I’ve been using lock on stands for years and just recently a friend let me give his saddle a try. I will definitely be in a saddle this fall. The comfort, shootability, and packability of the saddle are so good! You gotta try one out.

 

Both saddles and hang on stands can be very effective. Whatever route you decide to go it takes practice to become efficient and quiet.

 

After having tried climbers, saddles, and fixed stands, I truly believe that not only does where and how one hunts have an influence, but also just personal preference. I’m not sure there’s a way to predict how one will like saddles if one has been a treestand hunter for many years. I have saddles a season and half, tried to like them, but at the end of the day I was just more comfortable in a normal treestand. But I’d have never known had I not given it a fair shot of at least a whole season.

 

Saddle all the way if you're looking for a more mobile/run and gun setup.

 

I know in all reality I’ll probably end up using both. I was just curious to see if there was any distinct advantage one way or another. Other than the obvious weight and noise difference between the two.


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i much prefer a saddle

they are much more comfortable for me if you have the right saddle and do research and spend th time to dial it in

i do not recommend tethrd saddles, which are the most commonly discussed outside the hardcore saddle hunting crowd

they are basically like bose headphones....what you would think are the best headphones before you actually learn about audio equipment....just based upon name/price

i 100 percent recommend a cruzr xc saddle

don't get hung up on wanting to wear the saddle in with all of your gear hanging off of it....because the most comfortable saddles aren't as good at that (the minimalist ones, like tethrd, that look like a pair of underwear are the best at that)

one great thing about a saddle is that you can stuff everything you need easily into or strapped to a real backpack that is yoke adjustable with good belts/straps....low profile and super comfortable, then just pull the saddle out and take 2 seconds to put it on at the tree

 

We’ll you answered my next question, I was curious is there was any good competition out there for tethrd. As an outsider to tree saddles it’s the only name you ever hear. I’ll have to do my research to find which one would be right for me.


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We’ll you answered my next question, I was curious is there was any good competition out there for tethrd. As an outsider to tree saddles it’s the only name you ever hear. I’ll have to do my research to find which one would be right for me.


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pm sent

 

Im still up in the air myself. My summit climber is more comfortable. It limits the trees I can use and is heavier. There is quite a learning curve with the saddle and most of the time when Im using it I feel like im always fidgeting with it to get it right.

 

Woods tree saddle, aero hunter. Trophyline, cruzier are all better than the tethrd saddles. I have a older aero hunter Kestrel and I love it. The Trophyline covert pro is as comfortable as anything I’ve sat in. I have a tethrd and Trophyline platform and much prefer the mission from TL.

Sticks are a whole other subject. I made mine but you can buy them for the same price you can build for if you use quality products. I built mine so I could get 24” stride. You can’t buy sticks wit that stride.

Im also running the Trophyline Platue pack. Everything straps to it and stays tight and handy.

 

I went from using a climber to a saddle two seasons ago and have not used the climber since. I also did buy the phantom and am ok with it,but I have not tried any other saddles,so I don't know what I am missing. It took me a good while to get a good climbing system dialed in,that was what took the longest by far. I had no experience with sticks and still don't. It may be easier if you are used to those already.

 

My whole issue is I can't practice my acrobat shots without rigging up my saddle like a convention demo. I can practice out of a camping chair for a hang on.

Anytime I try those fancy moves therd shows on YouTube in a stressful situation I eat the tree, because I'm trying to tippy toe on a dew covered platform the size of a bar stool seat with size 13 boots. As long as something is in front of me 180deg it's awesome. A hangon I'm giving up 45-90deg behind me.

 

From being a hang on stand guy to switching to a saddle recently, I will say the saddle is the way to go. Can’t wait for fall

 

I'm in the same boat. I needed to replace some ladders and hang-ons and decided to go with a saddle.

My rope comes in this week and I'll test out this whole SRT stuff in the back yard. I went with a Cruzr XC. I love the idea of being able to walk into the woods and decide where to hunt that day without worrying too much about the "perfect" tree. I hope I like the actual experience as much as the idea.

 

Over the past few years I’ve accumulated an M7 hang on, a JX3 hybrid saddle, and a Recon saddle. I still have an old Summit. Honestly I like em all and I can’t say one is the best for all situations. If I had to pick just one it would probably be the JX3. And I don’t care what anyone says I believe if you are tied off for safety, climbing with a climber is safer than sticks, and safer overall than saddle hunting. If the trees are straight there are times I wish I was sitting in the Summit. If you value comfort the Summit and the JX3 are superior. If you find that you don’t like being on the back side of the tree you may prefer a hang on or climber. I use the Recon when the hunt is going to be relatively short, but really wouldn’t feel like doing a long rut sit in it. Wish I could say one was the best, but it’s a more nuanced mix of preferences and your conditions.

Edit: and not sure your age or fitness level, but if going hang on or saddle, one stick / rappel climbing is not a gimmick, it’s a serious weight advantage.

 

Why does it have to be one versus the other? Personally, I can see where each has its place and learning/knowing when and how to use each in a particular situation will only make you a better hunter.

 

I’ve been saddle hunting off and on since 2006. I use both stands and saddles. Everyone wants to use a minimalist saddle. I am in good shape and only 46 years old. The saddle hurts my knees regardless of if I use a pad or kneepads. As said above I own two JX3 Hybrid‘s. They are one of the best pieces of hunting equipment ever made. All the benefits of a saddle with the comfort of a summit viper.


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I have been using a saddle for the last two seasons with beast gear sticks. I liked how low profile it was, but the offside shot and not being able to put on extra clothes, etc was frustrating. I recently sold my saddle and am going to give the novix helo hang on a go. For me I just think the stand is better and it’s really not much heavier than a saddle setup with platform,ropes, saddle, etc.

 

Yes the offside shot can be a pain especially if something sneaks up on you. I agree I like my climber better than anything when I can use it


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Old thread but don't get a tethered, get a cruzr or a latitude. World of difference.

 

Never tried a saddle so have nothing bad to say. I’m still using my old lone wolf assault and alpha 2 hangons to hang and hunt. No complaints

 

I’d say do both. Get an ultralight hang on such as a lwcg .5 or beast stand and a saddle or saddle type harness this way you can have the luxury of both if the situation calls for it.

 

Does anyone on here have a strong preference one way or another? I’m looking to make the switch from strictly ladder stands and occasionally using a climber to a more run and gun set up.

I know I’d like to avoid climbers because I hate having to find the perfect tree to climb.

The ultimate goal is to be mobile and quiet, and it seems like saddles are the best way to accomplish that, but I’d like to hear what everyone has to say.


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I use a saddle but am thinking about switching to a light hang on like lone wolf. There are benefits to the saddle but I think they I could do everything a saddle can do in a lwcg .5