[dce]

Going to be definitely revisiting this topic throughout the coming months because I am finding the week side shot to be unacceptable. Almost cost me a buck this year and there were several other scenarios where other deer came in and it would of been a real challenge to get to full draw on them . I too want to go the hybrid route and will probably try and sale my Seeker platform. Possibly my Assault 2 as well . While I do find satisfaction having something so compact and getting set rock solid on a tree it does not justify limiting shot opportunities or making them more difficult than they have to be. I also need to get a repelling rope for safety reasons and a madrock so I can let out slack when I want to turn . Trying to loosen a Prusick knot to get slack or take up slack is a total pain. Same thing for my linesman rope . It’s adding time to my setup and I can’t react quickly enough when a deer is approaching. As far as the saddle itself goes I can make it very comfortable and hang out in it all day. I also like the idea of facing the tree but turning around and sitting when I need a break. Also feel very safe in it . Anyhow I have a Lonewolf Assault 2 that comes in m a little over 11 pounds. Been looking at the LWCG stands and the .75 seems like it would be a good fit for me . In your opinion is it worth it when the Assault is still a pretty good stand ? Just heavier with a few less features. Also wanted to add that I took the ring of steps into consideration but don’t think it’s practical for me . Sometimes I am not very high off the ground and the diameter of trees I am in aren’t large enough to hide me when I am walking around the tree for a shot . I am not Eberhart where I get 30 feet up in a large tree with big branches all around me. ………….one more thing. 😆 I need to dump the backpack. First year hunting that I ever used one . While it’s nice have them extra storage it was a absolute annoyance to me all season for so many different reasons but I sort of was forced to use it . It’s purpose was to store my platform and I attached my sticks to it. Never again. I burned way too much time on my setups this season fumbling around. I need to get back to being a minimalist.

It's worth it

 

[steelhead125]

It's worth it

Do you think the .5 is too small ? It’s under 6 pounds .

 

[dce]

I had the .5 and sold it because the seat was too small.The smaller platform didn't bother me.Now you can get a bigger seat or a mesh seat for it.I have the 1.0 with a mesh seat and it's awesome.Now again,I climb with one stick so my total weight is under 10lbs.

 

[steelhead125]

I had the .5 and sold it because the seat was too small.The smaller platform didn't bother me.Now you can get a bigger seat or a mesh seat for it.I have the 1.0 with a mesh seat and it's awesome.Now again,I climb with one stick so my total weight is under 10lbs.

Thanks . It’s a tough call . I feel as long as I have enough room to make all the turns I need to make with a size 13 boot a light very compact stand might be more beneficial for me . At least I have a lot of time to ponder this stuff until next season.

 

[dce]

I would like to grab another .5 but with the mesh seat to use with one stick.I think it would be close to perfect if you used it more as a saddle platform.Then I would just use the 1.0 with pre sets.Before I buy one,I plan on grabbing the climber if they come out with one.Using a climbing platform with a saddle is slick as snot but you're just a little more limited on what trees you can climb.

 

[steelhead125]

Just curious as to why you like the mesh seat so much . Comfort and weight reduction ? Also is it sturdy enough to cam lock with your knee or is there give to it ?

 

[dce]

The mesh seat is actually a touch heavier but it's super comfortable.It's like a lighter and much quieter version of a mellenium.The regular large seat is actually better than the assault seat because it sits you further out from the tree.I actually just tilt the platform a little and just cam the seat down with my hand.

 

[Shiftyshad]

I too noticed in larger trees that hitting the weak side was pretty difficult. I do my best to avoid them and I can usualy hit like 2 o 'clock from the strong stide in basketball size or small trees. I'll also try to pick a tree that doesn't offer a hard weak side shot, if possible. If I'm forced into a bigger tree I try to put my top stick or the top of my one stick to the left of my platform so I can walk around. The safeguard, or any other mechanical device will definitely help you. The quickest way I've found to get to the 2-3 o'clock shot is to let out slack to where I'm sitting fairly low and I can really swing around pretty quick if I need to. And really, from that seated position I can probably hit one o'clock. That said, I deer can get into your weak spot and out of range very quickly, but I think that can happen just as easy with most setups. For me, tip toeing in a circle is no easier than swinging around on my platform, but the movement is a little bit more controllable/slower on a stand. The thing I dislike most about the hybrid idea is getting the stand up and attached. I'm a backpack guy so I can't keep it on my back. I don't want a second pull up rope. And my least favorite part of setting up in my saddle is putting the platform on. I imagin making it four times bigger would make it more unenjoyable. I'd sell the seeker and pick up a mission or EDP. The angles and nubs are perfect for getting good side angles.

