step f … read more about Behind the Build: Introducing the Aeris Friction Body Kit for the Rope Runner Vertec

FAQ: Changes to the Rope Runner Vertec

We’re excited to let you know thatupdated Rope Runner Vertecs are now in stock! Based on valuable feedback from the arborist community, we made a small refinement to the lower attachment point to improve the tending experience—whi … read more about FAQ: Changes to the Rope Runner Vertec

Industry Innovation: The Story Behind the Notch Six Pack

In this behind-the-scenes look at the Notch Six Pack, inventor and pro arborist Terry Banyard takes us on a raw, hands-on journey through the evolution of one of arboriculture’s most innovative rigging devices. In this behind-the-scenes … read more about Industry Innovation: The Story Behind the Notch Six Pack

Thinking About Entering a Tree Climbing Competition? Here's What You Need to Know.

If you’re a tree climber curious about competition climbing—or gearing up for your very first Tree Climbing Championship (TCC)—you’re not alone. Competitive tree climbing has grown in popularity among arborists and tree w … read more about Thinking About Entering a Tree Climbing Competition? Here's What You Need to Know.

The RC Grapple Explained by Reg Coates

Expert arborist and inventor Reg Coates teamed up with Notch to bring the RC Grapple to life- an innovative collapsible grappling hook that gives you more movement and efficiency in the canopy. Curious about the Grapple and how it works?These … read more about The RC Grapple Explained by Reg Coates

Adjusting and Wearing the Quick Connect Buckles on your Climbers

Derrick does things a bit differently- he puts the buckles on first, slightly loose, which leaves a little room around the boot. He then wraps the climber around the bottom of his boot, which adds tension and pulls the buckle into place more sec … read more about Adjusting and Wearing the Quick Connect Buckles on your Climbers

New climbing gear! Four new products for fall 2024

Alert! New, must-have climbing gear for fall 2024 It's new product time (again) at Notch Equipment! At Notch Equipment, we’re constantly developing and testing new products. And because our customers’ needs and expectations f … read more about New climbing gear! Four new products for fall 2024

The Making Of: The Swinger

We sat down with Micah, the product designer and engineer of the new Swinger.We asked him some questions to get a better understanding of how this product came to life, and what exactly goes into a designing and building a revolutionary new tool … read more about The Making Of: The Swinger

FAQ: What to know about the new Notch Magneato

We want to make sure you’re fully equipped to get the most out of your gear, so here are some common questions that will help you get started, maximize all the features and benefits and keep it working properly for the full life of the produ … read more about FAQ: What to know about the new Notch Magneato

FAQ: Notch Swinger Tool Carrier

We want to make sure you’re fully equipped to get the most out of your gear, so here are some common questions that will help you get started, maximize all the features and benefits and keep it working properly for the full life of the produ … read more about FAQ: Notch Swinger Tool Carrier

FAQ: Learn about the Pebble Retrieval System

The Notch Pebble is unique because it twists like a propeller to get out of tight spots. No more tugging on your throwline or climbing line to get your retrieval ball out of the tree. What’s the purpose of the Pebble? The purpose of the Pe … read more about FAQ: Learn about the Pebble Retrieval System

Swapping Out Your Climbing Gaffs

Maybe it’s time to replace your worn-out gaffs or you are a traveling tree worker, and you need to exchange the long gaffs for the short ones. At some point, all arborists will need to know how to take off the current gaff and replace it. … read more about Swapping Out Your Climbing Gaffs

Introducing the new Notch Pop Box

The Pop Box is a revolutionary new way to manage your throw line. No more messing around with opening and closing a throw cube prone to rats' nests and breaking around the frame. Looking for more information on the Pop Box? Look no further. If … read more about Introducing the new Notch Pop Box

Why Scannable Matters: Making it Easy to Manage Your Gear

Rob Stirling was working for DMM, a UK-based climbing-equipment manufacturer, when he visited a rope access operation in Aberdeen, Scotland. What he saw there was astonishing: The team would manually read the serial numbers of each of the rough … read more about Why Scannable Matters: Making it Easy to Manage Your Gear

Pole Tool: Periodic Inspection Checklist

Pole tool inspection is not only a compliance requirement but also good practice to ensure proper function and protection for workers. This one page sheet will give you the top things to check in your regular inspection cycle to help remind field … read more about Pole Tool: Periodic Inspection Checklist

Get to Know the Dual Wedge

The Notch product team has thoughtfully reimagined what seems to be the most simple but essential tool- a pocket wedge. The functionality is the same — it prevents the pinch when cutting logs or branches, but with a simple twist, the … read more about Get to Know the Dual Wedge

Behind the Scenes: Developing the Notch Approach Bag

Sometimes you may ask yourself, why is this zipper here? What is the purpose of this pocket, or strap? We wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain of some of the thoughtful details that went into the new Notch Approach Bag so you can get th … read more about Behind the Scenes: Developing the Notch Approach Bag

