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Adding a bridge to new tl saddle

Root

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2016
Messages
620
I bought a new trophyline saddle. I love everything about it except for the bridge. Between the wide webbing and hip pinch I need to put a different bridge on.

Which leads me to what is the safest way to add a different bridge?
 
I believe ur only option are the either the linesman loops or the molle loops. Once you've figured that out, then it's just doing the locked brummel and sewing the bury on the spliced end.
 
My old TL I used the linemans loops. But I was hoping someone invented another method.
 
I'm also having issues with the 2 in bridge webbing on the Trophy hunter Pro, has anyone connected a smaller tubular web bridge to the lineman loops.
 
I really wish they would attach the bridge with loops so people could mod it easier.
 
Why not form loops with the existing bridge? I am assuming you want to cut it anyway.
 
I was having some hip pinch too. If you guys have tried this, ignore what I'm saying. Have you put the tether above your head with 2 ft between your girth hitch and attachment to bridge? Along with this, keep your butt above knee level 8" or so (between a wall sit position and completely standing, maybe a little lower). After doing these two things, it was like a completely different saddle. I was almost at the bridge cutting point of no return too until I stumbled upon this. As far as bridge width goes, the black diamond mini pearabiner or the black diamond positron allow the bridge to slide pretty smoothly if you're not already using them. Hope this helps!
 
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I tried using a lone wolf strap as a bridge. Adjustable and seems like it'll work. Anyone use one also?
 
I’ve been messing with my Ambush Lite the last few hunts. First, my biggest issue I believe, is I need a L/XL instead of M/L. I have a 34-35” waist so I figured the 36” max would be ok, and it might be. Anyways, I noticed that I get a lot of pressure in my waist in this saddle. Kinda like hip pinch, but higher. My Kestrel, seemed to have equal pressure in waist belt as well as under butt/leg straps. Sometimes there’s no pressure at all on the bottom of the saddle under my butt. Like I can reach down and the netting and the bottom straps are loose and saggy. Feels like I’m leaning in an old waist belt style safety belt. After about an hour it gets pretty uncomfortable. I’ve tried moving it up and down on me, higher/lower tether, closer and further from the tree... this booger is tricky...

Well, I somewhat found an answer. If I tie my girth hitch ridiculously high, like nearly as high as I can reach, it will finally even out some of the pressure. BUT, with it that high, it feels like it’s pulling the bridge up into the bottom of my ribs(exaggeration, but it kinda does), also seems like the tether is right in my face, especially in the sitting position. Now, I have a bit of a belly, but wouldn’t say fat, but in this position fees like the bridge is squeezing my belly. I also have a short torso, so that doesn’t help...

So, to fix the new problem I created, (and to get to the answer I had for the OP) once I get to height and tethered in, I use my linesman belt as a new bridge. Simply hook it across in front of me, clip it in carabiner with stock bridge, slip out stock bridge, and set back into and lengthen until I find that sweet spot. Just MAKE SURE that you put your LB IN THE BINER BEFORE YOU REMOVE OLD BRIDGE! Stay attached at all times!

Now this has helped a great bit, but still not where I want it yet.. if I can’t get it dialed in I will post in classifieds for a trade to a larger size. I will say, that trying to one stick in this thing is worse than a RC harness as far as comfort, but at least it makes you climb faster, you don’t wanna hang any longer than you have to..


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I’ve been messing with my Ambush Lite the last few hunts. First, my biggest issue I believe, is I need a L/XL instead of M/L. I have a 34-35” waist so I figured the 36” max would be ok, and it might be. Anyways, I noticed that I get a lot of pressure in my waist in this saddle. Kinda like hip pinch, but higher. My Kestrel, seemed to have equal pressure in waist belt as well as under butt/leg straps. Sometimes there’s no pressure at all on the bottom of the saddle under my butt. Like I can reach down and the netting and the bottom straps are loose and saggy. Feels like I’m leaning in an old waist belt style safety belt. After about an hour it gets pretty uncomfortable. I’ve tried moving it up and down on me, higher/lower tether, closer and further from the tree... this booger is tricky...

Well, I somewhat found an answer. If I tie my girth hitch ridiculously high, like nearly as high as I can reach, it will finally even out some of the pressure. BUT, with it that high, it feels like it’s pulling the bridge up into the bottom of my ribs(exaggeration, but it kinda does), also seems like the tether is right in my face, especially in the sitting position. Now, I have a bit of a belly, but wouldn’t say fat, but in this position fees like the bridge is squeezing my belly. I also have a short torso, so that doesn’t help...

So, to fix the new problem I created, (and to get to the answer I had for the OP) once I get to height and tethered in, I use my linesman belt as a new bridge. Simply hook it across in front of me, clip it in carabiner with stock bridge, slip out stock bridge, and set back into and lengthen until I find that sweet spot. Just MAKE SURE that you put your LB IN THE BINER BEFORE YOU REMOVE OLD BRIDGE! Stay attached at all times!

Now this has helped a great bit, but still not where I want it yet.. if I can’t get it dialed in I will post in classifieds for a trade to a larger size. I will say, that trying to one stick in this thing is worse than a RC harness as far as comfort, but at least it makes you climb faster, you don’t wanna hang any longer than you have to..


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It sounds like you might be in more of a sitting position (which you should be ideally) but these seem to be more comfortable in a semi-seated position. I found if I get into a position above sitting with the Trophylines (below standing but above a wall sit position) with the tether like you described it's really comfortable for me. I am a 34" waist and sit in a L/XL too if that helps!
 
It sounds like you might be in more of a sitting position (which you should be ideally) but these seem to be more comfortable in a semi-seated position. I found if I get into a position above sitting with the Trophylines (below standing but above a wall sit position) with the tether like you described it's really comfortable for me. I am a 34" waist and sit in a L/XL too if that helps!

Thanks, I’ll give that position a try. Usually I’m either full standing/leaning or completely sitting. I’ll try a mixture of the two. I’m wishing I would’ve gotten the L/XL. I know using the LB for a bridge definitely helped with the strange pressures, but something else needs to give for me to 100% with this thing. My old Trophyline was awesome, as was my Kestrel and Kite. I’m wanting to like this one as much.


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I tried using a lone wolf strap as a bridge. Adjustable and seems like it'll work. Anyone use one also?
Are you talking about a lone wolf climbing stick strap with the cam buckle? If so, I would do some research. I'm not sure what those straps are rated at, but I'm not sure it's the best material for a bridge. If you like the webbing, a lot of guys, myself included are using tubular webbing.

Ultimately it's your decision. And maybe you've done your research and feel comfortable with it. I've just never heard of anyone using one for a bridge. I just couldn't read your post and not voice my concern because your life is on the line, and I don't want to see a thread of how someone broke their neck doing something that was avoidable.
 
I agree i like my new TL ambush but hate the thickness of the bridge strap..i dont want to cut it off incase i sell it(because of the bridge) i made a whoopie for it to try and like that better but will make another utilibridge once i dial it in on my mantis for it..just trying to find away to secure it that it doesnt get in the way but that buckle kinda digs in my side if i run it behind me..anyone has any ideas short from cutting it off?
 
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