Tree saddle hunting...

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by mikerock85, Jun 25, 2014.

  1. Justin

    Justin Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Posts:
    11,095
    Likes Received:
    7,784
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Algonquin, Illinois, United States
    Novix is making it for Trophyline. They just don't sell it on the Novix website. Must be an exclusive deal of some sort. Either way, it looks awesome.
     
  2. cantexian

    cantexian Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2013
    Posts:
    9,424
    Likes Received:
    18,372
    Dislikes Received:
    12
    That is a sweet looking platform. I may have to consider that one instead of the predator when I am ready to upgrade from my DIY platform.
     
    Swamp Stalker likes this.
  3. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2015
    Posts:
    7,422
    Likes Received:
    14,428
    Dislikes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Southwest Illinois
    I had some issues with getting the batwing to bite good in the tree. It comes with an alternative one I may slap on there. When I put weight on platform the batwing would pull away from the tree a bit. Really had to adjust the leveling screw and tighten strap as tight as I could creating a better cam. Seemed like a lot of tension on the strap though to get a good bite. Predator platform btw
     
  4. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2015
    Posts:
    7,422
    Likes Received:
    14,428
    Dislikes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Southwest Illinois
    That does look sweet. What’s the rubber piece on top? Extra foot placement or just decor?
     
  5. cantexian

    cantexian Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2013
    Posts:
    9,424
    Likes Received:
    18,372
    Dislikes Received:
    12
    Foot placement I believe. I wish that the predator came with a double step across the top of the post. I added one to my DIY for this season and I really like it. The only drawback to my DIY platform is that it does not fold flat and is more difficult to strap to a backpack.
     
    dnoodles likes this.
  6. Swamp Stalker

    Swamp Stalker Legendary Woodsman

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2013
    Posts:
    15,516
    Likes Received:
    33,057
    Dislikes Received:
    47
    Location:
    CT
    I'd use it to put my full weight on, then use my toe to flip the platform up, so it slides down a bit, then cam the platform down. Similar to the LW hang on stand. I would think that is it's purpose.
     
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2020
    DarkTater and dnoodles like this.
  7. Justin

    Justin Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Posts:
    11,095
    Likes Received:
    7,784
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Algonquin, Illinois, United States
    That's my understanding as well. You use that to push down on while the platform is up, then flip the platform down. The teeth should bite into the tree and tighten the cam strap, just like a Lone Wolf stand.
     
    Swamp Stalker likes this.
  8. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2015
    Posts:
    7,422
    Likes Received:
    14,428
    Dislikes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Southwest Illinois
    Another thing I’ve noticed that was uncomfortable that could be easily remedied is when legs fully extended on platform, the edge of the platform digs right into the arch of my feet. Full body weight is exerted right to this point. Would be nice to have like a reverse footrest of some sort.
     
  9. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2013
    Posts:
    2,723
    Likes Received:
    8,310
    Dislikes Received:
    10
    Location:
    Greenbrier, Tn
    I spend more time on the steps going around the tree, I look like I'm sitting on a motorcycle in the tree. I do not spend a lot of time on the platform, I am "leaning" but more of a sitting lean...if that makes sense.
     
    Shocker99 likes this.
  10. slickbilly-d

    slickbilly-d Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2017
    Posts:
    2,405
    Likes Received:
    5,058
    Dislikes Received:
    3
    Location:
    Indiana
    How cold are you talking? If it’s 40 or warmer, I cannot wear my fanatic set. With cabelas ecws (or what ever they are) base layers, I’m really comfortable and toasty in 15-40. Haven’t got in lower temps yet.
     
  11. Shocker99

    Shocker99 Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Aug 18, 2015
    Posts:
    7,422
    Likes Received:
    14,428
    Dislikes Received:
    16
    Location:
    Southwest Illinois
    Yea I found myself stand/leaning with the edge of platform right in the arch of my boots. I don’t have additional steps or anything else around the tree that I use (yet). I was trying to abide to the no piercing of bark rule on public which I’ve been violating for years with my bow hangers lol. Just need more tinkering I guess
     
    Bullridnfool likes this.
  12. Hoytvectrix

    Hoytvectrix Weekend Warrior

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2016
    Posts:
    60
    Likes Received:
    30
    Dislikes Received:
    1
    I use an extra gun sling and some webbing to create a sling for my sticks. I use the standard hawk heliums and have them strapped over my shoulder and they ride parallel to the ground. I find that I can carry my bow in my right or left hand with the sticks in a sling in the other. You don't have to baby them as you are walking in, but if you are trying to be extra quiet, you can use your free hand to move brush out of the way.
     
    dnoodles and cantexian like this.
  13. dnoodles

    dnoodles Legendary Woodsman

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2012
    Posts:
    12,971
    Likes Received:
    18,581
    Dislikes Received:
    23
    Location:
    People's Republic of IL
    I was thinking the same thing about the OOAL. Was looking at it thinking...wonder if I should weld a section of rebar across that?
     
  14. cantexian

    cantexian Grizzled Veteran

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2013
    Posts:
    9,424
    Likes Received:
    18,372
    Dislikes Received:
    12
    Wrap the edges in paracord. It
    Makes a big difference.
     

    Attached Files:

    Shocker99 likes this.
  15. Justin

    Justin Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Posts:
    11,095
    Likes Received:
    7,784
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Algonquin, Illinois, United States
    2nd sit in the saddle last night - about 3 hours without any issues. My bridge is a little long, which meant I had to push my tether higher, and it did create a little pinch on my hips. Not terrible, but it needs to be adjusted for sure.

    I had the same issue with OOAL platform - couldn't get the bastard seated very securely. Next time I go, I'm putting a ratchet strap on the damn thing.

    I tried resting my feet in various positions last night, and was never uncomfortable, including going right on the arches of my feet on the edge of the platform. Can't feel it through my boots at all. Are you guys hunting in tennis shoes or something?
     
    Shocker99, dnoodles and cantexian like this.
  16. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2013
    Posts:
    2,723
    Likes Received:
    8,310
    Dislikes Received:
    10
    Location:
    Greenbrier, Tn
    My predator platform never moves and I never feel any discomfort on the edges, unless I'm wearing my Walmart rubber boots. I saw a platform that looked like the OOAL (Could of been them) at the NWTF convention a few years ago and it looked cheap, that was what swayed me away from those style platforms.
     
  17. Happy

    Happy Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2017
    Posts:
    1,522
    Likes Received:
    4,616
    Dislikes Received:
    3
    Camo crocs


    Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
     
    Bullridnfool likes this.
  18. Justin

    Justin Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Posts:
    11,095
    Likes Received:
    7,784
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Algonquin, Illinois, United States
    That is my preferred blind hunting footwear, but not suitable for a treestand or saddle. :lol:
     
    Happy likes this.
  19. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2013
    Posts:
    2,723
    Likes Received:
    8,310
    Dislikes Received:
    10
    Location:
    Greenbrier, Tn
    These are for sale locally, I want the ropeman1, I’ll grab the platform if there’s any interest, not really a deal since I’d have to ship wherever.
    B6370F45-4E43-4BE5-A066-A2DDED22720A.jpeg
     
  20. Justin

    Justin Administrator

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2008
    Posts:
    11,095
    Likes Received:
    7,784
    Dislikes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Algonquin, Illinois, United States
    I couldn't take it anymore - ordered a Trophyline/Novix Mission platform.

    Now I'm on the hunt for a new pack. Trouble is, everyone is sold out of the ones I'm looking for. :rant:
     
    dnoodles likes this.

Share This Page