[Fairchild #17]

Been doing the research into saddles lately as I will own one before next season. Seems to me that just about everyone is different in how they like their setup. Not only platform vs ring of steps vs whatever, but also how they like to adjust their saddle, tether height, bridge length, etc. Seems you have to play around with your setup to get it comfortable for yourself. Far different from a treestand where you pretty much set it up and you are done.

The Mantis is so lightweight that you almost don't know you're wearing it. I do have to readjust once in a while to stay comfortable.
I would like to try the Kestrel Flex to see if I'm missing something.

 

[Buckshot1822]

Tethrd Mantis.
Knee pressure against the tree really isn't unbearable, but I might pack along a set of knee pads for my next hunt.
Legs straddling the tree is also fairly comfortable.
You can also sit side saddle for a change up with your hip against the tree.

I gave the treesaddle a whirl several years ago but it just killed my knees.The next year I bought a QUIDO'S WEB.It solved that problem and was fairly comfortable but more of a pain to deal with than I cared for.I really liked the concept so I may have to give it another legitimate try.

I use a mantis also, it is substantially more comfortable than the old trophy line saddles.

For me that platform makes the biggest difference. You can shift your weight easily, and it's a lot more comfortable to lean vs a ROS for me. I actually straddle the tree with my legs a lot too, vs putting my knees into the tree.

There guy that bought the guidos web company is making a new version that is a lot less bulky and user friendly. JX3 Outdoors is that company.

 

[dce]

If you have facebook,check out artisan outdoor fabrications.He makes a small platform that bolts onto a stick and replaces the top step.I ordered one last night.I'm gonna try it and see if that's better than the way I originally tried it.

 

[cspot]

If you have facebook,check out artisan outdoor fabrications.He makes a small platform that bolts onto a stick and replaces the top step.I ordered one last night.I'm gonna try it and see if that's better than the way I originally tried it.

Have you tried it out?

 

[dce]

No,It's going on three weeks and I haven't received it yet.I did use the saddle with an old gorilla tree seat as a platform and it was way better than just using tree steps.I've been playing around with the one stick method of climbing and I think that may be the ticket once I get that stick platform.

 

[Buckshot1822]

No,It's going on three weeks and I haven't received it yet.I did use the saddle with an old gorilla tree seat as a platform and it was way better than just using tree steps.I've been playing around with the one stick method of climbing and I think that may be the ticket once I get that stick platform.

The only problem people really seem to have with them is that they dont take side pressure that well for some.

 

[Fairchild #17]

Keep us updated when you get to play with it. Looks great.

 

[cspot]

No,It's going on three weeks and I haven't received it yet.I did use the saddle with an old gorilla tree seat as a platform and it was way better than just using tree steps.I've been playing around with the one stick method of climbing and I think that may be the ticket once I get that stick platform.

Did you ever get this?

 

[cspot]

Well Tethrd was running a black Friday deal that started today. Was too much for me to handle so I ordered my first saddle. Got the complete kit with the predator platform. I think it will be a while before I get it as the lead times take a while.

 

[Rambo93]

I really like my mini platform my brother in law built for me. Can’t see hauling in anything bigger sort of defeats the idea for me. Which is quick sits for an hour or 2 after work being up a tree in 5 min with minimal gear.

 

[Rambo93]

It’s a copycat of the artisan outdoors and fab. Mounts to top step of my lone wolf

 

[cspot]

If you have facebook,check out artisan outdoor fabrications.He makes a small platform that bolts onto a stick and replaces the top step.I ordered one last night.I'm gonna try it and see if that's better than the way I originally tried it.

Did you ever get this? Try it out?

 

[TBrom]

I've been looking into these. My conclusion....you guys are friggin nuts!!! :jestera:

 

[cspot]

I've been looking into these. My conclusion....you guys are friggin nuts!!! :jestera:

I will find out soon enough. My saddle and platform should be here by Christmas. Hoping to try it out on a few hunts in Ohio. Carrying a climber sucks up those mountains really sucks.

 

[dce]

Did you ever get this? Try it out?

Sorry,missed the post.Yes I did get it but only got to try it out with a practice session.It's very light and much better than resting my feet on the top steps although not as good as a little bit bigger platform.I would say that it's just the ticket if you plan on hunting and climbing with one stick or if using a set of climbing sticks that you put up every time.A small platfform would be better if you're hunting pre-set locations.It was worth the $65 though.

 

[dce]

I will find out soon enough. My saddle and platform should be here by Christmas. Hoping to try it out on a few hunts in Ohio. Carrying a climber sucks up those mountains really sucks.

It's not something that you use once and say,this is the ticket.You really have to play around with it to make it work.I started using a small tree seat as a platform.It's not ideal but I had it laying around and decided to use it.When I used to use one several years ago,I stood on a ring of steps and tried to sit,which pushed me into the tree.With a small platform,I found that I can stand and just lean back,putting about 20-30% of my weight on my legs.It's not bad at all.A legit platform designed for use with a saddle would be better.I still like a ring of steps for shooting around certain angles of the tree.I just don't like keeping my weight on such a small surface areas.When they become available again,I'm gonna pick up a JX3 hybrid.I have a Quido's web which was very comfortable and eliminates the need for a platform.A ros is all you need because you actually sit.The JX3 seems to have fixed everything I didn't like about the GW.

 

[RegularJoe]

I consider my saddle another tool in my arsenal not the only way I plan to hunt. I basically got this to be able to help climb trees that have multiple trunks or lots of limbs that don't lend themselves to the climber or a pre-set, or I just waked in and found them and they happen to be in the right spot. I do plan to prepare several trees for such sits too. I still need some practice and plan to build my own platform. This will also let me "hang out" with my mentored youth hunters in any pre-hung stand I already have.

 

[uplander]

I consider my saddle another tool in my arsenal not the only way I plan to hunt. I basically got this to be able to help climb trees that have multiple trunks or lots of limbs that don't lend themselves to the climber or a pre-set, or I just waked in and found them and they happen to be in the right spot. I do plan to prepare several trees for such sits too. I still need some practice and plan to build my own platform. This will also let me "hang out" with my mentored youth hunters in any pre-hung stand I already have.

I’ve been looking at these more and more this year and your last sentence likely pushed me over the top.

Having spent that last couple year fighting to get a second hang on setup in the same tree or climbing up a less than optimal tree next to a preset hangon to hunt with my 10yo has been a huge pain. With my 8yo chasing his footsteps, I think one of these will be purchased this summer.

 

[cspot]

It's not something that you use once and say,this is the ticket.You really have to play around with it to make it work.I started using a small tree seat as a platform.It's not ideal but I had it laying around and decided to use it.When I used to use one several years ago,I stood on a ring of steps and tried to sit,which pushed me into the tree.With a small platform,I found that I can stand and just lean back,putting about 20-30% of my weight on my legs.It's not bad at all.A legit platform designed for use with a saddle would be better.I still like a ring of steps for shooting around certain angles of the tree.I just don't like keeping my weight on such a small surface areas.When they become available again,I'm gonna pick up a JX3 hybrid.I have a Quido's web which was very comfortable and eliminates the need for a platform.A ros is all you need because you actually sit.The JX3 seems to have fixed everything I didn't like about the GW.

I ordered the Predator platform when I ordered the saddle. I think the Artisan may be nice for long hikes in early season when you are hunting for just a couple of hours.

 

[dce]

I ordered the Predator platform when I ordered the saddle. I think the Artisan may be nice for long hikes in early season when you are hunting for just a couple of hours.

That would be my assessment as well.Get some practice climbing with just one stick.It's slick