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New bridge necessary?

A

Alud555

Active Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2020
Messages
104
I purchased a used saddle and the adjustable bridge is slightly frayed. Is this a problem? Is it time for a new bridge?

I thought about just tying a second bridge on but wanted to get some input.
 

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it does not look to me that that bridge is frayed to a dangerous level, to me that looks like that's where the buried end is and a few of the threads from theb bury have worked through a bit. it's been used for sure, but i'd keep using it if it were me. would encourage you to make your own safety decision though, if a second bridge makes you feel safer, go for it.
 
Still Kicking said:
I personally would replace it simply because I don't want to use anything amsteel as a primary life support line. I use it on sticks and accessories but not on a bridge. I know a lot of people trust it but not this old man.
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I replaced mine with Sterling TRC 6mm for the hitch and Oplux as the bridge. I just re-did it this year with some leftover Oplux. If Oplux isn't available, the Rescuetech is available.
 
In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with that bridge in the area shown. Amsteel shows signs of wear like that pretty quick.
I also prefer climbing rope though.
 
Seems like just about all who replied dislike amsteel for a bridge. I personally don't like it for anything other than my atv winch cable.
Swapping to a climbing rope is what I would do.
 
Bowtie747 said:
Can someone explain why they don’t like amsteel for a bridge? I’m really curious! Thanks
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it seriously falls outside of the specifications of use given by the manufacturer of amsteel (samson), it is probably the most purely static cord imaginable (which means for all its strength it will break easier than you think during a fall) and it is not recommended for a hitch or a rope with a hitch on it because it melts at a low temperature (around boiling point of water) and so if you were to fall hard and it slipped and got hot then your hitch and bridge might become very slick suddenly

there's no one in the world using amsteel (at least not openly advocating it and not getting pushback) in this manner besides saddle hunters and a few saddle makers

the only reason to use it i can see is that it is cheap, easily spliced, and cool looking
 
raisins said:
it seriously falls outside of the specifications of use given by the manufacturer of amsteel (samson), it is probably the most purely static cord imaginable (which means for all its strength it will break easier than you think during a fall) and it is not recommended for a hitch or a rope with a hitch on it because it melts at a low temperature (around boiling point of water) and so if you were to fall hard and it slipped and got hot then your hitch and bridge might become very slick suddenly

there's no one in the world using amsteel (at least not openly advocating it and not getting pushback) in this manner besides saddle hunters and a few saddle makers

the only reason to use it i can see is that it is cheap, easily spliced, and cool looking
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Hey thanks! I’ll definitely have to look into that. What do guys recommend as a replacement? Are those replacements user friendly for changing out yourself on a saddle currently setup with amsteel?
 
For my sit drag, I used a figure eight knot on one side and a bowline on the other. I'll do the same for now but will probably buy some rope to make an adjustable with 8mm and 6mm sterling as raisins suggested
 
Would someone mind posting pictures of their bridges? I’ve been looking at some companies (tx5) who use sterling but they used what looks to be amsteel as the small look to connect the sterling to the bridge. Really looking more into this. Thanks!
 
I like my bridge easily adjustable and climbing rope with hitch cord, tender & carabiner is optimal. I've tried too many different bridge setups to count.
 
Bowtie747 said:
Would someone mind posting pictures of their bridges? I’ve been looking at some companies (tx5) who use sterling but they used what looks to be amsteel as the small look to connect the sterling to the bridge. Really looking more into this. Thanks!
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i like teufelberger rescuetech or oplux for bridge and sterling trc 6mm for the adjustment hitch

i'm busy now but can send pics later

you only have to know prusik and figure 8 knots, easy
 
11mm predator rope, 8mm hitch cord tied into a schwabisch, fusion auto locking carabiner, hitch tender. Great weight to it, easy to adjust. Can be unhooked on one side and used as a LB to go around limbs.
 

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8mm sterling oplux, 6mm sterling TRC schwabisch hitch, grivel twin gate carabiner with kong mini fig 8 used as tender. Lighter, still easy to adjust, etc.
 

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Chrighton said:
11mm predator rope, 8mm hitch cord tied into a schwabisch, fusion auto locking carabiner, hitch tender. Great weight to it, easy to adjust. Can be unhooked on one side and used as a LB to go around limbs.
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The idea of using it as a secondary lineman belt is awesome! Mind = Blown! Thanks!
 
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