Monkey Beaver 2.0 - newb questions

[ATH]

Just got a 2.0- with 2.0 Suspenders...couple of questions for those who have used it:

1: It is my understanding (just from a brief mention in this video) that the leg straps can be switched so the buckles are on the outside. Before I watched that video, I put it on and thought they were pretty deep into my groin so I think I'd like them outside. Just confirming: take the whole leg pad off and switch to other side? Do I take off the rigging plates for bridge (lower D's) as well or pull the leg straps out of those? (It probably doesn't matter either way...but thought I'd ask in case it does matter)
2: Even with the butt straps hanging loose, the tops of the leg pads feel like the are poking me in the butt...anybody else have that? They are fine when sitting, but standing up not real comfortable - but not a big deal, just a slight comfort thing.

3: On the suspenders, I assume the gray string is a chest attachment point for an ascender or to clip in for SRT? Do you use that gray string or other means to clip in?

4: Do you keep suspenders on all the time? All pruning (Very rarely do I do any removals - and keep it to modest size when we do. Even less frequently climbing on spikes on those removals (I cannot remember the last time I've actually climbed with them...maybe 2-3 years?)). Probably only have a chainsaw in the tree 40-50% of climbs. Maybe I'll love them and want them all the time (Seems to be a trend from people who make the switch...but a lot of those are also carrying a big saw). Anyhow, was thinking of putting snaps on those so t hey are easy to take off and put back on. Thoughts? (I'll climb with them first in case I decide to keep them on all the time).

5: Leg pads or no? (with pads, seems like it is poking me in the butt even more...but padding generally sounds like a good idea....)

 

[evo]

Just got a 2.0- with 2.0 Suspenders...couple of questions for those who have used it:

1: It is my understanding (just from a brief mention in this video) that the leg straps can be switched so the buckles are on the outside. Before I watched that video, I put it on and thought they were pretty deep into my groin so I think I'd like them outside. Just confirming: take the whole leg pad off and switch to other side? Do I take off the rigging plates for bridge (lower D's) as well or pull the leg straps out of those? (It probably doesn't matter either way...but thought I'd ask in case it does matter)
2: Even with the butt straps hanging loose, the tops of the leg pads feel like the are poking me in the butt...anybody else have that? They are fine when sitting, but standing up not real comfortable - but not a big deal, just a slight comfort thing.

3: On the suspenders, I assume the gray string is a chest attachment point for an ascender or to clip in for SRT? Do you use that gray string or other means to clip in?

4: Do you keep suspenders on all the time? All pruning (Very rarely do I do any removals - and keep it to modest size when we do. Even less frequently climbing on spikes on those removals (I cannot remember the last time I've actually climbed with them...maybe 2-3 years?)). Probably only have a chainsaw in the tree 40-50% of climbs. Maybe I'll love them and want them all the time (Seems to be a trend from people who make the switch...but a lot of those are also carrying a big saw). Anyhow, was thinking of putting snaps on those so t hey are easy to take off and put back on. Thoughts? (I'll climb with them first in case I decide to keep them on all the time).

5: Leg pads or no? (with pads, seems like it is poking me in the butt even more...but padding generally sounds like a good idea....)

I can’t speak to the MB directly as I’ve never seen one in real life, but I have an onyx and I’d assume they are similar.

Just swap the leg loops

Take the butt strap off, certainly is comfy when sitting and resting but I couldn’t stand it the rest of the time. I tried adjusting it on the fly throughout the climb, but it was a waste of time.

No clue on the grey string

Unless you need/want the suspenders to double as a chest harness for self tending on set ascents they probably won’t help you much. More so on pruning jobs without any saw, I find them constricting and another thing to snag or get in the way. They are good as a chesty or for when in spurs or carrying a bigger saw. Personally I prefer a chesty as when I twist around or bend it pulls on the waist belt too much.

 

[DSMc]

First, congratulations on the new harness! Hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Though I only have the new 1.0 with the 2.0 suspenders, it is the best, most comfortable harness I have ever used.

