thoughts on Buckingham ErgoLite Spartan?

Anders_VT · Jul 31, 2021

ISO of any opinions on or experience with the Buckingham (ErgoLite) Spartan , I'm a new/aspiring climber who is 6'1" and 160lbs looking for my first saddle all my own after training on other saddles. Looking to primarily use it with SRS as well as some gaffs/spikes.

Searched though other posts on here (TreeBuzz) but didn't find much on this saddle in particular.

Jonny · Jul 31, 2021

Wish you were closer, I’d let you try out the Ergovation with SRT attachment.

I use the SRT attachment very rarely, just for long ascent and there ain’t many of those in WNY. It also adds a spot to attach an upper Y fall arrest harness that I don’t own. Use the bridge for everything else. Spurs or spurless, MRS, SRS, work, rec, whatever.

I’m looking really closely, and I can’t tell the difference between that saddle and the usual Ergovation. Besides colors of materials.

That big Velcro belly strap under the waist belt is nice for holding in place while donning, and probably adds padding to keep the buckle from digging into you sometimes.

Flip those rigging plates so the big hole is facing outwards and it’s like a set of lower Ds to use with a lanyard. If you’re lanyard is just carabiner terminations, you can use the plates as is, if you don’t mind the little holes.

I got an oldTreeMotion and a like new TreeMotion SuperLight that I don’t use since I got the Ergo. Best saddle I’ve owned yet, I really love it.

treesap · Jul 31, 2021

I havent used that saddle, but it seems similar to my notch sentinel, and I love it

id actually be willing to bet the notch is a rippoff of this one

rico · Jul 31, 2021

Anders_VT said:
ISO of any opinions on or experience with the Buckingham (ErgoLite) Spartan , I'm a new/aspiring climber who is 6'1" and 160lbs looking for my first saddle all my own after training on other saddles. Looking to primarily use it with SRS as well as some gaffs/spikes.

Searched though other posts on here (TreeBuzz) but didn't find much on this saddle in particular.

As you know this is Wesspur's version of the Ergo lite, with the rigging plates/rope bridge replacing the shackles/spliced bridge found on the Ergo lite. I have spent a fair amount of time in the Spartan and found it to be a comfortable, solid, and sturdy work saddle...

If I were in your position I would give the TreeMotion S.light a serious look. The TreeMo light is more comfy, is much lighter, has the best forward dees in the biz, and will fit your body type better..IMHO the TreeMo S. light remains one of the best saddles available, and is a bargain at its asking price...

SeanRuel · Jul 31, 2021

I climbed on one of these saddles for 5 years, they are pretty nice. but I'd echo the above comments. pony up for the full Ergovation saddle or go with the treemotion s.light.

Based on your build, I bet you'd really like the treemotion s light. Ergovation seems to be better suited to stocky climbers ime

Anders_VT · Jul 31, 2021

rico said:
As you know this is Wesspur's version of the Ergo lite, with the rigging plates/rope bridge replacing the shackles/spliced bridge found on the Ergo lite. I have spent a fair amount of time in the Spartan and found it to be a comfortable, solid, and sturdy work saddle...

If I were in your position I would give the TreeMotion S.light a serious look. The TreeMo light is more comfy, is much lighter, has the best forward dees in the biz, and will fit your body type better..IMHO the TreeMo S. light remains one of the best saddles available, and is a bargain at its asking price...

That is good advice and I will give the S.light a serious look.

SeanRuel, I defiantly am on the skinnier side (something I've been working on fixing but that 23yr old metabolism is strong!), which is something I hadn't put much thought into, some saddles being better for lighter people even when they are sized for slim climbers.

Christrees · Aug 1, 2021

Man I'm to the point where I wouldn't recommend anything but a treemotion. All generations. I have the Evo. My metabolism is the same at 5ft 11 160lbs. The treemotion is just amazing with unlimited customization features. and the ride is comfortable as hell. And if you have never had a saddle with lower D's. You been missing out. I only use my side D's when passing a branch. Then go back to lower D's. I'm telling ya whatever treemotion you decide to get you wouldn't regret it.

Only thing I'd say is like most saddles it's a little stiff your first few rides on it. But once that leather loosens up its the most comfortable saddle I have ridden. But saying that I'm sure there may be others just as comfortable. But I'll never go back from a treemotion.

Once you go treemotion you don't go back. ; )

That's my opinion but the great thing about this site. Is that there will be plenty more opinions for you to consider.

Climb high Climb safe.

rico · Aug 1, 2021

Anders_VT said:
ISO of any opinions on or experience with the Buckingham (ErgoLite) Spartan , I'm a new/aspiring climber who is 6'1" and 160lbs looking for my first saddle all my own after training on other saddles. Looking to primarily use it with SRS as well as some gaffs/spikes.

Searched though other posts on here (TreeBuzz) but didn't find much on this saddle in particular.

I personally think the TreeMo S.light is a better harness than the regular TreeMo, but here is a great deal on a near new `2018 ansi TreeMo-

https://www.treebuzz.com/forum/threads/treemotion-rope-wrench-oth-climbing-gear.45511/#post-691013

Christrees · Aug 1, 2021

rico said:
I personally think the TreeMo S.light is a better harness than the regular TreeMo, but here is a great deal on a near new `2018 ansi TreeMo-

https://www.treebuzz.com/forum/threads/treemotion-rope-wrench-oth-climbing-gear.45511/#post-691013

I knew the saddle guru was going to say something but yeah good advice. I originally got the Evo for the extra belt length for winter,but then heard 1 of the other treemotion have a larger belt length forgot which 1.

And yeah I'm doing everything In my power right now to not buy that treemotion. That is a steal. I should have told the OP about it.

Christrees · Aug 1, 2021

@rico is a saddle enthusiast..I would listen to his advice which high regards. Didn't take me long to learn this. He knows his shit to put it bluntly.

Jonny · Aug 1, 2021

I wish the lower Ds/ rigging plates on the TreeMotion were available to purchase separately. I’d definitely put a pair on my Ergovation and probably on my MCRS whenever I get around to building it.