ORIGINAL: Bobby5
How many people on here just use a safety belt instead of a harness? A harness came with my treestand but that thing is a pain to put on and it always gets tangled. I think a belt is much better. I was wondering how safe they are?
Please do yourself a huge favor and use the harness. If the one that came with the stand is truly a royal pain, buy one that is not or one of the new vests with the harness incorporated into the entire system. A belt, while less cumbersome and easier to use can kill you or break your back. I am certified as a Tower climber and in Tower Rescue and would not even think about using an old fashioned belt anymore since the harnesses are available. Even a fall as short as 6" will produce produce a shock measured in thousands of pounds per square inch an can cause severe injury.
If you have any doubts as to the danger involved, check out the website of any of the companies providing Tower Safety equipment or that of OSHA.