safety belt question

[Justin Falon]

Which safety belt is the simplest/safest to use?  So many on the market.  Tried about a dozen over the past 25 years, really did not like any of them.  Opinions welcome.

jf

[GMMAT]

I used the HSS for the past 2 seasons.

I sold the pro mesh HSS when I saw the Muddy Outdoors harness.  I'm waiting on an updated version, but I'll order as soon as they become avail.

[frankwright]

I also sold my HSS Pro mesh vest, it was a very good, easy to put on vest. It was comfortable to wear but very heavy.

I bought the Muddy Outdoors harness also. I have tried it on but not been in a tree yet. It is easy to put on, much lighter and I think it will work well.
GMMAT, I talked to the owner of MO and the only change to the vest is reducing the chest belt from 2" to 1". I went ahead and bought one.

[GMMAT]

That's what I was waiting for, Frank (that size reduction).  Since they're out of stock on my size, anyways.....it makes the wait easier.

[dino]

HSS vests are the easiest out there to use without a doubt which is the main reason that I go with them.  My son and I have the Treestalker model but the Pro mesh are awsome too.  Went with that model because I wanted to be sure that he would use it everytime he got in a tree.  Keepin' it simple is the best way. dino

[Fletcher]

I use a SOP Fastback and find it lightweight and easy to use.  I don't know that the same model is being made anymore.  If you go with the HSS, be sure to get the model with the leg straps that attach at the sides of the harness rather than the front and back.  VERY important!

[Forrest Creature 1]

I am alive today because of my SEAT OF THE PAINTS saftey harness. I reached for my backpack around the backside of the tree and the next thing i remember i was hanging from my harness 25 feet in the air and not on the ground.It is what i wear and what i trust my life to but as long as you wear one thats what counts.Just get a good one dont look at the price, cause its alot cheaper than a hospital bill.Good hunting

[vtmtnman]

HSS.

Hands down the best there is.Easiest to use,pockets,reversible.Doubles as a deer drag too (I'm sure they all do though).

[rastaman]

And i like the seat of the pants fastback deluxe...easy on & off.

[JC]

Whichever one you chose, practice "falling" just a few feet off the ground (like, just barely so your feet don't touch when the rope is extended fully). You will be amazed how many "good" systems are excruciatingly painful under real circumstances. Also, practice getting back on your steps after the fall; it sounds easier to do than it is and the last place you want to "learn" what angle to set your rope is when you are 20+ feet up and hanging on for your life.

Hunt safe.

[metsastaja]

SOP here. And what JC says Practice.

I have 2 sets of pursik knots on each safety line.
The extra one works as an excellent foot hold if needed.  Found this out during a practice session.

[Fallguy]

JC has some good advice there the biggest problem is that most people do not adjust the harness properly. They leave it to loose. It is much more comfortable when you adjust the position of the straps going around the legs when gravity strikes!!!  

[Running Buck]

This is one subject that doesn't get enough talk. I talk to a lot of guys who want to cheap out when buying fall protection with the attitude that will never happen to me. Nobody ever plans on a fall but certainly wants to come home from one. You need a good harness that fits well and some practice getting back on the stand right after the fall remember, hanging from a harness for any extended amount of time WILL kill you just as fast as the fall.

[albertan]

Have used the HSS religiously the last 2 years.  Easy to use and that helps convince yourself (and others) to use it ALL the time.

[caleb7mm]

I have used the hss for 4 years now. The last year I used the mesh one. I like the mesh a whole lot better. I fell once in the original hss I had and everything went fine.

[rraming]

I use the Summit one - I like the idea of the Hunters Safety System and looked at them at a store - the weight is like ten pounds (Felt like 3 lbs per buckle)- to heavy for me to haul around.

[yekrut]

I started useing the hss , last fall and really like it. It is quick . easy and quiet! It works well.

[leatherneck]

Originally posted by Forrest Creature 1:
I am alive today because of my SEAT OF THE PAINTS saftey harness. I reached for my backpack around the backside of the tree and the next thing i remember i was hanging from my harness 25 feet in the air and not on the ground.It is what i wear and what i trust my life to but as long as you wear one thats what counts.Just get a good one dont look at the price, cause its alot cheaper than a hospital bill.Good hunting

So true a statement. If you can't get one now, them drop me a line. I have extras.

I use ther Screaming Eagle harness and love it. There are alot of good ones, just wear one.

[ChuckC]

Warrior,  get away from using the term " safety belt".  They had their day and that day is past. There are any number of fall restraint harnesses available that will actually save your life should you fall, and if used correctly, can assist you greatly in accessing a tree and in safely hanging your gear.  They have gotten better and more comfortable and even more user friendly.  I still use Seat of the Pants cause that is what was available when this change over started.  As above, there are many versions available.

Cost used to be a huge issue, and still is to some.  I have spent time hanging from safety belts and harnesses,   my own choice,  in training young hunters.  I believe I have experience that few others here have regarding this.  I believe you should purchase a good fall restraint devise based upon its quality, its features and its ease of use to you.  Only at that point that you have chosen based on those criterion should you look at the price tag.

Even a short fall can kill you or screw you up a bunch.  Why do we always risk it all because a "safety belt" is only $15 and a harness is $85 dollars ?  I think it is because we just don't know what will happen if we fall and believe in the best.

I do. . . .    wear the harness, every time.
ChuckC

[leatherneck]

Treestand manufacturers include "Fall restraint devices" (sorry, I call them all safety belts) with a new stand. They don't put just the "belt type " restraints in them. They are all harness style. But I think you already figured that out. Once again, I have extras if you need one.