Tree Flex?
- Thread starter flying_kiwiman
- Start date
- Location
- Haddonfield, nj
i own a treemotion and have had the hardest time converting it into a srt friendly machine, i just today added a croll chest ascender but had to jump through some hoops to make a fixed attachment point
for these and other reasons i am going to pick up a treeflex this christmas, honestly, ive talked to jim dunlap about his and he loves it and all of these testimonials give me even more reason to pick it up, cant hurt to have two saddles right. worse comes to worst i could always push one of the two for a nicely reduced price
for these and other reasons i am going to pick up a treeflex this christmas, honestly, ive talked to jim dunlap about his and he loves it and all of these testimonials give me even more reason to pick it up, cant hurt to have two saddles right. worse comes to worst i could always push one of the two for a nicely reduced price
- Location
- healdsburg, CA
[ QUOTE ]
What's that Frans and Tom, are you both still serious in climbing in a Treeflex?
You both are real die hards. You're probably the last two tree climbers in the world not climbing in a Treemotion.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well actually, I had the fortune to be selected as one of the folks to try out this saddle and give my review.
You have to be honest and tell it as it is when that happens, no matter what. It is the right thing to do.
On another note (please excuse my derail), yes I would like to try out the TM, but I have not been asked. I dont blame anyone for that, after all I am just a guy with a tree company not some expert gear reviewer.
The price of the TM has put me off just buying it to check it out. I own alot of saddles.
The price of saddles has jumped for several reasons;
1. the U.S. dollar has declined
2. the TM has now set the benchmark price for the higher end performance saddles.
So,,, we as consumers of tree gear can now expect these high end saddles (especially from Europe) to be at, or close to the price of the TM.
Maybe we should campaign for some changes in the traditional saddles made here in the States?
I envision a hybrid saddle along the lines of the BryDan, mixed with the NewTribe, with the durability of say, a Weaver? And of course some of the Buckingham ideas should be incorporated as well (dont forget stealing some ideas from the Euros, the TreeAustria comes to mind).
If U.S. manufactures are not careful, and attentive to the market, the ENTIRE market for the higher end performance saddles will go to Europe.
What's that Frans and Tom, are you both still serious in climbing in a Treeflex?
You both are real die hards. You're probably the last two tree climbers in the world not climbing in a Treemotion.
[/ QUOTE ]
Well actually, I had the fortune to be selected as one of the folks to try out this saddle and give my review.
You have to be honest and tell it as it is when that happens, no matter what. It is the right thing to do.
On another note (please excuse my derail), yes I would like to try out the TM, but I have not been asked. I dont blame anyone for that, after all I am just a guy with a tree company not some expert gear reviewer.
The price of the TM has put me off just buying it to check it out. I own alot of saddles.
The price of saddles has jumped for several reasons;
1. the U.S. dollar has declined
2. the TM has now set the benchmark price for the higher end performance saddles.
So,,, we as consumers of tree gear can now expect these high end saddles (especially from Europe) to be at, or close to the price of the TM.
Maybe we should campaign for some changes in the traditional saddles made here in the States?
I envision a hybrid saddle along the lines of the BryDan, mixed with the NewTribe, with the durability of say, a Weaver? And of course some of the Buckingham ideas should be incorporated as well (dont forget stealing some ideas from the Euros, the TreeAustria comes to mind).
If U.S. manufactures are not careful, and attentive to the market, the ENTIRE market for the higher end performance saddles will go to Europe.
Treespotter
New member
- Location
- Houten, The Netherlands
The price stinks indeed, but be aware. If you're in the US and you really want to buy something 'Euro made' either a TM or TF, Petzl or any other product, I think you have to be quick.
The Dollar is in a free fall so rapid that the oil industry wants to be paid in Euro's very soon.
For me it's too bad I bought my Treeboat already a few years ago.
The great thing is I can change my Samson Speedline every week now
[ QUOTE ]
Well actually, I had the fortune to be selected as one of the folks to try out this saddle and give my review.
