Started By
Message

Becoming A Saddle Hunter

Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:22 am
Posted by WillFerrellisking
Member since Jun 2019
1928 posts
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!
Posted by Salmon
I helped draft the email
Member since Feb 2008
85074 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:26 am to
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 by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14115 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:33 am to
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 by bushwacker
youngsville
Member since Feb 2010
3838 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:41 am to
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 by TigerDog83
Member since Oct 2005
8493 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 10:47 am to
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.


Posted by Turnblad85
Member since Sep 2022
3087 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:00 am to
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 by Wildman 22
SW Ms
Member since Jun 2023
217 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:10 am to
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 by Tight 10
Member since Nov 2021
454 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:11 am to
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 by cubsfinger
On The Road
Member since Mar 2017
1753 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:47 am to
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 by 257WBY
Member since Feb 2014
6724 posts
Posted on 2/5/25 at 11:51 am to
B&B archery in Pearl MS has multiple brands for you to try.
Posted by MarshMan
Ponchatoula
Member since May 2015
648 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 5:43 am to
quote:

repel from tree to tree using a rope and pulley system


I need to see this.
Posted by 257WBY
Member since Feb 2014
6724 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 6:08 am to
Yeah, unless you have long ropes, what’s the point?
Posted by Theotherpikecounty
pike county
Member since Aug 2014
566 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 6:44 am to
What size and how much?
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14115 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 6:50 am to
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 by 257WBY
Member since Feb 2014
6724 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:15 am to
I see 8mm and 10mm ropes for sale. Which is the best for a 260 pounder?
Posted by White Bear
Yonnygo
Member since Jul 2014
16262 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:17 am to
quote:

I see 8mm and 10mm ropes for sale. Which is the best for a 260 pounder?
14mm
Posted by Ol boy
Member since Oct 2018
3562 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:22 am to
quote:

14mm

Lol don’t body shame people.
257 I’m pretty sure 8mm is good to something like 1500lbs or so.
Posted by White Bear
Yonnygo
Member since Jul 2014
16262 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:28 am to
quote:

Lol don’t body shame people. 257 I’m pretty sure 8mm is good to something like 1500lbs or so.
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)
This post was edited on 2/6/25 at 8:29 am
Posted by stein_burgundy
Member since Jan 2016
857 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:33 am to
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.
Posted by Loup
Ferriday
Member since Apr 2019
14115 posts
Posted on 2/6/25 at 8:34 am to
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
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 2Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram