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The Wraptor
- Thread starter Bwhana
- Start date
Me too - found myself looking at those Jukis that have been recommended! But I ended up taking mine in to a local place and she sewed it for me while I waited. Didn't let me pay a dime either. I'll bring to the demo day June 22nd in Midland, MI so anyone can see it. I'm pairing it with a padded waist belt and custom made lineman belt. Just working out the connection method still. Will post up pics when complete.
Morning guys,
New to SH.com and saddles in general, and decided to undertake this project as a financially viable way to determine my long-term interest.
I do have a question around the design; are there any concerns around using the same loops for both the lineman's belt and bridge? I see that most modern saddles have separate loops for each, but having no background, am not sure if this is an issue or simply a user preference.
I've got the base items to build the saddle (same basic setup other than the rings, I got the ones Piney posted), and am wondering if there are any specific requirements you guys look for in someone to sew it all together. I realize that heavyweight polyester thread is a requirement, but am wondering if there are any specific questions I should be asking given that I expect to be hanging 20+ feet from it in the future.
Finally, has anyone considered using mil spec mesh fabric (similar to the Kite/Mantis) for this design and if so, are there any downfalls to this material? I'm considering adding the fabric to two sections as others have done with cordura, and would even consider adding it or another stretchy material between the two sets of straps as shown with the fleece on the previous page if it's a viable option. Living and hunting primarily in Georgia, I'd prefer to have it breathe a bit if possible.
Thanks in advance, appreciate the help gentlemen.
New to SH.com and saddles in general, and decided to undertake this project as a financially viable way to determine my long-term interest.
I do have a question around the design; are there any concerns around using the same loops for both the lineman's belt and bridge? I see that most modern saddles have separate loops for each, but having no background, am not sure if this is an issue or simply a user preference.
I've got the base items to build the saddle (same basic setup other than the rings, I got the ones Piney posted), and am wondering if there are any specific requirements you guys look for in someone to sew it all together. I realize that heavyweight polyester thread is a requirement, but am wondering if there are any specific questions I should be asking given that I expect to be hanging 20+ feet from it in the future.
Finally, has anyone considered using mil spec mesh fabric (similar to the Kite/Mantis) for this design and if so, are there any downfalls to this material? I'm considering adding the fabric to two sections as others have done with cordura, and would even consider adding it or another stretchy material between the two sets of straps as shown with the fleece on the previous page if it's a viable option. Living and hunting primarily in Georgia, I'd prefer to have it breathe a bit if possible.
Thanks in advance, appreciate the help gentlemen.
Using the same ring is not an issue for both, but some prefer another loop for linesman. You can easily sew those and add them if preferred. Btw, good choice using the rings @Piney found, I likely will build a new Wraptor with those before this hunting season.
For the sewing and safety, I don't have a commercial machine, so I found a local upholstery shop that not only has the right machines, but also the knowledge and experience to put the proper number, pattern, and tension on the stitches so that it is truly safe. I would recommend doing the same, or at minimum, read up on all the climbing rated thread patterns available on a quick Google search if you do your own sewing. This saddle is basically a tweaked Anderson, so it is a proven, safe design that has been around for a long time.
As to the cordura, Barry just said he clipped some on today, but didn't like the noise it made. He is going to go with fleece on the sections as well, but with the stretch going side to side.
Good luck on your build and welcome to the addiction!
John H.
JBDaddy
Well-Known Member
Personally, I like how UN-bulky this thing is, and that it fits in a pocket. I've gone back and forth over having fleece or mesh on it, but I'll probably stick with the belt-only design, or else I'd just buy a Flex. I've gone back and forth on the idea of having no rings - no metal on it at all and using a soft shackle or continuous loop instead of the rings. Just not sure how much the belt travels through the rings to know if this would be inviting a higher-friction/heat/wear problem.
For those that mentioned making the Wraptor even longer, I just put it on top of my size 2 Flex (not extended in pic) for comparison and there is very little difference. If the Wraptor was an inch or two longer, it may keep it more like the Flex when the two sections are further apart though. Flex is about 37-38" wide x 14" deep as shown, and 18" deep when flexed.