You have to be honest and tell it as it is when that happens, no matter what. It is the right thing to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've worked a few weeks in the treeflex too. First the Cresto version and later I was able to change that one for the Safety Technologies version.
The major disadvantage I couldn't live with was the fact that it didn't stay low around my hips (it kept running up to get stuck under my ribs even after removing the webbing between the ring and shackle). The waist padding works great though.
The Dollar is in a free fall so rapid that the oil industry wants to be paid in Euro's very soon.
For me it's too bad I bought my Treeboat already a few years ago.
The great thing is I can change my Samson Speedline every week now
[ QUOTE ]
Well actually, I had the fortune to be selected as one of the folks to try out this saddle and give my review.
You have to be honest and tell it as it is when that happens, no matter what. It is the right thing to do.
[/ QUOTE ]
I've worked a few weeks in the treeflex too. First the Cresto version and later I was able to change that one for the Safety Technologies version.
The major disadvantage I couldn't live with was the fact that it didn't stay low around my hips (it kept running up to get stuck under my ribs even after removing the webbing between the ring and shackle). The waist padding works great though.
- Location
- Minneapolis
I'm liking my TF because of simplicity and weight but am still weaning off the Weaver. One thing I noticed---I figured this type of bridge would have more range of motion. Sometimes my ring gets hung on a shackle. I didn't figure this would happen. Maybe I need a longer bridge.
- Location
- Retired in Minneapolis
To keep the TF back pad low you need to keep the leg straps snug. Not tourniquet tight but a bit tighter than you might be used to.
After getting my leg straps dialed in the harness stays in place nicely. The leg straps are not so tight to restrict my movements at all.
After getting my leg straps dialed in the harness stays in place nicely. The leg straps are not so tight to restrict my movements at all.
- Location
- healdsburg, CA
[ QUOTE ]
The great thing is I can change my Samson Speedline every week now
[/ QUOTE ]
Go man Go! I just have to admire a guy who sees an opportunity and seizes it!
Carpe Jugulum!
-Terry Pratchett
The great thing is I can change my Samson Speedline every week now
[/ QUOTE ]
Go man Go! I just have to admire a guy who sees an opportunity and seizes it!
Carpe Jugulum!
-Terry Pratchett
chris_girard
Branched out member
- Location
- Gilmanton, N.H.
I got Tree Flex from Bailey's at the Expo and love it! I can't say enough good things about this saddle. It is everything that Paolo and others have been talking about.
I will not climb in any other saddle from now on.
Buy one, you will not regret it.
I will not climb in any other saddle from now on.
Buy one, you will not regret it.
- Location
- Haddonfield, nj
hey steve, im picking it up for myself, just too nice of a saddle to say no to and id rather pick it up now when i have the money than wait til i grow up and get real bills like car payments and such, i stopped feeling the sting of the treemotion purchase about 2 weeks after i bought it, im hoping it wont take that long for the treeflex now that im big pimpin spendin g's
[ QUOTE ]
I'm liking my TF because of simplicity and weight but am still weaning off the Weaver. One thing I noticed---I figured this type of bridge would have more range of motion. Sometimes my ring gets hung on a shackle. I didn't figure this would happen. Maybe I need a longer bridge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
The bridge was designed as a trade off. Like most things, what gives in one area takes from another.
A longer bridge is certainly an option. The trade off would be having to reach furher for the hitch out on limbs and losing efficient stride when ascending with a RAD technique/ trad body thrust. Personally, I find a lower anchor point more efficient all round. What I personally am very pleased with, is the way the ring stops at the shackle to prevent dumping on the side (a problem with longer bridges), but then extra reach comes into play from the waist and leg risers to give that little bit extra, without having a hitch anchored around the chest.
The ring doesn't actually get hung on a shackle, but I know what you mean. It can get hung on the strap where it joins the shackle. This is easily avoided; if you look at the strap (sliding bridge), you will notice where the end is finally stitched - this is what can catch the ring. If this is flipped round on the shackles, the ring won't catch. You an also tape over the ends to create a taper.
