7 Saddle Platforms Reviewed in ONE video!
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- This just may be the most comprehensive collection of saddle-hunting platforms gathered for review in one single video! We take a closer look at the Wild Edge Perch, Out On A Limb's Scout and Ridge Runner, both Tethrd's Predator and Predator XL -- and finally the new Trophyline Mission and the LWCG Ambush! Get it all in one video: the good, the bad and the ugly!
Link to detachable shoulder straps:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
Link to US Peacekeeper backpack straps:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
One of the best videos on platforms for saddle hunting. Helped me make my decision. Mission platform. I have the ridge runner, but the Mission is perfect for all day sits and comfortable
THANK YOU!! I just started hunting last year (54 years old) and had no idea which rig to consider. Your very hard and labor intensive work has helped me a lot. Thanks again!
So glad to hear it! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Good luck this season!
Great video, I have a ridge runner but after watching this I just ordered a mission! It's good to have options. Thanks for the info!
Great video for a guy looking for his first platform. Thank you for taking the time to do this video.
Appreciate the nice words! Good luck in your new venture!
Awesome video, definitely helped a lot with the wild edge perch.
Being totally new to saddle hunting this was the best video I've seen and definitely narrowed it down for me
Thanks! Feel free to surf around our channel a bit; we've got lots more saddle-hunting content, and a ton more to come this year!
I can attest to the fact that the Trophyline Mission platform is a great platform. The build quality is exceptional and it's solid as a rock on the tree. I use it to one stick. I added an aider and switched the strap for a rope and cam cleat. I attach the platform to my assault pack so the hump doesn't bother me but that's a great point.
Top shelf! Great information and effort. Well done, Greg!
awesome video, thanks for the excellent reviews
Great Video- I have Predator and will keep it for long walks in. I will be ordering the Mission platform for comfort. Thank you so much for the video.
I've been alternating using both the last couple weeks, after hunting primarily just out of the Mission most of the year. The Predator XL packs better on the way in and out, but the Mission offers so much more ONCE you're at hunting height. For me... remember, personal hunting styles will always dictate preferences. :)
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment!
God bless you Greg. This is very helpful.
Out on a limb angled platform attached to your top stem paired with a ring of steps is hard to beat!
Thank you this was the video i needed. i am new to bow hunting and this helped tremendously. Im 50 so you could teach an ole dog new tricks!!!!!
Good luck!! Be sure to subscribe as we’ve got lots more coming down the pipe as well as some good tech tips for bowhunters soon.
I love that the XL can get that angle. First time I’ve seen that
Thanks for the shoutout Greg. Awesome review. Ill be picking up an xl platform soon and I'm glad I watched your vid!
You'll love it buddy... it's just SO rock solid, and having the room to stand up and turn to your off-side and shoot like you're on a treestand is just the best of both worlds -- and it's not THAT much heavier to be able to achieve all that.
Nice job, excellent review
Great video Greg that hr went quick
Thanks so much!! I kept thinking "Man, this is getting long..." but there's just no way to not to do each one justice and include that many platforms and have it any shorter -- and I really wanted this to be a video where people could really see honest comparisons of almost everything against each other in one take.
Really great information thank you
This is the best saddle platform comparison video on UA-cam. Thanks so much for taking the time to make it
Thanks for making the vid!
Great video buddy, thank you!!!
Appreciate the kind words! 👍
Just found you and subbed. Looks like a great channel. I'm an older trapper/ deer hunter in the Ozarks. I'll be trying some of your ideas and tips. Keep them coming.
FLOYD LENZ awesome buddy! Welcome aboard! We’re in New Hampshire right now seeing if a big bear wants to star in one of our videos, lol. When we get back we’ll be moving into deer hunting, and we’re already looking forward to trapping season again!
I just got a Mission and have a Ridge Runner as well. Ridge Runner is probably going to end up in the classifieds ha. Going to check out those shoulder straps, the stock ones with the Mission are junk. The hump was a concern of mine as well but i'm going to modify a cheap foam seat to add some cushion. Great thorough video.
Michael Hobbs Thanks a ton!
Wish I could of watched this 2 months ago. I bought the predator and I am happy about it, but I'm 6'4" 250lbs. My shoe size is 13. I would of spent the extra $20 if I knew how much better the XL is.. Awesome video..
Thanks Jim!
Thank you!
Thanks for the video and doing the homework. Great Great video.
Appreciate that!
