Why the Butterfly???

[Baumkletter]

Hey Guys,

I’ve been hearing/reading so much about the Butterfly, you’ve really got my curiosity going. What makes this saddle so outstanding amongst the other saddles on the market? Although I’m not in the market for a new saddle, I certainly could be if I knew more about the Butterfly and why it’s the preferred saddle at the ITCC.

You comments and opinions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[TREETX]

it is a super comfy saddle for working that only weighs 3lbs.

The ability to customize or add to the bridge in the front is nice too.

The d's are nice too. My old saddle, they just flopped around. These fold out of the way.

.02

 

[Tom Dunlap]

Trying to describe the support system in the Butterfly is difficult. I'll give it a go...

Most leg straps come up around the thigh and are attached in a line towards the rope. This configuration tends to pull the straps right, tight through the groin, pinching the "Ball Room" as Dave Spencer says

On the B, the leg straps are attached to the waist belt of the saddle. This tends to make the load point directly opposite, on the back of the thigh. Instead of pulling up through the groin, the pull is around the thigh.

When I get back from the ITCC, Iill give a head count of the saddles used. Last year, the overwhelming number of climbers were in the B'fly. If I were looking at a new saddle, this would tell me a lot. At least give me a place to start from on my search.

I posted a couple of letters about the modifications to the front bridge on the B'fly. One is directly from the manufacturer. Head over to Tr** Buzz to get the latest.

Tom
Tom

 

[ramanujan]

how is the lumbar support in the butterfly, ie is it a saddle that you would want to stand on a spar in spurs with for an extended period of time?

and also, what are the gear attachment points like? are there places to slip biners through so that they'll sit rigid a la buckingham?

 

[kf_tree]

ramanujan
have you seen the pics?

 

[kf_tree]

one more

 

[lhampton]

The lumbar support is excellent. I've added accessory 'biners on each side, as can be done on the buckingham. Hanging gear hasn't been a problem.

Better than any saddle I've been in, though I haven't got to try out the new Austrian saddle I've heard about.

Louie Hampton

 

[murphy4trees]

My new Bfly is the Cat's Meow....
The thing is so light it feels like a bathing suit and that makes such a difference in moving around in a tree... especially for pruning with only the Zubat and no chainsaw. My climbing performnce got bumped up a couple notches today.... only the second time I've climbed in the Bfly..... I did however experience some pulling from the leg straps on my inner thighs... Is that an adjustment issue.. I hope so!!!!!!

 

[ramanujan]

do the side dees stay forward or do they flop around? maybe that's a stupid question because they appear to be pointing back in the pick, and i hope they're not fixed that way

 

[TREETX]

Conveniently where you want them. Seem to go forward/out or back/flat.

.02

Seriously good saddle. Have tried the Austrian and Kolibri - Bfly still 1st pick.

 

[tjk]

You can also adjust the distance between the leg support and waist by adding small quik links, to prevent the harness from riding up.

 

[ok2climb]

b"fly

I have the b"fly and the austrian sitz-duo, for pruning and all around work you cant go wrong with the b"fly. My only complaint is that the bridge wore out alot quicker than anticipated. Lots of options for replacing. The austrian is more my removal saddle. Feels more supportive and has better layout for all accsesories, nice large single slidin d. The b"fly is not approved for use in the US, so some companies(TCOT) wont let you climb on them. A really nice saddle, have heard good reports on their other work saddles as well.

 

[dbeck]

do they come w/ other tie in methods? Not sliding D ring? More like master Saddles?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

You can clip into the aluminum rings at the ends of the front strap. You could also fabricate your own front bridge with multi tie ins.

I posted a reply from Komet about modifying the bridge on Tr**buzz.

Tom

 

[WillClimb]

it's definitely the best saddle I've ever had. light as a feather.
yellow strap is wearing out too... I personally don't think it has the lumbar support that I've gotten from some of the other saddles, but it can't be beaten for an all-around saddle. and besides, a larger back-pad would mean added weight.
I would like to have something a little more heavy duty, and with more back support for removals, but I've used the same B'Fly for two years straight and it's still going strong.

murphy4trees - i get some pinching too from the leg straps. it only happens to me when the straps ride up, and that's usually from hanging in some funky position. i just pull 'em back down to mid-thigh and all is well.

 

[Baumkletter]

Wow!!! Thanks for the tremendous response to my question. I think I'll have to give the B'fly a try the next time I see one .

Thanks, again!!!
Mike

 

[SilverBlue]

Where can one buy the butterfly?

 

[Tom Dunlap]

As far as I know, Fresco is the only US vendor. Does anyone know another?

http://www.frescoarborist.com/


Tom