I have the Cruzr XC and the way it expands and it being a local company that I can drive to is what made up my mind. I used it all season and numerous daylight to dark sits and I managed just fine but I am 6'1" and about 150-155 lbs. I've mastered the art of peeing from it also on those daylight to dark sitsI am very much looking forward to hunting this method next season. I got the CRUZR XC saddle for Christmas. Already had steps. I couldn't help myself, so I went ahead and bought everything else I need yesterday- 3 step aider, amsteel daisy chains, predator platform, 2 oplux ropes, back band, 2 caribiners and 2 kong duck rope clamps. I look forward to practicing all summer to get in the groove and be ready to go by next fall.
Saddle Hunting
- Thread starter Tn_Va_Hunter
- Start date
man is it catching on. Seems like percent of the hunters on youtube are using it now. Im afraif i wouldnt be able to keep all the buckles and straps from ending up in a huge knot. Im terrible with gadgets
JCDEERMAN
Well-Known Member
Just looked that up - very nice! As long as the tree is straight with no limbs, you're good to go.
Welcome aboard. I switched to a saddle at the beginning of the 2019 season after always finding myself in the wrong place due to the limitations of my Summit Viper.
This year I switched it up to the one-stick/rappel climbing and descending method and love it. Running the Mini-Shikar with the scout platform, 3-step aider, and Cam cleat. Whole setup for climbing and hunting weighs 11 lbs including my saddle, rappel rope with Mad Rock Safeguard, lineman's rope, gear strap, and haul rope.
I am currently running a custom built saddle but have been curious about jumping on one of the bigger names ones. Cruzr just jumped way up knowing it's in Tennessee and I can go try them. I'll have to look into that.
This year I switched it up to the one-stick/rappel climbing and descending method and love it. Running the Mini-Shikar with the scout platform, 3-step aider, and Cam cleat. Whole setup for climbing and hunting weighs 11 lbs including my saddle, rappel rope with Mad Rock Safeguard, lineman's rope, gear strap, and haul rope.
I am currently running a custom built saddle but have been curious about jumping on one of the bigger names ones. Cruzr just jumped way up knowing it's in Tennessee and I can go try them. I'll have to look into that.
TN Larry
Well-Known Member
I really like the climbing with the hand climber. I will be seriously pondering this for next year.
TNDeerGuy
Well-Known Member
I got my saddle about mid-way through the season. It is a great tool! A little bit of a learning curve, but not bad. Is it my prefered method? No, but it definately has its time and place, and at the tender age of almost 50...it's not bad! Yesterday afternoon was one of those times it was useful. Public land...not a single tree that could be climbed with a climber, but climbed into an island in the middle of field waiting for does to come out at last light. Could have never done that any other way—easy at least.
I am one-sticking using a fixed 2-step aider from Custom Amsteel Products and repelling down. That is just my preferred way. That is also a signature of saddle hunting—it's versatility, personalization, and customization factors.
I am one-sticking using a fixed 2-step aider from Custom Amsteel Products and repelling down. That is just my preferred way. That is also a signature of saddle hunting—it's versatility, personalization, and customization factors.
tree_ghost
Well-Known Member
Climbing methods are diverse and I have several that I've tried. I started off with standard LW sticks and have gone through multiple manufacturers since. I haven't found the "perfect" stick yet but I'm still experimenting. Personally I like a short stick 17-20" in length with single aiders. I carry a total of (4). This is the method I use for public land. Another alternative, and my personal favorite, are climbing spurs! To me these are the ultimate in mobile climbing methods however spurs are not for everyone! The first season I used them I was cautious and nervous. This year is my second full year with them and I feel like a squirrel! I can climb in the dark just by feel and they are quiet and fast. Also height isn't a limitation. Lastly and the method my wife uses is the hand climber. It's a great option for people transitioning from climber stand hunting to saddle hunting. You will be looking for the same type tree as your used to and the motion in climbing is virtually identical. Each method is unique and has upsides and downsides. There is no "best climbing method" there is only "a tool that is best suited to help you achieve your goal"...killing deer!
I want one too. Good luck on your adventure.
ImThere
Well-Known Member
I have the OG kestrel, I use 3 custom sticks with 5 step aiders on each stick. I mostly use a ROS to stand on. The trees you can climb, weight saving and over all profile on you a saddle hunting system takes up is why I choose to hunt this way.
Easy3actual
Well-Known Member
I got into the saddle game this year mid season. I got the phantom. I tried the LW sticks but didn't like the single step. My wife bought me the hunting beast sticks for Christmas. They came in today, now i just have to put them together.
Finding climbing sticks where the hardest part to find for my setup.
Finding climbing sticks where the hardest part to find for my setup.
My bank just called and said I need to stop watching Catman's videos. haha. I'll be investing in a saddle as well. I just don't have the patience or the necessary "lite foot" for still hunting on public. I sound like a brigade size element coming through the trees.
Looking forward to hearing your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing your feedback.