John H.
John H.
Kyle Hey
Active Member
You caught those! I literally did those 5 mins before the post. Love it that way keeps everything more organized and the second section does not flop around like it did before. I think the @Piney rings would do that better and not need the stitches.
John H.
For those that mentioned making the Wraptor even longer, I just put it on top of my size 2 Flex (not extended in pic) for comparison and there is very little difference. If the Wraptor was an inch or two longer, it may keep it more like the Flex when the two sections are further apart though. Flex is about 37-38" wide x 14" deep as shown, and 18" deep when flexed.
John H.
Do you think you’ll rebuild with the extra inch or so to make it more like the Flex, or keep it the length you have it?
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This one is still a prototype for me and several other tweaks coming. We were talking today about making new ones with the better rings, maybe a little more length, and getting all matching colors just to look good!
John H.
I really like the idea of the wraptor. Right now I have a sit drag for early season and fleece for late season. I always back up with RCH.
I am trying to find tri glides for 2” straps so I can play around with a wraptor build.
Can anyone rank order the comfort level of wraptor, sit drag, fleece and any/all commercial saddles?
I am not trying to save $ with DIY saddles. I really like the backup of a RCH. I am just trying to find the most comfortable options while maintaining RCH backup.
I am searching locally for someone to do the sewing, but am coming up empty.
I am trying to find tri glides for 2” straps so I can play around with a wraptor build.
Can anyone rank order the comfort level of wraptor, sit drag, fleece and any/all commercial saddles?
I am not trying to save $ with DIY saddles. I really like the backup of a RCH. I am just trying to find the most comfortable options while maintaining RCH backup.
I am searching locally for someone to do the sewing, but am coming up empty.
My opinion based on what I have owned and tested at Saddlepalooza and others in order of comfort only as a sitter more than a leaner. Others will vary in opinion, guaranteed. Each of us like different things. I consider the JX3 in a class of its own, but if you want absolute comfort, it wins against all competitors. For ultralight mobile, it is the Wraptor and Mantis at the top.
1. Fleece
2. Wraptor/ Anderson
3. Leather Trophyline
4. AH Flex
5. Trophyline neoprene
6. AH Kestrel
7. Tethrd Mantis
8. AH Kite
9. Sitdrag (I owned one, but never tried a double)
John H.
1. Fleece
2. Wraptor/ Anderson
3. Leather Trophyline
4. AH Flex
5. Trophyline neoprene
6. AH Kestrel
7. Tethrd Mantis
8. AH Kite
9. Sitdrag (I owned one, but never tried a double)
John H.
Try looking for a shoe repair or upholstery shop, either can do the sewing. You don't need an RCH with the Wraptor, but do with fleece.
John H.
I have some tri-glides, PM me. Haven't sat in my wraptor yet but I'm pretty sure it will be more comfortable than the Sit Drag I started with. I also have a DIY Kestrel that was very comfortable. I hope to sit in mine tmw or perhaps at the unveiling at Saturday's demo day, lol.
I searched for upholstery shop in Google for my small town and had two show up. One was a custom leather wallet guy that I will meet next week - he was heading out of town and couldn't help (probably 4 miles away from me). The second was a lady who's been doing upholstery for 40 years. Like I said above, she did it while I waited and didn't charge me a dime.
Kyle Hey
Active Member
Searching for a tent shop or "canvas" shop may also help people find a place to take their DIY stuff
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I just searched and found some upholstery shops nearby. Thanks. I was previously searching parachute places thinking they would know somebody that did life rated sewing.
Thanks for the offer on the tri glides. I don’t want to put you out, but if you could provide me with a link for them, I would appreciate it.
Doublesteps.com - he has the good rings and webbing out there. All you need to get started!
John H.
John H.
Annnnd @DanO made it to easy. I'll have one put together soon!!
ImThere
Well-Known Member
Marijuana must be legal in North Carolina!!! Sit drag on the bottom of all that? LOL
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