Spellfeller
Clueless but careful
Hi, all:
After a lot of research, phone conversations with the manufacturer, and actually hanging in the saddles at Treestuff, I just want to lay out my thoughts on the New Tribe models, in the hopes it will help a fellow shopper.
Keep in mind that I am 5'8", 160#. Actual large people may have significantly different mileage!
These are arranged by "family," as I see it: (Model names link to the TS product page.)
As a guy of limited resources, I went with the Champion and am VERY happy. What put it ahead of the Tengu, (for me) was the accessory loops/hook/ring set-up and the rotating attachment point belt, which I see as a huge plus. (The delta connection really gives you zero ability to twist.)
Hope that's helpful to someone! I'll report back after the first climb with it.
Edited to add: Forgot to mention that while I first saw the Champion's crazy adjustability (32" to 46") as a liability--figuring how could it possibly fit all those sizes well--I came to see it as a benefit. First, NO amount of winter layering will be a problem and second, it's an awesome loaner for people who might be interested in getting into the canopy. BTW, it actually DOES fit fine at the smaller end of the range. I'm a 34"-36" depending on who's measuring! The soft Ds are right over my hipbones in a T-shirt; I will put on some layers and see where the Ds fall then.
After a lot of research, phone conversations with the manufacturer, and actually hanging in the saddles at Treestuff, I just want to lay out my thoughts on the New Tribe models, in the hopes it will help a fellow shopper.
Keep in mind that I am 5'8", 160#. Actual large people may have significantly different mileage!
These are arranged by "family," as I see it: (Model names link to the TS product page.)
- Yellow Jacket: minimalist, super compressible, light saddle that relies on diamond-shaped webbing structure (not padding) to support weight, fixed leg size, delta connection
- Tree Fox: same construction/connection as YJ, more subdued color scheme, adds adjustable legs and accessory loops on leg straps
- Tengu: a more substantial saddle than the YJ/TF family in that it uses dense (not squishy) foam padding in its construction, lots of loops on belt, delta connection
- Champion: similar padding to the Tengu, camo scheme (vs. black), has a snap connection and alum. ring on belt, soft connection
- ProGear II: a lot like the Tengu but with metal hardware. very nice arb. saddle for the price point, delta connection
- Onyx (rope bridge): an awesome & impressive arborist saddle, super nice but too cutting edge/narrowly focused for my use, also out of my price range. if I were a professional production guy, I would save up for this one in a heartbeat!
- Aero Hunter Evolution: adjustable 1000 ways to Tuesday, rope bridge, expensive
As a guy of limited resources, I went with the Champion and am VERY happy. What put it ahead of the Tengu, (for me) was the accessory loops/hook/ring set-up and the rotating attachment point belt, which I see as a huge plus. (The delta connection really gives you zero ability to twist.)
Hope that's helpful to someone! I'll report back after the first climb with it.
Edited to add: Forgot to mention that while I first saw the Champion's crazy adjustability (32" to 46") as a liability--figuring how could it possibly fit all those sizes well--I came to see it as a benefit. First, NO amount of winter layering will be a problem and second, it's an awesome loaner for people who might be interested in getting into the canopy. BTW, it actually DOES fit fine at the smaller end of the range. I'm a 34"-36" depending on who's measuring! The soft Ds are right over my hipbones in a T-shirt; I will put on some layers and see where the Ds fall then.