Is This Safe?

[mptree]

It's hard to see in the picture, but I ran a piece of Blue Streak through the top 2 webbing loops on each side of the harness. I know a better option would be some spliced eyes and maybe a shackle. My question is whether or not this area of the saddle is rated for life support? It appears to be the same as what holds in the front D. Aside from the increased ability to move it would leave the front D open to keep a croll hooked up and out of the way if using SRT for ascent.

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

Hmm... Dunno. Do you think it is safe? If you have any doubt, don't do it.

 

[mptree]

I think it's safe or I wouldn't, and haven't yet. I would rather KNOW if it's safe. I was wondering if any one has this saddle, and knows if those webbing loops are designed to tie in, or just for accessories? I don't know enough to know if the stitching pattern or # of stitches meet life support requirements. Logically they should with the load shared between both sides.

 

[Tom Dunlap]

When in doubt contact the manufacturer. They should know if the harness was meant to support a fall from those points.

Rope/webbing should have a link [shackle/biner/ring, etc.] between them. Fiber on fiber can lead to sawing and failure.

 

[Blinky]

I don't know that harness but I'm not sure I like the knots. What are you using there?

Like Tom says, a shackle (and some locktite) is appropriate between the loop and bridge.

 

[treebear]

Don´t look safe for me. As Tom said ask the manufacturer or check the fact sheet thet came with the harness. I guess you´re better off purchasing a new one with a flying bridge and a srt attachment point (Tree Flex)
Cheers
Svein

 

[NickfromWI]

I think conceptually it is safe- you have a bridge attached to the pre-existing attachment points on the harness. Your choice of knots is way to bulky and is to hard to see (for us to inspect).

The shackle is a good idea. At least just use double-fisherperson knots.

love
nick

 

[countryboypa31]

Try this one, i think its the best option

BF2 bridge mod.

It will work for the master saddle as well

 

[NickfromWI]

Good use of thimbles to minimize wear. Now switch that rope to a spliced sling and you'd have a believer out of me!

love
nick

 

[familytree]

i have the same set up on my treeflex and i use thimbles to keep it all together, nice looking and it keeps fabric from rubbing on itself, it also keeps the knot and a perfect bend radius and makes for a much easier replacement on the bridge when appropriate

i have a bfll where i simply put a 1/2 inch line through the shackle and tied a saftey 8 on the other side, it works well thus far and eliminated my webbing bridge, i let my other two ground men use the saddle, one of them is a big boy and the other is smaller then he, when they switch the saddle between them they shorten the bridge and retie the 8 knot, that way it makes the saddle more versitile as far as sizing goes

 

[countryboypa31]

Just wanted to go on the record to say, i just reposted this from another thread. It is not mine, but i found it very simple and easy on the wallet.

 

[mptree]

Suspension system features a medium dee ring and six connection loops.

The above is from Buckingham's site. I probably should have just done a little more research. I'm still learning more each day. I've had that saddle since I started climbing about 2 years ago, and I never noticed the loops.

Thanks for the suggestions. I streamlined it a little bit (didn't have any thimbles though) and used it today. It made a HUGE difference in manueverability, and comfort. And it's a little safer than if I had started using the original version.

 

[TreeBarber]

mptree, I like it. How long is the bridge? (from rope end to rope end not including the shackles)
Thanks.
Pat.

 

[mptree]

I don't really know exactly how long. I think I started out with about a 36" piece. I like having a pretty long bridge for twisting. I'm on the bigger side and the longer bridge seems to work better. I've got a Glide also, but cant stand the short bridge. I tied one side, leaving a short tail. Stitched and wrapped the tail with whipping twine to clean it up some, and make sure it doesn't creep. The other side, I just tied and tried, making adjustments till I liked it, then cut off and finished the same.
It really seems more comfortable. I like the lower attachment point over my legs, rather than dangling from a D, shoved into you gut. The saddle doesn't want to fall off in the back as much either. Guess I don't need to waste $$$$$$$$$$$$ on a Treemotion after all