I purchased this combo back in December. I had no intentions of using this as a harness, so I cut the harness tether and leg straps off and burnt the ends, and that makes this thing straight forward. The carabiners that come with this are 180g a piece, so plan to replace them as well and that will cut down on some weight. You can also retie one of the prusiks directly to the bridge loop and do away with one of the carabiners. I've not had any issue with the 3 ropes themselves. The stand is heavy, but like you said, very solid and rugged. I think my longest sit so far was about 5 hours with this combo, and it was definitely manageable. You can get 8 Primal Tree Steps (order Wild Edge replacement ropes) that will get you 25' (with the right method) and you've got a full system that's right at 17lbs for less than $350. This cannot be beat for a beginner's saddle system.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. I am pretty much saddle only at this point, so I would probably do what you did and cut the straps off...and definitely replace the biners.
I have that saddle and bought it just after the season ended last year. I purchased it with XOP sticks and the combined price was Fantastic. I do hunt more out of an an ultra light tree stand and want to try saddle hunting so it seems like a great starting point for me. Thank you for your honest review.
I bought this set up when it first went on sale i cut the 2 latter lock straps off and tether off of it i left the 2 leg straps that goes to the loops for the saddle...i also cut one of the ropes down for my bridge i ts way better that way i actually love it i made it work for me and im very happy with it..
I bought this, I then did some DIY. I bought a Molle combat belt on Amazon and retro fitted it to the saddle. Cut off all the safety harness components (I already have a nice harness for tree stands). This saddle is now a dream, and very simple to use. Still ended up being cheaper than most saddles.
Unfortunately, this combo is no longer in production. Last season XOP released the Mondo (I also have a video about it on my channel). The Mondo was an upgrade to the renegade. You can find it as a combo with the edge platform for $220. bit.ly/3WCdrIE This year they released the Mutant. In my opinion, it is the best saddle XOP has produced. It is $120 for the saddle and ropes but is out of stock at the moment. The platform is still available for $100 so even purchased separately the Mutant and the platform should be able the same as the combo I linked to above, but the Mutant saddle is a great improvement. I recommend waiting for the Mutant to become available.
I'm glad you ended up doing a review on this saddle system! That is also awesome xop sent them to you. I can agree that is a good budget saddle to start with, although I am still back and forth if I would want to invest in that and want to upgrade to a straight saddle harness. Thank you for this great review!
Thanks for the review, Nate! I like that the Renegade has a dual purpose (saddle/safety harness) and the saddle, ropes and platform are a great budget friendly package.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I'm doing really well and I appreciate you asking. I was really hoping to do some hunting here in FL but I missed all of the quota hunt drawings and then I couldn't find a place to hunt that wasn't a huge swamp unless I drove 3-4 hours north. I asked around and visited a couple WMAs and a swamp buggy was required to hunt due to the water. Unfortunately most hunters down here haven't been very friendly either so that put a damper on things as well. lol But I've been hunting with the help of all of my favorite channels! Haha
Very good & interesting review. Definitely like the idea of being “dual” purpose even if it’s not the best “single” purpose saddle and it’s good to find the most affordable option if that’s a deal breaker. Great job.
I bought it this last season it’s great may get one for my 11 year old son but have to cut the straps some but I think it is pretty decent. It kind of digs in to your hips if you’re a big guy. Also practice with it I noticed you would with a longer bridge I noticed less foot pressure. I think my next upgrade would be poor man’s ascenders and also a new strap for the platform. Thanks for the great review!
The weight isn't what I'm as interested in as much as it's size. I use the viper steel climbing stand right now for gun hunting. It's literally a torture test evertime I break it out. It's so awkward and huge. This thing is so small and compact. I'm getting into bow hunting and this looks interesting
I bought a grit saddle and one of the leg harness was broken. So I sent it back to tether and they sent me another one but with no back strap. So I would be careful buying one of those. I’m not sure what to buy May just go back to the stand with the hunter safety system.
