If you were to purchase a saddle to introduce people to climbing, which one would it be?

[Zebco Kid]

Hello All,

I regret to say that I have acquired enough gear now to create a second climbing outfit. It doesn't have some of the fancier bells and whistles, but it would be an excellent starter outfit. The only thing missing is a saddle. As it's not my primary, and I like my existing primary (Sequoia), so there's no need to create a hand-me-down, which saddle would you add for friends and newbies?

Thank you.

 

[Dan Cobb]

I'll just say that if someone is really eager to climb, they'll overlook some saddle discomfort. If they're on the fence about it, an uncomfortable saddle may be the deciding factor.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Singing Rock Timber.

 

[oldoakman]

I would look at the New Tribe rec saddles. Very comfortable and wont break the bank.

 

[ATH]

Singing Tree Timber.

I second the Timber 3D.

I asked that a few years ago. Part of what I was looking for was adjustability so various people can use it.

Here was that thread:

Rec harness?

I am looking for recommendations for recreational tree climbing harnesses. I am commercial arborist myself (using a tree motion) so this is not for me. I have a friend who wants to do recreational climbing and I'm trying to help him get set up. I see some of them marketed for recreational...

www.treebuzz.com

 

[Jonny]

I’ve yapped about how much I like the looks of the Timber 3D, but then scored a new TM SuperLight for a great price, and I’m still working on wearing out the Ergovation, plus there’s a set of MCRS pads in need of assembly, so might be a while before I try one.

At any rate, most or all of the more modern work saddles should be just lovely for recreational climbing. Rope bridge, lower Ds as well as hip Ds, a little bit of rigidity to the leg pads, and adjustability to put that bridge, leg straps and lower Ds where you want them. There’s so so many great looking saddles with excellent reviews, it’s hard to pick. If I had to pick one saddle to fit any random person, it might be a size 1 Sequoia because it can fit a huge range of different waist sizes. I think around 28” to over 36”.

The Sherrill Edge II built by Buckingham looks really nice too.

 

[Vicente]

Probably the treemotion s light, I love my 2018 and the s slight has most of the same features minus the buckles but since they won't be getting in and out of it all the time like I am it won't be a big deal, it also has a huge range of adjustability.

 

[Jan_]

Hello All,

I regret to say that I have acquired enough gear now to create a second climbing outfit. It doesn't have some of the fancier bells and whistles, but it would be an excellent starter outfit. The only thing missing is a saddle. As it's not my primary, and I like my existing primary (Sequoia), so there's no need to create a hand-me-down, which saddle would you add for friends and newbies?

Thank you.

I'm not sure if they are available in the US, but in Europe a Treeup TH 030 is a great choice. I've got one, and it's a perfectly fine saddle for a very good price. I'd say about as comfortable as a Sequoia.

 

[Njdelaney]

Singing Rock, not Singing Tree

 

[ATH]

Singing Rock, not Singing Tree

Given time trees can be rocks too!

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Singing Rock, not Singing Tree

Oh right I always get that confused. Thanks!

 

[Quintanana]

Probably the treemotion s light, I love my 2018 and the s slight has most of the same features minus the buckles but since they won't be getting in and out of it all the time like I am it won't be a big deal, it also has a huge range of adjustability.

I second for Tree mo light. I think this point was made in another thread but if they decided they wanted to sell their gear because they dont want to rec, the tree mo or other higher grade saddles have a better resale value. I know id buy a lightly used treemo lite real quick.

 

[Zebco Kid]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts today. As I'm reading and researching the recommendations, I notice that most (all) of the more affordable saddles don't include lower Ds...which is very unfortunate. If I want to take someone climbing, and get them to feel the true pleasure of moving securely through the canopy, I'd like them to be able to lanyard in from lower Ds.

Any thoughts and/or recommendations about that? Thank you.

 

[Quintanana]

Again, tree mo light. Lower d’s, affordable, good re sale value if needed

 

[Njdelaney]

I think that most people who are climbing for the first time will not be able to tell the difference between being on the lower Ds or upper Ds. They're going to have a death grip on the rope and nothing is going to be comfortable and they'll be exhausted after 20 minutes anyways. That being said, I think there are two schools of thought. 1- You could buy something very cheap but serviceable and able to fit many sizes. 2- you could buy whatever other saddle you want to have for yourself and get something you wanted to try anyways, plus it can serve as a great quality loaner for that new friend.

 

[Zebco Kid]

Njdelaney,

You're probably right about the experience of first time friends. However, I want them to get hooked, which will come with a little comfort/stability. I like "door #2", however I don't think I can justify a second saddle for me. They're just a bit too pricey for that type of luxury experience.

 

[Stumpsprouts]

Njdelaney,

You're probably right about the experience of first time friends. However, I want them to get hooked, which will come with a little comfort/stability. I like "door #2", however I don't think I can justify a second saddle for me. They're just a bit too pricey for that type of luxury experience.

A treemotion, light or regular, is sort of like a Tacoma. As mentioned before- easy resale value, pretty much universal admiration.

I still think most saddles are worth checking out. And the attachment point which connects the leg loops to the bridge is often serviceable as a lower D even if it isn’t specifically designed as such. Some harnesses, the hardware is a lil too small to clip a biner to. (Aforementioned singing rock timber). Tree Austria and Courant Koala, definitely can do it. But those are not much less money than a treemotion light. Actually the koala is even more, now that I check.. (price went up a lot!)

 

[Zebco Kid]

Well. I just put an eBay bid on a new one (Tree Motion Light) for $325 out the door. I suppose that was my budget on this particular offering.

 

[ATH]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts today. As I'm reading and researching the recommendations, I notice that most (all) of the more affordable saddles don't include lower Ds...which is very unfortunate. If I want to take someone climbing, and get them to feel the true pleasure of moving securely through the canopy, I'd like them to be able to lanyard in from lower Ds.

Any thoughts and/or recommendations about that? Thank you.

Not everyone likes lower D's vs D's at the waist....so that may not be a big issue at all.

 

[Vicente]

@Zebco Kid treestuff has a promotion going right now spend 400$ get 50$off if you need anything else in in the 25$ price range it would essentiall get that saddle down to 325$.