45:39 - When you said that the ESS was the MOST COMFORTABLE SADDLE YOU SAT IN, that comment sold me. However, those metal D-rings clanging around in the woods are definitely not good for deer hunting. They need to be wrapped with some tape or heat shrink sleeving. Thanks for the great video! Much appreciated sir!
The D rings never clang against anything, how could they being on different sides of your body? Mine has D rings and is totally silent, even when climbing with a two tether system
@@kennethrogers1129 I have nothing against Eberhart. I have the 3 books written by his son, the DVD collection. I drank the Kool-aid before most people. I own his saddle. For me, it's a noisy POS. The Latitude Method 2 is ALMOST the perfect saddle. The lineman loops suck on it. During the off season. I will dedicate more time to my ESS and if I change my mine about it, I will comment back. Happy Hunting
@@jalton9416 Keep in mind the metal D rings serve a purpose to offset the load automatically so you're not fidgeting with fabric bridge loops. I love my EES and when I take my time putting it on, it's silent as can be
Your opening statement was perfect. So many people swear the saddle they use is the “most comfortable”, but until you try them you never know for you. Hunting style and body shape make a huge huge difference for everyone. There’s no magic bullet or best saddle. Lots of good ones to choose from now though!
Good review of the 3 saddles. I just got my Latitude Method recently and I actually think it’s better for sitting for me because it creates a chair for me with the upper and lower panel. So far I love it. Thanks for the video.
I sewed up a two panel similar to EES, all very strong camo webbing, tubular web adjustable bridge, but my belt is attached so i can run it through the D rings for walking, both panels attached so they slide through the D rings when I move them up or down while in the tree climbing with two tethers or hanging from one tether, use a set of six steps on a ratchet strap for my platform, a foot loop , a leg loop and the saddle with the bridge very short and tight for climbing, also a lineman’s rope for going over limbs, hanging the steps, and lengthening the bridge and top tether for hunting set up. Hand sewn and machine sewn both, materials probably cost slightly less than buying a Chinese made saddle, LOL, but I put in quite a few hours getting it like I like it.
So I’m trying to decide which saddle to go with as a first time saddle hunter ( candidates are latitude method, Cruze xc, Jx3 Hybrid) and in-depth reviews like this are invaluable!!! Great Job and Thx
Thanks! All three are very comfortable. The biggest factor for me in picking between those three would be considering my hunting style. Do I lean or sit? And am I walking a long way to my spots?
You may benefit from watching the video John E did on the saddle before reviewing it. ESS leg strap are "designed" to be worn loose and the G clip go in the other way while the panels are "usually" worn not completely overlapping other than while climbing. Aside from the less than desirable sowing (aesthetic only) and made in China the ESS is the best fit for me. The deciding factor was the d-rings on the bridge. Once you set the length of the bridge you never need to adjust it and the comfort is excellent. Good review.
Very interesting stuff, just curious what your running this year… just an idea maybe you can do a gear dump video. Keep up the good work and I’ll keep watching for sure good luck this year in the woods!!
Combined with your other two panel saddle clips, this information is gold! Thanks for investing the time. I just noticed you mentioned the "king climbing method"? I've never come across it, yet. Where could I find more information on that? Thanks!
Great review. I was really torn between the method and recon. Just ordered recon largely based on this review and a few others. No idea why they put so much metal on the ESS. Soon as you picked that thing up and those buckles hit, the deer in my woods ran! Keep up the good work.
Thanks man. You will be pleased with the Recon, it's light, packable, and most important, comfortable. Let me know if you have any questions about it once you start playing with it. Which bridge option did you choose?
Great Video... Along with the lower back pain comes a lack of mobility. The Cruzr brand comes with a "Back-band" do you think that the XC model with the back band would allow for better mobility or would the Archon model be a better choice? I use a standing desk at work and would likely be a "leaner" vs a "Sitter".
I am trying to decide which saddle I should buy to give saddle hunting a try. You have almost convinced me that I should buy a two panel saddle like the ESS (rather than a single panel saddle like the Phantom). I want to know if you think the two panel saddles better options than single panel saddles even if I want to try the one-stick method (where you rappel down). Does rappelling change the equation in any way and make one panel saddles better than two panel saddles?