I would recommend you climb in it, as is for a while before making any changes. My initial thoughts were the same as yours, how could those big buckles not be a problem. But for me and I assume many others it is a non issue.

The leg paddings suck. Without them the leg support becomes more mobile and constant. I also removed the leg binding straps and just let the pads hang and they still find the correct location as needed.

I leave the 2.0 suspenders on all the time. I did not like the 1.0 suspenders at all but the new ones are great. They are feather weight and comfortable and improve harness stability even when using a handsaw or light weight chainsaw. Great on pruning cuts that require an out and downward stretch.

I do use the small gray cord for my rope walking tending point attachment. It works well.

 

[rico]

First, congratulations on the new harness! Hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Though I only have the new 1.0 with the 2.0 suspenders, it is the best, most comfortable harness I have ever used.

I would recommend you climb in it, as is for a while before making any changes. My initial thoughts were the same as yours, how could those big buckles not be a problem. But for me and I assume many others it is a non issue.

The leg paddings suck. Without them the leg support becomes more mobile and constant. I also removed the leg binding straps and just let the pads hang and they still find the correct location as needed.

I leave the 2.0 suspenders on all the time. I did not like the 1.0 suspenders at all but the new ones are great. They are feather weight and comfortable and improve harness stability even when using a handsaw or light weight chainsaw. Great on pruning cuts that require an out and downward stretch.

I do use the small gray cord for my rope walking tending point attachment. It works well.

I will echo Dave's thoughts. Ditch the add on leg pads and the leg binding straps. And yes the MB 2.0 is one of the very best saddles I have ever flown. Enjoy the ride!

 

[ATH]

Thanks all... @DSMc & @rico this is largely your fault. Have been considering new options and in the DMM harness thread there was discussion about the MB - you and a few others talked me into the MB over one of the newer treemagineer flavors. Have been in a TreeMotion since probably 2018ish? (I remember then deciding between that and MCRS - and then a couple months later MCRS disappeared - so whenever that happened). It's been good, so was leaning towards that, but looking forward to climbing the Monkey Beaver instead!

 

[Matias]

I don't have a MB yet, but I have the 2.0 suspenders. I took off the grey string and just have a micro krab on the little sewn loop incorporated into the buckle. It sits in a place I like for a chest clip for ascent, and doesn't flop around when not in use. I learned to climb in a fall arrest harness and then moved to a sequoia srt, which has a top harness option that would loosen up a lot if I didn't tape the strap tail in place, so I have just always climbed in a full body harness. I have never had enough trouble with it to care about not having it, though I have wondered. I mostly use SRT, so having my chest clip on me at all times is how I roll, so I don't see myself wanting to take off the suspenders very often, and I like the upper support when I lean back.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it as you dial it in!

 

[ATH]

....on the little sewn loop incorporated into the buckle. It sits in a place I like for a chest clip for ascent, and doesn't flop around when not in use. ...
...
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it as you dial it in!

That's how I envision clipping in to it. Don't SRT a lot... But will certainly be trying this out both SRS and MRS.

I'll check back in - probably with more questions than answers LOL, but will certainly share my experiences.

 

[Matias]

First, congratulations on the new harness! Hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Though I only have the new 1.0 with the 2.0 suspenders, it is the best, most comfortable harness I have ever used.

I would recommend you climb in it, as is for a while before making any changes. My initial thoughts were the same as yours, how could those big buckles not be a problem. But for me and I assume many others it is a non issue.

The leg paddings suck. Without them the leg support becomes more mobile and constant. I also removed the leg binding straps and just let the pads hang and they still find the correct location as needed.

I leave the 2.0 suspenders on all the time. I did not like the 1.0 suspenders at all but the new ones are great. They are feather weight and comfortable and improve harness stability even when using a handsaw or light weight chainsaw. Great on pruning cuts that require an out and downward stretch.

I do use the small gray cord for my rope walking tending point attachment. It works well.

