WTB tree saddle

[buckwalleye]

Specifically the aero hunter kestrel.

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[Jmock97]

I have a new size 2 kestrel I would sell $200 tyd

 

[Brendan]

FWIW - I ordered an Aerohunter Kite last week and had it in 6 days.

 

[buckwalleye]

I have a new size 2 kestrel I would sell $200 tyd

I would need size 1. thanks though

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[buckwalleye]

FWIW - I ordered an Aerohunter Kite last week and had it in 6 days.

How long has that model been available?! I feel like it wasn't on their website a couple weeks ago. How do you like it? Did you get the "kit"?

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[Jmock97]

The kite just came available.

 

[Gobbler]

Specifically the aero hunter kestrel.

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would you consider a trophyline tree saddle size medium to save some cash?

 

[Brendan]

How long has that model been available?! I feel like it wasn't on their website a couple weeks ago. How do you like it? Did you get the "kit"?

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Pretty sure its a brand new release. I ordered just the saddle. Looks well made and what im looking for, but this is my first saddle so can't really compare it to other models. Need to pick up tether, lineman's belt, etc and then hope to be out really testing it out.

 

[buckwalleye]

Pretty sure its a brand new release. I ordered just the saddle. Looks well made and what im looking for, but this is my first saddle so can't really compare it to other models. Need to pick up tether, lineman's belt, etc and then hope to be out really testing it out.

Sweet! Good luck with it!

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[buckwalleye]

would you consider a trophyline tree saddle size medium to save some cash?

Maybe.....I'll leave this thread going for a couple days and see if I get a seller. I kinda had my mind made up on an aero hunter. I'll look into the trophyline. Can you provide any more info on it?

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[Gobbler]

It's the original saddle, they were produced like 10 years ago. Same shape as a kestrel, same function, just not adjustable. I will send pics if you are interested but you can get the basics via google incl images. Really a great saddle but I have three saddles which is more than I need. If you have never used one and have your mind set on a kestrel then hold out for that. You can't go wrong.

 

[buckwalleye]

It's the original saddle, they were produced like 10 years ago. Same shape as a kestrel, same function, just not adjustable. I will send pics if you are interested but you can get the basics via google incl images. Really a great saddle but I have three saddles which is more than I need. If you have never used one and have your mind set on a kestrel then hold out for that. You can't go wrong.

Awesome thanks. So do you currently have and use the kestrel? I've been trolling the saddle hunter forums to get some info on climbing methods, platforms, etc. Can you offer any suggestions to a new saddle user? I was going to use my lone wolf climber seat as the platform. I like the ring of steps idea but can't find that type of step (apparently they were recalled?) I think I'm also gonna just use screw in steps (on my property) and have several trees prepped and ready to go. I'm super excited to get into this. Its gotta be more cost effective, rather than having several tree stands in multiple locations. Not to mention other conveniences. I can't wait to ditch that full body tree stand harness

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[WRM]

I have the Aero Hunter Evolution, which I think was the original New Tribe hunting saddle. It is great and very comfortable, but you definitely can see their progression from more of an arborist style saddle (Evolution) to true hunting saddles. The Kite looks very interesting. I have not looked at their site in a while and I may pick one of those up. I doubt you will be disappointed in any of them--New Tribe makes high quality gear and they seem to really be putting the effort into their hunting line.

I think the step you are referring to is the Ameristep 155. I do believe it was recalled for some safety concern (my guess would be if used as a climbing step is the potential for it to torque laterally). They can be found on Ebay off and on--there are some listings now. Prices are widely variant. I picked some up some a couple years ago for a reasonable price.

If you can use screw/drill in steps, I like using long socket head cap screws. I bought a system for climbing 30+years ago where a guy had made a hand drill with an appropriate size wood auger bit to use with the screws. It's great, because the package is small and easy to carry. The threading at the end of the screw gives just enough contact in the tree to keep from pulling out with your foot. You can use these as "platform" steps, but the negative is low contact area for positioning. I believe Treehopper was the last company offering this setup, but it looks like that site is under new ownership and I don't see any reference to this product. It's easy enough to recreate. All you need is a wood auger style bit and proper length cap screws.

Another option is to modify bicycle pedals by using the socket head cap screws in the pedal. As with the cap screw alone, it will just slide in the drilled hole, but you get a lot more foot contact area.

Also, the old "steppladder" product has been revived and is sold now by WildEdge. I really like these steps and use them for treework where the trunks get too narrow for comfortable climbing with spikes. One of these as my main "platform", coupled with the modified bike pedals, probably will be my system of choice this year.

There are some other items you may (or may not) find useful. I have used a Notch Rook on my bridge. An ABR radius ring is a similar and slightly cheaper alternative. But, I just got a Petzl rollclip Z triact caribiner and it is super smooth and quiet. I'll probably just switch out the tree strap carabiner and use it to connect to my bridge. I also like an ART positioner on my lineman's belt. Treestuff has these and plenty of other items you may find of use.