Some climbers have mentioned how the ring or karabiner can get jammed on the risers. This happens only when clipped in to the bridge twice, from two opposed anchor points. Seems to me this puts high vector forces on any sliding bridge, and I wouldn't recommend it. Again, it is easily avoided; I always clip both lines from opposing angles to the ring, or use the blue attachment point or hip Ds for the second line (depending on the situation).
Wolter - TFX shouldn't rise up at all, certainly not to the ribs, especially as it is cut away in that area. Each time I have seen this, the waist belt was cinched higher than the hip bones (i.e. a conventional problem with a conventional fitment), and was easily rectified by loosening and pushing down further; once cinched to the hip bones it stays put. The leg loops can be left loose, but the leg risers will have to be removed and the shackle clipped directly to the leg loop rings to maintain the correct effect (work positioning). For SRT, the leg straps and croll strap should always be cranked close for maximu efficiency. They are easily backed off when changing to work positioning.
Cranking the Croll strap tight for good upright support and efficiency with SRT, will pull the waist belt up at the back, which helps maintain an efficient position for ascent. When I change over to work positioning, I just push it down to its original position without adjusting anything, and it stays put (After slacking off the croll).
Frans - I can't say I've ever noticed the buckles come loose at all, but then I tuck them off simply and effectively. I too have done a lot of rigging with a 28" 372 and Double braids hanging from 80ft +. No need for shoulder straps.
I hope that helps. Just minor changes in style for the greater good of ergonomic efficiency.
TFX has given me a new lease of contracting life, and I'm loving it!
I'm liking my TF because of simplicity and weight but am still weaning off the Weaver. One thing I noticed---I figured this type of bridge would have more range of motion. Sometimes my ring gets hung on a shackle. I didn't figure this would happen. Maybe I need a longer bridge.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
The bridge was designed as a trade off. Like most things, what gives in one area takes from another.
A longer bridge is certainly an option. The trade off would be having to reach furher for the hitch out on limbs and losing efficient stride when ascending with a RAD technique/ trad body thrust. Personally, I find a lower anchor point more efficient all round. What I personally am very pleased with, is the way the ring stops at the shackle to prevent dumping on the side (a problem with longer bridges), but then extra reach comes into play from the waist and leg risers to give that little bit extra, without having a hitch anchored around the chest.
The ring doesn't actually get hung on a shackle, but I know what you mean. It can get hung on the strap where it joins the shackle. This is easily avoided; if you look at the strap (sliding bridge), you will notice where the end is finally stitched - this is what can catch the ring. If this is flipped round on the shackles, the ring won't catch. You an also tape over the ends to create a taper.
Some climbers have mentioned how the ring or karabiner can get jammed on the risers. This happens only when clipped in to the bridge twice, from two opposed anchor points. Seems to me this puts high vector forces on any sliding bridge, and I wouldn't recommend it. Again, it is easily avoided; I always clip both lines from opposing angles to the ring, or use the blue attachment point or hip Ds for the second line (depending on the situation).
Wolter - TFX shouldn't rise up at all, certainly not to the ribs, especially as it is cut away in that area. Each time I have seen this, the waist belt was cinched higher than the hip bones (i.e. a conventional problem with a conventional fitment), and was easily rectified by loosening and pushing down further; once cinched to the hip bones it stays put. The leg loops can be left loose, but the leg risers will have to be removed and the shackle clipped directly to the leg loop rings to maintain the correct effect (work positioning). For SRT, the leg straps and croll strap should always be cranked close for maximu efficiency. They are easily backed off when changing to work positioning.
Cranking the Croll strap tight for good upright support and efficiency with SRT, will pull the waist belt up at the back, which helps maintain an efficient position for ascent. When I change over to work positioning, I just push it down to its original position without adjusting anything, and it stays put (After slacking off the croll).
