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Saddle Comparisons

7.3K views 33 replies 25 participants last post by  Ybuck  
#1 ·
I have a tethrd phantom and looking to buy a saddle for my son for Christmas. Tons of different brands. Leaning towards another tethrd vs latitude and also hearing lots of good things about Cruzr saddles. I have a one piece saddle with the phantom. Pros and cons with two piece saddle?
Thanks,

Chris
 
#3 ·
I started out with a Latitude Method 2 two panel. It was really nice being able to adjust the top panel for back support, but the bottom panel just felt too small for me (I'm not a big guy, 5'10" and 170 pounds). Now I have a Cruzr XC and that saddle paired with a back band is really comfortable for longer sits.

The two panel saddles can usually pack up a little slimmer so it's easier to walk in while wearing it, but my XC doesn't seem to get in the way at all.

Check out Custom Gear Modification saddles like the Cobra. It's similar to a Cruzr XC and the owner makes really good gear. I also hear good things about Buzzard Roost saddles.
 
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#21 ·
I started out with a Latitude Method two 2 panel. It was really nice being able to adjust the top panel for back support, but the bottom panel just felt too small for me (I'm not a big guy, 5'10" and 170 pounds). Now I have a Cruzr XC and that saddle paired with a back band is really comfortable for longer sits.

The two panel saddles can usually pack up a little slimmer so it's easier to walk in while wearing it, but my XC doesn't seem to get in the way at all.

Check out Custom Gear Modification saddles like the Cobra. It's similar to a Cruzr XC and the owner makes really good gear. I also hear good things about Buzzard Roost saddles.
I too started out with the method but the version one 2 panel and went to the cruzr for the same reasons now 2 years in the cruzr I’m wanting to add the top panel from my method to my cruzr just to see how that would be..
 
#7 ·
Well, I have some questions for you...

Has he shown any interest in saddle hunting?
Are you and your boy close to the same size?
Has he spent any time in your saddle?
Did he like your saddle?
Do YOU like your saddle?

I've had at least a dozen different saddles in the last few years so I have some experience.
I know that whatever saddle you feel comfortable in the next person may not.
Actually, some guys just never learn how to get comfortable in a saddle!

If I were going to buy one for my daughter I would buy her the best. Not anything from Tethrd!
A TX5 or a Transformer or an Orion or a Method 2. Something made in America!
 
#10 ·
I found the Cruzr XC to be considerably more comfortable than the Tethrd Phantom (the only Tethrd I tried) It is hard to beat the Cruzr for comfort, the pleated mesh Xpansion Chamber is great when you want to sit for awhile. If you want to lean it is very comfy as well. The Phantom is OK for leaning but for longer sits when you want to take some weight off your feet, it's short comings show - imo.
 
#11 ·
I bought my saddle roughly 10 years ago after reading a few of John Eberhart books. At the time there were only a few companies making them and they were really expensive.

The one I have is called an Aero hunter by a company called New Tribe. It is very well made and super adjustable. It does not have a lumbar strap though, which I think is now called a 2 panel if I'm not mistaken. New Tribe is now called MonkeyBeaver and only makes saddles marketed to arborists. They still look like they would be good for hunting though. They are heavy duty.

It has been cool to watch saddle hunting catch on. People used to look at me cross eyed when I tried to explain to them how it worked. For most people it's not as comfortable as a traditional tree stand but it solves allot of problems and opens some interesting possibilities.

I'm interested to see the newer technology.
 
#16 ·
I'm new to saddle hunting this fall, but did quite a bit of online research before I bought a used Overwatch here on AT. The only other saddle I have briefly sat in at ground level was a Latitude Method 2 and the Transformer was just as comfortable. Over the past 6 weeks I have saddle hunted several times and have not experienced hip pinch or discomfort from this saddle. When I was getting ready to buy, I sent an email to the company and the owner/maker Jamie reached out to personally answer my questions. All this to say that there are some smaller custom companies that might have a better product that some of the better marketed brands...... 🤷‍♂️ :unsure:
 
#15 ·
Don't overlook a saddle and accessories from Custom Gear Modifications out of TN. Jerry sews a mean saddle and just about every accessory on the market. He's also a Veteran. I love my Cobra Saddle and dump pouch from his company. Shoot him a call/message. He'll answer any questions you may have.
 
#25 ·
Just like I've watched guys wander around the woods with a climber on their back looking for a straight linbless tree that is suitable for their Summit...and anywhere near deer sign. I owned a Summit Viper for a couple years and never regretted selling it.
 
#18 ·
Guess I am a bit out of touch, came here thinking I was going to read about Circle Y, Billy Cook, Cactus and maybe even Tough One saddles🤷‍♂️
 
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#27 ·
Yea custom gear is awesome I have one of there saddles as well but it was just not what I thought it would be used it one time now it just hangs in my man cave I think it’s like the sidewinder or something like that looks nice built really well just wasn’t for me. I also got a saddle made from another guy on here the transformer or something like that have not tried it yet as I love the cruzr might give them a call see what they say..
 
#31 ·
Ido not keep up with all of the options. I have Tried Teathered & was not entirely disappointed. Though I picked up a Buzzard roost & have no regrets with the Buzzard Roost. Have taken a deer from each & No desire to do anything diffrent than the buzzard roost next season.