Crazy_Jimmy
Participating member
- Location
- Texas
Does anybody know anything new about the TreeFlex Saddle?
TreeFlex
- Thread starter Crazy_Jimmy
- Start date
Welcome crazy jimmy!
How crazy?
/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Or Bonkers
/forum/images/graemlins/bounce.gif
Or just a little bit odd...
/forum/images/graemlins/fruit.gif
/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
We are running photo shoots of the finished product next week - once I have the final advert, I'll be posting it on TreeBuzz.
If you are in the UK between September 21st and 24th, TreeFlex will be on sale at the APF forestry show near Warwick. It will be a good opportunity to compare the ergonomic and technical features alongside other established harnesses, plus new products like treeMotion.
200 will be on sale, though many have been pre-sold from the Bathhurst trade fair.
We have other treats up our sleeve also /forum/images/graemlins/zha.gif
Hopefully we'll see you at Warwick? /forum/images/graemlins/brows.gif
Attached are some reasons to consider TreeFlex.
How crazy?
/forum/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
Or Bonkers
/forum/images/graemlins/bounce.gif
Or just a little bit odd...
/forum/images/graemlins/fruit.gif
/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif
We are running photo shoots of the finished product next week - once I have the final advert, I'll be posting it on TreeBuzz.
If you are in the UK between September 21st and 24th, TreeFlex will be on sale at the APF forestry show near Warwick. It will be a good opportunity to compare the ergonomic and technical features alongside other established harnesses, plus new products like treeMotion.
200 will be on sale, though many have been pre-sold from the Bathhurst trade fair.
We have other treats up our sleeve also /forum/images/graemlins/zha.gif
Hopefully we'll see you at Warwick? /forum/images/graemlins/brows.gif
Attached are some reasons to consider TreeFlex.
- Location
- healdsburg, CA
I am looking forward to getting my hands on the TreeFlex in time for my spring workload!
Just a reminder that their are folks waiting for this saddle. So dont stop working on it!!
Just a reminder that their are folks waiting for this saddle. So dont stop working on it!!
Reg
Branched out member
- Location
- Victoria, BC
There's a sense of confidence in your post Laz, I look forward to seeing the photo's.
hehe, you might wanna check the date of that post contract
Reg
Branched out member
- Location
- Victoria, BC
Oh yeah, thanks Steve, what a dumb ---- I am at times. Sorry Laz, put my foot in it a little there.
Reg
Branched out member
- Location
- Victoria, BC
Guess what.... I saw it earlier, the white whale of harnesses, its real, and actually looks like a nice piece of kit. Ive only seen the latest pictures mind, but was pleasantly suprised. A solid yet slick profile, nothing appears to be wasted, with everything in the right places. I hope to try the Treeflex in the next couple of weeks, and I'll be brutally honest in my testimont, no point in being otherwise.
Ive never really been into legloops, prefering the hardened seat style instead. I once tried the Buckingham Arbor master which put me off for life. I'll give this one a go and report back, lets hope its been worth the wait.
Ive never really been into legloops, prefering the hardened seat style instead. I once tried the Buckingham Arbor master which put me off for life. I'll give this one a go and report back, lets hope its been worth the wait.
dont judge a leg loop harness by the buckingham!
- Location
- Tha Dirty Bean
Thanks for the photos Paolo, hopefully the saddle is closer to final production. A couple questions (one of them a repeat from another thread): are there any carabiner pass-throughs on the belt webbing? Also, are the straps that run from the bridge shackles to the leg loops adjustable?
Hi Leon
The leg risers are not adjustable. The waist risers are adjustable to triangulate with the length of leg riser. Another option, is to unclip the leg riser, and fix the shackle directly to the leg loop ring. The waist risers can then be taken in to match this distance. Another option is to change the length of bridge.
The webbing is fixed to the pad at the hips and centre back, so there are many options for placing flat plastic tool karabiners/pouches/sheaths/first aid kits etc.
I hope that helps.
The leg risers are not adjustable. The waist risers are adjustable to triangulate with the length of leg riser. Another option, is to unclip the leg riser, and fix the shackle directly to the leg loop ring. The waist risers can then be taken in to match this distance. Another option is to change the length of bridge.
The webbing is fixed to the pad at the hips and centre back, so there are many options for placing flat plastic tool karabiners/pouches/sheaths/first aid kits etc.
I hope that helps.
- Location
- healdsburg, CA
Simple and elegant is what comes to my mind when seeing the pictures of this saddle.
Remember how cars in the 80s & early 90s had a huge amount of vacuum tubing going everywhere? Now days engines on cars are much simpler and have a clean uncluttered look.
I like a saddle that is funtional and actually works very well.
The B'fly 1 is a simple saddle but works well. I am hoping that the treeflex is the same.
Remember how cars in the 80s & early 90s had a huge amount of vacuum tubing going everywhere? Now days engines on cars are much simpler and have a clean uncluttered look.
I like a saddle that is funtional and actually works very well.
The B'fly 1 is a simple saddle but works well. I am hoping that the treeflex is the same.
Re: TreeFlex Now Available!
