Announcement

Collapse

TBH Maintenance


TBH maintenance - There will be interruptions this weekend as we prepare for a hosting switchover.
See more
See less

Where to start

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Where to start

    Always wanted to saddle hunt just because I think you can get into better locations especially hunting public land. I'm also wondering if it would be better for my back sitting in a sling as opposed to sitting on a padded bench for several hours. I have 4 buldging disks in my lower back and after sitting a while on any pad with a hard surface under it kills me. What are yalls thoughts?

    If this is the route to go where is the best place to get started at the best price? Not looking to blow a lot of money just want something basic to get me started. Any and all advice is appreciated and I know I can't skimp on safety.

    #2
    I can’t help with the back issue. You’ll probably just have to sit in a saddle and see how it feels.

    The actual saddle is the easy part. There are essentially single panel, double panel and pleated single panel options and most manufacturers have multiple saddle options. If you know somebody that has a saddle, the best thing to do is see if they’ll let you test it out. To test a saddle all you really need is the saddle, tether rope and carabiner and you can get a feel for it at ground level.

    The climbing method is where it can get more complicated. You can use preset ladders, multiple sticks, tree steps, one stick, DRT/SRT (rope climbing methods) or any other way you see fit to get up to hunting height. Various climbing methods will likely require additional accessories to work or for safety ( Linemanm’s rope, ascender, rappel rope, belay devices, platforms, ring of steps, attachment methods, etc.) , depending on the method. Where and how you hunt (public or private, types of trees, terrain, distance you’ll have to hike, weight of pack, physical ability, etc can each impact the method you’ll use.

    I would think there is a fairly decent market of used saddle gear from people that are either upgrading or bought the equipment and don’t use it. I wouldn’t hesitate to look at carefully inspected used gear.

    Read through some of the existing threads here or watch YouTube videos from channels like New Day Outdoors, Saddle Hunting, Staggs in the Wild, Madhunts Adventures, Eberhart Outdoor, etc. if you want to start down the wormhole of mobile hunting!
    My Flickr Photos

    Comment


      #3
      Where are you located?

      Back when I worked in an archery shop in DFW we would have customers come in all the time asking about saddle hunting.

      Cinnamon Creek is a Grit dealer with stuff in stock.

      Back then, a fella that worked fire and rescue for Ft Worth PD had talked about having a saddle hunters meetup event in DFW but it never got off the ground. Saddle comfort is VERY subjective and varies per person.

      I have a buddy with back issues that tried saddle hunting and he couldn’t sit for more than 2 hours in the Hawk saddle he bought.

      If you happen to be south of DFW, shoot me a PM and I can bring one of mine that you’re welcome to try on at ground level. I have a Tethrd Phantom, a Dryad Drey and a CGM Cobra. I hate the dryad with a passion but my wife loves it or it’d be for sale!

      Comment


        #4
        Thank yall for the advice I will definitely be looking further into but take my time becoming informed and trying to figure out if and what works for me.

        I am located in Bertram and work in Burnet and travel to Orange every weekend to see my wife and kids.

        Comment


          #5
          I have lots of lower back issues and it’s one reason I prefer the saddle.

          sadly most stuff is online if you want options and comparisons. I don’t know what you call “a lot of money” but it’s about as expensive as it gets in mobile hunting. You can get beginner cheap stuff but will fight is so much it won’t be enjoyable or function able.

          Mid grade sticks
          mid grade pack
          entry level saddle and all rope adjustments

          probably $700ish….. and it’s gonna be very basic

          Comment


            #6
            Sounds like I may be better off looking for a good used set up then. I'm not looking for anything that expensive just to try.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by BlessedVeteran0305 View Post
              Thank yall for the advice I will definitely be looking further into but take my time becoming informed and trying to figure out if and what works for me.

              I am located in Bertram and work in Burnet and travel to Orange every weekend to see my wife and kids.
              You travel to Orange Tx every weekend correct? If so, send me your contact information so I can reach out to you! I have to compressed disc in my lower back. Saddle seems to be a tad more comfortable on my back but I still have to reposition myself from time to time.

              Comment


                #8
                Youtube is your friend. Watch some vids. Very informational.
                Most companies make a back support/ recliner that takes the stress off of your back. It is a life saver when it comes to longevity in the stand.
                I use Tethrd equipment and have been satisfied....however, I tried a Latitude saddle on the other day, honestly, it was more comfortable and I didnt think that was possible.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Originally posted by lovemylegacy View Post
                  Youtube is your friend. Watch some vids. Very informational.
                  Most companies make a back support/ recliner that takes the stress off of your back. It is a life saver when it comes to longevity in the stand.
                  I use Tethrd equipment and have been satisfied....however, I tried a Latitude saddle on the other day, honestly, it was more comfortable and I didnt think that was possible.
                  I have yet to see the back support I'll have to look for that. Thank you.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by lovemylegacy View Post
                    Youtube is your friend. Watch some vids. Very informational.
                    Most companies make a back support/ recliner that takes the stress off of your back. It is a life saver when it comes to longevity in the stand.
                    I use Tethrd equipment and have been satisfied....however, I tried a Latitude saddle on the other day, honestly, it was more comfortable and I didnt think that was possible.
                    Which model? I've made a couple of practice climbs with the Method 2 and I really like the two panel. In compact mode, it is actually narrower than the Phantom. Both wear really nicely on the hike to the tree. The magnets hold the panels together well and I like that it adjusts quickly and easily without any straps. I'm not sure I like the clips on the G-hooks for the leg straps. I think they may be a bit tricky with cold fingers or gloves. If not, I suppose I can either remove the clips or change the G hooks if it becomes an issue. I do like that the leg straps are removeable.
                    My Flickr Photos

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by BlessedVeteran0305 View Post

                      I have yet to see the back support I'll have to look for that. Thank you.
                      Go to Tethrd, accesories, its called a "recliner"

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by Michael View Post

                        Which model? I've made a couple of practice climbs with the Method 2 and I really like the two panel. In compact mode, it is actually narrower than the Phantom. Both wear really nicely on the hike to the tree. The magnets hold the panels together well and I like that it adjusts quickly and easily without any straps. I'm not sure I like the clips on the G-hooks for the leg straps. I think they may be a bit tricky with cold fingers or gloves. If not, I suppose I can either remove the clips or change the G hooks if it becomes an issue. I do like that the leg straps are removeable.
                        Thats it. The 2025 model. Split panel with magnets and draw string. Sitting in it I saw no need for crotch straps. I find it more comfortable than the Phantom. It really was a pleasant surprise how comfortable it is.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by lovemylegacy View Post

                          Go to Tethrd, accesories, its called a "recliner"
                          So since it’s an accessory, I recon you could use it with just about any saddle huh?

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Yes

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Lots of good info here. Thanks y’all. Going to try to find a method 2 to check out as it sounds like a winner.

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X