But the true beauty of the saddle is that there are so many options. Maybe keep or upgrade your platform for smaller trees,shorter/deeper hunts, or whatever and get a .5 or .75 for your bigger tree setups, pre hung steps, longer hunts, etc. I just wouldn't quite write it off just yet if the weak side shot is your main concern, I think you can make some adjustments to help with that. I"m also all for having options.

 

[steelhead125]

Started a thread on here just before I was ready to jump on bandwagon and guys weren’t lying when they said I will be going down a wormhole. Really want to get dialed in here for next season and find that perfect setup for me or at least to the point where I am satisfied enough that I won’t feel compelled to make changes.
Looking back on things it’s kind of laughable how rudimentary my system was for this season. Also acknowledge the fact many of you warned me .Still somehow managed to kill a buck , coyote and a doe though .
Killing my buck however was a real wake up call because of how contorted I was at full draw and I ended up making a horrible shot . He honestly couldn’t of come in to a worse spot and the whole encounter caused me so much anxiety. It’s honestly a miracle that I got him . If I was on a bigger platform and had a madrock I would of had plenty of time to let out slack and turn my back to the tree . Would of been at get to full draw when he got to 10 yards broadside or easily adjusted if he took another route . Instead I had to stand there like a statue in a staring contest with him until he spooked a bit and I was ale to get to full draw but off balance when he was 30 yards away .

 

[Bowhunter862C]

I would like to grab another .5 but with the mesh seat to use with one stick.I think it would be close to perfect if you used it more as a saddle platform.Then I would just use the 1.0 with pre sets.Before I buy one,I plan on grabbing the climber if they come out with one.Using a climbing platform with a saddle is slick as snot but you're just a little more limited on what trees you can climb.

I think xop is now making the original sit-n-climb climber that lone wolf made. Not sure if they bought the patent or what but it looks almost identical.

 

[dce]

I have two LW assault climbers with both tops.I used the one one platform quite a bit this past years with my saddle.Not that it was heavy but if LWCG comes out with one this year,it will weigh half as much.I have to have one.

 

[steelhead125]

The climber is very tempting. Definitely going to take my time making a decision.

 

[3mile]

Used the .5 with the large seat all season. I am not a small guy. Paired with 4 beast sticks. Had Hss harness with pockets, no pack. Used linemans belt with rope man while climbing and then rope style strap off back Harness in the stand.

Got better with it all season. And aint looking back.

 

[GSP66]

Trying to loosen a Prusick knot to get slack or take up slack is a total pain. Same thing for my linesman rope . It’s adding time to my setup and I can’t react quickly enough when a deer is approaching.

ditch the prusik knot. I went with a Ropeman 1 ascender for my linesman belt and love it. EASILY make one handed adjustments to get closer or further from the tree while climbing. It adds a little bit of weight over a knot, but worth it imo

Amazon.com: Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender - Orange : Video Games

Amazon.com: Wild Country Ropeman 1 Ascender - Orange : Video Games

www.amazon.com

 

[Fairchild #17]

Ditch the prusik. There are much better knots that release with ease. I was using the Schwabisch for a while and then discovered the Knut. ( pronounced nut or ka-nute).
It is actually slightly self tending, but with an added tender it breaks very easily even after being loaded with full body weight.

What's your plan if you ditch the backpack? How do you carry a platform, sticks, outerwear, water, lamps, horns, calls, etc? I always have a pack with me even for the simplest hikes.

 

[steelhead125]

Ditch the prusik. There are much better knots that release with ease. I was using the Schwabisch for a while and then discovered the Knut. ( pronounced nut or ka-nute).
It is actually slightly self tending, but with an added tender it breaks very easily even after being loaded with full body weight.