Well thank you Frans! I'm happy thats how it comes across, as it was part of the design remit.
I am pleased to announce that I have test ridden the production version of Treeflex, and it is now available for sale.
Please check my website for sizing info and links to safety technology.
Please contact me at Paolo@treemettlenexus.com for further information.
All feedback welcome.
Kind Regards
Paolo
Well thank you Frans! I'm happy thats how it comes across, as it was part of the design remit.
I am pleased to announce that I have test ridden the production version of Treeflex, and it is now available for sale.
Please check my website for sizing info and links to safety technology.
Please contact me at Paolo@treemettlenexus.com for further information.
All feedback welcome.
Kind Regards
Paolo
Re: TreeFlex Now Available!
Sorry CMW, I didn't make that clear.
To set the record straight, I have always been very happy with the design and fit and adjustability. As was everyone else that tried it, I think. It was only a question of final fittings and finish.
I am very proud of the final version. If you click on the pics on the website you can get a closer look. IMHO It really is very tidy, simple and effective, with room for customisation.
It isn't yet available in the states. However, you can have one mailed to you and pick up the import charges. Because of the exchange rate, this will put the price in the region of $450 I should think.
I hope that helps!
Sorry CMW, I didn't make that clear.
To set the record straight, I have always been very happy with the design and fit and adjustability. As was everyone else that tried it, I think. It was only a question of final fittings and finish.
I am very proud of the final version. If you click on the pics on the website you can get a closer look. IMHO It really is very tidy, simple and effective, with room for customisation.
It isn't yet available in the states. However, you can have one mailed to you and pick up the import charges. Because of the exchange rate, this will put the price in the region of $450 I should think.
I hope that helps!
TC
Participating member
[ QUOTE ]
http://www.treemettlenexus.com/treeflex.html
Weighs bang on 3lbs (1.7 Kg).
[/ QUOTE ]
Congratulations on achieving your goal of getting the TreeFlex to the market place.
Very good photographs combined with explanations and diagrams on your website.
Very professional indeed.
The harness looks very well made, but how is it different from the Komet Butterfly 1?
http://www.treemettlenexus.com/treeflex.html
Weighs bang on 3lbs (1.7 Kg).
[/ QUOTE ]
Congratulations on achieving your goal of getting the TreeFlex to the market place.
Very good photographs combined with explanations and diagrams on your website.
Very professional indeed.
The harness looks very well made, but how is it different from the Komet Butterfly 1?
Glad you like it Grover!
I think I've covered most of the aspects why TreeFlex was developed in other threads. Take a look in the training and health section for arborist ergonomics. And the other TreeFlex thread in Rant and Rave.
To help answer your question, TreeFlex is designed differently to any other harness; the fit is to the fused bones of the pelvis rather than the waist. Here are some points I copied from another post of mine:
After analising likely MSD issues with Dee 3 years ago, we looked at ways in which arborists could greatly reduce their risk of MSDs, with the least amount of change. These were the priorities:
No.1 was arborist awareness
No.2 was the harness, to hold the body as best possible in a practicable way.
No.3 was the use of powerful legs and buttocks in ascent (their natural function) rather than hands, arms, shoulders and back.
No.4 was correct alignment of all component parts of the Muscular-skeletal system during ascent.
No.5 was efficient work positioning, posture, stance, use of spurs and chainsaws in the tree.
The list goes on.
A suitable harness could not be found that was suitable for improving all the above points. The TreeFlex addresses all of the above, not least No.1, which is why we are discussing this!
The TreeFlex is the only harness on the market, that meets all of the following requirements:
1. A sit harness designed to fit the human system in the most ergonomically efficient way.
2. Independant leg loops.
3. A front sliding bridge.
4. A waist attachment point designed to take a chest ascender.
5. A rear loop designed to hold a simple chest sling to hold the chest ascender (For The 'Frog' system of ascent, which is widely recognised as the most versatile and effective SRT ascent system).
6. A modular design to enable replacement of worn parts.
7. An effective adjustment system to gain the correct seated position for any size of climber.
8. A back pad that works at supporting the climber properly, whether sitting or standing on spurs.
9. A design than prevents the harness waist belt from riding up into the ribs.
10. A design that maintains a low centre of gravity with the sliding bridge.
11. Ergonmically designed gear loops that do not require too much twisting of the back and wrist to clip or unclip gear.
12. A centre back attachment point for easy clipping of the chainsaw, to ensure the weight is centrally loaded.
13. Karabiner slots for easy racking of gear/clipping the chainsaw high, including one at centre back.
14. active lining that stimulates blood circulation to the skin avoiding soreness, with high breathability for hot weather.
15. Strategically placed padding to seat the harness correctly and avoid discomfort.
A suitable harness that met these 15 points was a tall order, and unfortunately I couldn't find one. Which meant we had to design one and find someone to patent and manufacture it. It will also be available in three sizes.
Paolo.
--------------------
CAVEAT: This post is the opinion of the author, without prejudice...So help me God.
Edited by Lazarus2 (07/20/06 03:22 AM)
I think I've covered most of the aspects why TreeFlex was developed in other threads. Take a look in the training and health section for arborist ergonomics. And the other TreeFlex thread in Rant and Rave.
