Saddle recommendations

[Shanewells36]

Hey everyone, I’ve been running an XOP renegade system and API sticks the last two season and I’m throwing around the idea of going with a more comfortable and light setup. What are you all running? (Saddle, platform or hang on stand, etc)

 

[maxk777]

Hey everyone, I’ve been running an XOP renegade system and API sticks the last two season and I’m throwing around the idea of going with a more comfortable and light setup. What are you all running? (Saddle, platform or hang on stand, etc)

I’ve only ever used the tethrd system, but it is quick comfortable.

 

[Macintosh]

I wasnt familiar so looked it up-those sticks and (assuming you have xop edge) platform are tanks. Those would be my priority to replace first, almost any other platform and legit light sticks will cut that 14 pounds down to 8ish as well as pack better, and you could go even lighter. Biggest weight savings will be sticks, followed by a lighter platform. There are several brands and models of sticks that go 1-pound per stick including a daisy chain strap—that’ll shed 5 pounds. My standard tethrd platform is 3lb compared to 5.5 for the xop.
Saddles seem a little personal and might depend a bit on how you hunt (all-day vs tactical short sits) and your build. I have a method 2 that is the best combo of packability and wearability combined with comfort that I have found, but I never sit long and Im skinny. Others may have different feedback depending.

 

[RocketRob16]

I started with a Wood saddle, 2TC, and an OOAL Ridge Runner platform. The saddle is well made and the owner is a great guy, super helpful but it just wasn’t comfortable for me. Moved to a Buzzard Roost and it’s a way better fit for me. Tried the 2TC method and although it’s super lightweight, I use the saddle setup mostly early season when it’s very hot and humid and it just takes too much effort to get up a tree. I would be sweating buckets by the time I got to hunting height. Swapped to 4 XOP X2 sticks with cable aiders and the climb is much less rigorous now. I could cut some weight on the platform but I haven’t seen the need to. Pretty happy with it the way it is.

 

[juniatahunter]

Cruzer XC

 

[ikesnipecity]

Cruzr XC

 

[mineral4x]

Isn't the XOP Renegade already a saddle? I have been eyeballing Arsenal's gear, but I need to raise some funds first. Here to see the other recommendations.

 

[brancher147]

Seems like a lot of people like the cruzr xc that is what I would get if I wasn’t still using my aerohunter flex. The RZR 2.0 is a great lightweight platform and you can’t beat hawk helium sticks for the money but lots of good options for sticks and many lighter than the heliums

 

[Furtrader11]

I have run the Cruzr XC the last 2 years and it is great. Super comfortable for all day sits and feel safe shooting from some crazy positions out of the tree. I also picked up the Tethrd Predator platform and am using an Amsteel USA XL for my stand attachment to cut weight. For sticks, I found the Latitude Carbon SS to be the lightest, quietest, and fastest for getting up in a tree. I did put aiders on all 3 sticks to get up there a bit higher. Took me a while to dial it all in but very happy with where I’m at with my current whitetail setup.

 

[renagde]

Legend Tomahawk X with a EWO 1 stick.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

New to this this year, but I'm starting with a slick rick 1 stick, timber ninja ultimate saddle, and a double jrb cinch/longhorn agile hitch rope climbing setup. All in I think it's 8 pounds for a zero slack system that is imo pretty easy to use.

 

[WI-Carcosa]

Currently running the Latitude method saddle (with kong ducks on both lineman’s belt and tether), trophyline edp platform, 4 timber ninja C1 sticks with built in aider.
I had 4 beast gear sticks which are by far the sturdiest sticks out there, but a weight penalty. I also sold the terhrd phantom saddle but it was solid, I wanted the 2 panel saddle which I much prefer. I used the backwoods mobile gear movable aider which is an easy and cheap way to get way up in the tree with less weight. The new trophyline hyper lite sticks look amazing but they are very pricey.

 

[Macintosh]

New to this this year, but I'm starting with a slick rick 1 stick, timber ninja ultimate saddle, and a double jrb cinch/longhorn agile hitch rope climbing setup. All in I think it's 8 pounds for a zero slack system that is imo pretty easy to use.

I’ll buy the beer if you post a video of a full “loaded pack to hunting” video of a tree climb using this. Curious how easy it is to balance speed with exertion and movement. Looks like a very cool stick, OOAL has done a great job on these.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

I’ll buy the beer if you post a video of a full “loaded pack to hunting” video of a tree climb using this. Curious how easy it is to balance speed with exertion and movement. Looks like a very cool stick, OOAL has done a great job on these.

don't hold your breath, my hunting is either solo or with an 8 year old who's main photographic skill is close range views of his fingers

 

[Macintosh]

No beer for you then!

 

[ResearchinStuff]

You are up north, if you could guarantee something from alchemy I'd get sufficiently motivated

 

[Macintosh]

@ResearchinStuff , Alchemist…eh, sure, but I could do better. Pick your own headache!
Sip of sunshine, anything from Hill Farmstead, etc. HF in glass only so that might not travel well…

 

[Maverick1]

Hey everyone, I’ve been running an XOP renegade system and API sticks the last two season and I’m throwing around the idea of going with a more comfortable and light setup. What are you all running? (Saddle, platform or hang on stand, etc)

I’d recommend this Overwatch transformer saddle! (OK, a bit self-serving there…..but it is one of the very best two panel saddles available.)

Good luck on your journey!

 

[scsbronco]

Latitude Saddles are made in the US. The method 2 is a good option.

 

[isherwood91]

I started out my saddle adventure last season with the Latitude Method 2. I did the Camp Ripley bow hunt in Minnesota. I was a little worried I'd have trouble hanging all day, but I was very comfortable. Maybe even more so then in a compact hang-on stand.

I can't compare to some of the other popular saddles, but this one left fairly little to be desired. The only real problem I had was it pushing down off my butt while I was walking because my pack overlapped a bit. I'm looking for a different pack which may help with that.

I carry four Helium full length climbing sticks because I'm not young and rubbery enough to deal with aider loops after getting chilly and stiff all day.

I am in my early 50s, 185 lb, and with no serious physical ailments.