@@MichaelWilliams-to3cj I would give tethrd another chance to make it right. They usually have good customer service. If not then I recommend the xop mutant for a budget saddle.
@@TheBudgetSportsman they were really nice just forgot to put the different camo pattern back strap in the order. Super nice people!! I will consider the option you recommended. Ty
The blind is easy to put up and take down. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxvlQxmcZQzSQSYbJsEgAGvG2DaduKTV99 As a female hunter, the ease of placing and setting up the blind is a plus. It’s more of a wind barrier than a warm quilted blind. Which makes it a lot lighter than our quilted blind. I enjoyed the larger windows/openings. Made for a successful season. It has held up well for the first season and the stitching looks good.
Good review. I bought this setup for the exact reasons mentioned. Just wanted to try saddle hunting. Practiced some in the yard, but have yet to hunt with it. I found one tip that helped my comfort….by wearing the saddle a little lower on my butt; like saggy pants.
Here is the information that I got from XOP. “The large rope is a static climbing rope with a strength rating of 4900 lbs. The prusik is 2200 lbs and similar so a Sterling Hollow Block.” I am unsure if the exact diameters of the ropes. I’m going to guess around 10-11mm for the main ropes and 6-7mm for the prusik ropes. They seem to be reasonable quality. I would probably be more inclined to upgrade the heavy steel carabiners first.
I've looking into getting this saddle for my kids, can saddle hunt or hunt from a ladder stand with me. Plus have an extra saddle for a buddy to try, have a backup, and so on.
Climbing system is sold separately and there are a number of ways to do it. My method is shown in this video. My Saddle Hunting Setup (Gear, Climbing Method, and Setup) ua-cam.com/video/ktAPy6UG28U/v-deo.html
I couldn’t find any info on where this is made. I know lone wolf is made in the US but I think XOP is made out of the country. If I’m wrong please let me know. It matters to me to make sure my things are made here so someone here has a job.
I was not comparing it to a hang on. I was comparing it to other platforms on the market. This is significantly heavier than many of the other saddle platforms on the market. For an additional point of perspective, this platform weighs nearly the same weight as some of the high end hang on stands on the market. Thanks for watching.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I know u weren't comparing it to a hang on I was just saying this is a heck of a lot lighter than what I'm normally hauling out if I'm hunting public land. Won't leave stands on public to many thieves out there.
If you are new to saddle hunting. Don't waste your money on this set up. You will replace it fast go all in on higher dollar gear if you like it great if not the resell value is high you will get most back. But this set up you will not.
The “all in” mentality is what keeps many budget minded hunters from every trying saddle hunting. I’m not here to tell you the XOP is the best on the market but it is a manageable entry point for the average guy who doesn’t want to sink $1,000 into saddle hunting.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I get it but you will wast more in the long run buying stuff you won't like an not resell it because of its low value. I have see it done both ways. Just my advice some one might find mine useful someone else yours. Freedom good luck
Oh brother. What’s wrong with someone wanting to cut some weight? Is there a number someone should be worried about? What about someone like myself who carries 10-15 lbs of filming gear and is looking to cut weight in other areas. What about the guy who intends to quarter a deer and carry it out in his backpack and wants to keep his pack as light as possible going in? What about someone who has health or physical problems but wants to keep hunting. You seem to be very closed minded.
You’re acting like 4 pounds is going to stop you from walking a few hundred yards. Totally unrealistic analysis. For the money, your body will adjust to the 4 lbs easily. You’re acting like it’s 40 lbs heavier than competitors. 😂
Are you new to the saddle hunting world? People spend hundreds of dollars to save 1 or 2 lbs. I think it’s a great product for the price, but people get into saddle hunting to save weight and this platform is heavier than most. I don’t think it’s “unrealistic”
Just picked this up and got a deer with it. For $200, this did everything I needed it too. Great set up.
That’s awesome! Congrats on your success.
