Entry level saddle recommendations larger size

evo

evo

Been here much more than a while
Location
My Island, WA
I have a job coming up where I need to rope my groundie up. It's more slope work than climbing, but I'd like for him to get some experience in a saddle regardless. I am a strong advocate for everyone at least knowing how to get up and down a tree. At this point it would be a infrequent to occasional use piece of gear.
He's a bigger guy, and I'm a string bean so have no point of reference and I'm not keen on buying a top of the line ride that only fits one body. I am seeking recommendations, and thinking of a low/mid range saddle. I will offer the saddle or the = in a cash gear stipend so if he wants something top shelf he can put my funds towards it and make up the difference.

6'5", ~260 # and 40-42" waist. He has blue eyes, loves nature hikes and long walks on the beach around sunsets.
 
I have a new XBEN harness that you can have for free if you pay for shipping. Will fit his size.
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Not the best arborist harness by any means, but it might do for now.
 
It's legit, but it is akin to a Chinese knockoff.
Was on vacation and ended up needing to climb. Didn't have my gear with so bought this contraption because it was the cheapest thing I could find. Did the one climb and have not used it since. Worked okay for not having a bridge.
It's a one size fits all harness. Fits me at 30" all the way in, and expands to about a 48"
If you are interested in being serious about this, I would pass on my offer. It is not a serious arborist harness. Be okay for a rock climber however. There is a reason I'm willing to give it away. But it is here if you want it.
 
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I have a similar build. My first saddle was a weaver floating D. It’s a fine saddle to start with if you are OK with weaver.
 
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How about a cheap rock climbing harness? Sound like you just need fall arrest and not work positioning.

A Swiss Seat is real cheap but may not be future child friendly. Lol
 
southsoundtree said:
Are you hand-tensioning your skyline?

A bosun seat might be a comfort for a big person.
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never more than a 2:1 or 3:1 by hand for life support. For static rigging reeve systems I'll go to a 5:1 or more but those typically have a backup.
The steel systems we have put mad force and partly uprooted spars which we just guyed with 2" howser lines and kept on going (smaller turns).
 
I run a 1.3% static rope on my reeve system. With a 5:1 hand tightened, I hang with about 1,100 pounds force on the anchors with my gear on, and I weigh in at 135 lbs.. Got to have good trees to anchor on when doing that. I will typically lash my anchor trees to other trees behind them for support. Don't use the system often, but one or twice a year I need to break it out. Try and run a double line whenever possible, which is a way of saying I don't do it often enough.
 
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