Tree Flex?

Treespotter · Jan 15, 2007

????????????????

So this is the one??????????

Lazarus2 · Jan 15, 2007

It is not the final version.

Treespotter · Jan 15, 2007

As it is in life, every day is a new version of the day before.
What I mean is, that this crock of [censored] is the thing I have to live with the next couple of ????
So I can buy the next final version of the Tree Flex that is not the final version too

I think I have to stop buying after hearing and seeing in publications how wonderful a product is.

Is there a new saddle in production that IS the final version and is that saddle as good as the 'creators' say it is?

stevebullman · Jan 15, 2007

paolo, would this be the same version that i tried on at the apf?

Lazarus2 · Jan 15, 2007

Wolter

Please, cut me some slack on this. I sent you a PM to your website. Did you not get it?

I understand your concerns, and believe me, they are nothing compared to mine.

The harness you have seems to have been approved for sale, BUT NOT BY ME, and I found this out today. It is not the final product - I am due to receive that this week. I will let you know, along with everyone else, when it is due for sale. Sweden has been hit by severe storms and the maufacturer cannot be contacted as yet.

I have no control of sales, I'm just one of the designers. The product you have shown does not resemble the final design.

In the pictures you posted, the harness is not set up correctly AT ALL.

I suggest you take the harness back from whence it came, and take the issue up with them. You mentioned you hadn't paid for it yet; are you sure it wasn't forwarded to you as a prototype for appraisal?

I appreciate your situation, and thank you for letting me know. Contact me by PM if you require further info from me.

Many thanks.
Paolo

frans · Jan 16, 2007

[ QUOTE ]
As it is in life, every day is a new version of the day before.
What I mean is, that this crock of [censored] is the thing I have to live with the next couple of ????
So I can buy the next final version of the Tree Flex that is not the final version too

I think I have to stop buying after hearing and seeing in publications how wonderful a product is.

Is there a new saddle in production that IS the final version and is that saddle as good as the 'creators' say it is?

[/ QUOTE ]

Here at TBuzz, we often here of new products coming down the line. Inventors, designers, manufacturers all feel comfortable with giving us a peek at what is to come!
Should these people be shut down we would never know what about the latest and greatest.
It is our obligation to welcome these people so they will continue to honor us with the tools & methods which will make our job so much easier and fun!

RogerM · Jan 16, 2007

Well said Frans. It actually breaks my heart to look so forward to something then read such a harsh review. Like Laz said..."It's complicated" There is no doubt in my mind that laz has poured his soul into this saddle and obviously there has been complications along the way. I for one hold no ill will towards anyone in this entire process. I am convinced that the original intent of this harness was and is for the "betterment"(is that a word?) of all climbers abroad. It is just a shame that things get rushed for the purpose of sales. Without quoteing word for word...This is the opinion of the author...

Treespotter · Jan 16, 2007

[ QUOTE ]
It is our obligation to welcome these people so they will continue to honor us with the tools & methods which will make our job so much easier and fun!

[/ QUOTE ]

That's all so true.
And lets set the records strait. I's got nothing to do with Paolo's design but with the way Cresto has put a saddle on the market that wasn't approved by the designer. A manufacturer shouldn't put a product up for sale but give it to a restricted group to test it. NOT SELL before approval.

Mr_Ed · Jan 16, 2007

Wow. Thats a real cheeky thing to do, selling a non approved prototype. Is it cresto who manufacture the harness?

Lazarus2 · Jan 16, 2007

Thanks for the support guys, I'm happy you see I didn't have a hand in this.

It doesn't appear to be any case of foul play, just a mis-understanding as to how the prototype was allowed for sale, when the final product is just round the corner.

Cresto are a top quality manufacturer with a well earned reputation for durable products, which is why they were invited to manufacture. They were just doing what was agreed.

If there was any mistake it was leaving Dee and I out of the loop with a decision that has led to Wolter's frustrating situation.

I'll see Wolter gets compensated in some way. I'll PM you later Wolter.

Rest assured, after Davina 'has a little chat' with certain persons, they won't feel so inclined to leave us out of the loop in future decisions.

P.

