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Message
Becoming A Saddle Hunter
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:22 am
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:22 am
Where can a fella go to try out a couple different brands/styles of saddles? I’m not a fan of loc ons (well mine anyway) and I’m tired of lugging around my summit climber.
What has worked for y’all in regards to sticks? I’m not looking at buying a set of sticks then having to take them apart and modify, I’m looking for something light weight and feasible out the box if that exist.
Anyone who regrets buying a saddle or doesn’t like them? What’s your reason?
I’m open to all opinions and experiences with saddles. Thanks fellas!
What has worked for y’all in regards to sticks? I’m not looking at buying a set of sticks then having to take them apart and modify, I’m looking for something light weight and feasible out the box if that exist.
Anyone who regrets buying a saddle or doesn’t like them? What’s your reason?
I’m open to all opinions and experiences with saddles. Thanks fellas!
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:26 am to WillFerrellisking
quote:
Where can a fella go to try out a couple different brands/styles of saddles?
outdoor shows, or ask around locally for people who have some for you to try
quote:
What has worked for y’all in regards to sticks?
lots of sticks out there, just really depends on your budget
1-stick, minis, aiders, etc
quote:
Anyone who regrets buying a saddle or doesn’t like them? What’s your reason?
definitely don't regret
has allowed me to get into more trees and more areas and be more mobile
going to need more specifics if you want more specific answers..and by that I mean we need your budget

Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:33 am to WillFerrellisking
quote:
What has worked for y’all in regards to sticks? I’m not looking at buying a set of sticks then having to take them apart and modify, I’m looking for something light weight and feasible out the box if that exist.
I use a single stick and a platform along with 40' of rope to rappel down with. I'd rather dick with rope than have 4 sticks clanking around. My stick is a Novix mini double with a 3 step aider and amsteel daisy chain. Platform is a Arsenal RZR. With my pack my whole setup is around 13 lbs.
I hated it at first but once I got used to it I never went back to a climber/lock on. I think I've used a climber once in the past 3 years and it was a preset.

Trying out a new pack now, this is the Eberlestock X2. Everything I need to hunt stays in it so when I pack up I just chunk the bag in the truck and I'm good to go.
ETA: I might be selling my Latitude Classic when the Buzzard Roost I ordered comes in.
This post was edited on 2/5/25 at 10:34 am
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:41 am to WillFerrellisking
what is this crap? I need my big box blind, my ipad in the window playing football, my office chair to nap in, and my cooler full of cold beer.
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:47 am to WillFerrellisking
I've been saddle hunting about 2-3 years now so I'm no expert. I picked up a descender last year and that has really been a good deal. I'm using a tethyrd phantom I like and a RZR arsenal platform.
My sticks are hawk helium and I'm wanting to upgrade for next season so glad you started this thread. Hunted out of a couple of pre-set ladders this season with the platform and the saddle and it was super easy and comfortable. I have a couple of spots I hunt with a shotgun in tight cover during gun season and I love the bow hunting feel the saddle gives where the deer are within 30 yards of you. Really feels much more satisfying than sitting in a big box.
My sticks are hawk helium and I'm wanting to upgrade for next season so glad you started this thread. Hunted out of a couple of pre-set ladders this season with the platform and the saddle and it was super easy and comfortable. I have a couple of spots I hunt with a shotgun in tight cover during gun season and I love the bow hunting feel the saddle gives where the deer are within 30 yards of you. Really feels much more satisfying than sitting in a big box.
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:00 am to bushwacker
quote:
what is this crap? I need my big box blind, my ipad in the window playing football, my office chair to nap in, and my cooler full of cold beer.
Don't forget the buddy heater and bedsore cream for those that really put the hours in.
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:10 am to WillFerrellisking
Not sure where you're located but Buzzard Roost is amazing. Benny is a great guy and very helpful. I just bought one this year and I love it. I will be looking new sticks for next year but I bought the Hawk Helium's just to make sure I liked it before going all in.
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:11 am to Turnblad85
I’ve created a system that allows me to repel from tree to tree using a rope and pulley system. I’ll hunt from 2-3 different trees in the same afternoon without ever having to come down to swap
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:47 am to WillFerrellisking
I use 3, sometimes 4 hawk helium sticks with a cruzr saddle with their platform. I do love it but will upgrade my sticks eventually
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:51 am to WillFerrellisking
B&B archery in Pearl MS has multiple brands for you to try.
Posted on 2/6/25 at 5:43 am to Tight 10
quote:
repel from tree to tree using a rope and pulley system
I need to see this.
Posted on 2/6/25 at 6:08 am to MarshMan
Yeah, unless you have long ropes, what’s the point?
Posted on 2/6/25 at 6:50 am to Theotherpikecounty
quote:
What size and how much?
It only comes in one size, I'd probably sell it for $100. Waiting to see if I like the Buzzard Roost first, though.
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:15 am to Loup
I see 8mm and 10mm ropes for sale. Which is the best for a 260 pounder?
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:17 am to 257WBY
quote:14mm
I see 8mm and 10mm ropes for sale. Which is the best for a 260 pounder?
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:22 am to White Bear
quote:
14mm
Lol don’t body shame people.
257 I’m pretty sure 8mm is good to something like 1500lbs or so.
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:28 am to Ol boy
quote:I ain’t I’m the same size. You deer arborists are crazy, man. Hopefully y’all change ropes out annually (or at some point)
Lol don’t body shame people. 257 I’m pretty sure 8mm is good to something like 1500lbs or so.

