NEW TRIBE NIKOSI SADDLE User manual

How to Use and Maintain your NEW TRIBE NIKOSI SADDLE
WARNING: It is the responsibility of the user of climbing equipment to obtain adequate instruction and to take
adequate precautions for safety when climbing. The product information we provide is not a substitute for
competent instruction and training in technique and safety.
USER INSTRUCTIONS
NFPA Standard 1983 recommends separating the user instructions from the saddle and retaining them in permanent record. The standard also
recommends making a copy of the instructions to keep with the saddle and that the instructions should be referred to before and after each use.
Belt Pad
Accessory Ring
for Suspender
Butt Straps
Gear Loop
Side D-Ring
Floating O-Ring
Floating Bridge
Leg Strap D-Ring
Leg Strap Bridge
Butt Strap Buckles
Rear Rescue Loop
Leg Strap
Adjuster
Buckle
Riser Strap
Adjuster Buckle
Carabiner Loop
Riser Strap
Leg Strap
Bridge O-ring
Accessory Loop
ANATOMY OF THE NEW TRIBE NIKOSI SADDLE
PUTTING ON YOUR NEW TRIBE NIKOSI SADDLE
Open the quick-release buckles on the leg straps. Check that all webbing parts are free of twists.
To put on the belt, hold it facing forward and step into it. Raise the belt into position at your waist so that the cinch strap crosses your
belly at the navel. Thread the cinch strap into its buckle and pull it towards the left until the belt feels comfortably snug. Loop the end of
the webbing back over the buckle and tuck it inside the belt pad to lock it in place.
Thread the cinch strap Pull strap to snug up Loop end of strap behind buckle and tuck in
Then bring the leg straps around each leg and fasten the buckles. (If you prefer, you can put on the saddle without opening the leg
strap buckles. Step into the belt and put your feet into the leg straps as you would put on a pair of pants.)
USING YOUR SADDLE
For ascending, descending and belays, your rope or other safety devices may be connected or tied directly into the floating O-ring on
the belt bridge. The side D-rings may be used for work positioning in conjunction with a lanyard or rope that connects to both side Ds.
The snaphooks, gear loops, carabiner loops and aluminum ring sewn onto the Nikosi Saddle belt are intended only for
carrying gear and accessories. Do not use them for life support. Keep your life support connected to the floating O-ring in
front, or to the side Ds.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
During use, carrying, and storage, keep the saddle away from acids, alkalis, exhaust emissions, rust and strong chemicals. Do not
expose the saddle to flame or high temperatures. Carry the saddle where it will be protected as the saddle could melt or burn and fail if
exposed to flame or high temperatures.
If the saddle becomes soiled, it can be washed in cold water with a mild non-detergent soap. Hang to dry in a well-ventilated area out
of direct sunlight. Do not dry in an automatic dryer. Store in a cool, dry location.
REPAIRS & ALTERATIONS
The webbing bridge on the belt of your Nikosi saddle will show some wear in a very short time. You will notice a fuzzy texture develop-
ing on the underside of the bridge. This is normal and does not affect the strength of the bridge. Inspect your saddle before and after
each use, giving special attention to the webbing bridge. When the bridge appears to be thinning, cut or frayed, or if the stitching is
exposed and worn, it is time to replace it. Call New Tribe to arrange to return your saddle and we will replace the bridge for a small
charge.
New Tribe recommends that all repair work be done by the manufacturer. All other repair work or modification of the saddle voids the
warranty and releases New Tribe from all liability and responsibility as the manufacturer.
WARNING: Make sure that the saddle fits snugly at the waist and that the connection to the floating O-ring
is secure before using the saddle. When wearing the saddle, double-check the buckles and fit of the saddle
immediately prior to relying on it for support.
NEW TRIBE, INC. • PO Box 638 • Grants Pass, OR 97528
voice [phone] • toll-free 1-866-223-3371 • fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.newtribe.com
SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FITTING YOUR NIKOSI SADDLE OVER

ABOUT 10” ABOUT 12” ABOUT 15”
ADJUSTING THE FIT OF YOUR NIKOSI SADDLE
There are three adjustments to make that control the comfort and fit of your Nikosi saddle.
1. Adjust the length of the leg straps
Using the steel 3-bar slides, lengthen or shorten the leg straps to your size. NOTE: As with all New Tribe saddles, the
leg straps are intended to be loose on your thighs—they are designed to float on your legs as you move about. Do not
adjust them to be snug on your legs.
a. Unbuckle the leg straps to open up the webbing.
b. Slide the leg pad as far as it will go toward the red leg strap bridge, pulling the straps in the opposite direction.
c. Move the adjuster buckle to set the length of the leg strap.
THIGH MEASUREMENT: SMALL 18” TO 21” MEDIUM 21” TO 24” LARGE 24” TO 27”
LEG STRAP LENGTH:
The buckle does not slide easily on the webbing. Moving the adjuster buckle is
easiest if you pull the webbing up from the buckle to make some slack, then
pull on the webbing to take out the slack.
When you have finished adjusting the leg straps, slide the leg pads back into
place so that the pads will be centered on the back of your thighs.
2. Adjust the length of the riser straps
Put on your Nikosi and hang in it. Using the black 3-bar slides, lengthen or shorten the riser
straps so that your weight is balanced between the belt and the leg straps. IMPORTANT:
Be sure to adjust the risers so that they have no more tension on them than the leg straps
do. If the risers are too short, you will feel discomfort under your thighs and the leg straps
will go slack. If this happens, ease the risers out a bit longer until the leg straps take your
weight.
3. Adjust the length of the butt straps
This is best done while hanging in the saddle. Using the black
buckles on the belt in back, let out the straps to their longest length.
Lift the tab on the buckle and the webbing will slide easily. Move
the leg pads to a comfortable position on your thighs where your
balance is good and the leg strap webbing does not bind at your
crotch. Then pull on the ends of the butt straps just enough to take
out the slack.
When properly adjusted, your Nikosi allows you to hang upright. You should feel balanced and comfortable with your
weight evenly distributed—not too much pressure on either the belt or the leg straps, and no need to hold onto the rope
to stay upright. Experiment with these adjustments until you find what’s best for you. You’ll only have to adjust your
Nikosi the first time you put it on. Once you make it right, it will stay that way until you change it.
NEW TRIBE, INC. • PO Box 638 • Grants Pass, OR 97528
voice [phone] • toll-free 1-866-223-3371 • fax [phone]
[email protected] • www.newtribe.com
RISER STRAP BUCKLES
BEFORE AFTER