New Saddle Shopping

So, I've flown the saddle a few times now.

In general, the saddle is constructed really well. It's very robust.

Some of the things I don't like about it are easily changeable, such as the lower D's and the tiny ring on the bridge. Others aren't. The buckle placement on my legs is just terrible. It doesn't ride up, but it pinches my legs. Also, the lower D's and side D's are a bit goofy ergonomically. To have the bridge adjusted to ascend SRS puts the two right on top of each other. A minor gripe, but I don't like adjusting things constantly. That said, adjustment is incredibly easy.

I got the optional leg pads, they're completely abhorrent. The pinching is better without them, but it's still there. I've tried a bunch of combinations of adjustments and it just didn't get better.

That said, the chest harness is PHENOMENAL! It's so comfortable. Very well thought out. The saddle itself is comfortable and supportive. It did help my neck and back pain on today's technical climbs, which was a pleasant surprise.

So, I'm going to start looking at how to improve the drawbacks of the saddle. For the price that's a bummer, but saddles aren't one size fits all.

I may order a TA Pro just to compare too.
 
Have you tried switching the leg pads so the buckles are on the outside? I personally don't have that problem, but getting the harness adjusted correctly did take several climbs. Minor tweaks can make a big difference in functionality and comfort so once I get them right, I leave them alone.

How much are you changing the bridge for ascending SRS? I like a short bridge so don't use an adjustable bridge or change anything for ascent.

I also agree that the optional leg pads are not an improvement, they are stiff when new so I gave them a fair amount of time to break-in, still a no-go for me.
 
DSMc said:
Have you tried switching the leg pads so the buckles are on the outside? I personally don't have that problem, but getting the harness adjusted correctly did take several climbs. Minor tweaks can make a big difference in functionality and comfort so once I get them right, I leave them alone.

How much are you changing the bridge for ascending SRS? I like a short bridge so don't use an adjustable bridge or change anything for ascent.

I also agree that the optional leg pads are not an improvement, they are stiff when new so I gave them a fair amount of time to break-in, still a no-go for me.
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I'll try switching the leg pads. It does seem having the buckles on the inside is problematic.

I've not changed the bridge yet. I adjusted my rise to try and compensate. I'm doing training with my guys today and can tinker with it then. I might make up an adjustable bridge to try.

Glad to know the optional pads are problematic. They're super stiff! The leg loops aren't bad without them. Hopefully switching sides will help! Thank you!!!
 
Ditch the leg pads, and don’t try and compensate for the short bridge by running your risers too long. Fucks the whole geometry thing up. Depending on what you are using for rope bridge material, you can get 2 bridges in the single whole on the lower dees (Rock Exotica TriRig).

1709392059075.jpeg
 
Things I don’t like. Thin waist belt. Secondary elastic leg straps (instantly remove these from my MB‘s). Over complicated lower dees. Multiple elastic rear leg straps. The dorsal saw attachment chingadera.
 
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I have wondered about the secondary leg elastics. What sre they supposed to do? I have never messed with mine, as I don't feel them tugging or anything, but as I type, I realize that I have had to adjust them back down my legs sometimes...
 
rico said:
Things I don’t like. Thin waist belt. Secondary elastic leg straps (instantly remove these from my MB‘s). Over complicated lower dees. Multiple elastic rear leg straps. The dorsal saw attachment chingadera.
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Thin, like, not enough padding, or the bit in the front?
 
Matias said:
Thin, like, not enough padding, or the bit in the front?
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The webbing material used for the waist belt. Not a deal breaker, but I personally like a wider waist belt like the one found on the MB.

And as far as the secondary elastic leg straps, they are meant to keep the leg pads where u want them. I have found that they don't do that great of a job as intended and instead strangle the thighs, making it feel like I'm climbing in an old leg strap floating dee. Fuck that! As I mentioned I simple cut them off my MB's. Not sure if DMM made them removable like the TreeMotion Pro?
 
FYI on Maple Leaf Ropes Kinisi webpage they currently have a list of standards compliance and partial standards compliance. Partial standards compliance seems to be the width of some of the harness webbing - not sure why DMM would have chosen to use smaller webbing than required by some of the standards. Anyway, FYI for those of us that have to meet some standard or other for our work and thanks to Maple Leaf Ropes for the summary. Cheers.

"• Independently evaluated to the performance requirements of the following international standards:
ASNZ 1891–Pass
ANSI/ASSP-Z359.12 - 2019 –Pass
CAN/CSA - Z259.12 – Pass
ASTM F0887 - 20 – Pass except the structural webbing is under 44.5mm and the harness has a rear attachment point.
CSA Z259.1 - 05 PD saddle – Pass except the structural webbing is under 41mm"
 
There have been some significant nether region injuries due to leg pad travel, so the webbing is "supposed" to help with that.

It seems to me we are teetering on the edge of over-engineering and echo chamber back-patting for the next "safer" idea. Never thought I'd be the crotchety one here, but the manufacturers have our number. Make it flashy and put a new doodad on it, and we will come.

I'm sure that this post will get some reactions. I love innovation, and I know innovation isn't always welcomed at first. I also shouldn't be posting right now when I can't give full attention to what I'm writing and thinking, and should be doing something else entirely.

It does look comfy, I'll give it that.
 
Crimsonking said:
It seems to me we are teetering on the edge of over-engineering and echo chamber back-patting for the next "safer" idea. Never thought I'd be the crotchety one here, but the manufacturers have our number. Make it flashy and put a new doodad on it, and we will come.
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Not for me anyway, at over $1K Can (highly devalued northern canadian pesos to be sure but the price - gag) - and here arb jobs advertised at $28 an hour - right . . . . .
 
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