Easy3actual
Well-Known Member
I hope to find a minimalist saddle with an adjustable bridge for next fall, although I highly doubt I'll be hunting much without a stand. Say what, you say? Well, a friend recently loaned me his Tetherd Mantis to try and I've discovered something. Let me first say this, though. I absolutely HATE the HSS style safety vests, and I have one of the lightest ones they make. Instead, I like to wear a rock climbing harness that I tend to forget I'm even wearing.
So what does that have to do a SADDLE? Well, the cool thing about the Mantis saddle my friend loaned me is that as long as the leg loops aren't attached, like the rock climbing harness, I don't hardly know I have it on. Why don't I think I'd like to hunt much off a little bitty platform just big enough for my feet with the Mantis? I won't get into all of that, other than to say, it's mainly a comfort issue. But check out what I've discovered.
I'd seen a YouTube of a guy who confessed he'd been hunting out of his hangon stand while wearing his saddle, but I kind of forgot about it. So just yesterday I remembered that YouTube, hung my Novix Echo on a tree in the yard, and got tethered in with the Mantis. Yes, you absolutely need an adjustable bridge for the application of the saddle I'm suggesting, but let me tell you. My hang on stand, at least, used in conjunction with a saddle as a safety harness opens a whole new range of positions, both leaning or sitting, bow or gun. For instance, I can even sit backwards on the seat if I want. Don't knock it until you try it, right? Just something to think about in terms of utility.
So what does that have to do a SADDLE? Well, the cool thing about the Mantis saddle my friend loaned me is that as long as the leg loops aren't attached, like the rock climbing harness, I don't hardly know I have it on. Why don't I think I'd like to hunt much off a little bitty platform just big enough for my feet with the Mantis? I won't get into all of that, other than to say, it's mainly a comfort issue. But check out what I've discovered.
I'd seen a YouTube of a guy who confessed he'd been hunting out of his hangon stand while wearing his saddle, but I kind of forgot about it. So just yesterday I remembered that YouTube, hung my Novix Echo on a tree in the yard, and got tethered in with the Mantis. Yes, you absolutely need an adjustable bridge for the application of the saddle I'm suggesting, but let me tell you. My hang on stand, at least, used in conjunction with a saddle as a safety harness opens a whole new range of positions, both leaning or sitting, bow or gun. For instance, I can even sit backwards on the seat if I want. Don't knock it until you try it, right? Just something to think about in terms of utility.
I bought all the stuff waiting on it to all get here. I in no way expect it to completely replace my summit SD. As I carry it with a molly kidney belt and molly back pack straps. That takes the 19 lbs right off my back. And it's very comfortable. I'm just thinking might be another tool to get into places I couldn't with the summit. We'll see if I don't like it. Then I can still use some parts and sell the rest.
So what does a full basic set up cost?
TNDeerGuy
Well-Known Member
It really depends.
Most saddles are in the $175-$250 range. After that it gets very subjective...
What kind of climbing method are you going to use? Multiple sticks? One-Stick? SRT? DRT? Then with each comes individual costs within? Do you want a platform? Use the top of a stick? Use a Ring of Steps? Or some kind of DIY?
I would say most spend $400-$500 on average. Some higher and some lower. It really depends on how much DIY you want and exactly what you want to do.
I am one-sticking so I have my saddle (250 for the Tethrd Phantom), my platform (170 Tethrd Predator), Hawk Helium 20" modded one-stick (100), 35ft of 9mm Oplux (70), repelling device (70), lineman belt (25), several carabiners (35), pack (40), miscellaneous things such as straps, recliner band, foam cushions (50)
Now that me....someone else may be more DIY and cheaper, and the next person will have every gadget you could think of and sail past me.
ImThere
Well-Known Member
You already hunt with helium's so you already have the climbing method.
If you are going to use your preset loc ones you won't need a platform to stand on.
A saddle kit from Tethrd or Areohunter is around $350-$375 comes with all the ropes, carabiners, pouches(I Think). if you need a platform you can spend $150/500 depending on what your needs are
the little things add up fast. Carabiners, ropes, pouches, rope man 1,
tree_ghost
Well-Known Member
Lots of guys are using the LWCG .5 in the exact same manner. Any of the old mini loc-ons will work for this application. It's an interesting idea for all day sits but aside from that I'm not sure I see the advantage of comfort on a short hunt. I haven't tried it yet personally but in theory I would figure the stands cables to be a PITA if you had to swing quickly on a buck for the shot...
I already use a rock climbing harness for my climber and my hang on, so if I can find a minimalist saddle that will work just as well as a safety harness, that would be cool. As for the stand and saddle application, I should've pointed out at the time that I was thinking more for gun hunting. Of course it helps that I shoot both left and right handed. Thanks for pointing out the stand cables being in the way if moving around the tree. I hadn't thought about that. I'm liking the Mission platform that Novix is making for Trophyline. Anyhow, could you suggest some good minimalist saddles to consider?
I have a bunch of heliums and lone wolf sticks