I purchased this combo back in December. I had no intentions of using this as a harness, so I cut the harness tether and leg straps off and burnt the ends, and that makes this thing straight forward. The carabiners that come with this are 180g a piece, so plan to replace them as well and that will cut down on some weight. You can also retie one of the prusiks directly to the bridge loop and do away with one of the carabiners. I've not had any issue with the 3 ropes themselves. The stand is heavy, but like you said, very solid and rugged. I think my longest sit so far was about 5 hours with this combo, and it was definitely manageable. You can get 8 Primal Tree Steps (order Wild Edge replacement ropes) that will get you 25' (with the right method) and you've got a full system that's right at 17lbs for less than $350. This cannot be beat for a beginner's saddle system.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. I am pretty much saddle only at this point, so I would probably do what you did and cut the straps off...and definitely replace the biners.
This dude is literally the best reviewer on the internet.
Wow. Thank you.
I have that saddle and bought it just after the season ended last year. I purchased it with XOP sticks and the combined price was Fantastic. I do hunt more out of an an ultra light tree stand and want to try saddle hunting so it seems like a great starting point for me. Thank you for your honest review.
I think you have the perfect situation for this saddle.
I bought this set up when it first went on sale i cut the 2 latter lock straps off and tether off of it i left the 2 leg straps that goes to the loops for the saddle...i also cut one of the ropes down for my bridge i ts way better that way i actually love it i made it work for me and im very happy with it..
Thanks for the feedback, that’s what I think I would do also.
I bought this, I then did some DIY. I bought a Molle combat belt on Amazon and retro fitted it to the saddle. Cut off all the safety harness components (I already have a nice harness for tree stands). This saddle is now a dream, and very simple to use. Still ended up being cheaper than most saddles.
Nice. Good suggestions.
Can you share pics of how you combined the molle combat belt and the XOP harness?
@@Sully330 I don’t know how to share pictures on UA-cam, and just so you know it involves cutting off all top straps
SOLD OUT! Man, I really want to get into saddle hunting, hope they restock soon! Thanks for the video!
Unfortunately, this combo is no longer in production. Last season XOP released the Mondo (I also have a video about it on my channel). The Mondo was an upgrade to the renegade. You can find it as a combo with the edge platform for $220.
bit.ly/3WCdrIE
This year they released the Mutant. In my opinion, it is the best saddle XOP has produced. It is $120 for the saddle and ropes but is out of stock at the moment. The platform is still available for $100 so even purchased separately the Mutant and the platform should be able the same as the combo I linked to above, but the Mutant saddle is a great improvement. I recommend waiting for the Mutant to become available.
I will have a video review about the Mutant in the next few weeks.
I'm glad you ended up doing a review on this saddle system! That is also awesome xop sent them to you. I can agree that is a good budget saddle to start with, although I am still back and forth if I would want to invest in that and want to upgrade to a straight saddle harness. Thank you for this great review!
The key takeaway for me is that this is for the guy who really wants the cheapest way to try it out. Thanks for watching.
Waiting for mine to arrive. Packing a climber and gear for a few miles is super hard the older I get. I hope it works well for me.
Good luck. Hope you enjoy.
Thanks for the review, Nate! I like that the Renegade has a dual purpose (saddle/safety harness) and the saddle, ropes and platform are a great budget friendly package.
Price is the real draw here.
How are you doing Matt. Haven’t see you around for a while.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I'm doing really well and I appreciate you asking.
I was really hoping to do some hunting here in FL but I missed all of the quota hunt drawings and then I couldn't find a place to hunt that wasn't a huge swamp unless I drove 3-4 hours north. I asked around and visited a couple WMAs and a swamp buggy was required to hunt due to the water. Unfortunately most hunters down here haven't been very friendly either so that put a damper on things as well. lol But I've been hunting with the help of all of my favorite channels! Haha
Very good & interesting review. Definitely like the idea of being “dual” purpose even if it’s not the best “single” purpose saddle and it’s good to find the most affordable option if that’s a deal breaker. Great job.
