Not worried about weight, bulk, etc that info is easy to find. In user experience, what has been your comfiest tree saddle to use. If you could also list what other ones you've used that would help validate the comments for survey purposes would be super awesome guys. Thanks for any and all input.
Only used the Mantis. And it’s lazy boy comfy. I’m sure the other are too.
There is one called the J4 or something like that. It uses a molle military frame for back support. You wear it like a vest. For comfort, there is no way any stand beats it.
The Jx2 owner bought out Guidos Web ( I believe I have that right) and has redesigned it and it is real comfortable. Very innovative product. Its heavier than mine (Aero kestrel) which I can hunt in for 4 hrs.
He kept the "whale tail" in the design that keeps you off the tree and supports some weight, lessening the weight your feet, calves, thighs and butt and knees have on them.
That numeration is a magic personal formulation of wearing while walking and all day rut comfort. I'm very happy with my Flex and done experimenting for now.
I have a Mantis and a Phantom. I've done a few 12 hours sits in my Tethrd Mantis. I've only sat for a few hours at a time in the Phantom but so far, it is as advertised more comfortable.
I have had the New Tribe Aero Hunter for about 5 years I think. Doesn't look like they make it anymore... Lots of adjustability! I use it about a dozen times each fall; all day sits (dark to dark) and have been very happy. I would like to refine my platform and climbing technique a little to shave more weight off, but not a deal breaker as it stands. TODDY
I haven't tried any of the commercial ones, yet, but my DIY saddle made from a Sit Drag is super comfy. Comfy enough for an all day sit. Pretty sure I'll be getting a Tethrd Phantom so I can be rid of the RC harness.
Well crap, I need to read better. I'm just an old cowboy and couldn't figure out what the heck you boys were talking about! After re-reading three times i saw "tree saddle". How do you ride a tree? Does it ever buck? What kind of bit is works well on a spruce? Snaffle? :')
Huh, I have a Tethrd Mantis and I swear I was getting PM's from guys talking about a brand that was way more comfortable last fall, but reading here it seems like a lot of guys think it is very comfortable. I found it to be very comfortable once I had a few layers on, but when it is warm felt like it pinched in my hips a little or something.
IMO the platform and setup are much more important to comfort than most design features. But I haven't really tried them all for sure. Of those I've tried, the Aero and a couple others, I really haven't found one "more" comfortable than my old Trophyline mesh tree saddle (with a couple of mods). A couple seemed to have way more adjustments and straps and stuff than they really needed. They all had little plus's and minus's but overall did basically the same thing. Haven't found one I couldn't fall asleep in yet so I guess I'm not real picky. (That Guido's Web was about the clunkiest thing I ever tried though...)
Platform is yuge WRT comfort, strap length/angle, bridge length and attachment points, knee pads, setup to shooting lanes, etc. were the most critical. Much more of a learning curve that any regular stand, I see guys use them two or three times and quit. But if you stay with it and learn it they are hard to beat in real world hunting. Way more advantages than disadvantages.
Justin, all drawn up and material on hand. Just need to get busy with the TIG. I keep procrastinating.
We have to wear masks when on the shop floor now. Annoying as heck and I can't wait to get out of there every work day as it's a constant reminder of this stupid covid mess.
Ive only sat in a few, and the first one was only for about 5' to see if I could understand or like this saddle thing. And it felt pretty comfy. I think it was a Kestrel. Not 100%.
I just got a phantom, and that's honestly more comfortable than I expected. I didnt think it could feel better than my summit, but it does. Definitely really like the Phantom comfort wise.
Toddy, I've used several things but my favorite by far (depending on the tree of course) is just using the natural limbs in the tree augmented by screw in steps or lag bolts in strategic places. If you can't use screw in I like using wild edge "rope on" steps or something like that. I have a "T" insert for the top stick of my lone wolf sticks but don't use them as much as I used to. We have a wide variety from silver oak to eucalyptus to African tulip and cypress. Even used an orange tree (citrus, not osage) and killed a nice buck out of a plum tree.
I've used a few home made platforms made from old aluminum ladder rungs welded to short pieces of aluminum "I" beam that worked OK..... somebody stole my larger one out of a tree I had prepped to use. Why I have no idea, I doubt they even knew what a saddle was.... maybe they wanted the ratchet strap...
I like natural branches as well if available. I use tree steps as a platform on many of my early season sits but use hiking boots for footwear as they are stiffer and it takes the fatigue off my feet and I can sit all day that way. Still trying to figure out late season sits when the temps fall below zero. Would love to figure out how to use a heater body suit with a saddle..... TODDY
Toddy, I've been thinking about that. Only difference is it is going to have an open bottom you cinch close. Not sure I'll ever tackle the actual sewing part but, if we get a winter here like we are supposed to, next year, I just might.
I purchased the Aerhunter Flex and have had it about a month now. Using it with a Predator platform, and 3 bullman steps on a OCD buckle strap (seperate from the platform strap). The platform and steps are rock solid to move around the tree easily. Very impressed with the quality/construction of the Flex. I've been shooting and hanging out in it from 20' and comfort level is great. The platform is the key for me. I'm able to turn my back to the tree and actually stand on the platform just like a regular stand as well. Really looking forward to putting this system to work in the fall.
If you want the ultimate in comfort get the JX3. I have saddle hunted since 1988 and tried just about every saddle out their. My first ones were home made, similar to the JX3 and Guido's. The JX3 does not require a foot platform, just a ring of steps to rest your feet and to get around the tree. The secrets, are the "whale tail" that keeps you away from the tree, not requiring knee pads, and the solid base you sit on. They are about 9 lbs. but the design is so good you don't feel weighed down walking in. My biggest problem is falling asleep in the tree, but because of their design you will not fall out. Go to saddlehunter dot com, you will go down a rat hole of information and not come up for weeks!!