Nice video... please re-release this video with the cicada noise scrubbed out. Those insects are crazy loud. Again great job on the video!
Fine job my cyber friend!
It's neat that the one can hold 1500lbs, but that means that they can cut at least 1/3 of the weight off of it and still be well above the mark (if I'm not mistaken, it has to be able to support double that 300lb mark). So that means they could bring that down to like 4lbs. I'm hiking up 2 STEEP hills for over 2 miles to get to a piece of public that's well off the trail. Most people are switching to a saddle for the weight savings, so I think manufacturers should keep that in mind.
Stay tuned ... 😉
@@StaggsintheWild looking forward to it
Awesome Video!! The Predator XL sounded real loud in the video (Metallic sound).
I believe the strap squeaked against the bark; I’d have to go back and watch the video. My son and I are both hunting off two Predator XLs as I type this and I just had two mature does directly below me. It doesn’t make a peep.
It does make sense what Ya say. Thx FROM Europe
You ever use one of these platforms and put an aider on it and bypass sticks?
Never have done that, but close … our 12” sticks have a platform on top and aiders … the stick is essentially just a place to put a top and hold an aider. 😊
Great review, thanks for doing it! I'm new and I'm looking for a larger platform. Have you had a chance in the mean time to try out the EDP, and if so would you still recommend the Mission over it. I'm also looking at the LCG 0.5 hang-on ... what are your thoughts on that? It might just be too darn expensive at the end of the day at $500 bucks!
I would highly recommend surfing around our channel... there's lots of cool stuff here, LOL! Here ya go! ua-cam.com/video/mXME_PYsGPw/v-deo.html
@@StaggsintheWild Ha! Ask and thou shalt receive, lol ... thanks for the link and for doing all your vids, I've watched several of them. They've been very helpful to me over the past few months. The only item I have left to purchase is a platform. I used my buddy's Predator before I had my own saddle, but I found it uncomfortably small. But I was also using his saddle, which I know wasn't right for me, either. I do know that the resale on this stuff is very good, so I won't be out too much if I decide to sell whatever I buy. Of course I'd like to just get the right one to start. Thanks again for your good work and also for the quick response to my question! Have a great day :)
Just the one wild edge step serves as a super lightweight platform. I've stood on it for hours and it works just fine.
If the tree isn’t too large and you have an extra Stepp, it works really well to put one on each side of the tree.
@@StaggsintheWild could always replace the rope to get around thick trees, but rarely are trees that thick at hunting height. Really can't beat a $10 platform (and I do agree. Two next to each other make an even better platform)
Do you ever use any extra step ladders around the tree in conjunction with the perch?
Yeah, back when I used the Perch a lot of times I carried a bag of five Stepps with me... I climb with a knaider & swaider, so four Stepps gets me to 20'... often times, I don't need to be that high due to the canopy of leaves being too thick, or there's enough cover at a lower height, or I just feel I'm good enough at a lower height. In those instances where I'm only using three Stepps to get to hunting height, I'll take my extra one (remember, you need one to place the Perch in...) and affix it to the left of the Perch about a foot away on the same level; that way, if I need to walk around the tree for a top shot or to maneuver into some weird, distorted position, I could. Hope that helps. :)
Hey what did you think about the fit and finish on the predator xl...i just got mine and its not very nice random grinding marks and whatever they used to add grip to the platform is caked up in spots and not in others
Honestly, mine wasn’t near that bad or I would have likely called it out in the video. We actually have two Predator XLs and both are pretty nice in those categories; I swapped my original Predator for another XL after making this video. I’d reach out to Tethrd’s customer service if I was unhappy and see if they’d be willing to trade you out.
I’ve got a question. Bending at the waist to help preserve form has been rule #1 in every thing I’ve ever read about shooting from stands. However, this is the second UA-cam I’ve watched suggesting you can basically use the platform as a tiny treestand, shooting with your heels to the tree. So do you find no problem executing that shot with the tether preventing bending at the waist?
Bending at the waist is imperative to keeping that proper “T” form when in a traditional treestand; saddle hunting actually helps you maintain that form far more consistently in your upper body, as leaning out against the tether just naturally puts you in that position. I wish UA-cam would let me post a pic in the comments, but I don’t think I can. Search my name on Facebook (Greg Staggs) if you’re on it and look at my profile pic and you’ll see what I mean.
So at just after 20 minutes in video looks like tether dropped or something? Curious what happened? I haven’t tried saddle hunting yet but am definitely interested & appreciate all the info & videos guys like urself share about equipment setup & safety! Thanks! & Best of luck to you all this season!!