I think you will find saddle hunting will change your hunting life in a positive way. Good luck!

 

[buckwalleye]

I have the Aero Hunter Evolution, which I think was the original New Tribe hunting saddle. It is great and very comfortable, but you definitely can see their progression from more of an arborist style saddle (Evolution) to true hunting saddles. The Kite looks very interesting. I have not looked at their site in a while and I may pick one of those up. I doubt you will be disappointed in any of them--New Tribe makes high quality gear and they seem to really be putting the effort into their hunting line.

I think the step you are referring to is the Ameristep 155. I do believe it was recalled for some safety concern (my guess would be if used as a climbing step is the potential for it to torque laterally). They can be found on Ebay off and on--there are some listings now. Prices are widely variant. I picked some up some a couple years ago for a reasonable price.

If you can use screw/drill in steps, I like using long socket head cap screws. I bought a system for climbing 30+years ago where a guy had made a hand drill with an appropriate size wood auger bit to use with the screws. It's great, because the package is small and easy to carry. The threading at the end of the screw gives just enough contact in the tree to keep from pulling out with your foot. You can use these as "platform" steps, but the negative is low contact area for positioning. I believe Treehopper was the last company offering this setup, but it looks like that site is under new ownership and I don't see any reference to this product. It's easy enough to recreate. All you need is a wood auger style bit and proper length cap screws.

Another option is to modify bicycle pedals by using the socket head cap screws in the pedal. As with the cap screw alone, it will just slide in the drilled hole, but you get a lot more foot contact area.

Also, the old "steppladder" product has been revived and is sold now by WildEdge. I really like these steps and use them for treework where the trunks get too narrow for comfortable climbing with spikes. One of these as my main "platform", coupled with the modified bike pedals, probably will be my system of choice this year.

There are some other items you may (or may not) find useful. I use a Notch Rook on my bridge. An ABR radius ring is a similar and slightly cheaper alternative. I also like an ART positioner on my line. Treestuff has these and plenty of other items you may find of use.

I think you will find saddle hunting will change your hunting life in a positive way. Good luck!

Thanks for the info! So I ordered a size 1 kestrel a couple days ago. I also found a site that sells all kinds if rope; safety, climbing, arborist, etc. I ordered a remnant section (30-39 ft.) of sterling 1/2 inch static rope for lineman belt and tether, and a 6 foot section of 9mm for different friction hitches. Got it all for like $30. I've got several good carabiners already. I've been reading a lot of guys are using a ropeman 1 ascender on their lineman belt and tether for easy adjustments. I can see how quickly the money ads up in this saddle hunting endeavor. I think this year I'll just run a Blake's hitch on my tether and a prusik on the lineman belt. We own 120 acres so I'm going to have several trees prepped with screw in steps so they're ready to go....I gotta get my a** in gear here to make that happen! I got a pile of screw ins from over the years. I thought I had my mind made up on getting the muddy pro sticks for a run-and-gun set up for some out of state hunts I'm doing this year, but I'm very intrigued by these wild edge SteppLadder steps I just found. Now I'm leaning towards getting them. They're about the same price as the muddy sticks, but they just look so easy and rock solid. And they seemed more geared towards the saddle hunter. Good luck out there and happy hanging!

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[flinginairos]

I know you already got a saddle, but check out tethrdnation.com. Some new products coming out that are awesome. Good info on the site as well. The Kestrel is a great saddle you’ll love it. I used one all last year.


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[buckwalleye]

I know you already got a saddle, but check out tethrdnation.com. Some new products coming out that are awesome. Good info on the site as well. The Kestrel is a great saddle you’ll love it. I used one all last year.


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Thanks! Yea I debated between the mantis and the kestrel. I obsess over researching before I buy anything. I just like the look and the solid cordura on the kestrel. I was lurking on saddle hunter forums for a while and watched a ton of YouTube videos the guys there put out. I did join that forum too (under the same handle) to get some feedback on saddle specific issues when they arise.

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[WRM]

If you get the Steppladder steps, get the aider. You can cut down on the number of steps you have to carry and thus weight by using it. He has a video for it on the site. The Tethrd platform is interesting, but I think you can get a very similar effect with a Steppladder step at only 1 pound. Then add some bike pedal steps or similar on the sides for maneuverability around the tree.

The Ropeman 1 is a neat little gadget. I have one of those too. I'd steer away from the Ropeman 2, as it likely would wear on your rope more and be a bit fussy for this use. If you watch the tree service sites (Treestuff, Sherrill, etc), they are constantly having sales. The ART positioner is the ultimate one handed line adjustment/positioning device. But, that convenience comes at a price.