Robert you are a great man and a great hunter been watching for years I am traditional hunter have been for 30 years I have about 6 years in a saddle tried several combinations for trad hunting you need a lock on like a .5 lone wolf custom gear it allows you to tilt platform down witch matches the angle of your body when you lengthen your tether to the tree by lengthening the tether you create more space between you and the tree witch gives you the ability to shoot 360 degrees as far as comfort goes you put a pad on bottom of seat flip it up against tree and put your knees into it takes weight off of your feet which in part gives you the ability to have three different hunting positions sitting leaning or sitting with knees into tree also if you hunt with just a platform witch I do a lot when walking deep in I carry a thick foam pad with a strap with the cheap since buckle on it off of all those cheap safety harness you have laying around that come with lock on type stands you simply strap it knee high above platform and you have a quiet place to put your knees don’t waste your time with knee pads won’t work for a hunter of your caliber too noisy and uncomfortable trust me you can practice this set up three foot high work out all the details with any stand you already own I’ve tried it all only way to go god bless brother
For the pinch, it’s gonna happen especially if you’re not used to it, but a platform will help you adjust to different positions for comfort ie sitting, leaning, standing. For the tether being in the way, just practice in your yard where it needs to be for you, but you can also try leaning to shoot, like lean and turn, it wouldn’t be in the way that way, but that would be for one specific shot and you really don’t want to limit yourself to that.
Almost went saddle this year. Still lugging that lock on everywhere. Getting older, seems like carrying a sticks and a little platform would make it able to be more mobile. Probably going saddle next season.
Robert, once you sit a few times you'll figure out what's comfortable for you. I've been saddle hunting 3 seasons now as well as my 14 year old son. Recurve, compound, and rifle hunt out of it and love it over any tree stand. Definitely get a platform and kneepads. You can go between "sitting" with knees against the tree to just leaning with minimal movement. At home play with your tether hight and length and bridge adjustment and you'll find the sweet spot for you. I like the tether to be on the tree at face height if I'm standing straight up on my platform. Also if you have your bridge shorter and your tether longer its easier to move around the tree to get a shot. Again, practice all this at home and it will pay off in the woods. Good luck and God bless
I’ve been saddle hunting off and on since 2004. Killed several deer with trad bow and ring of steps because that’s all there was in my early days of saddle hunting. Tried small and large platforms and they all have not worked as good as what I use now. I use a lwcg .5 stand and tethrd one sticks. I like the stand because it’s light, easy to set up, I can stand, sit or hang in the saddle. If a deer comes in and I see it In time I prefer to stand and shoot just like normal out of a stand. Also, I had to try several saddles till I found one that was pretty comfortable - a Cruze XC. I feel like using a saddle is the safest way to hunt, and the most comfortable way to hang a stand. The main reason I use a saddle is safety and also because my stand a sticks are very light - around 11 lbs. Saddle, climber, hang on, etc all have pros and cons but I have truly enjoyed the saddle and stand combo I am now using. Hope you find what works for you Robert because hunting out of a tree for deer is the way to go.
I climb my lightweight lock on treestand like a saddle, connected the whole way, real light double step sticks, and way more comfortable and easy to be still. I know you were worried about falling but you can do the same system as the saddle but with a lockon if you wanna be more comfortable
Glad you’re back hunting. I’m gonna try a friend’s saddle before making a decision to buy one. So sad to see all the tree damage in the forest, but better than all the homes that are damaged. Happy Thanksgiving and may the good lord bless you and yours.
Thanks for sharing. I did my first saddle hunt two nights ago, three hour evening hunt. A small doe fed in front of me for half an hour and looked at me several times as I fidgeted. I can’t get as comfortable and still as I can in a lock on or on the ground. For elbow clearance, I had to drastically shorten my bridge and lower the tether to chin height. The platform was comfortable but I need knee pads if I’m going to try sitting more.
Brother Robert, I would be happy to make a video showing in detail how I setup in my saddle and everything that I do to make it as comfortable as possible. After everything you have shared and done to help me and so many others, it would be a privilege. I really want to see you build confidence and experience in a saddle because I love mine more than I ever have my climber or lockon. Just in case you don't want a video, one piece of advice I would absolutely recommend is getting some olive green knee pads from Walmart garden section. I use them and they are a must. Again, I can demonstrate why in a video. God bless you brother.
