Cavechat.org

CONCEPT FRIDAY - Evolution of a Harness
5/4/2012

I'm still in the planning stages for the upcoming harness comparison videos. So, today, I thought I'd show the prototype harness that I started with and the subsequent versions that became the Arbee Harness.

I intended to show some rope climbing too....but the kids moved into the park just as I started shooting.

This is also a test for video quality.(Looks like have a little work to do there.)

Post deleted.

Yeah...you're right. Sorry about that. I just got used to posting "something new" on Friday.

I'll post the rest of the videos under THIS post.

A customer wanted a metal buckle to replace the nylon main buckle on his Arbee. He found this company, AustriAlpin, that makes these metal quick release buckles. The buckle is CNC'd out of aluminum and is rated for 9kN.

The company sent a 1.5" buckle along for free. I'll get to play/test with that one.

Kinda pricey buckle: $23-24 + shipping(from Canada)

Weights are in grams.

Nice looking buckles. Pity about the cost. AustriAlpin makes some good stuff, I have a bunch of their tiny pulleys somewhere.

CONCEPT FRIDAY - Chest Harness Video - Neck Loop
5/18/2012
This is the first in a series of videos showing some of the advantages and disadvantages of various chest harnesses for the Frog Ascending System.

This video is for the basic Neck Loop.

Hopefully, these videos will start a constructive dialog on the various types of chest harnesses available for the Frog System.

CONCEPT FRIDAY - Chest Harness Video - Y and H Harnesses
5/24/2012
This is the second video of the series showing the advantages and disadvantages of different chest harnesses for the Frog Ascending System.

This video shows the Y and H type of chest harnesses.

Thanks for the videos Rick! Really helpful for a caver like me who's still figuring out his/her vertical setup.

Static material for a neck loop sucks. Well, neck loops suck in general. I used a loop of bungee for a while around my neck till I got tired of the abrasion. I still use the bungee but I poke one shoulder through. This allows you to wear the bungee further out on your one shoulder, actually on your cave suit, which is much more comfortable. A bungee also solves that weight problem if you are carrying a heavy pack on your half round. The bungee just stretches a little more putting the weight of the pack onto your harness. This setup isn't great for really long climbs where you know you are going to rest. I use a 1" webbing harness for that or change to my frog walker. I try not to rest too long while on rope. I think you should do your resting between pitches where you will be more comfortable and not occupying a bottle neck for longer than necessary. I find that having a chest harness that doesn't allow me to rest comfortably for long helps me maintain this mindset.
However, my body type is what I would consider average so I don't have a terrible tipping problem. I also have a healthy gluteal protuberance. Harnesses don't fall off my waist

Smells_Familiar wrote:Thanks for the videos Rick! Really helpful for a caver like me who's still figuring out his/her vertical setup.

I'm glad it's helping someone. Next up will be Figure 8's and Bra type chest harnesses. I'm kinda dreading the Figure 8's....I never have liked them, but a LOT of people use them.

chh:
Yeah...I have found that "body type" and equipment choices make HUGE differences in the comfort and efficiency of the Frog System. What works great for one caver....can be miserable for the next. There is no "one size fits all". Hopefully, the videos will get people to do some thinking before buying.

CONCEPT FRIDAY - Chest Harness Video - Figure 8 Harnesses
6/1/2012

This is the third video of the series showing the advantages and disadvantages of different chest harnesses for the Frog Ascending System.

This video shows some of the Figure 8 type of chest harnesses.