Hi All
First off, thanks for everyone being so generous with their time and knowledge, just reading others posted questions and the thoughtful answers posted back has made me a much better archer.
Praise aside, I am in the market for a new safety harness, I was wondering a couple of things:
1. What harness do you use?
2. Would you buy it again if you needed a new one?
- comfort
- ease of use
- durability
- value for the price
Thanks in advance for your responses.
I have a HSS Pro vest.
-It is very comfortable.
-takes 30 seconds to put on and take off.
-I've not used it long enough to have an opinion on durability, but it seems very well made.
-it is expensive, around $150.But it is much cheaper than a trip to the ER, or the morgue.
I would definitely buy another.
I use the Seat of the Pants. Good harness, once you get used to it. Fairly simple to use.
Yes I'd buy another one. (oh yes Full Body Harnesses have an EXP. Date on them)
HSS is another good one.
There are some of the newer ones out that have a decender built into them, just in case you fall and need it to get down. Haven't used one yet, but will have one by next season to use in the Treestand Safety Course, and will likely get one for myself and my bride.
Just be sure to get one that has been tested by the Treestand Manfactures Assn. They have a web site where you can check out most of the treestands and harnesses on the market.
JAG/Johnny
Find someone who is a "linesman" and get one of their old harnesses, they are good enough to work in all day so that's good enough for me. I like mine, easy to put on, safe enough for industry and color coded so it's impossible to put on wrong.
hss...ill buy another if i ever wear this one out,nice off and on,comfortable,and you can buy the stuff you need for it,priced fairly well
Just be sure to have a suspension relief plan. If you fall and can't get back on stand you need a suspension relief strap or a descender as JAG said; otherwise they say you go unconcious in about five minutes hanging in a full body harness. I'll have to admit I did not know this until I recently watched that little safety DVD that comes with new treestands. Have a safe hunting season!
My son and I have been using HSS for a few years. I was looking for a 'better' one yesterday in fact. I'm intrigued with the newer type that have sort of a stiff skeleton with no cloth vest. I'm thinking they might be less noticable.
My biggest issue with the HSS and the older freebies that came with tree stands is the lack of mobility when you have to turn around to shoot the other side. It seems the strap tying you to the tree invariably gets in the way of the drawing elbow.
I checked out the "Spyder" vest yesterday but I didn't want to spend $129 (was $149) at the moment to replace a perfectly servicable HSS.
I think I'm leaning toward the HSS pro series, great reviews and on sale in a couple of places.
I use a HSS vest it's fine but I like the looks of the spyder system,but like Bowwild said, it's a little pricey. Don't forget to get the linesmen rope. Most of the falls occur while climbing. Also learn a the prucis knot, slips up a line until there is pressure on it. I probably spelled it wrong. My brother fell a couple of years ago when a old climber cable broke. He was hurt badly but was able to recover, we use a harness and linesmen belt now.
Not matter which you buy, USE IT
I've been looking to replace mine also. I really like the looks of the Tree Spider system with the lowering attachment. And yes the 129.00 plus has me hung up, but how much is going home worth? I'll keep hinting to my wife until she tells me to leave her alone and just get it! She makes up my mind alot that way.
Glenn
I have the Muddy Harness and the HSS. I like them both but lean more towards the Muddy Harness due to our warmer weather that we have here in the south. It is very lightweight and comfortable.
I had a HSS but sold it, too dang hot here in Georgia during bow season, otherwise it worked very well.
I use the Muddy harness now but I use it with the Prussic knot set up like Summit uses. It is the easiest system to use while climbing with a climber, to secure yourself once at height and easily converts to a linesmans belt for hanging sticks and hand on stands.
The new harness from Gorilla looks good also.
I bought an older HSS Pro when they first came out, but it was too hot and heavy for me. I sweat real easy. I gave it to a friend for a XMAS present and went back to my old freebe that came with one of my Summits. It's real lightweight and I can put it on quick. If I get another one it will probably be a Muddy.
Has anybody tried the HSS Ultra Lite safety harness?
Glenn
QuoteOriginally posted by Coonbait:
Has anybody tried the HSS Ultra Lite safety harness?
Glenn
Yep,I've got one & really like it alot.
Chris, I have a SOP harness. I love it. I used to own a HSS but as others have said, too heavy, and the buckles were too bulky and noisy for my tastes.
I've used the HSS Pro vest for almost 4 years. Mine is the older style, and a bit heavier, but would never be in a tree without it. Just think how heavy a wheelchair is !!