No matter how you hunt out of a tree it is a game of compromises. Hunted out of a Lone Wolf climber for years but I never had the discipline to have a lineman's rope on while climbing and the fear of falling bothered me. Tried my brother's Tethrd saddle but I didn't like the hip pinch. Ended up buying a JX3 hybrid saddle. It's kind of like a bosun's chair. Incredibly comfortable and safe. 5-6 hour hunts are pain free and fidget free. Taken 4 deer out of it with a longbow this season and last. Shots were 4, 7, 9, and 14 yards. It does take practice and getting used to. There are several videos on it on UA-cam. Enjoy the journey and good luck.
Thsi is good for me because I almost got the saddle set up and I saw one video that said you will probably return to hang on stands so you can be my guinea pig. lol
Robert, I hunted from a saddle for about 3 years and I had the same problem never could get still or comfortable then I seen a video of a saddle called a JX3 and it was a game changer. You should check it out on UA-cam and see if it is something you might be interested in. God Bless Brother and keep the wind in your face.
I thought you were done with climbing trees? I've watched a few of your videos and after countless years of hunting from my climbers you convinced me to buy the Waldrop pacseat. Just waiting for it's delivery before late season hunting in Maryland.
I hunted for year from a saddle without a platform, it is very doable but one of the downfalls is the squeaky boots. lol. And the platform makes it much more comfortable and fixes the squeaky boot issues. The position of the tether is something that you're going to need to work on with practice. I set my platform up in the yard just two feet off of the ground to practice all kinds of shots. And still missed an opportunity to shoot at a buck a couple weeks ago because there is a point (at least for me) where you have to draw with your hand under the bridge rather than over it. With my compound, I have no issues with shooting from the saddle but the way I cant my recurve, it is a whole new game. One other thing that I started doing when I set up to make shooting easier for my off side shots is to set the platform up to the side of my climbing stick and at the same height as the last stick and I also throw a rope step to the opposite side of the stick. This allows me to place a foot off of the platform to rotate around the tree if needed. As for the pinching, I have yet to find any perfect position. When I bought my fist Trophy Line saddle years ago, they had an instructional video with it and they said in it that you will need to reposition often to keep circulation good. Which in turns keeps you more comfortable. Because of this, I typically hunt higher, (25'+) but that is also because our foliage is often gone by the time the hunting gets good. Love the videos and appreciate you.
Saddle has been a love hate relationship with me. I love how light the set up is and i feel safe always being locked in. But i do tend to move more in a saddle. And its hard me for me to get comfortable on long sits . But i have less back pain in a sadle then sitting in a stand .
I practiced at home and in the woods had a really hard time 1 sticking up the tree I have since figured it out. A lot of tweeking as you go along but I think worth it in the end. You said you would hunt from the ground tomorrow, one of the coolest hunts I had was when I saddle hunted on the ground and a Bobcat walked down a blown down tree 3 yards from me. Kind of scary after the fact but so cool at the ti.e. I really like using the saddle on the ground, you can still hide behind the tree. Don't give up Robert, you'll be fine.
Try putting your tether higher up above your head it’ll make it feel a lot better and take the pressure off your feet. A good pair of nee pads or a knee cushion really helps too. I just sat four hours in mine last Saturday morning and it felt effortless. It took a few sits before I figured out what was comfortable for me. It’s definitely worth it I love it now.
The platform definitely makes it 100 % more comfortable. As far as the bridge and the hip pinching, I found that to be the finicky part but once dialed in I love it, but it took watching a lot of saddle videos and my first season and the first couple of sits second season before really comfortable. Shape of tree has some to do with it as well in my experience. Good hunting
Glad to see you back RC. I too dabbled in using a saddle this year. Played around in a tree in the yard and i just cannot get comfortable. Not sure i can even draw my bow. Good luck in the morning.
If the saddle is to small for you it could cause hip pinch. Or you can lengthen your bridge and that should help. There is a little learning curve with the saddle as you have discussed. Trial and error and you will figure it out. Thanks for sharing.
I bought a saddle setup from XOP this year and have hunted out of it 4 or 5 times so far, so im no expert. I've found that tether height and bridge/tether length play a big part in my comfort. For me, keeping my tether chin high seems to work best. I also like the bridge around 14-16 inches and then adjust the prusik height on my tether throughout the hunt to help make little adjustments. Good stiff soled pair of boots help with my arches.
I moved to much in my saddle!!! Got picked more often than a lock on!! I think unless you hunt high!! and really can't with traditional equipment. It's easier for deer to see you hanging out more from the tree IMO. I went back to the same set up as Jason. John Tucker said he uses a platform on the front of the tree and stands side ways. To me if you're gonna do that you would be better off with a lock on and a rock harnesses and tether best of both in my IMO. Great video Thanks Robert!!