This post was edited on 2/6/25 at 8:29 am
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:33 am to WillFerrellisking
1st saddle setup (used for a season)
-Trophyline Saddle
-Three 3 step Heliums
-Made top step platform
-Attached to Magellan backpack with Gear Ties
2nd saddle setup (used a couple seasons)
-Tethrd Phantom Saddle
-Amazon Molle Pouches
-Three 2 step Heliums (cut down to 24”) with aiders and daisy chain straps
-Tethrd Predator XL platform with cinch strap
-Carried on Mystery Ranch backpack(plenty straps) not the best access in tree.
Current saddle setup
-Tethrd Phantom Saddle
-Amazon Molle Pouches
-Three Latitude Sticks with amsteel double aiders
-Tethrd Predator XL or lighter XOP platform with amsteel guy USA attachment.
-Mystery Ranch backpack for long hike ins or Tidewe bag with meat shelf for closer hunts
I make all my ropes from Muddy Safety Lines(30 ft rope that comes with multiple Prussiks). They go on sale for $20 a few times a year and can make multiple linemans and tether ropes from it. They are also flexible enough to coil up in a small pouch.
I love the versatility and mobility of the saddle setup. There are an endless supply of vendors and gadgets in the saddle world now. Try as many as you can before deciding, but just know it’s a huge rabbit hole.
-Trophyline Saddle
-Three 3 step Heliums
-Made top step platform
-Attached to Magellan backpack with Gear Ties
2nd saddle setup (used a couple seasons)
-Tethrd Phantom Saddle
-Amazon Molle Pouches
-Three 2 step Heliums (cut down to 24”) with aiders and daisy chain straps
-Tethrd Predator XL platform with cinch strap
-Carried on Mystery Ranch backpack(plenty straps) not the best access in tree.
Current saddle setup
-Tethrd Phantom Saddle
-Amazon Molle Pouches
-Three Latitude Sticks with amsteel double aiders
-Tethrd Predator XL or lighter XOP platform with amsteel guy USA attachment.
-Mystery Ranch backpack for long hike ins or Tidewe bag with meat shelf for closer hunts
I make all my ropes from Muddy Safety Lines(30 ft rope that comes with multiple Prussiks). They go on sale for $20 a few times a year and can make multiple linemans and tether ropes from it. They are also flexible enough to coil up in a small pouch.
I love the versatility and mobility of the saddle setup. There are an endless supply of vendors and gadgets in the saddle world now. Try as many as you can before deciding, but just know it’s a huge rabbit hole.
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:34 am to 257WBY
quote:
Which is the best for a 260 pounder?
I use an 8mm for my tether and my rappel rope is 9 mm. I think my lineman's belt is 5 mm. I'm 160 lbs, though. Just make sure your rope is rated for a dynamic load.
This post was edited on 2/6/25 at 8:42 am
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