LOL... very good eye!! It was something that was silly and I usually don't do, and it was no big deal -- but it will make you catch your breath, LOL! The end of my webbing bridge is sewn around my bridge loops... when I don't have pressure on my bridge, it's free to slide down to the bottom of that big loop, right? When I put pressure on it by leaning my weight back, it wants to slide UP to the center of that bridge loop... that's normal. What happened was it slipped over the stitching that was holding it back and keeping it from naturally sliding up and over -- so it "jumped", if you will, about an inch or two until it centered itself.
Usually I just make sure my bridge is not resting at the bottom and settled on that stitching before applying my weight to it; in this case, I was preoccupied with all my thoughts about the platforms I was reviewing and it didn't cross my mind until it happened. Hopefully that makes sense. :)
Ok, yea that makes sense. Thanks for the response. Trying to get all the knowledge i can before i give it a try. & I definitely know that feeling. When i used to work on roofs sometimes u step your heel back off a piece of plywood laying on the roof. We used to call it the half inch heart attack. LOL Thanks again!!
Great review of multiple platforms!!
Any reason you have not added the OOAL Ridge Runner XL in the mix? I love my RR, but I want more room so I can face away from the tree (back to the tree). In a fit of black Friday financial irresponsibility, I ordered the RR XL and the Mission. Not sure which I will like better.
Can you provide any insight on the RR XL versus the Mission?
Thanks!
The main reason I didn’t include it is back when I filmed this it was something Matt was only making by request and not really offering as a production model. About the time I released the video he started selling it on his website.
@@StaggsintheWild thank you for your response.
I missed your question at the end about providing input on the RR XL vs the Mission ... keep in mind, I’ve only seen pics of the RR XL and not had one in my hands - but it appears all the extra room is built into the length of the platform and not the width. IMO, that’s not where the gains are best realized with these XL platforms. Having a longer but same-width platform, essentially, doesn’t do me as much good as having one thats larger all over dimension-wise. It’s really nice to be able to spread your feet wider, turn completely around more easily and just generally have more room width-wise.
@@StaggsintheWild thx, I am thinking same thing, but no experience yet with turning around. I’ll find out in about 3 weeks. By then, both platforms should be in. Thx
I had a Ridge Runner but always had issues with getting it to bite correctly on soft trees, especially with smoother bark.. it would always want to kick out
Have you tried the lag bolts on the scout yet?
Most of the places I hunt screwing a lag bolt into a tree would be prohibited... plus I really see no need as that OCB gets it beyond rock solid; I mean, there's literally ZERO movement with it.
Staggs in the Wild I was thinking of purchasing more than one and use it in conjunction with grade 8 bolts as a ring of steps. I was toying with the idea to lag them (on private) and just climb up ready to go. It is easy enough to use the ocb though. I have one on order. I think I’ll pre set the bolts and just set up the scout each time. Looks awesome. I prefer a ring of steps so this looks like the best of both worlds. And 1.5 lbs!!
Staggs in the Wild thanks for the review video!!
I’m just now accumulating the gear for saddle hunting. Always wanted a way to do this type of hunting, never knowing it actually had a name, till recently.
Getting older at 55, it’s becoming more of a pain, to carry in a noisy, heavy, clanking, climbing stand, & then find a tree it can actually climb?!
Welcome aboard! You should find lots of helpful videos on our channel … and if you want to take the plunge, there’s one showing everting I walk into the woods with as a sub-9 lb hunter (minus only my bow).
@@StaggsintheWild Currently looking at & considering an XOP-XTREME platform.
Attempting to avoid any purchase regrets as I go, looking at backing up my bridge line in my Hawk helium saddle already, realizing my life will depend upon it, already planning on repelling back down, rather than the slower climb down method, if I hunt private, & can leave my equipment out.
Looking for a safe 60 ft climbing/repelling rope, I can build for my main safety line.
My Hoyt carbon spider 30, will work perfectly for this!
Also looking at replacing my current bow retrieval line, with a retractable retrieval line, tired of it getting tangled all over everything.
Watching & learning as much as I possibly can, from those others, who’ve shared their experience!
I have no problem going 50+ feet up a tree, as long as I’m secured!
I once fell 8 feet, landing flat on my back, & bounced, the impact was so hard, knocking the wind out of me.