I’ve heard the tether gets in the way of a trad bow due to the cant. The saddle is uncomfortable and you will move a lot more in it. To compensate you need to have some good cover behind you. Deer will pick you off so easy if you’re not set up right. It takes a year or two to work out the bugs but you’ll eventually get it if you end up sticking with it. I enjoy it for the mobility and that’s about all
@@johnscott1658 still ground hunting and will be a lot more than from a tree. Just playing with this saddle hunting for the elevated advantage in some places.
Saddle hunting is something that takes quite a bit of time to learn. I’ve hunted out of one about 9-10 years. I’ll give you some advice on what I do. First off your rope needs to be set exactly in front of you. In the video it looks offset. Second I’d put your rope a little bit higher I like mine forehead height. Second thing you may need to adjust your bridge. You can let some slack out on the rope man and lean back more instead of so tight to the tree. I understand this is not a good feeling but you have to truly trust your saddle equipment. Other issue I see that can help you in this instance. Is you need to set up more to your right there. Always remember right handed set up left side for the shot where you think they are coming. Fourth tip and the one that helps me kill alot of deer when using a platform don’t set the platform higher then your steps the reason I keep them even is it gives you another step to pivot around the tree to make the shot. And you’re not just confined to the platform helps with comfort I think. Fifth I think your saddle is to high don’t want your belt super tight so you can pull it down over your butt more. Also play with the loops your bridge rope is on so they aren’t just pulling from the top to put tension more on your hips. Other option is look at a two pannel a lot more comfortable or the hammock saddle super comfortable. Pressure is spread out more across more points of your body. Need to spend some time around the house getting comfortable with it and trusting it. I do not like heights but I trust my saddle way more than my lock on. If you need me to explain anything in more detail I can I’m not an expert but I log a lot of time in one. My joke is I had one before the hunting public had them. And thank you for the great content you got me ground hunting in my waldrop pack seat after work when I don’t have time to climb.
As others have said knee pads help greatly with comfort. especially if your hanging without a platform. Resting against the tree with knees here and there for pain/discomfort relief. For me personally I use a hybrid saddle/harness. (XOP MONDO) Allows me to be tethered at the hip along with or have the option to tie safety behind the shoulders. It works well with a platform when you want to turn around and sit a while or change position for a break. Or just have multiple points of safety at one time. It works exceptionally well in a lock on or small platform with a seat. as a "hybrid setup" it gives me freedom to swing around and feel confident and safe in the saddle while being able to switch on the fly and sit in a traditional tree stand position
A platform will go a long way in making the hunt more enjoyable from a comfort perspective and increase your field of shooting. And yes, lower the height of your tether.
Typicall a shorter bridge will reduce hip pinch. Another way to help your hips on longer sits is to occasionally rotate them one way or the other for a minute or two to give some relief. To help more with the foot discomfort you have to put more weight in the saddle to reduce the weight on your feet. Without seeing you in the tree based on your issues I’d say you are hugging the tree too close in a standing position, you should probably be leaning away more. With a saddle you don’t stand like you do with a climber or lock on, 1/2 - 3/4 of your weight should be supported by the saddle. For myself the optimal angle is if I can sit in the saddle with my knees at 90 degrees then stand to a leaning position. Then through the hunt I can switch from sitting to standing without adjusting anything. You will need to trust in your equipment to get comfortable with that much lean. It takes a bit of practice to dial in the comfort. The combination of hip and foot discomfort could also be caused by the saddle being positioned too high on your body and not under your butt enough. Too low and it will cause discomfort underneath your cheeks or the top of your hamstring, too high it will cause hip pinch. People get discouraged because they don’t take the time to make adjustments and see what works for them, but if you do take the time it will get as comfortable as laying in a hammock. I have no problem napping in my saddle 😊
The saddle is nice and lite to hunt mobil but I can hold still a “lot” longer in my lone wolf and I have a hard time shooting my long bow out of a saddle even with a short bridge. I find myself using my tree stand more than the saddle.
I tried saddle last year it cost a small fortune to get everything and I like to have had a heat stroke getting set up early bow season. And I kept getting busted cause I’m constantly moving trying to shift me weight back and forth.
