USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

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USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Feb 3, 2010 2:01 pm

I'm interested in picking up a "buttstrap + leg loop" style harness like the MTDE Picos or Singing Rock Digger. However, the only retailers I can find for these are in Europe, which sounds like a hassle and a whole bunch of $ for shipping.

Anyone know of a stateside supplier for either product?

*edit: I recognize that the Singing Rock Digger isn't really a buttstrap harness, just one with a doubled/crossed waistband like the old-style Petzl Fractio. Still looks comfy. But apples-to-apples, I'd much prefer a Picos!
Last edited by Jeff Bartlett on Feb 3, 2010 5:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby BrianC » Feb 3, 2010 2:13 pm

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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby chh » Feb 3, 2010 2:24 pm

Let us know if you find one. I'd love to have a Picos.
Your words of caution are no match for my disaster style!
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Amazingracer » Feb 3, 2010 2:27 pm

Hey Jeff,
I searched and searched for the same thing a few years ago when I was buying my vertical gear set, but I couldnt find a US retailer. I nearly ordered a Digger from Bernie's in the UK but I ended up making an impulse purchase to just finally have a harness at TAG one year.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Feb 3, 2010 2:48 pm

I'm actually pretty surprised none of the US speleo-vendors have picked up the MTDE products.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Anonymous_Coward » Feb 3, 2010 2:58 pm

I'm sure Howie and Amanda could make either one if you show them the photo. Probably would be a lot cheaper too.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby driggs » Feb 3, 2010 3:33 pm

Jeff Bartlett wrote:I'm actually pretty surprised none of the US speleo-vendors have picked up the MTDE products.


I would love to give away a big pile of money in exchange for an MTDE Picos.

HINT HINT HINT.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Amazingracer » Feb 3, 2010 4:11 pm

driggs wrote:I would love to give away a big pile of money in exchange for an MTDE Picos.


That makes 2 of us!
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby BrianC » Feb 3, 2010 4:14 pm

Gini w/ on Rope 1 is checking with their vendor that sells signing rock!
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Feb 3, 2010 4:56 pm

Amazingracer wrote:That makes 2 of us!

Well, 4 of us already in this thread. I wish I had the money or means to import a batch of 'em, it doesn't sound like I'd have much trouble unloading several!
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Primitivist37 » Feb 3, 2010 10:51 pm

I own both a singing rock and a PICOS. They're both excellent harnesses.

You mentioned that you wanted a buttstrap harness. In pictures it looks like the digger is a buttstrap harness, but in reality the two straps don't go under your butt. The PICOS is definitely the way to go if you want this.

As for US suppliers, I know of none. I actually found the Digger to be quite cheap when I bought it from Inglesport in the UK. Shipping price was not a problem from there (whereas shipping stuff from the US to Australia these days costs a small fortune). We have an Australian supplier of MTDE gear (the infamous Al Warild) and the prices are VERY reasonable. You might find it cheaper to buy them from Australia and have them sent to you in the US. Having said that Al makes trips all over the world all the time and may even be in the US at some stage.

After doing the rounds of just about every small cave equipment manufacturer, I am surprised that a quality product like MTDE isn't in very high demand. Al told me that in Spain, where they are made, they are used almost exclusively. But out here in Australia, and indeed in the US, they are relatively unheard of.

When I was looking for these products I found it nearly impossible to find any pictures etc. so if you want photos or more info/ review just let me know.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Feb 3, 2010 11:03 pm

Primitivist37 wrote:When I was looking for these products I found it nearly impossible to find any pictures etc. so if you want photos or more info/ review just let me know.

Actually, if you have photos of either harness in use, that would be pretty awesome. I'm yet to see one, just the stock pics from each manufacturer's site. I sent Al an email!
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby creektrails » Feb 4, 2010 9:02 am

I bought an REI harness a couple of years ago not knowing if I would really get into caving. Id now like to get a caving specific harness. that PICO looks sweeeet. :kewl: If you find a supplier, I'll probably pull the trigger too.
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Martin Sluka » Feb 4, 2010 10:41 am

Jeff Bartlett wrote:I'm interested in picking up a "buttstrap + leg loop" style harness like the MTDE Picos or Singing Rock Digger. However, the only retailers I can find for these are in Europe, which sounds like a hassle and a whole bunch of $ for shipping.


SINGING ROCK
LANEX a.s.,
Identification number 28223209,
registered office at Bolatice, Hlučínská 1/96.

division SINGING ROCK
Poniklá 317
512 42 Poniklá
Czech Republic

Tel.: + 420 481 585 007
Tel.: + 420 481 585 027
Fax: + 420 481 540 040
E-mail: sales@singingrock.cz

U.S.A.:

Liberty Mountain
Salt Lake City, UT. 84104
4375 W.1980 S. Suite 100
+1 800 366 2668, sales@libertymountain.com

RESCUE TECHNOLOGY
251 Beulah Church Road
Carrollton GA 30117
800-334-3368, info@rescuetech1.com
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Re: USA source for Singing Rock or MTDE?

Postby Jeff Bartlett » Feb 4, 2010 10:48 am

sluka wrote:RESCUE TECHNOLOGY
251 Beulah Church Road
Carrollton GA 30117
800-334-3368, info@rescuetech1.com


So far we're hearing from the US distributors of Singing Rock products that they can't get the Digger. No idea why.
Martin, I'd even stop making fun of Therion if we could find a way to get these here cheaply!

(still rather have a Picos)
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