When DD tree huggers die....

[Crassy84]

Hey folks,

Just a quick one and a word of caution, I have been using these DD tree huggers for about a year. I've have recently became concerned about their longevity and as I was relaxing yesterday with my 5 year old in his hammock, I suddenly felt the forces of gravity. I found the culprit as attached in the pictures, can't say I'm happy, the set up was done as DD recommend. I've heard this happen to a number of people surely it's time for a rethink?

[bopdude]

Get in touch with DD if you bought direct I'm sure they would be keen to know what has happened and maybe offer replacements ?

[Jackdaw]

I haven't used these directly but have seen a one break in the middle of the night. It was being used in the similar way - marlin spike.

However, doesn't DD recommend using them only in the configuration as shown in this picture? I seem to remember they come with a little note in the pack that states to only use both loops with a karabiner.

[Crassy84]

I will be in touch today or Monday. I used them as I saw on their website but I was surprised that it snapped there and not the stitching!

[Jackdaw]

Noticed the same photo on their website which made me chuckle. Either it's one way or it's not. What I haven't seen is any attempt to make them more robust. It would be good if they offered a stronger variant; a heavy duty model for instance.

[Diamond Dave]

Some time ago I had the same thing happen to me and I had the Devils own job with DD to get some satisfaction. They wanted pictures and description and even then after a few emails they only changed the one hugger. Wouldn't use them again.

[Crassy84]

Jackdaw that was off their website, but mine was done like that. It's crazy mate, they need to sort it out and soon. I noted that they have added an "xl" version now which is 5cm thick

[Meadows]

That doesn't look good to me. What's the weight limit of the straps. Was there any damage to the strap, UV degradation ?

[Paulm]

There certainly appears to be numerous reported instances of these failing and as Dave experienced they don't seem to be doing much if anything about it and continue to sell them.

Quite honestly I'm surprised and disappointed that they haven't tried to recall them all and replace with something that is fit for purpose.

I hope no one has to end up suing them for personal injury, it would be very easy to end up with broken bones or spinal injury if these give out on you in use.

[Meadows]

So is this quite common occasion then?

[Sunndog]

Hmmm, starting to lose faith in mine now...but i do love how compact they are, maybe time to go kevlar

[Scotty Von Porkchop]

Hmmm, starting to lose faith in mine now...but i do love how compact they are, maybe time to go kevlar

Has anyone heard of a failure with the kevlar yet? They seem insanely thin but have held up for me great. I suspect the dynamic loading would kill them though

[guinnessgrim]

I will be in touch today or Monday. I used them as I saw on their website but I was surprised that it snapped there and not the stitching!

How did it go with DD?

[Stevie]

Kieren's got some great tree huggers available. Have a natter with him mate;
Scroll down the page to see...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/199220127112492/

[Diamond Dave]

Oops I think I've broken the trading rules. I'd like to purchase a set of these huggers but don't have Facebook account

[Kieren]

In the interests of transparency I'll put a for sale post up in the Traders section :-)