A bridge too far

[Horn]

Why use the amsteel at all? Rope and accessory cord doesn't bind like amsteel and the wieght savings are minimal. I think webbing slides a little easier when you rotate but it's not like cordage won't let you rotate

 

[cjr4497]

Hahaha it’s super cool. I can’t believe how many different options there are which is why I started the thread and poll. Do you have a sewn eye on one side or is it figure 8 opposite the prusik?

Fisherman's knot to a sliding D ring on one side to a self tending prusik on the opposing D ring. It is a pretty slick setup.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Fisherman's knot to a sliding D ring on one side to a self tending prusik on the opposing D ring. It is a pretty slick setup.

@JCLINE84 knows what the hell he’s building. I bet HTP is a really dope bridge material. Stiffness must let it glide through carabiner really nicely. If I had to switch to a rope bridge I’d choose HTP. Overwatch is right at the top of my list for the next saddle I’m buying. Just phenomenal stuff.

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Why use the amsteel at all? Rope and accessory cord doesn't bind like amsteel and the wieght savings are minimal. I think webbing slides a little easier when you rotate but it's not like cordage won't let you rotate

Because “saddle hunting”, bro. Because mobile and really getting back there on public and because Amsteel is stronger than steel and super low bulk lightweight will help you float if you fall out of the tree into a deep crick…
Right?

 

[1simplemann]

Currently I'm using Resc tech and a sticht hitch on my right side. Works great. One handed adjustment. Slides easy, Bites solid. However I may try a Amsteel whoopie next year. I run a low tether and a short bridge. Sometimes When I pivot to the left , the hitch hits the Biner and "tends" it. Then I go for little ride! Sort of scary but I'm not really going that far. Maybe an 1". As you can imagine, I don't like that feeling and I definitely have to pay attention to it. I think a Whoopie would solve that issue so I'm going to play w/ it this spring.

 

[TreeRecon]

Just watched a bunch of videos from “Hownot2highline” about amsteel and the climbing applications they use it for. Gotta say the results from the no stretch and bad bury issues were eye opening. They didn’t have anything break below 40kn which doesn’t scare me but that bury releasing if not don’t properly of deep enough is crazy. What’s a guy to do? I was leaning towards the triad with resc tech and amsteel schwabish on both sides…now I’m torn. No pun intended. Would you think a couple of sewn eye hollow blocks are better for that connection?

You have a lot of choices. Any quality climbing line is strong enough. The human body can only take around 6kN and most climbing lines are around 20-23kN with an average SWL of over 500lbs. Unless you're a hefty guy and basal anchoring, anything quality will work

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

You have a lot of choices. Any quality climbing line is strong enough. The human body can only take around 6kN and most climbing lines are around 20-23kN with an average SWL of over 500lbs. Unless you're a hefty guy and basal anchoring, anything quality will work

Most quality climbing lines are comparable price to, or cheaper than Amsteel anyway, and work with much wider ranges of hitch materials and hardware.

 

[cjr4497]

@JCLINE84 knows what the hell he’s building. I bet HTP is a really dope bridge material. Stiffness must let it glide through carabiner really nicely. If I had to switch to a rope bridge I’d choose HTP. Overwatch is right at the top of my list for the next saddle I’m buying. Just phenomenal stuff.

The HTP moves easily through the carabiner. Its stiffness makes stepping through the bridge very easy when putting the saddle on. I have been extremely satisfied with my Transformer the last three years. Overwatch makes an excellent back band now too. The stitching is perfect just like on their saddles.

 

[Craft518]

I would be interested in some photos of a non amsteel triad bridge that’s HTP or Resctech/oplux. What are you using for hitch cord from the saddle to the bridge rope?

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

I would be interested in some photos of a non amsteel triad bridge that’s HTP or Resctech/oplux. What are you using for hitch cord from the saddle to the bridge rope?

I use TRC on Resctech. Not as bridge but that’s what I’d do if it was for a bridge.

 

[bowhunthard88]

I would be interested in some photos of a non amsteel triad bridge that’s HTP or Resctech/oplux. What are you using for hitch cord from the saddle to the bridge rope?

I've had good success with 5.5mm Beal Kevlar (Jammy material), Edelrid 6mm Aramid, and 6mm Probe. I actually prefer the 5.5 Kevlar currently. Also experimenting with some stuff from Wildline Ropes at the moment...

 

[KYRanger]

The HTP moves easily through the carabiner. Its stiffness makes stepping through the bridge very easy when putting the saddle on. I have been extremely satisfied with my Transformer the last three years. Overwatch makes an excellent back band now too. The stitching is perfect just like on their saddles.

I too have an Overwatch Transformer saddle made by @JCLINE84. Agree his stuff is top notch and he's a good dude. I was shocked at how good the HTP works. He installed the bridge. Knots can be a little bulky but I really like this saddle and the HTP Bridge. It is shockingly smooth. This is my go to saddle, although I do occasionally use a CRUZR XC mesh saddle when it's hotter and it has an Amsteel bridge.

 

[jsh909]

Redundant 11mm bridges. People think they need to constantly adjust their bridge because their saddle has the feature. You truly don't IMO.

Since OP asked about Amsteel:

Contrary to popular saddle hunter belief, Amsteel is not designed for climbing applications or life safety. Great product for what it's intended for, but you won't find any industries pimping it as bridge or tether material.View attachment 95887

What knot did you use here? I am looking to go with a fixed rope bridge and get away from amsteel

 

[TreeRecon]

What knot did you use here? I am looking to go with a fixed rope bridge and get away from amsteel

Scaffold

 

[jsh909]

Scaffold

Thought so just confirming.

Haven't decided on rope yet. Got a few around here to test, but probably going to buy some 8 or 9mm diameter stuff to play around with

 

[DelaWhere_Arrow]

Scaffold

Thought so just confirming.

Haven't decided on rope yet. Got a few around here to test, but probably going to buy some 8 or 9mm diameter stuff to play around with

Any reason to/not to use “cord” vs “rope” as a bridge material? Asking for a friend…

 

[TreeRecon]

Thought so just confirming.

Haven't decided on rope yet. Got a few around here to test, but probably going to buy some 8 or 9mm diameter stuff to play around with

I think my TX5 came with 8mm. I really prefer a thicker bridge, it keeps itself in position better and there's zero disadvantage. I replaced it right away

 

[TreeRecon]

Any reason to/not to use “cord” vs “rope” as a bridge material? Asking for a friend…

what you'll find is the following qualities make a good bridge :

-High MBS
-Abrasion resistant
-Can take knots (most arb saddles use stopper knots against a rigging plate)

Rated climbing rope checks all those boxes, especially Kermantle

 

[jsh909]

I think my TX5 came with 8mm. I really prefer a thicker bridge, it keeps itself in position better and there's zero disadvantage. I replaced it right away

Thanks I will keep that in mind, I have some 10, 11 and 12mm sections laying around. I am going to try a few different configurations after hunting season and see what works best for my situation.

 

[jsh909]

Any reason to/not to use “cord” vs “rope” as a bridge material? Asking for a friend…

I was basically thinking of breaking strength and more durability(abrasion resistance) of rope. Maybe I am off on that thinking

EDIT:
Well @TreeRecon beat me to it, but that was my line of thinking as well