Robert, let a little more slack out of your tether so your not almost hugging the tree when hunting....when I saddle hunt, my waist is roughly 24" away from the tree (half leaning/half sitting)....that will help you when shooting at game at different distances, and traditional bow drawing clearance.....your hip pinch is from a few things...... 1) too short of a bridge (where your tether attaches to when at hunting height), so lengthen it if you're able to....I have roughly 4-5" tag end of bridge rope not used 2) tether too low or too high....when standing upright on your platform your tether should be around eye level to forehead height, but when half standing or sitting it will be slightly above your head 3) the tree saddles is to small for your waist size.....saddles have sizing charts based on your waist size....order too small you will have bad saddle pinch....if you fall between two sizes order the larger size (especially if you layer up for late season and helps with comfort) 4) get yourself a set of knee pads.....you don't need to order those specifically made from a saddle company, just get a set from the local hardware store that sells knee pads for guys who do construction work (make sure its the rubbery pads on front and not hard plastic....hard plastic makes too much noise against tree bark.....or a 1 or 2" foam hunting seat that you can attach to the tree with a rope or bunjie strap at knee height 5) keeping the linesman rope around the tree when hunting will restrict your hunting and add some additional pressure to your hips from a different angle..... learn to trust your equipment (from ground level)....practice from ground level or 1 foot off the ground.....practice makes perfect just like in shooting traditional bow I've been saddle hunting for 12 plus year's and long before the saddle craze hit the market.....don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions on saddle hunting....Im by no means a pro at it, but I have experience......I have family in Mississippi, so maybe one day we can meet up and shoot a few arrows with traditional bows?....I am planning on seeing family in Mississippi between Christmas and new years this year....not sure how far away you are from Columbus, Mississippi?
Allen is one heck of a great guy! Good to see you back out there and up in a tree. Be safe and good luck! Try a short bridge and low tether. It's what works best for me shooting ASLs.
Knee pads, platform, set up in your yard and take a few shots and get your tether height where you like it. I’m gonna make a spreader bar to keep bridge from pinching in.
The hip pinch is the bridge length. The longer the length the worse it is. I loosen my belt and lean on the waist like sagging pants. To me it’ll never be as comfortable as a lock on. It’s benefits are safety and mobility. Knee pads help also. I put my tether at my forehead. There’s a sweet spot with all the lengths/adjustments.
Bought a good climber and just didn't trust it. A year later bought another and still not liking it. So, back on the ground, more challenge, less stuff to tote, easier to move. I guess I'm grounded.
I've hunted with climbing stands for years and never had any problems. Curious what happened that you fell 3 times using climber ? I've been using buckshot equalizer and buckshot open shot . Thanks for all of your videos.
The saddle takes time. The platform will make everything better. Also try lowering your tether. Then you just gotta find your your sweet spot on your bridge length. Practice in the yard and you'll get comfortable.
Glad you made this video. I've been looking at one of these. They ain't cheap. I'm just afraid the restrictions to getting comfortable to make a shot would just frustrate me. My guy at the archery shop says it hasn't interfered with his ability to shoot. But I have a bad back and have got to be comfortable or I just can't stay up there. Do you think it's gonna work out? I'd like to see you take some shots out of it.
I know you have mentioned it, but forgive me i can’t remember, but what do you use as a flashlight walking in for morning hunts? Headlamp? White or green light? Thank you
My knees and hips cause me to have to move too much. I might would do better with a small add on seat to sit on while tethered up with the foot stand. But I agree with you, you just feel like you have an advantage being up high. I like being able to see more as well. It is hard to be still when you are hurting. I have stood on things like you have, it is okay for a very short while and then it is murder, at least it has been for me. In the end, only you will know if it is doable for you. So why can't you use a hang on with the same set up and be comfortable?
We are all tickled to death to hunting with you again. It seems like you get to hunt more than I get to work. I know that is not real, but it seems that way. I've come close to falling from the stand. And climbing stands are so heavy and noisey. I get it. If saddle stand will work for you, then God bless it! I took the 2nd week of October off and got screwed by hurricane. Once it was over, no gasoline. Please! For the rest of us lost souls, kill something!
Robert you are a great man and a great hunter been watching for years I am traditional hunter have been for 30 years I have about 6 years in a saddle tried several combinations for trad hunting you need a lock on like a .5 lone wolf custom gear it allows you to tilt platform down witch matches the angle of your body when you lengthen your tether to the tree by lengthening the tether you create more space between you and the tree witch gives you the ability to shoot 360 degrees as far as comfort goes you put a pad on bottom of seat flip it up against tree and put your knees into it takes weight off of your feet which in part gives you the ability to have three different hunting positions sitting leaning or sitting with knees into tree also if you hunt with just a platform witch I do a lot when walking deep in I carry a thick foam pad with a strap with the cheap since buckle on it off of all those cheap safety harness you have laying around that come with lock on type stands you simply strap it knee high above platform and you have a quiet place to put your knees don’t waste your time with knee pads won’t work for a hunter of your caliber too noisy and uncomfortable trust me you can practice this set up three foot high work out all the details with any stand you already own I’ve tried it all only way to go god bless brother
For the pinch, it’s gonna happen especially if you’re not used to it, but a platform will help you adjust to different positions for comfort ie sitting, leaning, standing.
