Time to upgrade saddle and safety

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EdJohnson

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I have climbed about a dozen trees. Highest point about 50 feet. I have an old climbing saddle and need to get something more comfortable. Should I buy new or used? Is it neccessary for me to spend hundreds on a saddle to be comfortable. I am 6 foot, 195 and in shape although I am almost 40 and all my friends think I am crazy for climbing. I have to admit it wakes me up to muscles I never new I had the day after but no long term pain or problems. I would climb more if my saddle were nicer. I also am interested in improving my safety situation. I have no formal training and would like to see how the pros do it. Any instructional videos or web sites out there? Thanks guys. Ed.
 
Ed,
Buy New! you never know what gear has been through or used for. Don't trust your life on gear that needs your life trusted on!

Tree climbers companion is a must have for literature.
 
I have climbed about a dozen trees. Highest point about 50 feet. I have an old climbing saddle and need to get something more comfortable. Should I buy new or used? Is it neccessary for me to spend hundreds on a saddle to be comfortable. I am 6 foot, 195 and in shape although I am almost 40 and all my friends think I am crazy for climbing. I have to admit it wakes me up to muscles I never new I had the day after but no long term pain or problems. I would climb more if my saddle were nicer. I also am interested in improving my safety situation. I have no formal training and would like to see how the pros do it. Any instructional videos or web sites out there? Thanks guys. Ed.

Ed, glad to see you wanting to climb.
New or used saddle? I'd prefer to go new, you never know what the previous owner put the saddle through. Although i think saddle newness is less important than rope newness-i've bought used saddles from guys i know, i'd never buy a used rope from anyone.
Spending hundreds on a saddle? Not necessary, i spend over eight hours a day six days a week in a saddle style that many around here consider obsolete. But it fits me well, fits my style of climbing extremely well, is very comfortable on my body the way it's set up, and costs less than half of what some of these newer saddles run (and oddly causes me less back pain than an ergovation.) It basically boils down to what is most comfortable for you. Check around, see if there is a dealer or supply house near you that will let you suspend from a saddle before you buy it.
If you want to see how the pros do it, go to where the pros do it.:D Websites, books, videos have their place (though personally i think they are given too much regard on this site) but there is no better way to learn than actually learning from a professional one on one who can answer your questions or critique any faults (not every tree climber is a pro, but you'd be amazed at what can be learned from them, even if it leans more to what should not be done.) I will add though, many pro climbers are self taught, if you have a good head on your shoulders that can often carry you quite a ways.
Anyway, good luck.
 
If you want to see how the pros do it, go to where the pros do it.:D Websites, books, videos have their place (though personally i think they are given too much regard on this site) but there is no better way to learn than actually learning from a professional one on one who can answer your questions or critique any faults (not every tree climber is a pro, but you'd be amazed at what can be learned from them, even if it leans more to what should not be done.) I will add though, many pro climbers are self taught, if you have a good head on your shoulders that can often carry you quite a ways.
Anyway, good luck.

That sound some very wise advice.
 
I am in a similar boat as you, except I'm 44 in a couple of weeks. I bought a petzl sequoia SRT for 380 on sale. I looked at the monkey Beaver the not Sentinel and some others but I think for my limited use the petzl Sequoia will be just fine.
 
Fully agree with the above posters.

When it comes to a device to protect your life, always buy new but also ensure you take the time to know how to properly fit it as well! You’d be surprised how many people are not properly wearing their gear and it does not function as designed when they need it.
Also if your climbing trees, always have a plan In Place and don’t proceed alone.
 

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