Evo leg straps

[bac078]

so I am just tinkering now, and have read most the threads here and am trying everything out just for fun. I have been a Trophyline user since 2007, and really worked on customizing it. Jhicks posted that he re-routed the leg straps, so i thought I would try. First, i criss crossed them, and ran them up between my legs, which cramped my crotch, but not where it was painful. it did stop the straps from putting slight pressure on my inner thighs.

then I rerouted them under my thighs, thus leaving no strap to go between my legs. It actually seemed to work very similar to J eberharts custom saddle. I believe this is what Jhicks actually did. my only comment is it seemed to slightly press my legs together. However, I usually hunt very narrow trees, so i was always finding myself squeezing my legs together to keep my knees together and pressed against the tree.

not sure if i will keep this setup or not, wont know til i put in some 4-6 hour sits. The neat thing is you can change these while hanging without having to get down.

 

[swampsnyper]

I like it. Was thinking the same thing. Gonna have to try it.

 

[redsquirrel]

interesting. keep us updated on how you like it.

 

[jhicks54]

so I am just tinkering now, and have read most the threads here and am trying everything out just for fun. I have been a Trophyline user since 2007, and really worked on customizing it. Jhicks posted that he re-routed the leg straps, so i thought I would try. First, i criss crossed them, and ran them up between my legs, which cramped my crotch, but not where it was painful. it did stop the straps from putting slight pressure on my inner thighs.

then I rerouted them under my thighs, thus leaving no strap to go between my legs. It actually seemed to work very similar to J eberharts custom saddle. I believe this is what Jhicks actually did. my only comment is it seemed to slightly press my legs together. However, I usually hunt very narrow trees, so i was always finding myself squeezing my legs together to keep my knees together and pressed against the tree.

not sure if i will keep this setup or not, wont know til i put in some 4-6 hour sits. The neat thing is you can change these while hanging without having to get down.

Yep, that's what I did, but it's not as safe as how it's designed so do it at your own risk. Just 'connect' the straps in the middle so they don't slide out from under the seat while you're hunting. This should help the straps to act as a single unit. I suggested to Casey and Barbara that they try sewing the straps together where they meet between the legs (which I believed would allow them work together and help reduce pinching).


But, here is the twenty thousand dollar question: why not use wider webbing straps to help disperse pressure? Imagine if Casey had used 2" webbing under the hips and legs. You probably wouldn't even need all the adjustment buckles. If those straps were wider and worked (sewn) together, then you could shift and adjust any pressure by tree strap height and bridge length. He then could have just sewn a loose piece of 1" webbing in a "T" shape at the crotch to catch you from falling through. (That's why the leg straps are configured the way they are. Casey believes it's a vital safety feature, and I can't argue that. But, I do believe it can be better...).

 

[jhicks54]

I can't believe I got sucked back into this!! Ha ha!! I had taken a nice long hiatus after getting so much flak about 'not giving it a chance'.

 

[bac078]

i actually bought a sewing awl to make my own linemans belt and tree strap from 9000 lb straps. i may try to throw a couple of stitches on there like you suggested and see what happens

 

[jhicks54]

i actually bought a sewing awl to make my own linemans belt and tree strap from 9000 lb straps. i may try to throw a couple of stitches on there like you suggested and see what happens

I also bought a sewing awl.....

 

[redsquirrel]

jhicks, I am also a huge fan of 2" webbing. The original anderson tree sling used 2"...

 

[jhicks54]

jhicks, I am also a huge fan of 2" webbing. The original anderson tree sling used 2"...

Which is what I usually grab on my way out the door.....

 

[redsquirrel]

jhicks, I am also a huge fan of 2" webbing. The original anderson tree sling used 2"...

Which is what I usually grab on my way out the door.....

lol

 

[bac078]

yeah, really wish they went with the 2inch straps on the leg straps at least. i routed them through the plastic loops to keep the straps from moving too far forward or backwards. i definitely like this setup better than the between the legs route. time will tell. i also put a couple of stitches to bind the leg straps at my rear. Thanks for starting me down this path Jhicks

 

[Stykbow1]

jhicks, I am also a huge fan of 2" webbing. The original anderson tree sling used 2"...

Which is what I usually grab on my way out the door.....

lol

Red,

Are you hunting from an Anderson Tree Sling?

Roger,

 

[DaveT1963]

I also caught flack for modifying my aerohunter (I completely did away with the leg straps)..... I will tell you this, I have never been more comfortable in a saddle since I modified it. Is there an increased safety risk???? I suppose if you don't pay attention or if something breaks it could be - but I did the risk analysis and determined that the slight increase in risk is worth it to me. To me it is no more dangerous then climbing trees on metal sticks with a lineman's belt. The two most dangerous times in any tree hunt is climbing and when you transition form stick to stand (research proves that) so for me I am always connected and I don't transition - so unless my platform breaks the risk just isn't there like it would be if you were cutting a tree down and moving from limb to limb. I am 52 and I actually don't like heights but I always feel safe wearing my minimalist saddle.

JHicks what kind of sewing awl did you get? I want to start making much more of my own equipment as after many years I know what works for me best.

 

[jhicks54]

Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HGIJQ4/re ... dwb4F9EDC3

 

[jlh42581]

I may have to try this too, Ive got my leg straps loosened to the point they dont do anything.

Personally id like to see this saddle have the piece for your butt extended and these leg straps gone completely. Find another way to tether me into the saddle. Its by far my least favorite part about the saddle itself.

I can feel where it pinches my legs in my head and I havent had it on for days.