For the tether being in the way, just practice in your yard where it needs to be for you, but you can also try leaning to shoot, like lean and turn, it wouldn’t be in the way that way, but that would be for one specific shot and you really don’t want to limit yourself to that.
Almost went saddle this year. Still lugging that lock on everywhere. Getting older, seems like carrying a sticks and a little platform would make it able to be more mobile. Probably going saddle next season.
Robert, once you sit a few times you'll figure out what's comfortable for you. I've been saddle hunting 3 seasons now as well as my 14 year old son. Recurve, compound, and rifle hunt out of it and love it over any tree stand. Definitely get a platform and kneepads. You can go between "sitting" with knees against the tree to just leaning with minimal movement. At home play with your tether hight and length and bridge adjustment and you'll find the sweet spot for you. I like the tether to be on the tree at face height if I'm standing straight up on my platform. Also if you have your bridge shorter and your tether longer its easier to move around the tree to get a shot. Again, practice all this at home and it will pay off in the woods. Good luck and God bless
Good luck tomorrow RC and you are right..God is good all the time!
I’ve been saddle hunting off and on since 2004. Killed several deer with trad bow and ring of steps because that’s all there was in my early days of saddle hunting. Tried small and large platforms and they all have not worked as good as what I use now. I use a lwcg .5 stand and tethrd one sticks. I like the stand because it’s light, easy to set up, I can stand, sit or hang in the saddle. If a deer comes in and I see it
In time I prefer to stand and shoot just like normal out of a stand. Also, I had to try several saddles till I found one that was pretty comfortable - a Cruze XC. I feel like using a saddle is the safest way to hunt, and the most comfortable way to hang a stand. The main reason I use a saddle is safety and also because my stand a sticks are very light - around 11 lbs. Saddle, climber, hang on, etc all have pros and cons but I have truly enjoyed the saddle and stand combo I am now using. Hope you find what works for you Robert because hunting out of a tree for deer is the way to go.
I climb my lightweight lock on treestand like a saddle, connected the whole way, real light double step sticks, and way more comfortable and easy to be still. I know you were worried about falling but you can do the same system as the saddle but with a lockon if you wanna be more comfortable
Glad you’re back hunting. I’m gonna try a friend’s saddle before making a decision to buy one. So sad to see all the tree damage in the forest, but better than all the homes that are damaged. Happy Thanksgiving and may the good lord bless you and yours.
Thanks for sharing. I did my first saddle hunt two nights ago, three hour evening hunt. A small doe fed in front of me for half an hour and looked at me several times as I fidgeted. I can’t get as comfortable and still as I can in a lock on or on the ground. For elbow clearance, I had to drastically shorten my bridge and lower the tether to chin height. The platform was comfortable but I need knee pads if I’m going to try sitting more.
Brother Robert, I would be happy to make a video showing in detail how I setup in my saddle and everything that I do to make it as comfortable as possible. After everything you have shared and done to help me and so many others, it would be a privilege. I really want to see you build confidence and experience in a saddle because I love mine more than I ever have my climber or lockon. Just in case you don't want a video, one piece of advice I would absolutely recommend is getting some olive green knee pads from Walmart garden section. I use them and they are a must. Again, I can demonstrate why in a video. God bless you brother.
No matter how you hunt out of a tree it is a game of compromises. Hunted out of a Lone Wolf climber for years but I never had the discipline to have a lineman's rope on while climbing and the fear of falling bothered me. Tried my brother's Tethrd saddle but I didn't like the hip pinch. Ended up buying a JX3 hybrid saddle. It's kind of like a bosun's chair. Incredibly comfortable and safe. 5-6 hour hunts are pain free and fidget free. Taken 4 deer out of it with a longbow this season and last. Shots were 4, 7, 9, and 14 yards. It does take practice and getting used to. There are several videos on it on UA-cam. Enjoy the journey and good luck.
Thsi is good for me because I almost got the saddle set up and I saw one video that said you will probably return to hang on stands so you can be my guinea pig. lol
Robert, I hunted from a saddle for about 3 years and I had the same problem never could get still or comfortable then I seen a video of a saddle called a JX3 and it was a game changer. You should check it out on UA-cam and see if it is something you might be interested in. God Bless Brother and keep the wind in your face.
I recently got a saddle, but haven't tried it yet. After watching, I learned a few things! Thanks for another great video!
I thought you were done with climbing trees? I've watched a few of your videos and after countless years of hunting from my climbers you convinced me to buy the Waldrop pacseat. Just waiting for it's delivery before late season hunting in Maryland.
@@Wyatt_Holiday I wasn't going to but hankering to try again in a safer manner.