The kinisi has those leg binding straps, and I have wondered if I wouldn't prefer not to have them on, so I think I will try just tucking them away next time and see how that goes.

 

[DSMc]

Cool. I honestly thought I would have liked having the leg support pads locked in place. Very surprised at how much better it works without them being so. As long as everything else is adjusted correctly they just naturally fall where they need to be.

 

[Matias]

Cool. I honestly thought I would have liked having the leg support pads locked in place. Very surprised at how much better it works without them. As long as everything else is adjusted correctly they just naturally fall where they need to be.

Yea man, the last several climbs I have started to suspect they would do that. so glad to hear your results; very encouraging.

 

[rico]

Thanks all... @DSMc & @rico this is largely your fault. Have been considering new options and in the DMM harness thread there was discussion about the MB - you and a few others talked me into the MB over one of the newer treemagineer flavors. Have been in a TreeMotion since probably 2018ish? (I remember then deciding between that and MCRS - and then a couple months later MCRS disappeared - so whenever that happened). It's been good, so was leaning towards that, but looking forward to climbing the Monkey Beaver instead!

I believe it was the venerable Mr. Beranek who once said that much of breaking in new gear is the new gear breaking you in. Take the time to get acclimated to the MB and you will be rewarded.

 

[rico]

Cool. I honestly thought I would have liked having the leg support pads locked in place. Very surprised at how much better it works without them being so. As long as everything else is adjusted correctly they just naturally fall where they need to be.

This is spot on. On both the MB and TreeMo/DMM I found that the secondary leg straps did little more than not allow the leg pads to fall back into their natural position after they were inevitably pulled up from time to time. And just like my beloved NT Onyx I found the MB add on cushioned leg pads bulky and uncomfortable, and that they encourage the leg pads to ride up. New Tribes leg pad design was/is brilliant and I personally found these additions counterproductive. Sometimes less is more. YMMV of coarse.

 

[ATH]

You guys keep the leg straps loose?

In the video I linked above (MB's own instructional video on adjusting it) the show them really loose. That will take getting used to, and I could see the straps as more of a "feels snug" crutch. But can learn probably to live without. Will try both ways.

I know this isn't a full body fall arrest harness and is designed to be loose in the leg straps...but loose leg straps brings my mind to a John Ball talk. If you've seen his hospital pics, you know he finds the "good ones" (good for teaching..bad for whoever is in the pic). He had one of crushed testicles because of loose leg straps in a fall arrest harness. (Not sure the MB could deliver such a blow if it tried...but, again, different purpose and design so not saying that's a threat here...just what I think of with loose legs!)

 

[DSMc]

Yeah, definitely try them both ways to determine what works for you. My experience was exactly what Rico said in that with the straps snugged up tight you would eventually make a move that would cause them to ride up your leg too far and stay there. Tried them loose and it never happened again. I've not had any problems with the straps crushing anything while loose.

 

[oldoakman]

I'll throw my 2 cents in too. While I have the MB V1, I tried the V2 on at TCIA in Charlotte a few years ago right after it came out. I love my MB-1 and liked the MB-2. At my age I can't quite justify the cost, but I would like to get rid of the Weaver Cougar that I have in my northern gear stash at my daughters, move the MB-1 there and have the MB-2 here in GA. I do have the suspenders and love them. before that even th 193 climbing saw would pull down that side of the saddle and I would always have to stop had hike it back up into position. It became a PITA. I have used the tending point and have never really liked it. As a result I have recently gone back to the 4SRT chestie under the suspenders. All in all, the MB is the best, most comfortable saddle I have ever flown. Good luck with yours.

 

[rico]

I liked the MB leg binding straps so much that I cut them off with some shears. Rest of saddle is set up much like any other modern saddle..Just mo comfy!

 

[evo]

You guys keep the leg straps loose?

In the video I linked above (MB's own instructional video on adjusting it) the show them really loose. That will take getting used to, and I could see the straps as more of a "feels snug" crutch. But can learn probably to live without. Will try both ways.