What's your plan if you ditch the backpack? How do you carry a platform, sticks, outerwear, water, lamps, horns, calls, etc? I always have a pack with me even for the simplest hikes.

I was always able to fit everything I need into my pockets . Sticks I just strap to the stand or to the seat of the stand . Same with rattling antlers or sometimes I will wear them around the back of my neck . If I have a heavier coat or layers that I don’t want to wear to the stand I will strap them to the stand as well .
I just can’t stand having a backpack. Hate having it with me in the tree because I feel like it gets in the way and can’t stand digging around to find stuff in it . Also feel like I make more noise playing around with it . It’s just not for me .
Really the only reason I started using one this season because it was the only way I could figure out how to carry sticks and a platform.

 

[Lycomingflyfisher]

Definitely check out different friction hitches than a regular prussik. Honestly that is about the worst knot to use on your tether or lineman. I like the double michioucan, I probably spelled that wrong. Johnrb has a great YouTube channel and Facebook for saddle hunting ropes and knots.

I use a ring of steps with my one stick and try to use smallish trees. I can walk around the whole tree which helps the weak side shot issue. I also am really trying to be more selective in my setups to have controlled shot opportunities and not sit in spots where shots could be 360 degrees.

 

[RegularJoe]

I was always able to fit everything I need into my pockets . Sticks I just strap to the stand or to the seat of the stand . Same with rattling antlers or sometimes I will wear them around the back of my neck . If I have a heavier coat or layers that I don’t want to wear to the stand I will strap them to the stand as well .
I just can’t stand having a backpack. Hate having it with me in the tree because I feel like it gets in the way and can’t stand digging around to find stuff in it . Also feel like I make more noise playing around with it . It’s just not for me .
Really the only reason I started using one this season because it was the only way I could figure out how to carry sticks and a platform.

I hunted like that as a teenager but I require a few more items now than I did in them days. Have you seen the video of the guy with the turkey vest who one sticks it Steelhead? He wears a turkey vest so he has several more pockets, I think he's even had a game pouch where he tucked his platform. I have been contemplating similar because I really don't care for dump pouches hanging on my saddle.

 

[steelhead125]

I hunted like that as a teenager but I require a few more items now than I did in them days. Have you seen the video of the guy with the turkey vest who one sticks it Steelhead? He wears a turkey vest so he has several more pockets, I think he's even had a game pouch where he tucked his platform. I have been contemplating similar because I really don't care for dump pouches hanging on my saddle.

I have used e a turkey vest for many years and may go back to it . With that being said I really don’t have any issues storing everything I need in my pockets . I usually wear a Cabelas Instinct vest and with my pants have 7 or 8 pockets . When I add a jacket when the temperature drops I have even more . I also am usually not out there all day until the end of October so I am just doing 3 or4 hour sits until then .
I also agree about the dump pouches . Not a fan .

 

[steelhead125]

Definitely check out different friction hitches than a regular prussik. Honestly that is about the worst knot to use on your tether or lineman. I like the double michioucan, I probably spelled that wrong. Johnrb has a great YouTube channel and Facebook for saddle hunting ropes and knots.

I use a ring of steps with my one stick and try to use smallish trees. I can walk around the whole tree which helps the weak side shot issue. I also am really trying to be more selective in my setups to have controlled shot opportunities and not sit in spots where shots could be 360 degrees.

So often this season when I set up with my saddle and platform I thought I was positioned perfectly. The thing is deer are just so unpredictable and I had so many situations where the deer walked into my weak side at the last second . I just think it’s so much easier to turn on a regular stand than trying to walk around a tree when they make a unexpected turn when they’re under 30 yards .
Another thing I have been thinking about is that if I was able to introduce slack into my tether when I shot my buck it would of been in a unsafe situation standing on that tiny platform with adrenaline pumping and drawing my bow . If I would happen to fall with no slack I would just bang into the tree or platform and not really drop .Having slack would be a very different situation.
A quality lightweight stand with enough platform space I think will provide me the security and maneuverability I will need for most situations.