Frans - I can't say I've ever noticed the buckles come loose at all, but then I tuck them off simply and effectively. I too have done a lot of rigging with a 28" 372 and Double braids hanging from 80ft +. No need for shoulder straps.
I hope that helps. Just minor changes in style for the greater good of ergonomic efficiency.
TFX has given me a new lease of contracting life, and I'm loving it!
chris_girard
Branched out member
- Location
- Gilmanton, N.H.
Hey Paolo, like I said before, TFX will be the saddle of the future that all others are measured by.
I can't say enough good things about mine, and I don't miss a chance to let other climbers know about the features that TFX offers compared to convensional saddles.
I especially like the way it is setup for the SRT and using it with my Croll makes it so easy to ascend.
I can't say enough good things about mine, and I don't miss a chance to let other climbers know about the features that TFX offers compared to convensional saddles.
I especially like the way it is setup for the SRT and using it with my Croll makes it so easy to ascend.
Happy new year Chris!
You've been encouraging from the start of the project, so I'm especially happy TFX works for you and others that wanted to see it produced, and have committed their time and money in various ways from development to review to purchase and feedback. Thank you to all.
And glad to hear you're using a Frog Walker - TFX was designed for it.
Keep me posted.
Cheers
P.
You've been encouraging from the start of the project, so I'm especially happy TFX works for you and others that wanted to see it produced, and have committed their time and money in various ways from development to review to purchase and feedback. Thank you to all.
And glad to hear you're using a Frog Walker - TFX was designed for it.
Keep me posted.
Cheers
P.
- Location
- Victoria, BC
That's it I'm getting one...
- Location
- Haddonfield, nj
do it jordan, you wont, your mama wont let you
im still play with the idea, maybe after next weeks check
im still play with the idea, maybe after next weeks check
- Location
- Minneapolis
[ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
[/ QUOTE ]
I am loving it Paolo and thanks for following up on my post. I was kinda joking about weaning off the Weaver. Anyway, somewhere you mentioned a recommended chest harness for the croll. Could you go over that again as I couldn't find it on your site? I have a Voltige but I don't think that's the one you mentioned.
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
[/ QUOTE ]
I am loving it Paolo and thanks for following up on my post. I was kinda joking about weaning off the Weaver. Anyway, somewhere you mentioned a recommended chest harness for the croll. Could you go over that again as I couldn't find it on your site? I have a Voltige but I don't think that's the one you mentioned.
- Location
- Haddonfield, nj
hey jim, i was looking to push the tm to a fellow buzzer but after inspecting my tm the other day i found my leg webbing was worn out, more so that i would think a leg strap should be after only about 9 months worth of climbing, i honestly dont feel comfortable pushing the saddle on to someone else, i mean, if i spend 350 bucks for a used saddle i would still want it in near perfect condition, also, if the strap does break, there is no replacing it because it is sewn in, definatly a defect in the making of the treemotion
as far as what is better, i havent climbed in the treeflex, the treemotion is great, but not srt friendly like they stated, in retrospect, i wish i had bought the treeflex, but then again, that may have similar problems down the road we might not know about until it gets a real field testing, only time will tell
as far as what is better, i havent climbed in the treeflex, the treemotion is great, but not srt friendly like they stated, in retrospect, i wish i had bought the treeflex, but then again, that may have similar problems down the road we might not know about until it gets a real field testing, only time will tell
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
[/ QUOTE ]
I am loving it Paolo and thanks for following up on my post. I was kinda joking about weaning off the Weaver. Anyway, somewhere you mentioned a recommended chest harness for the croll. Could you go over that again as I couldn't find it on your site? I have a Voltige but I don't think that's the one you mentioned.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
The strap that I use to hold the croll is the Petzl Torse.
I feel this is the most adjustable, which is critical when fine tuning the quick adjust buckle (just below the collar bone). It also has enough adjustment for taller users, and the quick release buckle at the rear makes for very simple on and off. This could be critical if locked on a static anchor point with the Croll when swarmed by bees; by using a keylock nosed krab for the croll to attach to the blue TFX anchor, you wouldn't have to fiddle to get the cam off in a sressful situation - just unclip the karabiner up front and the buckle to the rear and leave it all behind attached to the rope.