Tom Dunlap · Jan 16, 2007

Hi Wolter,

Thanks for posting the pics of the red harness.

When I was visiting Paolo a couple of weeks ago we went out to test fly an early version of the TF. The one that I used would be recognized as a distant cousin of the one that I used. There are changes in this one that aren't in the red harness.

After spending some time in the tree ascending the rope and working around the crown I am so anxious to get the TreeFlex ! The harness is comfortable and fits nicely. The adjustments are easy to use. Having a harness that is built with SRT in mind is a real bonus. Instead of having to layer-on attachment schemes the front and rear attachments work so smooth.

Feeling the support of the backpad was different but comfortable. Being able to move the front attachment configuration for a more upright or laid back position allowed me to design the support for what I was planning on doing in the tree.

Lazarus2 · Jan 17, 2007

Nice avatar Tom - Just like some real life 'Calvin & Hobbes' characters I know (attached) : )

stephen · Mar 6, 2007

Can we have an update on the Treeflex's state of play? I have heard people in the UK have them NOW. Does anyone care to share their experiences with the new harness as its all gone a bit quiet out there!! (Or have I missed something posted somewhere recently??)

Lazarus2 · Mar 7, 2007

[ QUOTE ]
Can we have an update on the Treeflex's state of play? I have heard people in the UK have them NOW. Does anyone care to share their experiences with the new harness as its all gone a bit quiet out there!! (Or have I missed something posted somewhere recently??)

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Stephen

TreeFlex is for sale, I approve it, and am very happy with the quality finish. This is a long term, progressive project, so any feedback is welcome.

If anyone has any interest or queries, they can contact me and order via here:

http://www.treemettlenexus.com/treeflex.html

Lazarus2 · Mar 13, 2007

More pics:

http://www.safetytechnology.co.uk/arborist-treeflex.php

The following accessories are currently being manufactured for TFX:

- 1. Easy clip on/off hard seat for prolonged hanging stances with no foot support.

- 2. Simple suspenders for taking the weight of a chainsaw and using a chest ascender.

- 3. A chest harness designed to flip a head first fall (as from a MEWP/bucket truck. Rates the harness to EN361 for fall arrest. Very easy to unclip and leave behind when climbing from the bucket.

- 4. A padded shoulder yoke that velcros to either chest harness or suspenders; gives more comfort with heavy saws or during prolonged use.

- 5. A fixed ring front bridge.

This gives an all round package for work at height. Only available for TFX in TFX colours (to help ensure correct ergonomics and safe interaction).

frans · Dec 20, 2007

I have not read too much about the TreeFlex lately.

When I reviewed the saddle, I had it for a short time, during ideal working conditions. It was warm and dry, and the jobs I had were fairly easy. Also I didn't want to abuse the saddle I had because it was not mine.

Now, in the wet stormy weather I have been doing my best to thrash the crap out of my treeflex. Not in an abusive way, just putting the saddle through it's paces.

I chunked out a fairly large oak trunk with the 066 the other day, and the saddle stuck real good to my waist. I like how it doesn't slid down as easily as my B'fly.
It must be a combination of the shape of the back pad, the lumbar pad, and the buckle system to hold it on.

Also I noticed when I pull the saddle on with soaking wet pants, from the rain, not an 'accident'

, the buckle method of cinching the saddle tight to my waist actually IS EASIER to do, than with the traditional one buckle method.
It could just be me, but the treeflex seems to be easier to take on and off.

I have noticed that these same buckles actually can be loosened from being rubbed against.

I was moving around a stem, and the stem rubbed the buckle, caused it to release a bit, and the waist suddenly loosened.

This saddle has been out for awhile, does any one have new feedback on it?

Tom Dunlap · Dec 20, 2007

Frans,

There are a couple of ways to 'jam' the waist buckles.

Slide the elastic band close to the buckle.
Double back the tail of the webbing after you snug up the waist.

Ever since this style of buckle has been used on harnesses I've just gotten used to tightening them occasionally. To me, it isn't a big deal. Kind of like stopping to wipe the grime off of my glasses. That forces me to slow down and look around at the view occasionally.