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HFAS, USA Pro, etc - issues?

So thanks to @enkriss I ended up trying yet ANOTHER attachment method.

I know this seems like alot, but I really can't stand buckle straps for a multitude of reasons.

So Enkriss mentioned the USA Ultimate being the best So I looked that up, looked at my supplies, and realized I can make one. I took my 3/16 full bury HFAS rope that already had their HFAS attachment on it, and added a second one. Throw that around the tree, put the rope end through the first prussik, pulled tight like a truckers hitch with a daisy chain, then hooked the second prusik around the versa button and pulled tight.

Didn't even have to toe hook it was so tight to the tree. I toe hooked it anyways and I'm pretty sure the tree would break before this platform kicked out.

The only thing I wish I could figure out is how to do a schwabisch with these prussik loops, because once these amsteel prussiks are pulled tight, they're a little tough to break loose. I know there's a way but I've tried a couple times and end up goofing it up somehow.

So, thanks Enkriss for the suggestion on the USA Ultimate! I think I'll use this one going forward.

1000003732.jpg
BT
 
So thanks to @enkriss I ended up trying yet ANOTHER attachment method.

I know this seems like alot, but I really can't stand buckle straps for a multitude of reasons.

So Enkriss mentioned the USA Ultimate being the best So I looked that up, looked at my supplies, and realized I can make one. I took my 3/16 full bury HFAS rope that already had their HFAS attachment on it, and added a second one. Throw that around the tree, put the rope end through the first prussik, pulled tight like a truckers hitch with a daisy chain, then hooked the second prusik around the versa button and pulled tight.

Didn't even have to toe hook it was so tight to the tree. I toe hooked it anyways and I'm pretty sure the tree would break before this platform kicked out.

The only thing I wish I could figure out is how to do a schwabisch with these prussik loops, because once these amsteel prussiks are pulled tight, they're a little tough to break loose. I know there's a way but I've tried a couple times and end up goofing it up somehow.

So, thanks Enkriss for the suggestion on the USA Ultimate! I think I'll use this one going forward.

View attachment 101884
BT
That’s just a USA Pro, right? Or is there another one now?
 
I have a RDA Truckers Elite attachment coming but I’m not sure why. One of my impulse buys but I will try it. Once I got it figured out, The LWCG Fix platform is practically bolted to the tree with the cam strap.
 
I have a RDA Truckers Elite attachment coming but I’m not sure why. One of my impulse buys but I will try it. Once I got it figured out, The LWCG Fix platform is practically bolted to the tree with the cam strap.

I think once you try the amsteel you'll like it alot better. Quieter, lighter, easier to get tight with one hand, etc. I really liked the RDA as it was rock solid, but I just wanted something thicker which is why I kept experimenting. I'm close to 300 pounds with gear so didn't feel comfortable on the 1/8th amsteel the RDA came with. I know it will hold but it's a mental comfort thing for me.

BT
 
So thanks to @enkriss I ended up trying yet ANOTHER attachment method.

I know this seems like alot, but I really can't stand buckle straps for a multitude of reasons.

So Enkriss mentioned the USA Ultimate being the best So I looked that up, looked at my supplies, and realized I can make one. I took my 3/16 full bury HFAS rope that already had their HFAS attachment on it, and added a second one. Throw that around the tree, put the rope end through the first prussik, pulled tight like a truckers hitch with a daisy chain, then hooked the second prusik around the versa button and pulled tight.

Didn't even have to toe hook it was so tight to the tree. I toe hooked it anyways and I'm pretty sure the tree would break before this platform kicked out.

The only thing I wish I could figure out is how to do a schwabisch with these prussik loops, because once these amsteel prussiks are pulled tight, they're a little tough to break loose. I know there's a way but I've tried a couple times and end up goofing it up somehow.

So, thanks Enkriss for the suggestion on the USA Ultimate! I think I'll use this one going forward.

View attachment 101884
BT

IMG_6829.jpegIMG_6829.jpeg
 
I think once you try the amsteel you'll like it alot better. Quieter, lighter, easier to get tight with one hand, etc. I really liked the RDA as it was rock solid, but I just wanted something thicker which is why I kept experimenting. I'm close to 300 pounds with gear so didn't feel comfortable on the 1/8th amsteel the RDA came with. I know it will hold but it's a mental comfort thing for me.

BT

Just went ahead and ordered one of these USA ones too.
 
I appreciate the detailed pic! I'll have to try and recreate this hitch. I also see that your loop is around the main line. I'll switch that up too.



BT

It makes things easier. Just grab that piece of mainline that’s through the loop to go around the button.




IMG_6830.jpeg

Then pull tight and put the other hitch loop(s) over the button.

This is a pretty narrow post in my basement so it’s not the best example.

IMG_6831.jpeg
 
This is exactly how I use mine. It's what I was trying to show you in my pictures from post #2

I can see that now. I had tried to make a full bury prusik to try that and then got called away to do something for the wife, and then by the time I had my other HFAS prusik I forgot about what you posted lol.

BT
 
I can see that now. I had tried to make a full bury prusik to try that and then got called away to do something for the wife, and then by the time I had my other HFAS prusik I forgot about what you posted lol.

BT
I've been using those for the last 2 seasons and have had zero problems getting tight to the tree. The second hitch really tightens down the usa
 
I've been using those for the last 2 seasons and have had zero problems getting tight to the tree. The second hitch really tightens down the usa

I can definitely see that. This works much better.

To sum it up, out of all the ones I have tried, I would rank them below. This is only my opinion based on what I've tried and others may find they like something else.

1. My home made USA Pro.
2. My home made RDA elite thing with 3/16th hangfree daisy
3. RDA Elite
4. CAP trucker with HFAS attachment - this method is solid but due to how close the daisy loop is, the prusik was wanting to be pulled through the loop
5. HFAS rope with HFAS attachment
6. CAP trucker hitch

BT
 
Nice work figuring out the Swabisch thing(usually takes me a dozen tries while watching a video). I don’t use a tender on the first hitch, but I think it should be like this

Thanks. The way that first hitch works, I don't think the tender will even come into play. The only reason I stuck it on there is because it was attached to that HFAS prusik already. I contemplated cutting it off but decided against it.

BT
 
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