Tree saddle recommendations

[ETXRaider]

I’m looking to get a tree saddle and I’m looking for recommendations. Mostly going to be using it in early season and will have long walks in. Obviously looking for something that would be comfortable for long sits. I’m pretty tall (6’3” 220 pounds) not sure how much that matters. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Rounder]

I’m a saddle hunting newbie so maybe an experienced guy will chime in but here is my setup:

H2 Saddle (complete kit)
Tethrd Predator Platform
Tethrd Skeletor steps

I bought the H2 as they offer a complete kit and it wasn’t crazy expensive and also being new to saddle hunting, it was simpler than me trying to figure out the parts and pieces that I needed.

I don’t have anything to compare it to but I think it’s fairly comfortable with the right tree. I’m in it right now on a refuge hunt and have sat in it for almost 8 hours total today (took a midday break to grab lunch and some more water).

There are tons on YouTube videos reviewing them all and I watched a ton of them as I was a bit overwhelmed when I started looking into it.

[TN_boy]

Saddles:
Most all mid level will be fine. I'm still rocking my tethrd from 2019 although I will be moving to Custom Gear Modifications (CGM) this next year.
They are less expensive than the big guys with better quality. We do 1.5-2 mile walkins wearing saddle, suspenders and the whole getup. My bow rides in my bow spider on the back of my suspenders and stays there until Im in the tree no bow rope or reels. Climb up once.

Most fit based on waist size. If on the fence, size up.

Sticks:
I used hawk helium sticks for 2 years, then tethrd one, and now the latitude SS.

Platform:
Tethrd predator. Have 2 that my son uses. I now use Pursuit Platforms. They are minimal and get carried in attached to saddle. We set them before season and leave until spring unless going into new areas, then we carry the spare.

[Low Fence]

It’s all so personal. I’ve tried 2 tetherd saddles and found them to be extremely over rated. Well built! But not as comfortable as my Cruzer xc. They are all expensive and I recommend trying before buying…. But I know that ain’t always an option

platform, of the ones I have I use the original tethered predator the most and prefer it on all my public hunts. Like the cruzr seeker for short local stuff or pre sets

sticks- skys the limit. I still don’t think the movie mini can be beat for the money vs weight and features. Everyone try’s hawks at one point… save your money. lol. They are better than nailing 2x4’s to tree … but not by much


every person is different with different priorities so opinions vary

[SwampBuck]

I have a buzzard roost and a pursuit platform. I like the platform being low key and light. I carry mine clipped to the saddle as well and carry my sticks in by hand. So far no complaints with the saddle, its quality. Customer service is great. I had an issue receiving a second lineman’s rope instead of a tether rope. They fixed it pronto. I’m new to saddles though so nothing else I have gives me much comparison. I like it though

[Low Fence]

Only thing I changed this year was my pack. It’s a love/ hate…. More love. The pack I had did what I needed and was less than $30 and a whole lot lighter!

this one was expensive and added over 2 pounds to my set up. Still under 15 lbs. but I can pack all my outer layers in and it’s TOUGH! and made for saddle hunting. With the straps and belt it feels better than the lighter one. Can also carry sticks horizontal below platform ( how I hunt, it’s supper quick). Grab my whole stick stack at the tree and never take the pack off. Platform hooks to back of saddle on way up, so I don’t have to fiddle with anything. I’m from earth to hunting 22’ up in under 4 minutes most times

[DedDuk]

I have Cruzr pack and platform. Trophyline saddle. Ill be changing to a cruzer saddle this year. Ropes are from hang free. Tehtherd skeleton sticks. The best advice I can give is to practice. Set up on a tree 1' off the ground, hang, shoot, play with your ropes.