FAQ: Get the Most out of Your Notch Glide Rope Grab

We want to make sure you’re fully equipped to get the most out of your Notch gear, so here are some common questions that will help you get started using the Notch Glide Rope Grab. Reading the FAQ will help you maximize all the features and … read more about FAQ: Get the Most out of Your Notch Glide Rope Grab

Four excellent new products to start 2023

It’s new product time at Notch Equipment! Here's a Notch Insider look at four just-released (or about-to-be-released) products we know arborists will love. At Notch Equipment, we’re constantly innovating, and we partner with working … read more about Four excellent new products to start 2023

FAQs: Wear Safe Steel and Aluminum Friction Rings

Getting to know our Wear Safe Steel and Aluminum Friction Rings. At Notch, our goal is to design and develop new products that make professional arborists’ lives easier. In this case, we’ve developed the industry’s first wear ind … read more about FAQs: Wear Safe Steel and Aluminum Friction Rings

Product certification for arborist gear: What it is, why it matters

Certification for arborist gear. If you’ve been in the arborist business for any amount of time, you’ve likely seen and purchased products that are labeled as achieving this-or-that certification. (After all, we published a blog post … read more about Product certification for arborist gear: What it is, why it matters

Rope Runner Pro vs. Other Mechanical Devices

Notch Ambassador Krista Strating walks through the features that make the Rope Runner Pro stand out over other mechanical devices on the market. Highlights include: The Rope Runner Pro is midline attachable- this makes it convenient i … read more about Rope Runner Pro vs. Other Mechanical Devices

Rope Runner vs. Rope Runner Pro

Notch Ambassador Krista Strating demonstrates the differences between the original Rope Runner and the Notch Rope Runner Pro. Highlights include: Bird has smoother edges (compared to original). Rope Runner Pro features a center attach … read more about Rope Runner vs. Rope Runner Pro

Get Started Using the New Notch ⅝” Rigging Block

Get the most out of your Notch ⅝” Arbor Rigging Block and keep it performing at its best. Here are some common questions and answers to help you better understand how it’s used, how to maintain it and make sure it continues working pro … read more about Get Started Using the New Notch ⅝” Rigging Block

Transitioning to Mechanical Devices

If you're considering the Rope Runner Pro, but aren't quite sure you're ready to make the leap, Notch Ambassador Krista Strating walks through the components of the Rope Runner Pro and how it functions similarly to your traditional hit … read more about Transitioning to Mechanical Devices

FAQ: Rope Logic Replacement Rope Bridge

The rope bridge on your harness is subject to friction, bending and flexing throughout your climbing and work positioning. Chances are that the harness manufacturer recommends retiring your rope bridge every six to nine months, even if it’ … read more about FAQ: Rope Logic Replacement Rope Bridge

FAQ: What to know about the new Notch ½" Rigging Block

We want to make sure you’re fully equipped to get the most out of your Notch gear, so here are some common questions and answers that will help you get started using the Notch ½" Rigging Block. Now you can maximize all the features an … read more about FAQ: What to know about the new Notch ½" Rigging Block

Inspecting Your Rope Runner Pro With Krista Strating

The Notch Rope Runner Pro is the ultimate SRS mechanical tool. Krista Strating, certified arborist, goes over how to inspect your device. Always make sure to check your equipment daily and before every climb. The Notch Rope Runner Pro is … read more about Inspecting Your Rope Runner Pro With Krista Strating

Video: Developing the Rope Runner Pro

Kevin Bingham offers up some insight on the development, features and capabilities of the industry’s most popular mechanical positioning device, the Notch Rope Runner Pro. Kevin Bingham offers up some insight on the development, feat … read more about Video: Developing the Rope Runner Pro

Choosing the Right Hitch Cord

From recommending hitches to determining if your eye to eye should be retired, Notch Ambassador Mark Gaudet offers up some helpful information about one of the essential tools in your climbing system: your hitch cord. What diameter hitch cord sh … read more about Choosing the Right Hitch Cord

Installing Your Notch Flow Rope Wrench

With the Notch Flow Rope Wrench, any climber can customize, and optimize, the friction of their rope wrench to meet their personal preference, weight, hitch cord, climbing style, and rope size and type. Because of the adjustable bollard, the Notch … read more about Installing Your Notch Flow Rope Wrench

Notch Flow Adjustable Rope Wrench: The Origin Story

Inventor Kevin Bingham talks about the origin, design process, and evolution of the new Notch Flow Adjustable Rope Wrench. Kevin takes us from the original wooden model in 2008 to the ZK1, up to current revolutionary adjustable Flow Rope Wrench av … read more about Notch Flow Adjustable Rope Wrench: The Origin Story

FAQ: What to know about the new Notch Flow Rope Wrench

At Notch Equipment, we introduce new products when we think we can bring something to the market that can improve an arborist’s experience or safety. That’s why we’re excited about the new Notch Flow Rope Wrench — it’ … read more about FAQ: What to know about the new Notch Flow Rope Wrench

What's the difference between a fall arrest device and a work positioning device?