I find the Petzl Williams works perfectly for attaching the Croll to TFX.
If its a fall arrest chest harness you're after, we have one that is ideal for TFX. It comes with a removable Yoke that can be velcro'ed off. This yoke can also be worn under the Torse for taking the weight of BIG saws. This is a sternal attachment, which we feel is safer than dorsal, allowing self rescue. Unfortunately, in the states only a dorsal is allowed for true fall arrest.
The Voltige isn't ideal for the Croll.
At the moment, Ben is playing with the hard seat prototype up a wind turbine in Denmark somewhere, I think. My turn next - I'll keep you posted.
I hope that helps.
Cheers
P.
[ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
Glad you're liking your TFX.
[/ QUOTE ]
I am loving it Paolo and thanks for following up on my post. I was kinda joking about weaning off the Weaver. Anyway, somewhere you mentioned a recommended chest harness for the croll. Could you go over that again as I couldn't find it on your site? I have a Voltige but I don't think that's the one you mentioned.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Chuck
The strap that I use to hold the croll is the Petzl Torse.
I feel this is the most adjustable, which is critical when fine tuning the quick adjust buckle (just below the collar bone). It also has enough adjustment for taller users, and the quick release buckle at the rear makes for very simple on and off. This could be critical if locked on a static anchor point with the Croll when swarmed by bees; by using a keylock nosed krab for the croll to attach to the blue TFX anchor, you wouldn't have to fiddle to get the cam off in a sressful situation - just unclip the karabiner up front and the buckle to the rear and leave it all behind attached to the rope.
I find the Petzl Williams works perfectly for attaching the Croll to TFX.
If its a fall arrest chest harness you're after, we have one that is ideal for TFX. It comes with a removable Yoke that can be velcro'ed off. This yoke can also be worn under the Torse for taking the weight of BIG saws. This is a sternal attachment, which we feel is safer than dorsal, allowing self rescue. Unfortunately, in the states only a dorsal is allowed for true fall arrest.
The Voltige isn't ideal for the Croll.
At the moment, Ben is playing with the hard seat prototype up a wind turbine in Denmark somewhere, I think. My turn next - I'll keep you posted.
I hope that helps.
Cheers
P.
[ QUOTE ]
hey jim, i was looking to push the tm to a fellow buzzer but after inspecting my tm the other day i found my leg webbing was worn out, more so that i would think a leg strap should be after only about 9 months worth of climbing, i honestly dont feel comfortable pushing the saddle on to someone else, i mean, if i spend 350 bucks for a used saddle i would still want it in near perfect condition, also, if the strap does break, there is no replacing it because it is sewn in, definatly a defect in the making of the treemotion
as far as what is better, i havent climbed in the treeflex, the treemotion is great, but not srt friendly like they stated, in retrospect, i wish i had bought the treeflex, but then again, that may have similar problems down the road we might not know about until it gets a real field testing, only time will tell
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for considering TFX as a solution to your needs Marc - I certainly hope you like it - Yikes!!!
hey jim, i was looking to push the tm to a fellow buzzer but after inspecting my tm the other day i found my leg webbing was worn out, more so that i would think a leg strap should be after only about 9 months worth of climbing, i honestly dont feel comfortable pushing the saddle on to someone else, i mean, if i spend 350 bucks for a used saddle i would still want it in near perfect condition, also, if the strap does break, there is no replacing it because it is sewn in, definatly a defect in the making of the treemotion
as far as what is better, i havent climbed in the treeflex, the treemotion is great, but not srt friendly like they stated, in retrospect, i wish i had bought the treeflex, but then again, that may have similar problems down the road we might not know about until it gets a real field testing, only time will tell
[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks for considering TFX as a solution to your needs Marc - I certainly hope you like it - Yikes!!!