(I was caught in an ice storm, & was attempting to evacuate my semi permanent 16’ stand platform, when my hand slipped off the icy steps of the ladder on my way down).
My attempt at re-acquiring the rung failed with a miss, & as I was tipping back “falling”, in a split second, I thought, if I can push off with my feet, I can at least have a chance to land on my feet! Nope!! They slipped too!!!😖😳 Now I’m headed towards the ground, horizontally!!!!!😖😖💩💩💩💥
As I lay there, realizing I’m still alive, & can feel all My extremities, I felt something poking me in the ribs. I reached over, & realized it was the stump of a small 3” diameter tree I had chopped off with my hatchet, still sticking up 3 to 4”, while clearing the area for the stand! 😲
It just wasn’t my time!!!!
Lessons learned!!!!!!!
I’ve also experienced a screw in step, snapping off, & left me hanging with one hand on a stand chain, looking down at all the others sticking out, just waiting to gut me, if I were to fall through them!
So many close calls!!!!!!!
I’m looking at going after what was a tall long tined typical 10 point buck last year on my trail cam, & nobody knows of him being harvested in that area last year, so he should be a 12 point or 6X6 this year!!!!🤗
I know this is an older video, but what are your thoughts on the Cruzr Seeker platform compared to these?
I actually have a video on JUST the Seeker here on the channel now …. Here’s what I tell people about that everything I’ve used up to this point: the Mission may still be my favorite just due to the massive amount of footroom and all the options it gives you. But … if I were forced to only choose one platform for everything? I’d probably go with the Seeker due to its better packability and the fact it’s adjustability allows it to be utilized in almost every tree you will encounter.
Thanks so much, and I’ll definitely check out that video as well. I’m seriously thinking about trying saddle hunting next year and figuring out the shopping list now. The Cruzr saddle is for sure, and I like the Seeker platform based on everything I’ve seen. Sticks are a whole other deal…
Which one do you like better the predator xl or the trophy line?
Trophyline Mission is probably the most solid platform ever made thus far, and it offers footroom galore... enough to stand up on and easily turn for any weak-side shot. If I were going to go for a smaller-sized platform these days, I'd go with the Cruzr Seeker... very similar size, but that angle on the front just puts it over the top.
What carabiners the you using on your tether?
www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1V8Z7I/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=staggsinthewi-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=ea02a6c826b9cd195fea6ea3bd9fd201&creativeASIN=B01N1V8Z7I
Staggs in the Wild are you using a top man with it?
@@tylermyers3135 I'm assuming spellcheck changed Ropeman on you... I use a Kong Duck, which is specifically rated to handle 8MM ropes; Ropeman1s are not. Ropeman2s have received a lot of critical feedback that the teeth are so aggressive that they tear up the sheathing of most ropes.
Here is the Amazon link to the Kong Duck:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00U2TIQUK/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=staggsinthewi-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=15f59de1a1097bf83bcb0ce5551575b0&creativeASIN=B00U2TIQUK
I would like to see a comparison against the new Trophyline onyx
It wasn’t out back then when this video was made, but here you go
ua-cam.com/video/DqbrB4aGzS8/v-deo.html
All around good vid
Which one will you be using?
I am using the Trophyline Mission once I figured out how to deal with the hump... see my follow-up video to my review on this channel called "Making the Trophyline Mission Magnificient"
Staggs in the Wild : thanks. Was curious. Will def check it out
What boots do you use?
www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-treadfast-gore-tex-waterproof-hunting-boots-for-men
I think the negatives for the mission is not that it's 2.7 lbs more than other options, but its packability is really a problem. The platform is near, if not over, an inch and a half thick; making it very hard to strap to a pack especially with sticks, it also is not possible to run backpack straps with-- because of its hump design. With a pretty damn good template, the Assassin; I truly think they messed up.
I think the problem is most of these companies are focusing on one facet. Whether it's weight, stability, or packability. I think the ambush or predator xl is closest to hitting all 3. The ambush is more packable with the stick options they have, and the predator is a little more stable, it also has a larger degree of angles the platform can sit at.
Let's hope in the next year these guys hit their mark because it's so close already.
Kgsoloman5000 appreciate the comments and your insight!
How are we getting more for our money is my question. We used to pay a $150 for an aluminium API lock on that weighed nothing now were paying $200 for a little tiny platform with no seat just a platform I don't care how big it is it's just a platform with no seat.
