TreeFlex

I can but try Frans. Something tells me you won't have to wait too long for a review. Of course, you have to bear in mind who is giving the review and why, and if they understand the objective of the design or have taken the time and advice to fit TFX properly, e.g. we could easily have designed an armchair of a harness, that couldn't be faulted for comfort and support - but in our view, such a harness would only encourage improper posture and poor 'core stabiltiy' (we don't like the term), leading to MSDs. TFX possibly won't support weak backs and abdominals, which is very common, no matter how big the biceps or ego. But it will encourage proper posture, by allowing freedom of movement and APPROPRIATE support. Rather than relying on reviews, it is better to try the harness under knowledgable supervision. This is the best thing about trade fairs. So a review from someone who has had a proper fit at a trade fair, should be a fair review : )

There has been some talk about relevant standards and breaking strength of European vs US equipment. Rest assured, the tests that Euro harnesses have to go through are tough. Including a 6ft fall factor 2 drop test. Even though that type of fall shouldn't be experienced in arborist work, but easily could be (standing on TIP to prune higher branch tips/standing with slack in footlock prusik) its nice to know a certified (EN 813) harness can take it.

I heard it on good authority, that a certain american saddle brand that took the test had to be modified. The rivets pulled and had to be box stitched around to pass the drop test.

What no 'one off' test of a new item of equipment can account for, is how any product will last over time. This is something that takes time to assess. It is up to each purchaser to ensure each product is 'fit for purpose', bearing in mind the manufacturers recommendations, original design intent and correct interaction with other components of the safety system.

Reflecting this statement on TFX, we have used the most durable components we could find to fit the purpose of the design, based on products that have stood the test of time under extreme conditions (anyone ever seen the state utility harnesses get into?). TFX is a work harness designed for hard workers, and light enough for rec climbing. There was no heading for 'cool factors' in our design brief.

Bearing in mind a force of 12kN will likely kill you, and that hip D's are 15kN (without distorting after 3 mins) and always used together, and the centre anchor point can take a 6ft drop test in a factor 2 fall, and a pull test of 23kN (without distorting), it isn't going to be the harness that fails. Another reason not to wear a harness around the waist - just think what will happen to your internals with those types of forces.
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we could easily have designed an armchair of a harness


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Laz2,

Don't mean to be difficult here, but does that mean that you do not advocate the use of the ubiquitous Cresto Skybelt(bosuns Double sliding Ds)?

It is about as close as you could get to an armchair for treeclimbing.

Don't Cresto make the TreeFlex?

Get out of that one if you can
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I was recently faced with the prospect of new harness purchase. I tried several and eventually purchased the TreeFlex. I can report that it accommodates my aged larger frame and transports me efficiently and comfortably around the tree- by the time I get to my work position I,m usually knackered and it gives me no complaint whilst waiting around catching my breath and shouting at grounds men. I’ve yet to try it in SRT mode.

I obviously lack the ability to give the detailed critic that others seem to have with harness review- but on a negative side I can report that unfortunately it did not endow me with magical powers to emulate the skill and expertise of the top guys in the same way that in my other life – I purchased an expensive sail for my windsurfing exploits (as used by a legendry sailor) – first time out, I hit a wave ramp and with the expectation of 3m jump- recall clearly the ripping sound as I fell head first through my investment.

Frank 1
 
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Nothing to get out of there Grover:

The TreeFlex brand, registered design, trademark, and patent is owned by STL. STL have the final say on components and build. Cresto are making TreeFlex under licence. Cresto are a quality manufacturer with a well deserved reputation for durability. We are very happy to be associated with that.

Our product is unique. We are setting an ergonomic benchmark in harness design, that has not been previously realised. Cresto have decided to play a part in that. Purchasers have to decide if that is what they wish to be a part of or not.

Whatever Cresto (or anyone else) manufactures other than TFX, is none of my business.
 
I'm confused Laz2,

Does that mean if the climber is relying on his/her core strength then you'd be as well using a bog standard butt starp harness a la Weaver or god forbid Willans?
 
The best way to sit up with core stability (Unless you are gymnast standard) is on a strap or plank/swing.

Straps restrict movement of the hip joints, and in our humble opinion, put pressure on the hip joints that they (the hip joints) are not designed for. Planks are great for sitting on if they don't have that negative pressure (some run across the hip joint and do still compress). However, they do restrict the hip (cannot spread legs in a natural manner).

