Thread: Climbing saddles

I've finally decided that my saddle sucks. Well, it doesn't suck, it's just not right for me. It's a weaver w/ 6" back pad and sit strap. Even when unloaded the saddle is heavy so when I cram it full of tools, I'm like an anchor! I also am not fond of the attachment points. Sit strap D's and two side D's. I have to use a spreader snap to avoid hip pinch and that thing weighs a ton too. I've started looking at two new saddles to try but want feed back first. The master II is the first one I want to try, and the arbormaster pro series on pg 9 of the Sherrill catalog. I think I want the individual leg straps. They both seem to have a lot of attachment points and loops for hanging tools. Any positive or negative feedback would be appreciated.

Many saddles look comfortable but do not fit the way you would expect. I almost bought a couple different saddles including Buckingham, Petzl Navaho and others based on pictures. But luckily I found local places where I could try them on and I am grateful I didn't buy them.
Start calling different suppliers within driving distance and find out who has what in stock. Then grab a rope and go try them on, including hanging from a rope in them! They may feel ok standing in the showroom but you won't know for sure until you set a rope and clip in.
I'm still looking for someone who has a Butterfly that I can try on. I will not buy one unless I try it first.

I totally agree with TC165: many saddles look good in a picture...then end up sucking wind. I had a really good opportunity to try on and actually climb in many different types of saddles when I was at Arbor Master training. Some saddles looked really great laying there on the ground, but after strapping it on and putting some weight in it: totally different story. Some saddles, no matter how many adjustments they have, just don't fit certain people. Anyway, here is my 2 pennies on the saddles you mentioned (cause I tried em both):

Master II
The Master II is part of the "ArborMaster Series" of saddles. I tried on a few of these, including the Master II. My complaint here is that the waist belt and bottom parts of the saddle are an integrated unit: that is, you cannot separate one from the other. Also, each one has its own limited number of attachment points (I'm talking lifeline attachments here, not tool/accesory). Further, the attachment points are not always located in the place you want them. Of all the saddles in the ArborMaster Series, I found the Master II the most appealing...but even it has limited attachment points (compare the Master II to the Pro Series w/ Pro Master Bottom and you'll see the difference).

.... then I tried on the Pro Series saddles.....

Pro Series
As alluded to above, one of the things I really liked about these saddles was the fact that that the "belt" is separate from the "bottom": they are not integrated. This appealed to me because I was uncertain as to which type of bottom I wanted to get: legstraps vs. bosun seat. There are two other characteristics of these saddles that are nice too:
a. lots of different lifeline attachment points
b. lots of different tool/accessory attachment points

I ended up getting the bosun seat and like it so far. I wanted a seat that was comfortable in a sitting position: could not get that from the legstraps.

I've played with various lifeline attachement points too: each distributes weight differently. I can't tell you how many times I've made use of the various attachement points when in precarious climbing situations: it is nice of have lots of choices based on your climbing position - for example, you can connect the lanyard to any of the lifeline attachments via a beaner.

If you find yourself sitting on a branch while in the tree for some reason, the bosun seat can be a little unsteady: that is where the legstraps would be better. Some climbers I know say that footlock is easier with the legstraps too..... but I don't have any probs with footlocking and my bosun seat. If I ever really wanted to switch to the legstraps, it is simply a matter of swapping the bosun out: a 5 minute job and you're ready to go.

The only drawback to the Pro Series saddles is the price: get ready to drop at leat $300. Nevertheless, you get what you pay for.

Find a store that has the both saddles and check em out in person, bearing in mind the things I've mentioned and I think you will see how different the two saddles really are.

Thanks for the input fellas. I know someone w/ a master II that I can try on. There is only one store locally that carries any climbing gear and I just found out about it last weekend. Don't know what kind of saddles they might have. Anyone recommend a rolling D. Looks like a rolling D would be great for positioning; bad for getting your elbow pinched! ! !

1 floating D is good, 2 is better. If you use a split tail system you can walk through your rope with 2 floating D's, comes in handy sometimes. Leg straps allow for more agile climbing instead of pushing your legs/hips together like the saddle you've been using. However, be warned that leg straps have been known to pinch the family jewels if you cross your legs wrong, not something you'd likely do twice.

Aaaawwwww, Crikey! ! ! I need those things!

I have the Pro Versatile with small D's which I dislike, I'd rather have large D's.
The D's flop back and were a pain until I used tie wraps to keep them forward.
The HDP rollers will give you liposuction if you aren`t careful.
It's a comfortable saddle to wear.

I started with a saddle with individual leg straps. I'm a big guy and the thing squished me. 10 minutes and I was through - what a waste of money.

The saddle I have now has a board to sit in. Now, I can stay in a tree all day long, if need be. I think it's the Pinnacle model. It has good attachment points, etc.

Dan

My Butterfly has to be one of my best equipment buys. Super comfy. I can only compare it to my old butt strap saddle.

Nathan,
Can you mail me your Butterfly saddle for a couple days so I can try it out? I'll send it right back, I promise!!

No problem, the thing only weighs like 3 pounds.

I really like it and it has helped me evolve (as a climber). That may be more of a reflection of the poor quality of my old saddle than the good quality of the new.

I'm a huge fan of the Butterfly! The most comfy saddle I've used in over 25 years of climbing.

Crotch bite is not as much a function of having leg straps as being a funcion of saddle design. Before the Butterfly I used a Blair Ultra Light. that is a really nice saddle and modular too. The Back Jack waist belt gives the best support of any on the US market. The Butterfly is just a little shy of the support that the UL offers.

If a climber spends much of their time sitting on the rope in the saddle then a batten seat saddle might be a good choice. If the climbing style is one where the climber stands and moves to the work leg straps give more freedom of motion.

At the ITCC last summer I'm guessing that about 15-18 of the approx. forty climbers were in Butterfly saddles. Does that mean anything? Does to me.

Tom

Tom,
Do you have any web addresses of any US suppliers for the Komet Butterfly? I'd like to track one down and get more info. I still won't buy it sight-unseen, though. As soon as Nathan mails me his I will be in a better position to make a decision.

there's been alot of talk about
whether or not to get a saddle
w/ a floating d or not. my saddle
sports a floating d and i don't see
how someone could climb w/out one.
it's awesome how no matter how you
twist and turn, your center of gravity
is always at your hips. great balance.
good luck bro,
budroe

Floating D does seem the way to go. Limb walking is kind of a pain when you have to walk somewhat sideways or shimy out and the rope is anchored to the front and only the front. Besides some of the slidding D ring saddles have extra positioning loops sewn in. Do those extra loops do a good job for clipping in to instead of clipping in to the roller?