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spreader bar discomfort

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westmatt
(@westmatt)
Posts: 121
Mate
Topic starter
 

I have never used one before, and am finding that it wants to dig in to my torso to the point where it's too uncomfortable to use. Any tips on what I might be doing wrong? It's a Murrays half harness with a 12" spreader bar.

 
Posted : April 10, 2023 5:36 am
MN3
 MN3
(@MN3)
Posts: 7090
One Star Admiral
 

i ended up making mine VERY loose - and just hung in it, to avoid it digging into me

MN3

 
Posted : April 10, 2023 9:09 am
(@texastuma)
Posts: 415
Mate
 

westmatt wrote: I have never used one before, and am finding that it wants to dig in to my torso to the point where it's too uncomfortable to use. Any tips on what I might be doing wrong? It's a Murrays half harness with a 12" spreader bar.

"... digging in to my torso..." sounds like the harness is not tight enough at the waist. The trapeze hook should be at waist level. When I get set-up, I will tighten the sides first; pretty tight. Then will snug the other straps to comfort.

 
Posted : April 10, 2023 9:39 am
(@klozhald)
Posts: 1461
Master Chief
 

I've used a fixed spreader bar in butt buckets and full harnesses of different types and never had it touching my body in any way. It should be about an inch from your belly when hanging in it, and not uncomfortable when sitting on the hull in it.

 
Posted : April 10, 2023 12:54 pm
(@shortyfox)
Posts: 369
Mate
 

MN3 wrote: i ended up making mine VERY loose - and just hung in it, to avoid it digging into me

I did the same thing. When it's tight, it pulls the side straps together.

 
Posted : April 11, 2023 1:44 am
wlrottge
(@wlrottge)
Posts: 160
Mate
 

klozhald wrote: I've used a fixed spreader bar in butt buckets and full harnesses of different types and never had it touching my body in any way. It should be about an inch from your belly when hanging in it, and not uncomfortable when sitting on the hull in it.

Funny enough, I say that if my harness isn't uncomfortable when I put it on, that it isn't tight enough, lol

I crank mine down TIGHT b/c I don't like having the spreader bar far from me.

I had a Murrays harness YEARS ago and didn't like it (it hurt). It may be that the harness isn't right for you.

 
Posted : April 18, 2023 4:16 am
(@texastuma)
Posts: 415
Mate
 

Looking at the spreader bars I have, there are some that are designed for full harnesses and others for butt buckets. I had one of the full harness bars and the tab on the top would dig into my gut (my gut had grown over the last decade+), but realized that was the discomfort with my. If you have the tab on top, try another bar or cut the tab off.

 
Posted : April 26, 2023 5:58 am
MN3
 MN3
(@MN3)
Posts: 7090
One Star Admiral
 

my welder buddy made his own bar - it was 12" vs the 10" bar that Murray's sells. it eliminated the hip pinching

MN3

 
Posted : April 26, 2023 12:22 pm
westmatt
(@westmatt)
Posts: 121
Mate
Topic starter
 

If you have the tab on top, try another bar or cut the tab off.

I think you may be on to something. Once hanging, there's no discomfort, but sitting on the tramp or getting into position, I think it IS the upper tab. I'll make sure and then think about removing it, since it's unused.

I appreciate all the insights.

 
Posted : April 27, 2023 9:42 am