The difference between a work positioning device and a fall arrest device, generally, is that a fall arrest device is designed to catch a fall usually with a minimum mass requirement and distance of travel before engagement, or what we refer to as … read more about What's the difference between a fall arrest device and a work positioning device?

How to Clean Your Rope Runner Pro

It’s important to inspect your equipment daily to make sure everything is in good working condition, including your Rope Runner Pro. If you find the bird at the top of the Rope Runner Pro is not springing back like it did when it was new or … read more about How to Clean Your Rope Runner Pro

Big News: CE Certification For More Notch Products

We’re excited to announce that we can add two letters to the labels of three popular Notch products: CE. The Triple Action Snap Hook, ¾-inch Rigging Spring Block, and the Rope Runner Pro have earned the Conformité Europ&eacu … read more about Big News: CE Certification For More Notch Products

Rope Runner Pro Inspection Notice

THE ISSUE We have received limited reports of users experiencing malfunctioning “Birds” while using the Rope Runner Pro. We ask you to do a manual inspection and a function test of your product, to detect any possible concerns. Please … read more about Rope Runner Pro Inspection Notice

Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Gear: Part 2

An instructor at a course once asked the group how many people had read the user manual to their gear. It was frightening how many people had never opened them for their gear and wondered why they didn’t know the limitations of it. Your e … read more about Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Gear: Part 2

Notch Equipment Anthem Video

We build high performance products that allow arborists to work safely and efficiently whether in the canopy or on the job site. We work tirelessly to enable safe and proper care of trees, through quality professional arbor products. … read more about Notch Equipment Anthem Video

Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Gear

Whether we are talking about on a harness or in the truck, always protect your ropes and harnesses from sharp objects. This could be something as simple as a cabinet door on the truck or the freshly sharpened chainsaw you put on top of your coiled … read more about Top Tips for Taking Care of Your Gear

What’s In the Bag with Krista Strating

We've asked Krista to spill the beans, and her bag on what gear she uses. Krista takes us through her Pro Access Bag with insights on how she packs it, what she uses and why. I’m currently using the Notch Pro Access Bag. It’s g … read more about What’s In the Bag with Krista Strating

Gear Review: Sentinel Saddle with Krista Strating

Notch Ambassador Krista Strating offers an in-depth review into what she likes about the Sentinel harness and why. She also walks through how she sets up her harness with her climbing gear, chainsaw, lanyard and more. windo … read more about Gear Review: Sentinel Saddle with Krista Strating

Six exciting new products for Spring 2021

Built with arborist input and loads of testing? You bet. Here's an Insider look at six new products available this spring on NotchEquipment.com At Notch Equipment, we love New Product Day! That's when we get to share the innovative new products … read more about Six exciting new products for Spring 2021

Q&A with Krista Strating

Krista Strating's journey as a champion climber begins in an unexpected place: A friend's wedding. The owner of an arborist company was in the wedding party, knew Strating's landscaping background, and thought she'd be good at climbing. The op … read more about Q&A with Krista Strating

Product Review – Notch Fusion Wrench Tether

“You can’t go wrong with a little hitch and a little wrench.” Brian Rector, professional arborist, reviews the thoughtful design of the Notch Fusion Rope Wrench Tether and points out the individual features that make … read more about Product Review – Notch Fusion Wrench Tether

Notch Equipment Brand Video

Notch Equipment creates innovative arborist equipment built for the real world. We partner with world-class engineers to develop quality gear that’s designed by arborists, for arborists. From climbing and rigging, to site safety … read more about Notch Equipment Brand Video

Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants

The Notch Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants were designed with the arborist in mind. These chainsaw protective pants offer flexibility, comfort, and movement not found in other chainsaw pants. The Armorflex pants provide a lightweigh … read more about Armorflex Chainsaw Protective Pants

Exclusive Interview with Kevin Bingham

Ultimate Control. The Notch Rope Runner Pro was developed in partnership with Kevin Bingham and the Notch engineering team, to improve the industry’s most popular SRS device. { "__shgImageElements": … read more about Exclusive Interview with Kevin Bingham

Bringing a Project to Life

Notch Equipment Product Management Director Mike Ziecik speaks on how we bring a project to life and what’s next for Notch Equipment. Notch Equipment is committed to providing innovative product solutions, that our customers count on to … read more about Bringing a Project to Life

Welcome to the Notch Insider

Welcome to the new NotchEquipment.com! What is this place? It's a good question. Let's start with who we are. At Notch Equipment, we focus on innovative arborist equipment — quality gear that's designed by arborists, for arborists to m … read more about Welcome to the Notch Insider