Thanks for watching Andres. The price is right...thats for sure.
Great job and thanks. Lowest price rarely provides the best of anything.
That’s definitely true, but not everyone can afford the best either so I think this will be a good option for some people. Thanks for watching.
I bought it this last season it’s great may get one for my 11 year old son but have to cut the straps some but I think it is pretty decent. It kind of digs in to your hips if you’re a big guy. Also practice with it I noticed you would with a longer bridge I noticed less foot pressure. I think my next upgrade would be poor man’s ascenders and also a new strap for the platform. Thanks for the great review!
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience.
I really appreciate your review. I’m the guy considering whether or not to go with a saddle. If I do, it looks like this will be the one.
Your welcome. Thanks for watching.
The weight isn't what I'm as interested in as much as it's size. I use the viper steel climbing stand right now for gun hunting. It's literally a torture test evertime I break it out. It's so awkward and huge. This thing is so small and compact. I'm getting into bow hunting and this looks interesting
They made huge improvements on the mondo saddle
That does sound like an affordable option to get into the saddle game. Good review sharing both the + and -‘s 👍
It really is affordable for the guy wanting to try it out.
Just bought this kit. It’ll be my first saddle setup.
Good luck and enjoy saddle hunting.
Great review! You got me thinking about this product.
Thinking is good 😊
Like I said in the video it’s certainly not the most comfortable saddle but it is affordable and versatile.
ABsolutely solid video! Well done.
Thanks Jack!
I bought a grit saddle and one of the leg harness was broken. So I sent it back to tether and they sent me another one but with no back strap. So I would be careful buying one of those. I’m not sure what to buy May just go back to the stand with the hunter safety system.
@@MichaelWilliams-to3cj I would give tethrd another chance to make it right. They usually have good customer service.
If not then I recommend the xop mutant for a budget saddle.
@@TheBudgetSportsman they were really nice just forgot to put the different camo pattern back strap in the order. Super nice people!! I will consider the option you recommended. Ty
The blind is easy to put up and take down. ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxvlQxmcZQzSQSYbJsEgAGvG2DaduKTV99 As a female hunter, the ease of placing and setting up the blind is a plus. It’s more of a wind barrier than a warm quilted blind. Which makes it a lot lighter than our quilted blind. I enjoyed the larger windows/openings. Made for a successful season. It has held up well for the first season and the stitching looks good.
Glad to hear it!
Good review. I bought this setup for the exact reasons mentioned. Just wanted to try saddle hunting. Practiced some in the yard, but have yet to hunt with it. I found one tip that helped my comfort….by wearing the saddle a little lower on my butt; like saggy pants.
Thanks for the tip. I’ve found this with severe saddles, that wearing it lower can help comfort.
What size are the ropes that come with it and would you say they are quality or need replacing off the rip?
Here is the information that I got from XOP.
“The large rope is a static climbing rope with a strength rating of 4900 lbs. The prusik is 2200 lbs and similar so a Sterling Hollow Block.”
I am unsure if the exact diameters of the ropes. I’m going to guess around 10-11mm for the main ropes and 6-7mm for the prusik ropes.
They seem to be reasonable quality. I would probably be more inclined to upgrade the heavy steel carabiners first.
Great informative video. Thank you kindly sir!!!
Your welcome sir.
Question: what is the purpose of two straps for each leg?
I’m sorry, I don’t know. It’s the only saddle I’ve had that was like that.
I've looking into getting this saddle for my kids, can saddle hunt or hunt from a ladder stand with me. Plus have an extra saddle for a buddy to try, have a backup, and so on.
It wouldn’t be my first pick for a saddle but it is very versatile and makes a great backup.
On the website spec of the platform is little under 5 1/2lb.
That’s probably not counting the strap. I just double checked and on my scales the platform without the strap is 5lbs 8oz.
not complete without the sticks , That said never ussssed or priced saddles but would like to try one .
