Re: New \"Floating D\" Converter from Petzl!!
Tom, you don't have to clip into both. You can use one or the other, that's what's so nice. So therefore you can, for example, clip into the main fixed D of your saddle, SRT up to your TIP, then unclip and switch to the floating bridge to continue DdRT or positioning. Both are completely independent.
For another picture, ratings, etc., go to:
http://www.petzl.com/ProduitsServices/C92100_SIDES_FR729201-A.pdf
which is the Petzl site and shows the instruction pamphlet like I received with mine.
Sarumono brings up a good point, in that, in the instruction pamphlet you will notice that the bridge strap is rated to European(EN358) standards at 15KN which is about 3,375lbs. If that's not enough for you, make your own bridge from Spectra or rope.
Two slight disadvantages I saw, and because of these, I started to negotiate with Newtribe and they have agreed to customize it with a patch fix that I designed for them. Viola or Barbara of Newtribe has allowed me to announce this, so you can call them and tell them you want the customized fix for the Sidestraps like you did for Charlie Brown.
First disadvantage is, that the screwlink that attaches to the leg loop is square and simply goes over the leg loop strap so that it slides on the leg strap and when an upward load is put on it, it slides up to where the legs straps meet at the bridge or top of loop and pulls against the stitching. So Newtribe said this is not a problem because the entire leg loop is one continuous piece of webbing, however, they will sew a piece of webbing underneath the top of each of the leg loops to hold the screwlink in place and keep it centered below the pinnacle of the leg where the load is supposed to be.
Second is a matter of sloppiness. The main belt passes under the side D ring(toward rear), then back(toward front) through the main hole of the side D, so the belt is a little loose or not held down within the side D, however when under constant load it is tight. So Newtribe will replace the standard side D with one that has an extra bar at its base so the main belt can go under it then back over the lower bar w/o being in the main hole of the side D.
I tell ya'll, that for only $64, for me to have the comfort of a Newtribe saddle with the flexibility of a floating D for positioning or DdRT, you can't beat this. You could tweek it also with what you want. Also, don't forget that maybe because of our response and ideas to improve this thing, many more even better versions of this thing may begin to be developed by other manufacturers (like more strength and better fit or customized to each brand saddle, etc.) Remember, this is opening up different markets to some manufacturers who in the past only had fixed D's and that's one bigggg reason Petzl did it too, so it behooves us to respond.
My two cents.
