@drew13. The problem with an uncontrolled test like that is that, well, it’s uncontrolled. You don’t know the amount of force being applied. Sure, you could do some math and get a guestimation, but there are a lot of variables to account for. If you run that same test a second time will it lead to failure in one of the components. Are you willing to take a chance at a fall knowing the only thing keeping you up has already been subjected to a test of unknown forces.
I think if a person is making a saddle with rated materials the only thing that needs to be tested is the stitching. This could be done with pieces or segments of a saddle like the lineman loops/belt connection, the stitching joining the waist belt to the buckles or the leg strap connection to the seat. The way I see it you wouldn’t have to build and destroy an entire saddle. Let’s face it, if you fell and the seat material ripped from the webbing and your butt was hanging out the bottom would you fall? There are really only a few areas of concern IMO. Mock up replicas and destroy those with minimal material/time loss and sew with confidence.
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