I was late coming to the full body harness camp and decided last year on the one Summit sells. I think it might be the SOP version talked about. Cool in the heat and fits over any combination of clothing. I've not had any problem feeling restricted when drawing my bow and forget I have it on. I put it on at my vehicle and take it off at my vehicle.
I'm getting the Rescue One CDS 2 this year. Being able to lowering yourself to the ground is a huge plus in my book. Suspension trama isn't a joke and can get you killed. Check out the video's on youtube for the Rescue One CDS 2. It'll make a believer out of ya. They also make a commercial 60ft version for you fellas workin in high places.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6K33QyuCu1w&feature=player_embedded
JL
I just bought a rescue one cds and its the best harness on the market today hands down.It can be repacked by yourself no other vest can do that.Give it a look.
I bought a Muddy last year and love it. I set the catch rope just low enough that I can barely sit down so if I do fall it's only going to be like 2 feet and easy to get back in the stand. Comes with a climbing rope with pursic knot.
I also bought the Rescue One CDS 11 and so far pleased. I've been getting used to it as this is the first time I've bought and used one (shame on me) but if you are going to get one might just as well get the best. Cant wait to do the test with it before hunting. Check them out.
HSS
This may not be ground breaking news but wearing the harness under a layer or two of clothing with only the top strap exposed makes it less "in the way". I completely forget I'm wearing it.
QuoteOriginally posted by Lost Arra:
This may not be ground breaking news but wearing the harness under a layer or two of clothing with only the top strap exposed makes it less "in the way". I completely forget I'm wearing it.
The harness is meant to be worn on the outside of clothing. It is designed that way. If you wear it on the inside it could tighten the clothing around your neck if you do fall from the stand. I always wear the harness on the outside as it was intended. I personally don't recommed it but, if you feel comfortable enough with it then go for it. I also have a knife in an easy to reach spot just in case I do somehow become tangled in a weird way.
I recently bought a Gorilla G15 safety harness. The lighter weight I like but it has some issues when it comes to adjustments; namely the straps don't stay where you put them once they're adjusted. The straps that run under your thighs and hook to the waste belt tends to loosen up when you move around, other than that it's a pretty good product. TRW
Kodiak: I'm not sure I understand the risk.
Not questioning your design statement but having a camo shirt over the shoulder and waist straps seems to reduce the risk of things getting tangled up plus there is less clothing between my neck and the harness. I'm with you on the handy knife.
From Summit (Seat of the Pants) and where I got the idea:
" Like all of our treestand harnesses, the FastBack can be worn over or under your standard hunting clothes, so you can put it on before you leave camp."
I have the gorilla G30 and it is alittle heavy in hand but once on cannot tell it. I had the G15 two but did not like the adjustment like said above and took it back for the G30.
I am new to treestand hunting and I got a HSS pro vest and the optional saftey rope with prussic knot. It was very easy to use and comfortable and I felt very safe. The extra pockets are very handy. No experience with other systems but would reccomend the HSS to my friends with no reservation. Bob
Based on longbowben's recommendation I ordered the rescue one cds system. I just got off the phone with the owner of the company and he said all harnesses can only be certified for 5 years based on TMA's rules but he said don't throw it away as it will last your lifetime. He has been using the same one for 13 years. He also said they are certified for two hard falls but soft falls like when you practice with it can be done as much as you want. They use the same harness for 60 soft falls at shows when they are demonstrating the harness. I did not know about suspension trauma until this year; thank God I never fell as you only have about five minutes hanging in a full body harness before you go unconcious and then you are dead. You can use a suspension relief strap with harnesses that don't have a descent system to buy yourself more time but someone had better find you fairly soon. Best of luck to everyone this season and above all else; hunt safe!
I have used a lot of safety belts, harnesses, and one vest in the last 16 years, always trading up to a higher degree of safety. Yesterday my Rescue One CDS II was delivered. I am sooooooooooo impressed with this as being the safest possible treestand device on the market that I was just getting ready to post in the product reviews (and will) but will also post here.
As soon as I saw Dr. Woods (originator/designer) promo video I knew I wanted one but the cost was high enough that I was sure I'd never afford it before my hunting days were over (76 next month). However, the more I watched that video and read about it The more convinced I became that i would feel much safer with one - sooner, rather than later. A dear old friend told me about a company (not a sponsor - yet) that "Demonstrates" the products they carry, and have the lowest price plus limited time free shipping. I checked them out and their demo video was perhaps even more convincing, So I ordered one and it came UPS (free shipping). This thing is so well thought out, planned, designed to cover all the little things that others don't quite get right, although they may "do the job", that I give great kudos to the designer. I also praise the company I ordered it from just for making it where my budget break (recent bingo luck) would allow me to order mine - NOW.
