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New saddle climbing platform from Panther platforms

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9.1K views 42 replies 18 participants last post by  LeviChesney  
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#1 ·
I got on the initial list to try this and here's my review.

I got the Panther on Friday and put quite a bit of time into over the weekend.Here's my honest assessment.First,the quality and fit and finish is perfect.I've been using a saddle and a couple different climbing plarforms for the past few years so I understand the strengths and weaknesses.I bought this because it seemed to have fixed every issue that other platforms had and it really did.First,the band an attachment system is perfect.The holes in the band line up prefectly with the pins.The band is also very stff which aids in attachment and doesn't sag while climbing.My only compaint is that they're too short but I'll address that later.It literally takes seconds to attach in complete silence.The foot stirrups allow an extremely fast way to start climbing and they're positioned perfectly.They're also big enough to get some big boots in them.Climbing is fast,easy and silent if you use a simple technique.I raise my tether as high as it will go and that get's me two pulls without having to move it.It's easiler than using a handclimber for sure and probab;y real close to the ease of using a sit and climb.Once at hunting height,it's easy to lock it in and once locked in,it's as solid as any other platform.Getting down is as easy as pointing your toes down and rappelling.What's nice about this platform is the width.You can get it on some big trees but again,the band needs to be longer,which is my only compaint.It comes with a three step aider and this is something I've been using for a couple of years.The aider does three things.One,it allows you set set the stand high enough that you get away from the taper and just put a small angle on the platform.second,it also allows you to use it in double trunked trees,which give you more cover.Third.you can climb around a branch or two_Overall,this is one of the best thought out systems I've seen.These guys definatley put their time into and it shows.As far as carrying it,I did two things.I'm not a fan of packs but did load up a Platow and it worked perfect.The Platow is nice because you can remove the stand without taking the pack off.I also put a set of backpack straps on it and it worked equally as well.Either way,you don't even know it's on you back.Well done fellas.This will make you a predator.Just send me a longer band.

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#7 ·
Most probably think I'm fickle and poo poo on saddle hunting too much but this year I'll probably run some type of hybrid system myself. I like a saddle much better than a traditional harness and I really like the constant tension while shooting. I just hate climbing sticks.

I have two climbers and I doubt I'll ditch the top half. I'll probably put a hazemore seat on one of them and can stand or turn around and sit if I like. That's one thing I really like about a Trophyline saddle, I can unhook it and run it behind me as well.
 
#21 · (Edited)
That is less than half of the LW Crossover climber and some are using just the platform with a saddle as well. That means they either have a $1k saddle climber or are leaving a $400-500 upper section in the shed. No dog in this fight because i have two sets of top end sticks I like and doubt I will explore such an option. But I would wait until one of these hit the used market before dropping $1k on a LW.
 
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#26 ·
Wow, that's sobering and not that long ago. In the same year of 2020 I bought LW's lightest loc on, I can't remember what I got Alpha or Assault(?) anyway I got the stand and LW sticks for $389 as well. This was back when Bass Pro still carried LW products.

Another change I've noticed is Bass Pro always sold API a little cheaper than the Summits and they now have them basically the same price. I know the API Bowhunter I bought in 2016 has more than doubled what I paid.
 
#31 ·
There is plenty of 'fiddle factor' with that setup, as they say over on Saddle Hunter. Someone who is well practiced with lightweight sticks can be up a suitable tree without too much more effort. Plus that climber needs to be cam buckled and released, just like my TL EDP or Mission. Rappelling down is undoubtedly quicker than my descent while removing sticks, but with Amsteel daisy chains, it doesn't take much to get them off the tree and dropped to the ground. The time he spends fussing with the tether rope, I am winding up with daisy chains, strapping sticks together and attahcing them to the pack. There is overall less weight with his climber, but not by a lot.....so it once again distills down to personal preference. Plus if you drop something or have a call of nature, you have to rappel down and start from scratch going back up.....I just use my installed sticks. :unsure:
 
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#34 ·
That's the thing,there's no fiddle factor.You take 5 second to hook it up,climb on it,put your tether as high as it will go.I can be 20 ft in way less than 5 minutes.I'm also pretty good with one stick and this is easier on 90% of te trees that I typically climb.The complete lack of fiddle factor is why I like it.
 
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#36 ·
The video wasn't mine.I use a Madrock,same as when I one stick.I'm not knocking using one stick.It's a great way to hunt.However,if you hunt in areas that have plenty of climbable trees like we have in Pa,it's easy to use a climber and this is way easier than using a single stick or sticks and then hanging a platform.It's not even close.
 
#39 ·
I really want to like these and looked at a different brand that was for sale in the AT classifieds this winter. But I keep coming back to the same issues....you need a straight tree with virtually no cover to make for ease of use......and once you are up to height the only way down is to rappel or climber descend. If for some reason you need to get down, it is the whole process over from scratch. With my sticks, I can leave my platform and sticks installed.....get down and right back up....easily. It just doesn't appeal to me when I am looking at the big picture.
 
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#40 ·
If anyone is interested, I'm selling my Panther Platform at a reduced price since its used. It's practically new. Matter fact, its only been used twice. Yesterday, (September 14th) for the first time and this afternoon (September 15th). There are no blemishes on the hardware and the tree belt has a heat shrink layer that is scuffed by the tree bark but can easily be removed and replaced. Besides that, its in excellent shape.

My reason for selling is exactly what was previously posted by Alaska at heart "you need a straight tree with virtually no cover to make for ease of use ".

I love the product. I think it has tons of potential. And I can see it creating its own niche in the market. But I miss the ease of use that sticks and a platform bring me. Along with the absolute freedom to climb almost any tree. In short, I'm not enjoying the "climber" experience.

If interested please message me. Thanks.
 
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