.
I’m not sure they make this one anymore so you might need to check out the replacement instead. It’s called the mondo.
Really good and fair review.
Thanks!
Great honest review 👍
Thanks for watching!
How do u climb the tree?
Climbing system is sold separately and there are a number of ways to do it. My method is shown in this video.
My Saddle Hunting Setup (Gear, Climbing Method, and Setup)
ua-cam.com/video/ktAPy6UG28U/v-deo.html
@@TheBudgetSportsman guess i should’ve watched the whole video lol
I bought the setup at the Harrisburg outdoor show too 🤣 I didn't get the dump bag tho
That’s strange. Wonder why you didn’t get the bag.
I couldn’t find any info on where this is made. I know lone wolf is made in the US but I think XOP is made out of the country. If I’m wrong please let me know. It matters to me to make sure my things are made here so someone here has a job.
I looked and could not find any information on this either. I will try to find out.
You are correct. XOP products are manufactured oversees.
Thank you
Thank you for watching!
Is the harness top part removable?
I have heard of people cutting it off, but it is not removable in a way that could be re-attached.
Then what was the least comfortable saddle you have tried?
Tubeor or ESS. I know some people love the ESS, but I couldn’t stand it.
@@TheBudgetSportsman Never heard of Tubeor, I had to look it up. The ESS may be fine for someone very lightweight. I weigh 230, no thanks.
Fantastic review! Gained a new subscriber from me!
Thanks for subscribing.
4 pack of muddy pro sticks @10lbs are going for $130
Could definitely get started for a reasonable price.
Lol heavy I carry my hang on with steps and straps and everything for miles. A lot heavier than all this.
I was not comparing it to a hang on. I was comparing it to other platforms on the market. This is significantly heavier than many of the other saddle platforms on the market. For an additional point of perspective, this platform weighs nearly the same weight as some of the high end hang on stands on the market. Thanks for watching.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I know u weren't comparing it to a hang on I was just saying this is a heck of a lot lighter than what I'm normally hauling out if I'm hunting public land. Won't leave stands on public to many thieves out there.
If you are new to saddle hunting. Don't waste your money on this set up. You will replace it fast go all in on higher dollar gear if you like it great if not the resell value is high you will get most back. But this set up you will not.
The “all in” mentality is what keeps many budget minded hunters from every trying saddle hunting. I’m not here to tell you the XOP is the best on the market but it is a manageable entry point for the average guy who doesn’t want to sink $1,000 into saddle hunting.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I get it but you will wast more in the long run buying stuff you won't like an not resell it because of its low value. I have see it done both ways. Just my advice some one might find mine useful someone else yours. Freedom good luck
@@TheBudgetSportsman i get both of your points and youre both right. Excellent value... insane actually
For that kind of weight,you might as well get a climber.
If weight is the only factor I couldn’t argue with you, but there are definitely some other advantages to saddle hunting.
Try using the top of your climber instead of sticks and platform. Cuts a ton of weight
Public land preset huh?!! Lol....ok.
If you're crying about 4lbs you shouldn't be big game hunting
Oh brother. What’s wrong with someone wanting to cut some weight? Is there a number someone should be worried about?
What about someone like myself who carries 10-15 lbs of filming gear and is looking to cut weight in other areas. What about the guy who intends to quarter a deer and carry it out in his backpack and wants to keep his pack as light as possible going in? What about someone who has health or physical problems but wants to keep hunting.
You seem to be very closed minded.
You’re acting like 4 pounds is going to stop you from walking a few hundred yards. Totally unrealistic analysis. For the money, your body will adjust to the 4 lbs easily. You’re acting like it’s 40 lbs heavier than competitors. 😂
Are you new to the saddle hunting world? People spend hundreds of dollars to save 1 or 2 lbs. I think it’s a great product for the price, but people get into saddle hunting to save weight and this platform is heavier than most. I don’t think it’s “unrealistic”