To help answer your question, TreeFlex is designed differently to any other harness; the fit is to the fused bones of the pelvis rather than the waist. Here are some points I copied from another post of mine:
After analising likely MSD issues with Dee 3 years ago, we looked at ways in which arborists could greatly reduce their risk of MSDs, with the least amount of change. These were the priorities:
No.1 was arborist awareness
No.2 was the harness, to hold the body as best possible in a practicable way.
No.3 was the use of powerful legs and buttocks in ascent (their natural function) rather than hands, arms, shoulders and back.
No.4 was correct alignment of all component parts of the Muscular-skeletal system during ascent.
No.5 was efficient work positioning, posture, stance, use of spurs and chainsaws in the tree.
The list goes on.
A suitable harness could not be found that was suitable for improving all the above points. The TreeFlex addresses all of the above, not least No.1, which is why we are discussing this!
The TreeFlex is the only harness on the market, that meets all of the following requirements:
1. A sit harness designed to fit the human system in the most ergonomically efficient way.
2. Independant leg loops.
3. A front sliding bridge.
4. A waist attachment point designed to take a chest ascender.
5. A rear loop designed to hold a simple chest sling to hold the chest ascender (For The 'Frog' system of ascent, which is widely recognised as the most versatile and effective SRT ascent system).
6. A modular design to enable replacement of worn parts.
7. An effective adjustment system to gain the correct seated position for any size of climber.
8. A back pad that works at supporting the climber properly, whether sitting or standing on spurs.
9. A design than prevents the harness waist belt from riding up into the ribs.
10. A design that maintains a low centre of gravity with the sliding bridge.
11. Ergonmically designed gear loops that do not require too much twisting of the back and wrist to clip or unclip gear.
12. A centre back attachment point for easy clipping of the chainsaw, to ensure the weight is centrally loaded.
13. Karabiner slots for easy racking of gear/clipping the chainsaw high, including one at centre back.
14. active lining that stimulates blood circulation to the skin avoiding soreness, with high breathability for hot weather.
15. Strategically placed padding to seat the harness correctly and avoid discomfort.
A suitable harness that met these 15 points was a tall order, and unfortunately I couldn't find one. Which meant we had to design one and find someone to patent and manufacture it. It will also be available in three sizes.
Paolo.
--------------------
CAVEAT: This post is the opinion of the author, without prejudice...So help me God.
Edited by Lazarus2 (07/20/06 03:22 AM)
TC
Participating member
Thanks for the response
I would very much like to try this harness, I'm sure I will.
Just out of interest, could you briefly explain what you and Dee think of batten seat type harnesses-dragonfly, traverse, skybelt etc.
I use these harnesses and like them, but I do feel something funny going on with my hip joints.
I would very much like to try this harness, I'm sure I will.
Just out of interest, could you briefly explain what you and Dee think of batten seat type harnesses-dragonfly, traverse, skybelt etc.
I use these harnesses and like them, but I do feel something funny going on with my hip joints.
Hi Grover. We've been asked this before.
I don't particularly wish to get in a fight with others over what is good/bad for us.
However, it is our opinion that a leg loop saddle allows less hip restriction than a baton seat, but a baton seat is better than a soft sit strap. We will be producing a bosuns seat fro the harness, but it acts differently than a baton seat, and encourages a true sitting position; not something to constantly branch walk with! More for sitting in space fiddling with cobra/cables.
It really depends on the harness, and how it fits. I always preferred a baton seat, but it ran across the hip joints and pulled in the wrong way. The design also allowed my legs to hang too low (lack of hamstring support), which placed excessive force on the lower back by tilting the pelvis too far forward.
I would never recommend any production climber use a soft sit strap, because of the crushing effect on the hip joints. The hip joint just isn't designed to take that type of constant pressure.
Once I learned how to adjust a leg loop saddle to be comfortable in the groin area, I really noticed the freedom of movement. My hips and back have certainly thanked me for it. But a poorly adjusted leg loop saddle can still encourage back problems if the hamstrings aren't supported properly.
I don't particularly wish to get in a fight with others over what is good/bad for us.
However, it is our opinion that a leg loop saddle allows less hip restriction than a baton seat, but a baton seat is better than a soft sit strap. We will be producing a bosuns seat fro the harness, but it acts differently than a baton seat, and encourages a true sitting position; not something to constantly branch walk with! More for sitting in space fiddling with cobra/cables.
It really depends on the harness, and how it fits. I always preferred a baton seat, but it ran across the hip joints and pulled in the wrong way. The design also allowed my legs to hang too low (lack of hamstring support), which placed excessive force on the lower back by tilting the pelvis too far forward.
I would never recommend any production climber use a soft sit strap, because of the crushing effect on the hip joints. The hip joint just isn't designed to take that type of constant pressure.
Once I learned how to adjust a leg loop saddle to be comfortable in the groin area, I really noticed the freedom of movement. My hips and back have certainly thanked me for it. But a poorly adjusted leg loop saddle can still encourage back problems if the hamstrings aren't supported properly.
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