Rope bridge vs web bridge

[Zero Signal]

Going to be getting a new saddle within the next couple of months, currently using a 4 D. I'm looking at a bunch of rope bridge saddles, but another I have my eye on (the Nikosi) has a web bridge. Aside from ease of replacing the bridge, is there any difference/ advantage to having one vs the other, or all personal preference?

 

[MasterBlaster]

It's probably all in my head, but I feel safer on a web bridge.

 

[NickfromWI]

Get ready for this....

Nick the rope splicer prefers....

(wait for it)

WEBBING bridges!

The ones I've used are stiffer. That's all it boils down to. I prefer that stiffness. I've spliced dozens of bridges for people. They work just fine. I've used my own bridges for months at a time. But me, personally, I'll take a webbing bridge over a rope bridge any day.


love
nick

 

[Graiskye]

I prefer a webbing bridge, or a 'easily replaceable' rope bridge a'la the Buckingham Ergo, or the great new Buckingham Rebellion saddle,(think ergo lite, but with easily replaced bridge, for under 3 bones).
Not that I do not trust splices, but like the others I just prefer the webbing, a'la the Sequoia and similar styles.

 

[emr]

I want to say that New Tribe told me their bridges have a cordura sleve over the bridge to protect it a little. My nikosi does have some type, f covering on the bridge. Great saddle by the way.

 

[pete mctree]

Rope - gives a nice smooth movement & easy & cheap to replace

 

[Zero Signal]

Rope - gives a nice smooth movement & easy & cheap to replace

Is that to say that a rope bridge tends to be smoother than a web bridge? If so, is a big difference or just marginal?

Does a web bridge have to be replaced less often, or just as often as a rope? I'll guess less, but I've been wrong once or twice before

 

[NickfromWI]

My favorite bridge ever is the webbing bridge for the TreeFlex. They take a 3' piece of webbing and fold it in half lengthwise so is still 3' long, but now only 1/2" thick. Then they triple it over in a Z pattern which forms the eyes at each end.

Then they stitch it length wise a few times. It ends up being 6 layers of webbing. They also out a sleeve over it, but it was clunky so I took it off.


love
nick

 

[NickfromWI]

Is that to say that a rope bridge tends to be smoother than a web bridge?

I don't believe that to be true. The webbing bridge on both my harnesses I'm using right now are silky smooth.

Does a web bridge have to be replaced less often, or just as often as a rope?

As a general rule the more tightly woven the rope, the more chafe resistant it will be. Another general rule is that most webbing is woven WAY tighter than most rope. Hence, a webbing bridge should last longer than a rope one.

love
nick

 

[bonner1040]

Webbing bridges are going to be expensive to replace, figure $15-40 a piece. Going with a 'Liger' type saddle with rigging plates offers a lot of versatility and a cheap easily replaceable rope bridge, figure $3-4 each.

A Liger conversion is simply adding rigging plates at the lower attachment point where the leg straps join the waist adjustment straps.

Most bridge-type saddles can be converted, see this thread: https://www.masterblasterhome.com/s...er-Weaver-Cougar-Modification&highlight=liger

I really like the look of the Buckingham Rebellion at < $300 with a built in Liger system. Plus the grommeted waist belt combined with quick attach leg straps is ideal IMHO.

https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=141&item=1952

There is also the Ergovation and several other option.
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=11&item=1131

The Blue Rigging plates for the mod are $25. These are rope friendly, the right size and proven for the application.
https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=32&item=1761

I have a Weaver Cougar modified into a Liger and its one of the best saddles I have used.


Good Luck!

Nick

 

[Zero Signal]

The Rebellion was the other option I have kinda narrowed it down to, that and the Nikosi. There doesn't seem to be much feedback on the Rebellion though. They could have picked a different color heh heh, but oh well. The Ergo is a real nice saddle, but honestly more than I would like to spend. I still have time to decide since I'm not getting it tomorrow or anything. It would be REAL nice if I could actually try them on first...but I have nowhere remotley around me that has a good selection in store. Thanks for the replies.

 

[rumination]

Here's another variation on that theme that looks quite nice.

http://wesspur.com/items/sad140.html

 

[emr]

My partner has the Spartan. It is a very nice saddle. However I still prefer my Nikosi. Its been said a million times before.....saddles really come down to personal preference. His bridge was "faster" with less resistance to movement but I didnt care for that. My Nikosi allows me plenty of movement with some resistance so I dont feel like I am rolling out of control.

 

[ch74]

i use a rope on my buckingham viking saddle with two double fishermans knot to secure it to the rings . wish it had a rigging plate i guess i could put one on it but im not taking that apart again it was a nightmare to re-adjust when i got it back on ...well i guess ill take the time to ask is this safe to secure it with a fishermans knot on both sides ...well nowi think bout it its really no diffreant the a knot on the rigging plate...advice woiuld be helpfull

 

[Page]

I climb in a petzl sequoia, the webbing bridge on that is terrible. I shred them in a few months. the rope bridge is holding up for now. but I dont like the way my swivel slides over the whipping in the splice. only a matter of time before I shred that to. next time I'll just tie knots, it'll be cheaper.

 

[NickfromWI]

The stopper knot option is pretty nice. The bumpiness of the splice and any whipping pushed me away from a rope bridge. But I hadn't climbed on a rope bridge made simply with stopper knots before. Having done that- I'm back to square one. Rope and webbing...both the same to me...I think.

I'm a bit fickle on this topic

love
nick

 

[Tucker943]

I climb on a master classic with a single fixed dee ring. I am ready for a new saddle as I have lost 50 pounds roughly and this time I am buying one with a bridge. Don't know what Im going to buy, but it will have a bridge of some variety.

 

[ch74]

i would get a petzel if i had the money it just looks like it would fit u like a glove...i also like the buckingham ones to i think its called the glide rite..i like simple cause a old timer once told me ..."keep it simple . stupid..." i always try to approch at stuff like that now. that is just me though im sure there is way better out there but i can modd my own stuff to make it nice and simple and nice for me....this is just my imput im new to this i have a viking and i can see how the other are way mo' better....

 

[bonner1040]

Chris, If I was buying a new saddle, and wasnt considering a $500+ model, this is what I would get: https://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=141&item=1952

Nice rigging plate style rope bridge, easily replaceable, change the length etc....Simple comfortable looking padding, good price. I am also a big fan of the old school waist buckle and new school leg straps. I rarely change the leg straps but tightening the waist is a pretty regular thing and the buckle is nicer than a fancy snap.

 

[FJR]

We have a Rebellion for when we need a third climber in the air, and I am impressed with it. It is a very good value.

 

[Tucker943]

Nick, I think Im looking to spend a little more then that. Looks like a good unit but I think my next purchase will be in the top tier of saddles. Not to sound uppity. I just meant I'd like a high end unit on this purchase.

 

[bonner1040]

Understood!

I am the same way, but can't get a high end saddle right now due to big green. Some of the other guys can comment on the ergovation, treemotion, and petzl offerings.

 

[MasterBlaster]

The legstrap pads look kinda thin and cheesy...

 

[FJR]

Chris, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the high end saddles. They are all good, it is just a matter of what suits you best. I have had a tree motion for 5 years and like it a lot. The lower d's are amazing when you need them. My brother has had the ergovation for a year now and it is a well built saddle with great support.

 

[MasterBlaster]

I can't imagine how those lower dees function - cool. I'd sure like to try one out: I wish someone around here had one.