I don’t think rappelling favors one over the other. At the end of my most recent video about the Guide ATC you can see my ascend the rope then rappel while wearing the Recon. It works just fine.
Great review! Couldn’t ask for more information! What would you say is the best method of getting up in the tree with this style of saddle? I use SRT/DRT with a Aero Hunter Flex and feel very supported on the way up and down. These look more like a four stick climbing saddle.
I have never done SRT, but I think you could make it work with these saddles. If I did I would be sure to use the leg loops and expand the panels a bit. It would probably work great with the Method. I primarily use three sticks and a Versa Aider.
Great information from all your videos! 2021 will be my first saddle hunting. I'm torn between the recon and the ess. If you could only have one which would you go with and why?
Tough call. I’d probably go ESS and replace the bridge with an amsteel option from Cruzr. It just wears better and seems slightly more comfortable to me.
Good question. I think the general consensus is that they are primarily there for liability purposes. They keep the saddle from winding up in your armpits or sliding off in the event of a catastrophic fall.
Thanks for doing these reviews. I’m going to make the switch from a LW hand climber to a saddle next season and I think I want to go with a two panel. These seem to be the three candidates and there are things about each of them that I like, but because I don’t have any time in a saddle I don’t really know whether I’m going to be more of a leaner or sitter. I’ve got some hawk helium minis and am either going to buy or make a versa aider, but may try out one stick/rappel in the future. I’m also 6’6” 225 lbs with a 36” waist and I usually go pretty deep on public. Given those parameters, do you have a recommendation? I think I’m leaning toward a regular size Recon.
I have heard that some bigger guys wish Latitude made the Method in two sizes. It's easy to rappel in all of them. I don't think you can go wrong with the Recon. I LOVE how well it packs up for long hikes in and how comfortable it is for both leaning and sitting. For $150 as a first saddle, I'd say go for it.
Does the 2 panel system get in the way if your climbing with a climbing stick attached to each side ? My mantis has 2 pouches, 1 doyle and I usually climb with 1 stick on each side, I'm interested in the method but idk if my system will work on it
I climb with a stick on each side as well but I only use one pouch. It worked great with the ESS and Method. It worked with the Recon as well but there was more sag. I had to keep it above my hip bones.
Bought an ESS. Used it 3 times. Noisy windchimes in the woods. Ordered a new latitude method 2. It comes tomorrow. The ESS started at 199. I bought it at 189. It now sells for 161. The market says it all. I respect John Eberhart, I have 3 books written by his son, and the DVD collection, but his saddle is horrible.
Great video 😊
45:39 - When you said that the ESS was the MOST COMFORTABLE SADDLE YOU SAT IN, that comment sold me. However, those metal D-rings clanging around in the woods are definitely not good for deer hunting. They need to be wrapped with some tape or heat shrink sleeving. Thanks for the great video! Much appreciated sir!
I nailed it right there. ESS is too noisy
The D rings never clang against anything, how could they being on different sides of your body? Mine has D rings and is totally silent, even when climbing with a two tether system
@@kennethrogers1129 I have nothing against Eberhart. I have the 3 books written by his son, the DVD collection. I drank the Kool-aid before most people. I own his saddle. For me, it's a noisy POS. The Latitude Method 2 is ALMOST the perfect saddle. The lineman loops suck on it.
During the off season. I will dedicate more time to my ESS and if I change my mine about it, I will comment back.
Happy Hunting
@@jalton9416 Keep in mind the metal D rings serve a purpose to offset the load automatically so you're not fidgeting with fabric bridge loops. I love my EES and when I take my time putting it on, it's silent as can be
Awesome
Your opening statement was perfect. So many people swear the saddle they use is the “most comfortable”, but until you try them you never know for you. Hunting style and body shape make a huge huge difference for everyone. There’s no magic bullet or best saddle. Lots of good ones to choose from now though!
Oh for sure. I am reluctant to give people a "favorite" because it's so individual for each person.
Good review of the 3 saddles. I just got my Latitude Method recently and I actually think it’s better for sitting for me because it creates a chair for me with the upper and lower panel. So far I love it. Thanks for the video.
I can see that. Glad it works well for you.
