Weaver saddle thoughts

[Sciuropterus]

I recently purchased a Weaver 08-01038 Floating Dee Extra Wide Back saddle from Fresco in MN. This was my first Weaver saddle.

During my first few climbs, I could not help but notice that, whenever I was suspended, a significant amount of stress was concentrated on the rivets where A: the leg strap attaches to the waist belt, and B: where the bridge strap passes thru the the leg strap.

This is happening at point A because the leg strap is affixed to the waist belt at a 90º angle. Under load, the leg strap is pulled sideways which imparts a twisting force on the attachment point at the waist belt. The stress at point B is partially a result of the bridge strap passing thru the leg strap instead of the leg strap passing thru the bridge strap layers.

I have attached a photo, & used Photoshop to illustrate simple design changes that would seem to eliminate some serious stress areas on an otherwise fine product.

 

[mattmann]

nice post. I have had the same thoughts!

 

[speelyei]

interesting... you took time to put a copyright on the picture! No matter, I'll photoshop it out and be selling them like hotcakes at the Saturday market!

 

[BarnHouse]

I was considering this model for my first saddle so your thread definately was of interest to me. Do you think the Weaver was a good choice or would you have steered away from it knowing what you now know?

Have you contacted Weaver with your idea? I have talked to their customer service people before for product info, they seem really nice to deal with. Probably be open to suggestions on how to improve the product, especially coming from someone in the industry.

-BarnHouse

 

[Sciuropterus]

I bought the Weaver as a backup/loaner saddle. I don't feel it is unsafe or anything, I just think the load forces could have been better directed, which would extend the service life. I plan to keep/use this saddle.

I sent the photo and comments similar to my initial post to Weaver, I really don't expect them to drop everything and change the saddle design, but you never know.

The floating Dees on the bridge seem like they would destroy the stitching on the bridge strap in a short amount of time, they should put a metal roller on the dee (like they use on the side dees and buckles). The plastic roller/carabiner works great, I will probably be removing the stock floating dees.

I have worked in the textile/commercial sewing industry and I instantly notice things like stress points and sideways loading.

 

[mick]

does anyone know if the buckingham mobility has this problem..ive looked at the pictures but the leg strap slack covers the area....