Silent Slide safety Belt???

[bluemoonrising]

Do any of you have any opinions, thoughts, and ideas about this safety system. I have used belts for years and have a safety harness vest that I am not really fond of--gets in the way. I thought that the Silent Slide might work for me and sounds pretty interesting. Peace!

[ChuckC]

Ya know..... they slide silently.  But if ya come out of the tree, owieee.  I guess you need to ask yourself why you are wearing that thing in the first place... to slide or to keep yourself alive and essentially unhurt in the case of problems.

If this is the same guy that goes to the Deer Classic shows, every year I keep asking him to jump off of that treestand as he is demonstrating, and he gives me nasty looks.

I was deeply involved in setting up our treestand safety courses for Hunters Ed and I HAVE come out of trees wearing a similar belt (disclaimer,  it was not the slider).  It is not enjoyable.

ChuckC

[Tall Paul]

I went to their website and watched a demonstration video.  My only question is if it pinches you in two if you fall, or does it stay locked.

Its got to be better than not wearing any safety device.

[Doc Nock]

I have their system, including the adjustable belt tween you and tree.  

Having said that, I drank the cool aide and always defer to my SOP 5pt harness.  The folks who market/make (??) that SS system were always at the Harrisburg, PA Sport & Outdoor show, just inside the Archery Hall.

He had research printed out to share that even the 5pt system will cut off circulation and that worn properly his system is no worse or better, than the 5pt.

There is a lot of face validity in the 5pt and the arguments against the belt system, well, are graphic.

I've taken a tumble with just an H-harness w/out the leg supports...and survived.  When a lot younger, stepped off stands near the ground with just a belt and ended up upright... just to see.


Pays your money and takes your chances.

[ChuckC]

Dave.. most haven't invested in that knowledge.  As I stated, I have, numerous times for our classes.  We finally made a video so I wouldn't have to do that anymore.  (well, I just deleted the rest of what I had typed.  Does no good).)  

I will simply say ... There is no way that a belt is as good as a full harness at protecting you.  Been there, done that, many different ways.

ChuckC

[Tall Paul]

Anyone have experience with this belt?

[bluemoonrising]

I tend to wear my old belt but not my "new" vest. I just can't get comfortable with the vest and it is restricting on some shots. I just feel that the belt is better than nothing, but I'm wondering if the Silent Slide is better/safer than the old belts.

[ChuckC]

why would you think that ?

ChuckC

[bluemoonrising]

Chuck--maybe it is just a "feel/mental" thing I have since I have used the belts for almost 40 yrs. When I wear the vest and I have to turn around and have the tree between the deer and I, I just don't like the strap over my head, plus the vest is noisier. I thought with the Silent Slide...if I did fall out of the tree, I 'd be able to release the waist belt quite easily. I do hope someone who has worn the Slide and other belts chimes in, also.  Peace!

[Tall Paul]

I don't think theres any doubt that a harness is the way to go for the highest level of safety.

But there's a world of people out there that don't like wearing a harness/vest.  If theres an alternative that people will use, isn't that better than not wearing any safety device?

[Fletcher]

Years of experience and MANY construction/manufacturing incidents have clearly shown that a belt will hurt you in a fall.  Belts are only designed to keep you from getting close to the edge thus preventing a fall.  It is called fall restraint.  A harness is called fall arrest and is designed to catch you if you fall.  Yes, a harness can seem inconvenient, but not nearly as much as a wheelchair or pine box.

Like most things, a harness takes some getting used to, but it isn't near as bad as you might think.  No deer is worth dying or getting crippled over and I am yet to have my harness cost me a shot.

[ChuckC]

You probably can release the belt, I don't know that one, but...what are you gonna release it to ?

If you fall wearing a belt (around your waist, as most did), there is a very good chance you are gonna break one or more ribs and you won't be able to breathe.  

If you slide out of the stand wearing a belt, no sudden stop, you may not break a rib, but it is very likely you won't be able to breathe well and you may be suspended somewhat upside down.

If you are hanging face down up in a tree, where are you gonna go when you release the buckle ?

ChuckC

[cloudbaseracer]

I think I have one of the old style belts from 15-20 years ago.  I have not looked at it in a long time. How is this different?  Is it just the fact that it can be released once you fall or that it slides around?  I guess both?

Thanks,
James

[Tall Paul]

Cloud,
Heres a link to their website.  It has a video also.

 http://www.silentslide.com/

[hickstick]

I'm sorry, but that device just ridiculous.  that goes against every logical conclusion.

so you've had a stand failure and you're hanging (hopefully) right side up 20 feet up a tree....you're supposed to release the belt and climb down the tree hug n grunt style?   no thanks.

what happens if during the sand failure failure you flail about trying to 'get a grip' and accidentally release the belt?

SOP harness and a static line all the way to the ground for me.

[RLA]

The only good thing I can see about it is only 12 inches of tether belt means your on a pretty short leash. No doubt a full body harness is the best bet, but no matter what always use something.

[D.J. Carr]

I watched the video, this product doesn't look remotely safe in anyway.