I heard if u get the backstrap that is makes a huge difference
I sewed up a two panel similar to EES, all very strong camo webbing, tubular web adjustable bridge, but my belt is attached so i can run it through the D rings for walking, both panels attached so they slide through the D rings when I move them up or down while in the tree climbing with two tethers or hanging from one tether, use a set of six steps on a ratchet strap for my platform, a foot loop , a leg loop and the saddle with the bridge very short and tight for climbing, also a lineman’s rope for going over limbs, hanging the steps, and lengthening the bridge and top tether for hunting set up. Hand sewn and machine sewn both, materials probably cost slightly less than buying a Chinese made saddle, LOL, but I put in quite a few hours getting it like I like it.
awesome review. The Latitude looks Awesome. only thing id change is the Prusik knot. I personally would rather keep a Ropeman1
Could you add a secondary bridge to the recon? Great video. Long time watcher now a sub
So I’m trying to decide which saddle to go with as a first time saddle hunter ( candidates are latitude method, Cruze xc, Jx3 Hybrid) and in-depth reviews like this are invaluable!!!
Great Job and Thx
Thanks! All three are very comfortable. The biggest factor for me in picking between those three would be considering my hunting style. Do I lean or sit? And am I walking a long way to my spots?
I was looking at either getting the ESS or making one like it. good to know it’s made in China. I’ll build my own. Thanks for the great review!
Made mine with camo webbing, two panel with adjustable bridge, and climb with it with a two tether system
Do u have any vids w the back strap for the lattitude
You do excellent review videos, brother. Good work. Keep them coming.
Thanks Paul.
You may benefit from watching the video John E did on the saddle before reviewing it. ESS leg strap are "designed" to be worn loose and the G clip go in the other way while the panels are "usually" worn not completely overlapping other than while climbing. Aside from the less than desirable sowing (aesthetic only) and made in China the ESS is the best fit for me. The deciding factor was the d-rings on the bridge. Once you set the length of the bridge you never need to adjust it and the comfort is excellent. Good review.
Thanks for watching. My detailed review of the ESS goes into more details about actual use of the ESS. It really is a great saddle.
Very interesting stuff, just curious what your running this year… just an idea maybe you can do a gear dump video. Keep up the good work and I’ll keep watching for sure good luck this year in the woods!!
What clips are u speaking of on the ESS......mine does not have them or come with any
Combined with your other two panel saddle clips, this information is gold! Thanks for investing the time.
I just noticed you mentioned the "king climbing method"? I've never come across it, yet. Where could I find more information on that? Thanks!
Thanks for watching. The Cain climbing method is used with Wild Edge Steps. Here's the video... ua-cam.com/video/D9mXpUhm11A/v-deo.html
@@SaddleHunter Thank you! That looks very promising!
Does the tree hopper come with a bridge?
Yes it has a webbing bridge
Great review. Went with the Recon. Can't wait to try it out!
It's a great saddle and it's priced right. I love how compact it is when folded up. The best part though? It's very comfortable.
Love that you keep it real 💯 Doing a great job 👏
I appreciate that. My goal is to give unbiased, objective reviews.
I want the ess but the noise I hear is a deal breaker.
I was really considering the ESS until you said made in China. Now it's not even a contender
Great review.. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Great review. I was really torn between the method and recon. Just ordered recon largely based on this review and a few others. No idea why they put so much metal on the ESS. Soon as you picked that thing up and those buckles hit, the deer in my woods ran! Keep up the good work.
Thanks man. You will be pleased with the Recon, it's light, packable, and most important, comfortable. Let me know if you have any questions about it once you start playing with it.
Which bridge option did you choose?
Will do’. Went with the tubular. I liked how easy this slides. Figured I and can always switch to a rope bridge later.
@@benjaminstrong9331 I love that tubular webbing bridge. It's strong, weighs nothing and adjusts super fast and easy.
Great Video... Along with the lower back pain comes a lack of mobility. The Cruzr brand comes with a "Back-band" do you think that the XC model with the back band would allow for better mobility or would the Archon model be a better choice? I use a standing desk at work and would likely be a "leaner" vs a "Sitter".
I am trying to decide which saddle I should buy to give saddle hunting a try. You have almost convinced me that I should buy a two panel saddle like the ESS (rather than a single panel saddle like the Phantom). I want to know if you think the two panel saddles better options than single panel saddles even if I want to try the one-stick method (where you rappel down). Does rappelling change the equation in any way and make one panel saddles better than two panel saddles?
