The soft shackle is an excellent for attaching aiders to climbing sticks that do not have standard steps like the Timber Ninja C2's.  These are 2 inches finished length.  Unlike traditional soft shackles that are finished with a button knot these are designed with a different knot.  The button knot that is commonly used has one major draw back.  When weighted and then weight is taken off the knot it has been show to slip which then could break.  These soft shackles are created with a knot that cannot be undone or slip increasing its overall strength.  The black colored cordage shown allows you to lengthen and open the slot to slip the ball knot through.  Once the ball knot is through you must milk or run your fingers back up to the loop to close the soft shackle.  These have multiple uses and are rated to 400lbs working load.  They are sold individually or in a pack of 2.