I want to be clear about something.
Restraints can be a dangerous business. Rope, rings, tape, bodyweight, cuffs…
Things can go wrong, very easily.
Unfortunately, a lot of manufacturers don’t put enough information in their copy. That’s not an oversight, testing is expensive and a lot of people aren’t ever going to push near the limits of a harness, or of a D-ring.
I, however, would if I had the opportunity. And if I would I expect our customers would.
With that I have to assume that every product with a ring or a clip may be used at some point for suspension in some fashion.
Every product with leather or nylon may be stitched, riveted, or pressed.
Most rings are either pressed or welded.
When hanging the difference is all-important. A pressed ring can give under stress causing a fall or additional tension on suspended points causing injury. A welded ring can fail, as well, but it’s a lot less likely.
Where possible or feasible, I have reached out to manufacturers to ask how their leather is joined, how their rings are closed.
With the exception of their swing (which we carry, and which is a door sling, not suspension gear), none of Sportsheets’ equipment is load-rated and all of it is pressed ring. They have confirmed in writing that their equipment is not intended for suspension.
XR makes suspension-rated gear, and we’re in the process of sourcing it, but for now, we can’t.
This is why you don’t see anything on our site that says ‘welded’ as a product promise yet. We have left the manufacturer’s copy in place and are constantly reaching out.
I want it all to be welded, stitched with double-reinforced nylon, and brass-riveted where possible.
We’re not there yet.
Until we get there, you get honesty, transparency where possible, and our promise that if we make it that far we’ll carry true suspension rated products and furniture.
But if it’s not welded, I’m not going to risk your safety if I know better.