who uses controlled descent systems ?

[132 eight pointer]

I know some of you have the Tree Spider Livewire System. I am looking for updated opinions on any of the controlled descent products that are attached to a fall restraint and lower a hunter to the ground.Opinions please.

[oneidacountyhunter]

My only way to control my desent is to turn around and climb down my ladder carefully, hehehe

[Lawdwaz]

I fagged out on the Tree Spider last year. I was real high on it last year and bought one. I only wore it a couple times and it was to clunky/bulky for me. It went down the road........

I'm all ears on anything else or other ideas.

[132 eight pointer]

I fagged out on the Tree Spider last year. I was real high on it last year and bought one. I only wore it a couple times and it was to clunky/bulky for me. It went down the road........

I'm all ears on anything else or other ideas.

Thanks, I wondered about that.

[WNYBuckHunter]

I have the Tree Spider Livewire. Had the same experience as Lawdwaz, but will give it another shot this year.

[fasteddie]

I bought a CDS but have never used it . Opened the package , looked it over and never tried it .

[ELMER J. FUDD]

I just jump. If I'm lucky I don't land on my head.

[fasteddie]

This is the one I have ---- Mountaineer Sports Rescue One CDS (Controlled Descent System) Treestand Safety Harness System

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&template=video.cfm&cat=Hunting&subCatID=10&connectionSpeed=broadband&videoID=898&startRow=0&videoType=prodcutdemo&option=2&cmid=OLPHVIDEO_898_HIGH

[132 eight pointer]

The CDS looks like a great idea especially if hunting alone. I am not sure if they are inconvenient to use with a climber.I may have to just use my fall restraint again this year.

[wdswtr]

The CDS looks like a great idea especially if hunting alone. I am not sure if they are inconvenient to use with a climber.I may have to just use my fall restraint again this year.

I dont think you can use them with a climber, atleast none I have seen. It has to be attacked above the stand in its fixed position for the hunt. So you would literly have to climb the tree, attack the CDS and then climb down to climb back up with your climber lol. I always use a climbers strap when using the climber however. It attaches to my harness at the waste and wraps around the tree and attaches to the other side of the harness. You raise the climbing strap up with each raising of the climbing stand. One thing to be aware of too is that it needs to be always above your waist height. If it is below your waist where wrapped around a tree and you fall it will flip you over backwards.

[HUNT6246]

I took a Fall Hazard training class at work several years ago. Using the CDS to jump off the training tower was one of our last things & kind of a graduation exercise for the course once you had developed confidence in the continuous protection concept and use of the equipment. With equipment we used at work, you'd go to the ground very quickly, but it sure beats a free-fall. I think they're a great idea - although I have no experience with the brand you mention. You might compare prices at Safety supply store. I don't go up trees anymore due to health reasons. But, if I did, I'd use one of these or a rope with a Prussic knot system for safe ascent and decent.

[growalot]

I have set two up in stands that my harness safety hook won't fit for climbing and decent....but looking to buy one that gives the controlled fall to hook into once up....I have so many stands and the climbers that I need one that's portable

[ELMER J. FUDD]

That was a stupid comment by me. Sorry if I offended anyone. After reading Cabin Fever's story. I have one of those harnesses that came with the climber. I gave another away. It isn't easy to use in a climber. I'll be looking into this.

[WNYBuckHunter]

I have set two up in stands that my harness safety hook won't fit for climbing and decent....but looking to buy one that gives the controlled fall to hook into once up....I have so many stands and the climbers that I need one that's portable

The livewire is portable, its just a little on the bulky side. Honestly, I wish they had a better way to attach the tree strap to it and I wouldnt mind it at all.

[132 eight pointer]

The portability and size of the Livewire is what caught my attention, I am glad that I found out ahead of time that it may be bulky.The idea of a controlled descent in the event of a mishap is very appealing to me as I use a climber and hunt alone many times.I have often thought that I would have to cut myself free and slide down the tree if I slipped off my climber and couldn't get back on.( I carry a knife in my pocket for just such an event ).I use my fall restraint when climbing down by sliding it down the tree,cinching it tight and so on.I have used it going up too however It has gotten in the way before.I will keep looking around but it sounds like the Livewire may be more user friendly with a climbing stand.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Unfortunately there are only a few options out there, and if you look at the system, I dont think those types of systems will get much smaller than the Livewire.