I know this isn't a full body fall arrest harness and is designed to be loose in the leg straps...but loose leg straps brings my mind to a John Ball talk. If you've seen his hospital pics, you know he finds the "good ones" (good for teaching..bad for whoever is in the pic). He had one of crushed testicles because of loose leg straps in a fall arrest harness. (Not sure the MB could deliver such a blow if it tried...but, again, different purpose and design so not saying that's a threat here...just what I think of with loose legs!)

On my onyx I have them snug, and actually I guess my legs are so skinny the extra pad is needed to have a snug fit. I’d found that they would ride up, and get the uncomfortable bits. Having them snug also really helps with the waste belt riding up too. My only complaint now is the buckle is loosening up on me, so it’s requiring in tree adjustment.
On my TM I like them loose and low. Someone once said ‘skater style’.

 

[Z'sTrees]

I've been working in the og monkey beaver for several years now. I actually like the little leg strap keepers. Coming from the onyx they keep them from rotating and I don't find that they ride up my thigh very often. I have the leg pads hang just above the back of my knee, so almost as low as they go. No extra padding...
As far as suspenders, I leave them on. I don't find they get in the way and are nice on removals or cabling jobs when hauling alot of weight. I ran the saddle for a few years without suspenders and definitely don't notice a lack of mobility, although most of my work is removals.
An adjustable bridge is a great upgrade, almost exclusively for putting on/ taking off the saddle. It's also nice to snug up and lean around a skinny spar, etc.
Enjoy the saddle, they're extremely comfortable, durable, and we'll thought out.

 

[ATH]

Have climbed a couple of times.

Yeah...looser = better for the leg straps. The elastic leg strap keepers - I've been using them and think I like them...I don't dislike them. Haven't climbed without yet.

While I still don't like having to reach deep through my groin to find the clips, I think I'll keep them on the inside. Its not that big of a deal and I could see them rubbing against the tree in tight spots if they were on the outside.

Leg pads seem unnecessary and make the seat pads more stiff, so I think they'll stay off.

I don't think I like the gray string on the suspenders...its up too high. But haven't decided on that yet.

I did put clips on the suspenders so I can take them on and off easily. (pic below) I haven't climbed without them, so how often I'll do that is TBD. I could see wanting them off on hot summer days. While on the topic of suspenders...I took a look at tool belts at Menards. The suspenders on a nice roofers belt seem pretty comparable to the MB2 suspenders. That whole thing is $85....MB suspenders when purchased with harness were $120. Would I save the $35 if I were buying again? I don't know. There's something to be said that these were made specifically for the harness...and more to be said for supporting an American company directly manufacturing for our industry, so I probably would buy the MB again.

I put the clip on my right side for handsaw. My first saddle was a Sherrill Glide. That had the saw clipped on the belt. On my TreeMotion, I had it on the top of a leg loop - it just seemed to go better there. I didn't like that at first, but it grew on me. I do like the placement being back on the belt as it seems more out of the way/less prone to get snagged. However...my shoulders are getting old (especially right side - injured that skiing 30 years ago and has never been quite right). So when I have to reach up and back to put the saw in the scabbard, it stretches that a little more than I'd like to do 100 times a day. I added the chainsaw loop included with the saddle and put the clip on that to lower it a few inches. (pic below) Haven't climbed with that yet, but hoping that extra 3" will be enough. If not, I'll make a longer strap to hang it lower. to see how that works.

Shembiner on left for the chainsaw. Somewhere here years ago, I saw a recommendation to have a strap across the back to clip the other end of the chainsaw lanyard so it can be used on either side of your body easily.

Suspender clips



Handsaw clip



Chainsaw lanyard strap

 

[DSMc]

Those tool hanger Ds can also be oriented out the bottom of the harness if that makes it easier on your shoulders. It certainly does for me.

Your suspender snaps look fairly bulky, I will be interested in how they work for you.