I hunted for year from a saddle without a platform, it is very doable but one of the downfalls is the squeaky boots. lol. And the platform makes it much more comfortable and fixes the squeaky boot issues. The position of the tether is something that you're going to need to work on with practice. I set my platform up in the yard just two feet off of the ground to practice all kinds of shots. And still missed an opportunity to shoot at a buck a couple weeks ago because there is a point (at least for me) where you have to draw with your hand under the bridge rather than over it. With my compound, I have no issues with shooting from the saddle but the way I cant my recurve, it is a whole new game. One other thing that I started doing when I set up to make shooting easier for my off side shots is to set the platform up to the side of my climbing stick and at the same height as the last stick and I also throw a rope step to the opposite side of the stick. This allows me to place a foot off of the platform to rotate around the tree if needed. As for the pinching, I have yet to find any perfect position. When I bought my fist Trophy Line saddle years ago, they had an instructional video with it and they said in it that you will need to reposition often to keep circulation good. Which in turns keeps you more comfortable. Because of this, I typically hunt higher, (25'+) but that is also because our foliage is often gone by the time the hunting gets good.
Love the videos and appreciate you.
Saddle has been a love hate relationship with me. I love how light the set up is and i feel safe always being locked in. But i do tend to move more in a saddle. And its hard me for me to get comfortable on long sits . But i have less back pain in a sadle then sitting in a stand .
I practiced at home and in the woods had a really hard time 1 sticking up the tree I have since figured it out. A lot of tweeking as you go along but I think worth it in the end. You said you would hunt from the ground tomorrow, one of the coolest hunts I had was when I saddle hunted on the ground and a Bobcat walked down a blown down tree 3 yards from me. Kind of scary after the fact but so cool at the ti.e. I really like using the saddle on the ground, you can still hide behind the tree. Don't give up Robert, you'll be fine.
Try putting your tether higher up above your head it’ll make it feel a lot better and take the pressure off your feet. A good pair of nee pads or a knee cushion really helps too. I just sat four hours in mine last Saturday morning and it felt effortless. It took a few sits before I figured out what was comfortable for me. It’s definitely worth it I love it now.
Thank you for taking us along . Good video as always. Blessings to you and your family
I’m glad you got to see all the deer! I hope you get the bugs worked out for saddle hunting, too. My buddy loves his! I sold mine.
Great stuff RC!
I’m certain if anyone can figure it out, you can!
Always fun taggin' along with you!
The platform definitely makes it 100 % more comfortable. As far as the bridge and the hip pinching, I found that to be the finicky part but once dialed in I love it, but it took watching a lot of saddle videos and my first season and the first couple of sits second season before really comfortable. Shape of tree has some to do with it as well in my experience. Good hunting
I am glad
to see you hunting again I enjoy learning from you
Love it! RC Meets Modern Hunting Tactics!
Always happy to see one of your videos. Good luck on all your hunts!
Glad to see you back RC. I too dabbled in using a saddle this year. Played around in a tree in the yard and i just cannot get comfortable. Not sure i can even draw my bow. Good luck in the morning.
Glad you’re back in the woods again. Thanks for sharing,
If the saddle is to small for you it could cause hip pinch. Or you can lengthen your bridge and that should help. There is a little learning curve with the saddle as you have discussed. Trial and error and you will figure it out. Thanks for sharing.
I bought a saddle setup from XOP this year and have hunted out of it 4 or 5 times so far, so im no expert. I've found that tether height and bridge/tether length play a big part in my comfort. For me, keeping my tether chin high seems to work best. I also like the bridge around 14-16 inches and then adjust the prusik height on my tether throughout the hunt to help make little adjustments. Good stiff soled pair of boots help with my arches.
Thanks for sharing, JIK
Where’d you get that hat? Love the camo bucket hat
@@tatoo190 google nomad bucket hats.
I moved to much in my saddle!!! Got picked more often than a lock on!! I think unless you hunt high!! and really can't with traditional equipment. It's easier for deer to see you hanging out more from the tree IMO. I went back to the same set up as Jason. John Tucker said he uses a platform on the front of the tree and stands side ways. To me if you're gonna do that you would be better off with a lock on and a rock harnesses and tether best of both in my IMO. Great video Thanks Robert!!
I’ve heard the tether gets in the way of a trad bow due to the cant. The saddle is uncomfortable and you will move a lot more in it. To compensate you need to have some good cover behind you. Deer will pick you off so easy if you’re not set up right. It takes a year or two to work out the bugs but you’ll eventually get it if you end up sticking with it. I enjoy it for the mobility and that’s about all
Wow was excited for your ground hunting adventures same as me u , guess that's all changed
@@johnscott1658 still ground hunting and will be a lot more than from a tree. Just playing with this saddle hunting for the elevated advantage in some places.