I don’t think rappelling favors one over the other. At the end of my most recent video about the Guide ATC you can see my ascend the rope then rappel while wearing the Recon. It works just fine.
@@SaddleHunter Great. Thanks for sharing the good information.
I love your videos. Very thourough.
Thanks for the support.
Great review! Couldn’t ask for more information! What would you say is the best method of getting up in the tree with this style of saddle? I use SRT/DRT with a Aero Hunter Flex and feel very supported on the way up and down. These look more like a four stick climbing saddle.
I have never done SRT, but I think you could make it work with these saddles. If I did I would be sure to use the leg loops and expand the panels a bit. It would probably work great with the Method. I primarily use three sticks and a Versa Aider.
Every try the two tether system? I like it.
The tree tether idea. No body talks about thanks for the tips
You bet!
Another good video! 22 more subscribers until the 1000 mark! If you hit 1000 you should give me that method saddle!
Great information from all your videos! 2021 will be my first saddle hunting. I'm torn between the recon and the ess. If you could only have one which would you go with and why?
Tough call. I’d probably go ESS and replace the bridge with an amsteel option from Cruzr. It just wears better and seems slightly more comfortable to me.
I'm new to saddle hunting. What's the purpose of leg loops and what's the benefit of wearing or not wearing them?
Good question. I think the general consensus is that they are primarily there for liability purposes. They keep the saddle from winding up in your armpits or sliding off in the event of a catastrophic fall.
@@SaddleHunter thanks. And you have a knack at explaining stuff well.
Thanks for doing these reviews. I’m going to make the switch from a LW hand climber to a saddle next season and I think I want to go with a two panel. These seem to be the three candidates and there are things about each of them that I like, but because I don’t have any time in a saddle I don’t really know whether I’m going to be more of a leaner or sitter. I’ve got some hawk helium minis and am either going to buy or make a versa aider, but may try out one stick/rappel in the future. I’m also 6’6” 225 lbs with a 36” waist and I usually go pretty deep on public. Given those parameters, do you have a recommendation? I think I’m leaning toward a regular size Recon.
I have heard that some bigger guys wish Latitude made the Method in two sizes. It's easy to rappel in all of them. I don't think you can go wrong with the Recon. I LOVE how well it packs up for long hikes in and how comfortable it is for both leaning and sitting. For $150 as a first saddle, I'd say go for it.
Overwatch Outdoors needs to be added to this list.
I’m planning to do a 2021 saddle comparison video and the transformer will be included.
I just purchased a recon and the waist belt has a cobra style buckle they call a speed buckle not like the one in the video.
That's good to know. Mark is constantly trying to improve his products. Was the saddle still $150?
Yes sir it was
Does the 2 panel system get in the way if your climbing with a climbing stick attached to each side ? My mantis has 2 pouches, 1 doyle and I usually climb with 1 stick on each side, I'm interested in the method but idk if my system will work on it
I climb with a stick on each side as well but I only use one pouch. It worked great with the ESS and Method. It worked with the Recon as well but there was more sag. I had to keep it above my hip bones.
@@SaddleHunter awesome good to know!
Bought an ESS. Used it 3 times. Noisy windchimes in the woods. Ordered a new latitude method 2. It comes tomorrow.
The ESS started at 199. I bought it at 189. It now sells for 161. The market says it all. I respect John Eberhart, I have 3 books written by his son, and the DVD collection, but his saddle is horrible.
You probably don't know how to use it
@@mbm460ns5 I cut the leg straps off. No issues with it now.
Cant you still pull to top panel to support your back with the ess?
Yes, you can. I just prefer both panels underneath.
How did you get the pouch on the molle loops. My ESS loops are so tight I couldn't get the pouch straps thru them.
I typically slide them through in a vertical orientation and then turn them back to horizontal when they are through the molle webbing.
never got the price for the third saddle
$150 for the Recon, $190 for the ESS, and $270 for the Method.
Is there any way to hang the 2 panel saddles from a molle battle belt?
I've never used a battle belt but assuming they connect to the molle I think it would work.
you still own all of these?
No the only one I still own is the Treehopper.
@@SaddleHunter dang
Are you on saddlehunter.com? if so who?
Yes I am. Send me an email at saddlehunting@gmail.com and I can send you my screen name.
Latitude Method for me...
Good deal!