Notch Backbone® Mini knotless Rigging Connector

More than just a big, heavy, shiny, steel Christmas tree ornament–looking thing (which, by the way, are all the things you want in a heavy-duty piece of rigging equipment), the BackBones are a vital link in fast-paced, secure rigging scenarios.

Attach the BackBone firmly to the lead end of the rigging line. A splice is the cleanest connection, but a cinching-type knot works as well. The first thing you’ll notice is its tendency to just float where your ground crew puts it. The weight not only makes it tough, but it counterbalances the fall of the rigging line when there is an average amount of rope in the system.

Add numerous combinations of all types of slings. The BackBone can handle it—hollow braid, double braid, webbing, loop, or single eye. The combinations are yours to develop. Balance limbs, attach multiple branches in “bouquet” fashion, and send them to the ground to let your crewmates know how much you care! Almost any rated sling you would want to use will fit securely and function optimally with the BackBone.

Don’t be afraid to loop the rigging line through and choke it off to itself with the BackBone as the lock. This feature allows flawless transition between static and dynamic rigging, all the while maintaining quick turnaround time from ground to you in the tree.

Knots—for all their benefits—take time to tie, dress, and set, then, conversely, to reverse the process on the ground. The BackBone eliminates most of that “untie time” and increases productivity in a secure, no-hassle, sturdy package. No longer will ground crews struggling with knots be a “bone of contention”! In cold weather, heavy gloves can stay in place as you and your crew work. 

Think knotless rigging is for you? Can’t wait to get the hottest, shiniest, most innovative rigging tool to hit the market since the Port-a-Wrap? Another successful collaboration between Notch and Scott Prophett, the BackBone is sure to become your go-to device for many rigging scenarios!

Now in a smaller package, the BackBone Mini is perfect for smaller limbs, smaller trees, and those situations when the full size seems just too much. Dead wood over the green house, crown reduction over the pool? No problem. Not only that, but it makes a perfect keychain for the really tough arborist!