Austrian Duo 3 Harness... Got one?

Manx_Tree

Hi to all, it really has been quite some time since i last posted here but i know this is the place to find the answers i need.

I'm currently on my second 'Komet Dragonfly 2' and can not fault it, but i feel it is time to move on.
The reason i love the 'Dragonfly' is because it is light, not covered in straps that only seem to adjust yet more straps and it allows me to move really well.... also it has the solid belt (with that great flannel material to soak up the sweat), good sized gear loops and quick lock buckels that have never given me reason to question if it may be me entering the conservatory from the top.....

Ive been looking, but as always it's impossible to really find out how a harness performs and how comfortable it is without swinging your ass out of it for a 100 hours or so.
One that is standing out is the 'Austrain Duo 3' but all i can really tell is that it looks simple and solid, and comes in orange.

I would really appreciate any feedback even if you have never even heard of the 'Duo 3'.

Regards to the community......... Great to be back

__________________
Can't see the wood for the trees........

HNC Arboriculture, Diploma Forestry, NPTC,
ISA PR4757-A

kaazih

Hey mate, I have one of the Austrian Duo 3 harnesses and also a Komet Butterfly 2 (same upper as Dragonfly 2)

Both harnesses are very comfortable. The Komet feels a bit sturdier.

The bridge on the Komet harnesses is replaceable but I find that Karabiners tend to snag a bit at the ends on the heat shrink. Also the standard ring on the Komets is too small to easily fit 2 karabiners. You won't have this issue with the Duo 3.

The Duo 3 is easy to adjust but I always find the waist strap needs regular tightening especially before you hang a big saw off the side.

As you said, both have just the right amount of gear loops etc but with the Duo 3 you can also slip a tool karabiner under the webbing at waist level rather than clipping it to one of the metal loops. I use this as the second attachment point for the saw when moving around a tree. Komet sell a special chainsaw karabiner http://tinyurl.com/2em46qj I've never been able to get one.

Hope that helps you some.

Steve

Manx_Tree

Hey Steve,
thanks for that. I've also used a 'Butterfly' hence the 'Dragonfly'.... Would you say there are any downsides to the Duo 3, like build quality etc. ?

Where in OZ are you?

Regards,

Ben

__________________
Can't see the wood for the trees........

HNC Arboriculture, Diploma Forestry, NPTC,
ISA PR4757-A

kaazih

Hi Ben,

I'd say the Duo 3 is of equal build quality to the Komet harnesses although I spend more time in the former so the my Butterfly II still has that new look. The Butterfly II is slightly heavier due to the batten seat. I purchased both from Honeybros in your neck of the woods.

Currently living and working in Sydney. A great place for working in trees since the weather is great and there are plenty of trees. The only thing missing are regulations as to who is qualified to wield a chainsaw in a tree.

Steve

Manx_Tree

Thanks again Steve.

I lived and worked in Sydney for about 9 months back in 03/04.... I've since lived and worked in Canada for a longer period and it doesnt have a patch on OZ.
I would say the Canadian and Australian regs are at about the same level but i would move back to Sydney in a heart beat.... and im sure i will.

Hows the work scene over there at the mo?
I worked for a pom when i was there but he's since moved to Perth because work got tight.

Ben

__________________
Can't see the wood for the trees........

HNC Arboriculture, Diploma Forestry, NPTC,
ISA PR4757-A

kaazih

Do you need a chainsaw with a heated handle when working in Canada?

I work for a pom over here. He's been in Sydney for almost 10 years now. Drums into us the importance of training and PPE (chainsaw pants & boots.)

There's plenty of work on at the moment although I usually only work Tuesday to Thursday by choice. And no, I'm not making big money - just enough to live and and a little bit more.

Steve

Manx_Tree

Yes i would say that a heated handle is needed, but i never had one ......
I worked in Calgary, Alberta so summers were 30c and winters were -30c! we would call off work at -35c but only because it's impossible to climb or the hydraulic oil in the hoist became so viscus that it would take hours to complete a simple tree.... work was never shy because when the snow set in, and it was too nasty to get the trucks out, we would plough snow for commercial businesses. Good times...

Ever felt like working away?

Ben

__________________
Can't see the wood for the trees........

HNC Arboriculture, Diploma Forestry, NPTC,
ISA PR4757-A

kaazih

Good work, it's always nice to have a second line of business.

I've been working 'away' most of my life as a NZ'er in Australia - only arboriculture in the last few years though. Did my training in Sydney.

Have you decided on the Tree Austria Duo 3 harness yet?

steve

kaazih

Wesspur are advertising the new Tree Austria 3.1. Looks like the waist strap is a bit wider and has a replaceable bridge - both good enhancements.