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Tree saddle hunting...

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

  1. Swamp Stalker

    Swamp Stalker Legendary Woodsman

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    I think I'm gonna stick with my climbing method/platform for this season. I can get around a branch or two while climbing seeing as I'm tethered to the tree already, crooked trees aren't really a problem either. As long as I'm tethered I have no fear. Funny, just two seasons ago I was shaking when I stood up in my Summit viper, now I'm like a monkey.
     
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  2. Holt

    Holt Grizzled Veteran

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    Good call! I use sticks and they aren't the lightest system out there, but I have the most confidence in them. So then I don't mind carrying them in and out.

    Do you think it was the saddle that gained your confidence in climbing? I'm glad you over came that.

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  3. Swamp Stalker

    Swamp Stalker Legendary Woodsman

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    Yeah, it was definitely the saddle and being tethered in at all times!
     
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  4. dnoodles

    dnoodles Legendary Woodsman

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    I had never seen nor heard of this system before...so what, 3 WE steps get you up probably almost 20'?

    35 year old dnoodles says hell, yeah, this is the system for me!
    55 year old dnoodles says, hell no, that is going to hurt!

    45 year old dnoodles (that is to say dnoodles) says...shut up, both of you retards. We need to lose at least 20# before we even think of doing this.
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2021
  5. Swamp Stalker

    Swamp Stalker Legendary Woodsman

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    ^^TRUTH^^
     
  6. Holt

    Holt Grizzled Veteran

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    Lol just do it man! I lost 20 lbs this past year and it is unbelievable how much better I feel. Do it now before you get too old and say screw it!

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  7. dnoodles

    dnoodles Legendary Woodsman

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    starting P90x this Monday. Gives me 3 full months prior to WI's Opening Day
     
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  8. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Well saddle bros...I ordered the phantom saddle, its time to retire the mantis. I was going to order the 8mm ropes, but damn, all that crap is expensive. I hope it helps solves a few issues I had with the mantis, I loved the mantis, but it's time to try a newer saddle. At some point, I'm going to get new ropes, but I really don't need them yet.
     
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  9. Justin

    Justin Administrator

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    The 8 mm rope is nice. Takes up a lot less room so I can cram more junk in my Sys Haulers. :lol:
     
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  10. cantexian

    cantexian Legendary Woodsman

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    Find a local arborist store that sells climbing rated 8 mm rope. I made mine out of Sterling Oplux last year. Cost me half of what any manufactured tether's and linemans' belts run. Start with a 10'foot length, tie a bowline on a bight with about a six inch loop on one end and a double hitch stopper knot on the other. Takes all of five minutes. You will end up with an 8' to 8.5' finished rope.
     
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  11. Spence Crisco

    Spence Crisco Newb

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    Or buy 40’ of oplux and start one sticking. Game changer.

    But right now you can’t buy the safeguards (belay device for hanging and repelling)

    You’ll still need a lineman’s for branch passing and such. I just made in out of 8’ of 6mm static line. Same as you use to make friction hitches etc. line weighs less than the biner attached to it. Hahaha


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  12. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

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    That’s my issue, I pack a bunch of crap in two haulers and the ropes take up so much room. I hook my platform to my saddle as I climb, so the weight starts to pull as I climb.
    Maybe I just need to take less crap in the woods.
     
  13. Justin

    Justin Administrator

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    I know there are quite a few guys out there who attach a suspender system to their saddle for this exact reason.

    https://saddlehunter.com/community/...-of-ideas-for-suspenders-for-my-saddle.18898/
     
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  14. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Fellas, the new phantom has arrived and I did a quick sit in the back yard with it. They did a good job addressing some of the issues I had with the mantis, I really like the adjustable bridge and the added molle straps on the bottom half of the saddle. The leg strap connections are much better as well, overall, no regrets so far, I'll have to see get some time in it to work out anything else.
    I also bought their knee-pads, they seem nice, a little more comfortable than the ones I was using last year, but they are a little softer, again, tree-time will see if they are as good as I hope they are. Priced about the same as the ArcTeryx the saddle bro's rave about (literally the same thing except "TETHRD" is written on them); also added a ropeman1 to my tehter.
     
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  15. Holt

    Holt Grizzled Veteran

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    I finally caved and ordered a new lock on. I'm going hybrid and will keep wearing the saddle, but will have a larger platform. I just can't get a consistent form off a small platform. Went with the new Novix Helo. It's in the mail and supposed to arrive this week.

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  16. Tink-a-Link

    Tink-a-Link Weekend Warrior

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    Where did you get the knee pads from?

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  17. S.McArthur

    S.McArthur Die Hard Bowhunter

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  18. Swamp Stalker

    Swamp Stalker Legendary Woodsman

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    Bruh! Sounds like the best of both worlds. I checked out the specs on the Helo, and read the SaDdLe BoIz opinions on it on saddle hunter. looks like it's gonna serve you well!
     
  19. Holt

    Holt Grizzled Veteran

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    It's the size of stand I have been waiting for. Most likely I will take the seat off and just sit in the saddle. So that should knock off another 2 lbs. Seems I can never be happy with one system, always changing! Haha

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  20. dnoodles

    dnoodles Legendary Woodsman

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