Saddle hunting is something that takes quite a bit of time to learn. I’ve hunted out of one about 9-10 years. I’ll give you some advice on what I do. First off your rope needs to be set exactly in front of you. In the video it looks offset. Second I’d put your rope a little bit higher I like mine forehead height. Second thing you may need to adjust your bridge. You can let some slack out on the rope man and lean back more instead of so tight to the tree. I understand this is not a good feeling but you have to truly trust your saddle equipment. Other issue I see that can help you in this instance. Is you need to set up more to your right there. Always remember right handed set up left side for the shot where you think they are coming. Fourth tip and the one that helps me kill alot of deer when using a platform don’t set the platform higher then your steps the reason I keep them even is it gives you another step to pivot around the tree to make the shot. And you’re not just confined to the platform helps with comfort I think. Fifth I think your saddle is to high don’t want your belt super tight so you can pull it down over your butt more. Also play with the loops your bridge rope is on so they aren’t just pulling from the top to put tension more on your hips. Other option is look at a two pannel a lot more comfortable or the hammock saddle super comfortable. Pressure is spread out more across more points of your body. Need to spend some time around the house getting comfortable with it and trusting it. I do not like heights but I trust my saddle way more than my lock on. If you need me to explain anything in more detail I can I’m not an expert but I log a lot of time in one. My joke is I had one before the hunting public had them. And thank you for the great content you got me ground hunting in my waldrop pack seat after work when I don’t have time to climb.
Your like me got a saddle and want to hunt out of it bad but not quite set up for it, as always another fine video
As others have said knee pads help greatly with comfort. especially if your hanging without a platform. Resting against the tree with knees here and there for pain/discomfort relief. For me personally I use a hybrid saddle/harness. (XOP MONDO) Allows me to be tethered at the hip along with or have the option to tie safety behind the shoulders. It works well with a platform when you want to turn around and sit a while or change position for a break. Or just have multiple points of safety at one time. It works exceptionally well in a lock on or small platform with a seat. as a "hybrid setup" it gives me freedom to swing around and feel confident and safe in the saddle while being able to switch on the fly and sit in a traditional tree stand position
A platform will go a long way in making the hunt more enjoyable from a comfort perspective and increase your field of shooting. And yes, lower the height of your tether.
Typicall a shorter bridge will reduce hip pinch. Another way to help your hips on longer sits is to occasionally rotate them one way or the other for a minute or two to give some relief. To help more with the foot discomfort you have to put more weight in the saddle to reduce the weight on your feet. Without seeing you in the tree based on your issues I’d say you are hugging the tree too close in a standing position, you should probably be leaning away more. With a saddle you don’t stand like you do with a climber or lock on, 1/2 - 3/4 of your weight should be supported by the saddle.
For myself the optimal angle is if I can sit in the saddle with my knees at 90 degrees then stand to a leaning position. Then through the hunt I can switch from sitting to standing without adjusting anything. You will need to trust in your equipment to get comfortable with that much lean.
It takes a bit of practice to dial in the comfort. The combination of hip and foot discomfort could also be caused by the saddle being positioned too high on your body and not under your butt enough. Too low and it will cause discomfort underneath your cheeks or the top of your hamstring, too high it will cause hip pinch.
People get discouraged because they don’t take the time to make adjustments and see what works for them, but if you do take the time it will get as comfortable as laying in a hammock. I have no problem napping in my saddle 😊
A platform or ring of steps would definitely help though, especially if your boots don’t have a shank or arch support.
That's great to see you in the saddle! God bless
The saddle is nice and lite to hunt mobil but I can hold still a “lot” longer in my lone wolf and I have a hard time shooting my long bow out of a saddle even with a short bridge. I find myself using my tree stand more than the saddle.
Look at the downed trees! that was a bad storm.
I tried saddle last year it cost a small fortune to get everything and I like to have had a heat stroke getting set up early bow season. And I kept getting busted cause I’m constantly moving trying to shift me weight back and forth.
Robert, let a little more slack out of your tether so your not almost hugging the tree when hunting....when I saddle hunt, my waist is roughly 24" away from the tree (half leaning/half sitting)....that will help you when shooting at game at different distances, and traditional bow drawing clearance.....your hip pinch is from a few things......
