Last night I picked up the iPad and stuck my head inside the TH door to see what's up. Recognizing the Ropeknight brand I opened this thread to find Mr Bonner calling me out about this "favorite line setting device," something he clearly and personally endorses, saying Tobe doesn't like it so you won't find it at evil SherrillTree.
Ultimately it became clear through posted reviews that a number of "legit outdoorsmen" discovered the same two things I did several years ago when I investigated this item;
1. It's dangerous to throw a solid steel Torpedo (the original name) over your head, and
2. Thomas the inventor has difficulty with "NO."
SherrillTree has long since, in fact long before this thread, switched to steel shot in our mfg'd throw weights.
As for the "evil" reference I'll leave it up to reasonable minds to determine justification for painting one's adversary as the boogeyman. In my book it's only sensible to reject a product that's not fully baked, that's not widely appealing, or in this case, poses an unnecessary risk to users. I'm pretty sure the definition of evil would not include the company who declined profits over safety.
For over 30 years SherrillTree has served the fathers, sons and ladies of tree care with the utmost pride and humility. I sincerely love this industry and look forward to presenting the products arborists can count on as safe and productive for their work.
Best wishes and climb safe.
Tobe Sherrill