I think one of the main benefits to the ring of steps is mobility and weight, which is why most of us are getting into saddle hunting. If one really wanted, they could push their steps closer together to form somewhat of a platform
Another great video. As a new saddle hunter who’s only owned the Phantom a week, and is now deciding which method to use, this info helps! Thanks Greg!
Another great video Greg. One area of comfort that should be considered, in my opinion, is leaner or sitter. If you sit a lot, a ring of steps allows you to straddle the tree instead of shoving your knees into the tree. I dont care how good a pad or knee pads you have, if you sit a majority of the time the ole knee's will start to feel it. That is the only reason i've transitioned to a ring of steps. -Zach
I love the predator platform. Light, compact and super easy to set up at height in the tree. I tend to split my time between sitting and leaning and find the platform comfortable in both situations. I like the idea of putting a couple steps on the predator strap to make it easier to get around the tree.
@@drewcollins77 yes, I have since removed them. I didn’t like the extra fidgeting to get them positioned in the right spot, never ended up using them while on stand and didn’t care for how they packed. Now I often just set the platform close to the same height as the top step of my top stick and use that if I ever need to swing around.
TreeHopper has an awesome OCB that gets their tree steps TIGHT and it’s easy to use. A little bigger than what people are used to using for an OCB but some of those smaller typical OCBs wear out and eventually fail.
@@trashpanda2396 yes, "handle" part which is made of flat metal material can bend when leveraged over. The rivets can work on that piece too, making them eventually work their way through the holes. It's more likely to fail when camming over, not so much when you have it in use already on the tree. One of those things that will end your hunt when setting up, or force you to hunt from the ground or use a platform only if you combine it with the ROS. Hope that makes sense.
If you have made your way to the channel you honestly cant go wrong. Greg really knows his stuff. Thanks again for another wonderfully put together video!
I started out with my platform and one day out of either forgetting my platform or just not wanting to carry it I just stood on my top step and that was fine for me and really haven't used my platform since
What about Putting three squirrel steps on the strap for your Predator platform? Place the steps around the back side just in case the need arises to hide behind the tree. Just a thought I’ve come up with but not took time to try yet.
I am coming from the traditional climber so I like a platform. I have a predator with the Versace minis. I didn’t like the strap. I’ve been practicing with it and really like it. I’m almost 60 y/o. Most guys my age have quit climbing not me. I want to hang from the trees as long as I can.
Coming from treestand hunting and trying saddle hunting I opted to make a platform. Further down the line maybe I'll try the steps but the comfort of the platform is a seller for me.
I would think if I used a platform I would also add the ROS. Just for the versatility of it. But for me and walking 2-3 miles on public land. Weight is everything
I just went ahead and bought the predator platform and as soon as my phantom saddle arrives I'm gonna give it a try, new to saddle hunting but just watching all the videos the platform option just looks more comfortable.
The reason I went from a millennium stand was that I was stuck out on the side of the tree and had no options. I bought a Guidos web this style of saddle has a firm bottom and a firm back. The best option is the support stem between your legs it can heals against the tree so you don’t have to stand with pressure on your legs. The number option was that I could move around the the tree
I use an EDP platform, and thinking i might also put 3 Silent Approach steps on an EWO ecb buckle to get around (in case i really need to) since that won't add any more than about 3 ounces or so of weight. Not gonna lose my platform though for sure.
The knot on the tether is going to prevent u from walking all the way around. I'll stick with platform as u can stand up on it on a weak side shot. I put mine level so I can balance and shoot completely standing up on weak side
I actually really like multiple wild edge stepps around the tree. I kind of get the best of both worlds because of the surface area and the profile to the tree.
G2 Outdoors It’s a little funky getting all the ropes to cooperate but once you get it down to a science it’s not bad. I usually use two steps and I get a lot of foot space on an average sized tree.
I’ve used steps for about 10 years and hated them... Just didn’t like any of the other options that were out there. Way to much pressure on my dang feet. I even started using a shoe with a solid sole and still didn’t like them. Only plus was that they were compact and were great for public land hunting. Went to the platform this past season and it’s by far my go to. Feel much more comfortable and it makes my sit much more enjoyable.
I didnt try multiple systems, I did alot of thinking and watching reviews before I bought my predator platform and I love it. Hands down it is very comfortable and super stable.
@@G2Outdoors Hey Greg it's been a long time!! So crazy to have stumbled onto your channel. I'm getting ready to go deer hunting for the first time with my father, hence my hunting-related UA-cam perusing, and who should I see? Greg playing with rope! I've still got some amsteel blue and will be making a pack tether ASAP! Thanks for all this amazing information. I'd never heard of saddle hunting. I'm looking forward to learning more. Ive subscribed and am having a blast. Good to see you man.
I think one of the main benefits to the ring of steps is mobility and weight, which is why most of us are getting into saddle hunting. If one really wanted, they could push their steps closer together to form somewhat of a platform
Another great video. As a new saddle hunter who’s only owned the Phantom a week, and is now deciding which method to use, this info helps! Thanks Greg!
Another great video Greg. One area of comfort that should be considered, in my opinion, is leaner or sitter. If you sit a lot, a ring of steps allows you to straddle the tree instead of shoving your knees into the tree. I dont care how good a pad or knee pads you have, if you sit a majority of the time the ole knee's will start to feel it. That is the only reason i've transitioned to a ring of steps.
-Zach
I got an OOAL Solo Scout that I plan to try with two squirrel steps on the strap for a kind of hybrid between a platform and an ROS.
I love the predator platform. Light, compact and super easy to set up at height in the tree. I tend to split my time between sitting and leaning and find the platform comfortable in both situations. I like the idea of putting a couple steps on the predator strap to make it easier to get around the tree.
