Im thinking... Since I make whoopie slings for hammockers... Why not have one as your tree strap?

Pros? Lighter, adjustable, takes up less space and I think I can build them either at or cheaper than a tree strap.

Cons? I can not currently think of any....

Strength issues? Could be a promising idea.

They can be made with a rating up to 6,ooo,ooo pounds.

But for our sake...

7/16 would net you a rating of around 21,000 pounds.

1/2 would net you around 30,000 pounds.

This is taking into consideration any rope derate the whoopie sling places on the strength of the line itelf.

There is quite a price jump between the 7/16 and the 1/2.

All using Amsteel Blue configured in a Whoopie Sling using Samsons instructions.

For instance I can make a 7/16 sling with an adjustment range between 20" and 12' for $60. The sling would weigh approx. 1 pound and take up 1/2 to 1/4 of the space.

The 20" measurement may be a little optimistic. It will probably be closer to 3'

could've used one to tow my snowmobile this evening....

After checking some prices... Not possible to do it cheaper than a strap.

Oh well.

Could always do an eye to eye splice... That would significantly cut down on the price... And not derate the rope. Fixed eyes dont derate the rope anymore than 0-1%.

Although.... It wont be as wide as a strap and hence wont disperse the load on the tree like a strap would.

I'm a little lost, what is a whoopie sling?

I use a sling I bought at TSC, I think it's 6' long and cost less then $15
I think it is 6" wide so it spreads the pull across that and won't damage the tree at all.

works great and pretty cheap.

I can see if Ironman will offer up his $12 tree savers again. They are a little longer than the normal tree saver (but that is a good thing).

I got one. I just need the winch to go with it now.

http://www.cbknot.com/WhoopieSling.htm

The idea being to shave weight and space.

I realize its a fine line we walk between not damaging trees and getting unstuck. IMO.... If you are using a tree large enough to get your rig unstuck, you arent going to damage the tree. Unless its a softwood with soft bark. Then even a strap can damage the living tissues.