As we all know, if sitting around was all we had to do then a bosuns chair would be the business. We have to climb through trees, walk up ropes, walk out on branches and spread our legs for stability. A bosuns seat becomes restrictive and bulky to tote around. We are producing a clip on plank for when sitting around in TFX for long periods.

So, individual leg loops are the best all round option, if built to support better. A pelvic support allows a much more comfortable cradle, when sitting, half sitting and half leaning: It spreads the load between the pelvis and hams without restricting the back or hips or nerve lines. Or, rather, the tFX pelvic support doesn't. It also carries a load better too by avoiding pinch spots on nerve lines and hip joints, which is helpful when trussed up with c/saw and rigging gear out on a limb, being pulled from different rope supports.

That covers sitting around or climbing around. Then there is climbing up - the legs need to articulate and straighten down, without restriction from a rigid support. For efficient SRT, a chest strap can be tensioned to pull the climber upright by attaching to a croll or chest box.

Then you have to stand on spurs or in a tree and lean back on a flipline. Normally, this is the only time some back supports come into action. Large back supports restrict a proper ranger of motion of the spinal components (like staking a tree too high, weakening core stability). If they are worn low like a hipster style, they can pinch on key nerve lines, because the buttocks extend further than the sacrum, and so take the load. This can cause pressure on the sciatic nerve line. Thinner pads don't distribute the load effectively for any period of time. TFX is cut to be as wide a support as possible with a raised sacrum pad to counter these effects, without being restrictive.

You didn't think I went to STL saying "I'm a really good climber, me, and you should make a product with my name on it" did you? I would have been laughed off home!

This product has come to fruition from an important stand point - improving the health and safety of industrial climbers. This isn't my project, I've just played my part in helping us all to work with increased ergonomic safety.

Some people expect us to give away the product too.
 
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You didn't think I went to STL saying "I'm a really good climber, me, and you should make a product with my name on it" did you? I would have been laughed off home!

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No I didn't think that at all. It was interesting reading your post, as I have been climbing daily on the Cresto Skybelt hardseat double sliding ds(formally Svensk Tradvard) for years now. Before that Weaver butt strap, before that GQ parachute harness(blue and yellow))

I may have to re think my approach now you have made it clear for me to understand.

I think if you climb slow and steady you can feel stress on your body and you shift or adjust to a new position naturally.

I found the Skybelt to be very good indeed.When compared to other harnesses I have tried.

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Some people expect us to give away the product too.

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Yes Please, how about supplying it on the NHS in the UK?
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Looks like we're playing thread and post ping pong Grover
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I'm glad you see where I'm coming from, whilst trying to avoid sounding like I'm slating other products. Thats not what we want at all. The harnesses you state all have good points. I've climbed in them all for many years too.

Its a learning process for climbers, employers and manufacturers. We're trying to educate whilst protecting the investment in our product.

Good ergonomics for arbos is:
1. Preventative exercise
2. equipment designed for bio-mechanical efficiency
3. bio-mechanically efficient work techniques
4. appropriate training in the above
5. compensatory exercise

The design of TFX is an attempt to create an all round solid performing work harness, as a platform to support the above points. Doesn't mean it will be perfect for everyone.

It would be great to have it available on the NHS, only we'd still all be paying for it in a round about way!
 
Hello T&S

Thanks for your interest.

Our best endeavors are to ensure TFX becomes available to all arborists. We hope TFX will be in Hawaii this summer.

We will keep you informed!
 
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laz,

are you going to have the treeflex to demo/sale at the ISA conference (Hawaii) this summer? Thanks

jp
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With any luck I'll unveil it in the US and have it available for demo climbs at the GAA Arbor Day project this Saturday.

http://tinyurl.com/ynoh6d

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Were you able to get the treeflex for demo, I can't seem to find many reviews of this saddle, probably because it hasn't made it across the pond yet??

jp
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In a few days my TF is going to start on a journey to several other climbers for test flights. I'm going to cry when I ship the package because I like the harness a lot! since my current job doesn't require routine climbing I'll make do with my BFII. Stay tuned for more feedback.
 
I have not seen this saddle yet, but it is funny that you mention the BF11 Tom, because for some reason I suspect that the BF 1 & 11 are somewhat similiar to the TF in that they are both simple clean designs.
 
I´m priviliged since I´m retailing harnesses and get to try the new ones when they are launched. I have tried the TF for a few climbs and so far it is the best ever. When Mark is going to give his workshops in Norway next week I am going to take advantage of the opportunity to introduce the TF to th participants and hopefully get feedback showing if I´m way out of line or not. I´ll keep you posted.
Cheers
Svein
 
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