Chuck have you tried this? I’m thinking the same thing
@@drewcollins77 yes, I have since removed them. I didn’t like the extra fidgeting to get them positioned in the right spot, never ended up using them while on stand and didn’t care for how they packed. Now I often just set the platform close to the same height as the top step of my top stick and use that if I ever need to swing around.
TreeHopper has an awesome OCB that gets their tree steps TIGHT and it’s easy to use. A little bigger than what people are used to using for an OCB but some of those smaller typical OCBs wear out and eventually fail.
What part of a smaller ocb fails? The buckle itself?
@@trashpanda2396 yes, "handle" part which is made of flat metal material can bend when leveraged over. The rivets can work on that piece too, making them eventually work their way through the holes. It's more likely to fail when camming over, not so much when you have it in use already on the tree. One of those things that will end your hunt when setting up, or force you to hunt from the ground or use a platform only if you combine it with the ROS.
Hope that makes sense.
If you have made your way to the channel you honestly cant go wrong. Greg really knows his stuff. Thanks again for another wonderfully put together video!
I appreciate that!
I kinda did both I put a (silent approach step )on the predator platform strap and place it on the back side of the tree works great
I've seen a few dudes do this. I can see how that would be pretty dang awesome on a big tree.
G2 Outdoors really helps me alot. Just sold my mantis this week ordering the phantom very soon
I started out with my platform and one day out of either forgetting my platform or just not wanting to carry it I just stood on my top step and that was fine for me and really haven't used my platform since
I've hunted quite a bit from the top steps of sticks. It works. You lose some mobility and some comfort...but it works quite well.
What about Putting three squirrel steps on the strap for your Predator platform? Place the steps around the back side just in case the need arises to hide behind the tree. Just a thought I’ve come up with but not took time to try yet.
I've seen several guys to that. It's an interesting concept for sure.
I am coming from the traditional climber so I like a platform. I have a predator with the Versace minis. I didn’t like the strap. I’ve been practicing with it and really like it. I’m almost 60 y/o. Most guys my age have quit climbing not me. I want to hang from the trees as long as I can.
60 is young!!!!! Check out Mr. Warren Womack - late 70s and still hunting mobile!
G2 Outdoors thanks Greg
63 and still climbing trees .Rope sticks and steps
Coming from treestand hunting and trying saddle hunting I opted to make a platform. Further down the line maybe I'll try the steps but the comfort of the platform is a seller for me.
I did both predator platform and 3 ameristeps on OCB. Best of both worlds baby!
You use them at the same time?
What is an OCB?
I would think if I used a platform I would also add the ROS. Just for the versatility of it. But for me and walking 2-3 miles on public land. Weight is everything
I just went ahead and bought the predator platform and as soon as my phantom saddle arrives I'm gonna give it a try, new to saddle hunting but just watching all the videos the platform option just looks more comfortable.
The reason I went from a millennium stand was that I was stuck out on the side of the tree and had no options. I bought a Guidos web this style of saddle has a firm bottom and a firm back. The best option is the support stem between your legs it can heals against the tree so you don’t have to stand with pressure on your legs. The number option was that I could move around the the tree
I use an EDP platform, and thinking i might also put 3 Silent Approach steps on an EWO ecb buckle to get around (in case i really need to) since that won't add any more than about 3 ounces or so of weight. Not gonna lose my platform though for sure.
My favorite is a ring of wild edge steps. Also the way up for me.
The knot on the tether is going to prevent u from walking all the way around. I'll stick with platform as u can stand up on it on a weak side shot. I put mine level so I can balance and shoot completely standing up on weak side
Agreed.
Great unbiased review.
Saddle harness are designed to sit in, if your feet are getting sore you're not sitting in it right .
I actually really like multiple wild edge stepps around the tree. I kind of get the best of both worlds because of the surface area and the profile to the tree.
Excellent. I never tried the WE platform. Is it a pain to tie on multiple steps for a platform?
G2 Outdoors It’s a little funky getting all the ropes to cooperate but once you get it down to a science it’s not bad. I usually use two steps and I get a lot of foot space on an average sized tree.
I use the top of my sticks and a screw in EZY step on each side.
Your videos are great. Thanks!
Thanks man!
I’ve used steps for about 10 years and hated them... Just didn’t like any of the other options that were out there. Way to much pressure on my dang feet. I even started using a shoe with a solid sole and still didn’t like them. Only plus was that they were compact and were great for public land hunting. Went to the platform this past season and it’s by far my go to. Feel much more comfortable and it makes my sit much more enjoyable.
This was my experience as well.
5 squirrel steps on an ocb for me. Light weight and compact.
I hear this a lot. Good suggestion.
What’s a squirrel step
Hard to pee with steps
I didnt try multiple systems, I did alot of thinking and watching reviews before I bought my predator platform and I love it. Hands down it is very comfortable and super stable.
Agreed. Predator isthe best for me.
@@G2Outdoors Hey Greg it's been a long time!! So crazy to have stumbled onto your channel. I'm getting ready to go deer hunting for the first time with my father, hence my hunting-related UA-cam perusing, and who should I see? Greg playing with rope! I've still got some amsteel blue and will be making a pack tether ASAP! Thanks for all this amazing information. I'd never heard of saddle hunting. I'm looking forward to learning more. Ive subscribed and am having a blast. Good to see you man.
Great info!
-- "Aero" Joe
Platform for confidence and stability all day
I buy my Predator platform because I feel more comfortable..🐗🐗
why not put some of those steps on your platform???
You totally could do that. Just personal preference.
Good advice !!
I use both at once
TETHRD tree pad?!
I use a self inflating seat pad. Let the air out when you're done and packs up small. Comes with an adjustable strap to go around the tree.
Maybe :)
Man I love the platform and will not use anything else! 7 more months🥺
be here before you know it.