What saddle do you have
I hunt out of Matthew Tompkins saddles ... he has a company called TX5. If you're on Facebook, just type in TX5 Custom Gear in the search bar. Good luck this season!
Awsome
Very helpful video. Thank you. If you wanted it even better, you could have created and shown (or included in the description) a table showing some of the specifications you provided (cost, size, cost per square inch, other?) Regardless, great job!
Then people wouldn’t have had to watch the video 😜😂
And thank you.
Are any of those platforms rock solid? Just poking fun, good review
I didn't catch myself... did I say that often? LOL... it's hard to make a video talking about the same concepts over and over and not repeat yourself. :) Thanks for watching, and hope you're having an awesome hunting season!
What saddle are you using
In this video I’m using a one-off Matthew Tompkins saddle built custom for me. I’ve since sold that saddle and he’s already shipped me a brand-new saddle with his latest and greatest innovations ... pretty excited to get it and put it through its paces. Matthew markets his saddles under the brand name TX5 if you didn’t know ... look for a big review of it on this channel soon.
Man, 5 pounds. I run the wild edge. if i am not hiking in far then i wouldnt mind the large platform. but when you hike it in up a mountain. thats alot. but i like that mission platform. will wait and see what they come out with next. and yeah 2 or 3 pounds over what you take is one thing. but i say that with all my gear and im almost back at the weight i would haul with my 10 pound stand and 10 pound sticks. when you factor in another 10 pounds of food and extra cloths in winter... addds up
A little birdie told me "Stay tuned..." ;)
@@StaggsintheWild I am tuned, can't wait to see what is upcoming. Maybe shed a little weight and fix the hump and I am all over it!
Predator is the best!!!!
Whats slipping on your harness as soon as you sit back into it everytime?
I wasn't taking the time to make sure my bridge was centered in my bridge loop because I had things on my mind I wanted to talk about ... So as I was standing there, the slack allowed the bridge to fall down to the bottom of the loop. Well, that bridge loop is doubled over for extra strength right there -- every saddle manufacturer does that. It also has a bit of fabric sewn on around where it's doubled up, which creates a bit of an "edge" where the fabric stops. With my bridge loop sliding down BELOW that edge, it would "jump" forward a bit as it pulled over that edge. No big deal, but it will make you catch your breath when it happens...
Usually when I'm hunting, I just make sure my bridge is centered in my saddle bridge loops before leaning back and applying pressure... but I was multitasking, and you know what women say about guys trying to multitask: we can't. :)
If you could I would love a list of the platforms in the description.
Just realized that they are in, just not separate from the description. I feel dumb now.
From left to right: Wild Edge Perch, Out On A Limb Preset Solo (Scout), Tethrd Predator, Out On A Limb Ridge Runner, Tethrd Predator XL, Trophyline Mission & Lone Wolf Custom Gear Ambush
sammy suicide Lol. No problem buddy.
No Cruzr in the mix?
It was before they launched that platform. There is a separate video dedicated to it on my channel, however.
ua-cam.com/video/uCra3RLyGI8/v-deo.html
Nice video. Price is pretty much outrageous for what you get. Great tool but way too much money!!
Kinda makes you wonder if there’s going to be a slight resurgence in DIY platforms again ...
It might help you if you put the name of the platforms in the title so when people search it, you video comes up
That’d be one heckuva long title! 😂
I find myself facing away from the tree with the mission platform. I really like it a lot
Exactly what I was talking about in calling it a "hybrid setup"... you get the ability to turn all the way around like you're on a treestand, but with the ability to lean back into the saddle and walk around the tree if necessary. I'm really enjoying hunting off the Mission this year!
why is the predator xl so squeeky?
It was probably just the bark of that particular tree; my son used it extensively last year and it wasn’t an issue.
5x350=1750 that's massive
can you post all the number
Hey Cooter, I just posted them all for you on SH.com
@@StaggsintheWild TKS
For the price of LWCG products you shouldn’t have to clean up any edges.
Osborn Outdoors agreed!!
What so good about your saddles don't your legs get sore
Not at all! ... It’s funny: when I work a trade show or something and show them to people unfamiliar with saddles, one of the first questions about them is if they’re comfortable. I always laugh and say “If they weren’t comfortable, I wouldn’t be hunting out of one!”
LWCG under stating the actual weight.... Say it ain't so... :-/
😂
How do you pee in a saddle????
Lol! Actually thinking about making a video on that topic. 😁
Great educational video, but sooo much extra arbitrary talking
Thank you!