I'm a fan of this idea for its simplicity and weight. I ordered the rings & webbing to make my own, but the "tan" webbing that arrived is actually a very shiny gold color, and supposedly nylon fabric doesn't dye well, so I'll either order black for a 2nd version OR go into the woods looking fabulous(!). This means I'll have the option to experiment - but I have some questions for those who've done this already anyway, maybe it'll save me some effort...
I'm a size 42 waist +more if I layer. I held up the spec'd 36" loop around my rear and it puts the rings near my hip pockets, not much out in front of me at all. Did y'all get any sense of "the rings really need to be out in front vs right up against my sides" for avoiding hip pinch, better fit/feel/function, etc? If you're skinnier than me and the rings come together in front of you, do you feel like that's better, or would you like a "wider" bridge as if they were closer to your hips instead of coming more in front of you?
If I could make the length of the loop adjustable but still lock down without slipping, that's what I'd do. Been contemplating tri-glides on the bottom side of the loop ("outside" of the spacers), but I figure they'll slip really easily on a seat belt. Anyone put any thought to this or have a better idea for a reliable belt adjuster? If the belt-adjuster idea doesn't work I'll just make bigger loops to get the ends more away from my body in front of my hips.
The wraptor/anderson design has 2 loops with 6-inch spacers. Has anyone played with longer spacers - maybe 8-10 inches, and just 1 loop? The pictures posted all kind of show the top & bottom of each loop pinched together & overlapping anyway, not spaced out when around a body, so I'm wondering about just 1 bigger loop instead of two smaller ones. I suspect the 6" spacers are more of a "don't let it spread too wide" stopper than a "keep it open" thing. True/false?
Makes me wonder about mesh instead of spacers - which would make a single loop more like a 2xl mantis design. Anyone who's played with this have any feelings on why one version is better than the other? I wonder if the mesh is just more comfortable than a vertical bit of seatbelt running up the side of your butt.
I was more of a leaner than a sitter with my Kestrel, and this looks similar in pics. Anyone who's sat in it have a feeling to share about which position is more comfortable with this design? How about vs a kestrel or mantis for either position?
Thanks. I'll post some pictures with whatever I try out.