Collection: SRT (Single Rope Technique) Equipment
SRT (Single Rope Technique) equipment is designed for efficient and controlled ascent and work positioning in professional arboriculture. Modern SRT climbing systems allow arborists to access the canopy with reduced effort and improved rope management compared to traditional techniques. At Gustharts, we supply specialist SRT climbing equipment from leading suppliers DMM, ART and PETZL which include compatible ropes, mechanical devices, ascenders and essential accessories trusted by professional tree surgeons across the UK. Whether building a complete SRT system or upgrading individual components, our range supports safe and efficient climbing operations.
SRT (Single Rope Technique) equipment ...
Top Picks
Quick Step-A Foot Ascender
£49.50
Drenaline Per Metre Climbing Rope 11.8mm
£2.76
Chester SRS Chest Harness
£39.99
Captain Throwing Hook
£126.38
ACUDA ACR-24 Climbing Line 11.7mm
£106.25
Chicane Additional Brake for Petzl ZigZag
£127.50
Vega Climbing Rope 11.7mm
£123.30
Apex Rope Wrench Ascender
£101.96
Buyer's Guide
SRT Equipment Buyer's Guide
Single Rope Technique (SRT) has become the preferred climbing method for many professional arborists in the UK. From Rope Wrench systems and the Petzl Zigzag to the Rock Exotica Akimbo 2 and ISC Reflex, this guide covers the full SRT equipment range at Gustharts — helping arborists choose the right device, rope and ascender setup for efficient and safe single rope climbing.
What is SRT and Why Are Arborists Switching?
SRT (Single Rope Technique) uses one rope fixed at the anchor point, with the arborist ascending and descending on that single line using mechanical devices. Compared to traditional DRT (doubled rope), SRT is more efficient on ascent - the climber moves their full body weight up rather than working against a doubled rope load. SRT is now the preferred technique for many professional arborists in the UK, particularly for large trees where the efficiency gain on ascent makes a significant difference over a working day.
Rope Wrench Systems
The Rope Wrench is an SRT device that creates friction on the climbing rope, allowing DRT-style movement on a single rope. It is used in conjunction with a hitch cord and a friction hitch to control descent and enable hands-free positioning. The ISC Apex Rope Wrench is the most widely used Rope Wrench in UK arborist SRT setups. The Rope Wrench is a popular entry point for arborists transitioning from DRT to SRT as it works with existing hitch-climbing technique without requiring a completely new system.
Petzl Zigzag and Zigzag Plus
The Petzl Zigzag is a mechanical Prusik for SRT and DRT tree climbing. It grips the rope under load and releases under the climber's weight, enabling smooth ascent and controlled descent in a single device. The Petzl Zigzag Plus adds a braking function for more controlled descent without the need for a separate friction hitch. Both models work on ropes from 11mm to 13mm diameter and are widely used with the Petzl Chicane accessory for improved rope handling during descent.
Rock Exotica Akimbo
The Rock Exotica Akimbo and Akimbo 2 are SRT climbing devices that allow hands-free positioning and controlled descent on a single rope. The Akimbo grips the rope in both directions - allowing the climber to stand in their spikes or position at height without any device management. The Akimbo 2 refines the original design with improved rope compatibility and a more intuitive descent trigger. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile SRT devices for professional arborists performing removal and dismantling operations.
ISC Reflex and Mechanical SRT Devices
The ISC Reflex is a combined SRT ascender and descender in a single unit. It grips the rope on ascent and allows controlled descent via a handle-operated release mechanism - functioning as both an ascender and a descender in one device. The ISC Reflex SRT configuration is particularly popular for arborists who want a compact, multi-function SRT system without carrying separate ascent and descent devices. Compatible with 11mm and 12.5mm ropes and integrates directly with ISC and Petzl hardware.
SRT Ropes - EN 1891 Type A Specification
SRT climbing ropes must be low-elongation lines to function correctly with mechanical SRT devices - high-elongation ropes cause excessive bounce and reduce device grip efficiency. EN 1891 Type A is the standard for low-elongation rope suited to SRT applications. Key SRT ropes at Gustharts include the Teufelberger Xstatic, Teufelberger Fly and Yale Poison Ivy - all available in 11mm and 11.7mm diameters. Diameter compatibility with your chosen SRT device must be checked before purchase.
Building a Complete SRT System
A complete arborist SRT system requires: a low-elongation EN 1891 Type A SRT rope (11-12mm); a primary SRT device (Rope Wrench, Petzl Zigzag, Akimbo or ISC Reflex); a foot ascender and knee ascender for efficient ascent; a chest harness or SRT chest connector; a SRT-compatible arborist saddle with a sternal attachment point; and a certified SRT anchor system. Gustharts can advise on component compatibility for any SRT setup - contact the team with your current kit list for upgrade and compatibility guidance.
Pairs Well With
- Tree Climbing Ropes — EN 1891 Type A SRT lines from Teufelberger and Yale
- Ascenders & Descenders — foot, knee and chest ascenders for SRT
- Climbing Harness Accessories — SRT saddles and chest harnesses
- Tree Climbing Kits — complete SRT starter systems
- Friction Devices — Prusik cords and mechanical friction hitches