IMO everyone should do yourself a favor and, at the least, check this "One" out with an eye/mind towards how much value your life as a non-disabled hunter is to you and your loved ones, no matter how many seasons you may or may not have left :D
(put it in a search or PM/e-mail me - I get nothing out of it but safety satisfaction)
Best kept secret in all of hunting....the basic Rappelling seat! I used to love to go rappelling and spent many a day suspended up to 200 feet in the air by my basic rappelling seat and a good Black Diamond kernmantle rappelling rope. No discomfort and no going unconscious. Rock climbers and rappelling enthusiasts spend hours in such rigs daily around the world. It amazes me that hunters have not discovered rappelling equipment and instead wear those big bulky "hunting" harnesses and vests that are bulky and uncomfortable and cumbersome. I never know I have my rappelling seat on over my pants. If I fall then I am suspended by the same rope I intentionally use with the same high quality caribeaner connectors. Black Diamond and Chinard(sp?) both make great seats for well under $100.
I use the SOP harness and i like using the line with the prussit knot allows you to adjust the distance from the tree and I feel very safe and secure. I had a hunters safety system but the strap you wrap around the tree was too short I was always limited to my space shooting from my treestand. I believe they offer the same rope now that the SOP harness has. There are so many models on the market today but my SOP is pretty light weight compared to other models. I hope my review helped be safe and there are alot of choices on the market but as long as you wear one and come home safe everytime you go hunting
I'll drink to that, babs - well not really because I hardly ever drink even one anymore, but i do agree that the important thing is to wear some kind of protection, every time you go "up".
I use the HSS vest. The only complaint I have is that it's hot for early season hinting in Louisiana. If I were to buy again, I'd go with a Muddy Harness.
I use the original HSS harness, real hot in the early season and kinda heavy. I keep myself connected high enough and short enough I don't think I would have trouble getting back on the platform. The rescue one sounds great but no funds for that right now.
I started using a SOP quite a while back and have stuck with them. They are a decent product and I find them pretty simple to use.
Say whatever you want. . I HAVE come out of a tree lotsa times wearing lotsa belts, chest harnesses, and full body harnesses. I did this for Bow Hunter Ed. I know what they do and what I can do after a fall.
My advice. . wear one (full body harness). It may save your life. Don't even think about those old safety belts, although the pieces are great for strapping stuff to your tree, like fanny packs etc.
ChuckC
I use the HSS vest and like it alot. It is not hot and I can shoot my longbow very well with it on. I would buy another.
waknstak IL, I don't think I will ever fall from a stand unless the stand fails or breaks in some way and at that point you have no platform to get back to. Check out the video link in the previous post and at least have a suspension relief strap and someone that will look for you. I hunt alone alot and use climbers and loc ons and if something happens I need to get to the ground safely as it may be 15 or 20 hours before I am missed and someone is looking for me. I finally watched the free safety DVD provided with new stands and it shows how to use a suspension relief strap. Hunt safe; keep hunting!
HHS for me - easy on - easy off.
I bought a Muddy a couple wks ago. Has bino holders and is easy on and off plus lightweight.
Gorilla. Added some $5 wally world pouches and don't even need a backpack. Very light, comfy to walk in if you undo the leg buckles, and quiet.
David and I love our hunters Safety system vests and won't use any thing else.
I used my Gorilla G15 for the first time this weekend. I liked it.
Bought a Gorilla vest system about 3 years ago. Has served me well with a Loggy Buyou climber so far. Try to keep the treestrap high enough so could get back on treestand. May look at the systems with a lowering system for next year. Might be hard to get down the tree if the stand breaks. Roy
muddy outdoors. very light.
I bought a Seat of the Pants when they first came out, and used it until last year. It was very worn out. I replaced it with the Rescue One harness. What a difference in technology! I would not go up in a climbing tree stand with any other harness. The Rescue One will get you down to the ground safely. A great product!
Rescue One CDS 2- I'm a bowhunter Ed master instructor and believe me when I say this is the best insurance you can buy
It's good to hear(read) that from you, Ray. I know that the more often I use it (mostly here on my home range so far this year - haven't got out hunting many times yet) the better I like it, and the safer I feel in general. I haven't found any reason to not be completely sold on it yet. At six lbs., it is a tad heavy (especially for a li'l ol' wizened up critter like me) but then, so is everything else I carry hunting anymore - LOL