1) too short of a bridge (where your tether attaches to when at hunting height), so lengthen it if you're able to....I have roughly 4-5" tag end of bridge rope not used
2) tether too low or too high....when standing upright on your platform your tether should be around eye level to forehead height, but when half standing or sitting it will be slightly above your head
3) the tree saddles is to small for your waist size.....saddles have sizing charts based on your waist size....order too small you will have bad saddle pinch....if you fall between two sizes order the larger size (especially if you layer up for late season and helps with comfort)
4) get yourself a set of knee pads.....you don't need to order those specifically made from a saddle company, just get a set from the local hardware store that sells knee pads for guys who do construction work (make sure its the rubbery pads on front and not hard plastic....hard plastic makes too much noise against tree bark.....or a 1 or 2" foam hunting seat that you can attach to the tree with a rope or bunjie strap at knee height
5) keeping the linesman rope around the tree when hunting will restrict your hunting and add some additional pressure to your hips from a different angle..... learn to trust your equipment (from ground level)....practice from ground level or 1 foot off the ground.....practice makes perfect just like in shooting traditional bow
I've been saddle hunting for 12 plus year's and long before the saddle craze hit the market.....don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions on saddle hunting....Im by no means a pro at it, but I have experience......I have family in Mississippi, so maybe one day we can meet up and shoot a few arrows with traditional bows?....I am planning on seeing family in Mississippi between Christmas and new years this year....not sure how far away you are from Columbus, Mississippi?
@@kennytroyer3366 thanks for the tips. I live in southeast Ga.
Allen is one heck of a great guy! Good to see you back out there and up in a tree. Be safe and good luck!
Try a short bridge and low tether. It's what works best for me shooting ASLs.
Knee pads, platform, set up in your yard and take a few shots and get your tether height where you like it.
I’m gonna make a spreader bar to keep bridge from pinching in.
Ya only learn what ya need by doing. Congrats to you!
2nd year saddle hunting.Learn and use the one step method.Less equipment. You can climb with a rappel rope.You hunt then just rappel out.
The hip pinch is the bridge length. The longer the length the worse it is. I loosen my belt and lean on the waist like sagging pants. To me it’ll never be as comfortable as a lock on. It’s benefits are safety and mobility. Knee pads help also. I put my tether at my forehead. There’s a sweet spot with all the lengths/adjustments.
Mr Robert, run a short bridge. I learned that the hard way hunting with traditional equipment
Bought a good climber and just didn't trust it. A year later bought another and still not liking it. So, back on the ground, more challenge, less stuff to tote, easier to move. I guess I'm grounded.
I sold all my saddle stuff early in our season. My bad ankle couldn’t take it anymore.
I've hunted with climbing stands for years and never had any problems. Curious what happened that you fell 3 times using climber ? I've been using buckshot equalizer and buckshot open shot . Thanks for all of your videos.
The saddle takes time. The platform will make everything better. Also try lowering your tether. Then you just gotta find your your sweet spot on your bridge length. Practice in the yard and you'll get comfortable.
I make my bridge wider using a piece of 3/4” pvc pipe cut just wider than my hips and notches on the ends. Works good. I’ll text you a pic.
Glad you made this video. I've been looking at one of these. They ain't cheap. I'm just afraid the restrictions to getting comfortable to make a shot would just frustrate me. My guy at the archery shop says it hasn't interfered with his ability to shoot. But I have a bad back and have got to be comfortable or I just can't stay up there. Do you think it's gonna work out? I'd like to see you take some shots out of it.
@@sytdoc3218 I think it will. Its got a learning curve to it I think. I would have been fine if I had used a platform.
I know you have mentioned it, but forgive me i can’t remember, but what do you use as a flashlight walking in for morning hunts? Headlamp? White or green light? Thank you
@@robbo392 head lamp. Shining low to the ground.
got no saddle lol , God bless
Sure would love to come up there and hunt with you
My knees and hips cause me to have to move too much. I might would do better with a small add on seat to sit on while tethered up with the foot stand. But I agree with you, you just feel like you have an advantage being up high. I like being able to see more as well. It is hard to be still when you are hurting. I have stood on things like you have, it is okay for a very short while and then it is murder, at least it has been for me. In the end, only you will know if it is doable for you. So why can't you use a hang on with the same set up and be comfortable?
Saddles work great on a horse or mule. Not so much for old bowhunter like me.
We are all tickled to death to hunting with you again. It seems like you get to hunt more than I get to work. I know that is not real, but it seems that way.
I've come close to falling from the stand. And climbing stands are so heavy and noisey. I get it.
If saddle stand will work for you, then God bless it!
I took the 2nd week of October off and got screwed by hurricane. Once it was over, no gasoline.
Please! For the rest of us lost souls, kill something!
It takes a few sits
Practice in the yard , looks like your tether is too short
Uh-oh I fail out of my saddle 25 feet