I'm 57 years old 5' 11" tall and 210 lbs. I hunted out of the Cruzr xc this past deer season. I will say I absolutely loved it! The Cruzr xc was so comfortable sitting or leaning. Great review you really put the work in and it shows.
very thorough review never tried saddle hunting before but am 61 in a few weeks ,,,maybe next season,,looks like cruzr will be in the line up now try yo figure out sticks
After years of using a climber tree stand. Clinging and clanging cables and chain straps and being limited to only being able to get into certain trees unless you want to break out a 462 Stihl chainsaw to prune your way up. Adjusting cables half way up the tree because of the change in tree diameter above 20-25’. I’m going to saddle hunting haha.
While sitting, if you pull the waist belt up a bit which you can due to the pleat, you'll find you don't need a back band to support your back. I hunted all season in my XC and it is an awesome, very comfortable saddle!
I find your videos very informative. I would really like to see how a saddle would work with heavy bibs and coat for late season. I know it's a con of saddle systems but I would love to see it before deciding if I should switch from a climber.
@@SaddleHunter I’m also interested in how to layer your cloths on after getting setup in a saddle. I always carry my heavy bibs and several upper layers to my stand and slowly get dressed as I cool off while in my tree stand. All your videos are very high quality and I learn a lot from every one thanks for taking the time to produce them, newly subscribed.
@@craigaekus1600 The tether is the rope that goes around the tree at hunting height and the lineman rope goes from hip to hip as you ascend. One of my earliest videos is called "Saddle Hunting Terminology" and I believe it demonstrates both ropes.
First time saddle user about to purchase my first saddle. Over the last week I’ve literally watched every one of your reviews. Thank you for the time and effort it has been super helpful! I’ve narrowed it down to this, the XC, and a Recon. Do you have a recommendation?
The lanyard connection's on the saddle are carrying the load,not the main buckle.That thing could be plastic and it wouldn't matter.I still like the metal though. Just thought I would mention that.
I have not seen it yet. I’ve talked to some people that own it. They say the pleat works really well. My concern is that the top of the saddle is flat.
Hi there I've been watching a lot of your video learning a lot my name is Thomas 61 years old been hunting for the last three years out of a stand I'm I'm disabled I had four heart attacks and a three-way bypass and 12 messed up desk I'm trying to make it easier on me what kind of advice will you give me what would be the best equipment
Revisited this video as I'm looking to purchase my first saddle. Great review. Have you examined the new Berserker saddle? Any comparison thoughts? Keep up the great work.
Have you ever experienced or heard of the panels not wanting to go back and hold themselves together in the travel position after long term extensive use? I've been looking at this saddle for awhile and heard that at some point. I currently have never owned a saddle for hunting would you recommend this saddle or any other? Thanks for any input!
I'm on the fence between this one and the tethrd phantom. With the whole package with tethrd I can get the saddle, 8mm tether, 8mm lineman rope, and platform for the same price as the "package" from cruzr minus a platform. So value wise it seems tethrd wins. Is the comfort/quality of this one so much better that I forego an included platform for the same price? Your videos are awesome man
Thanks for watching the videos. When I look at what you've described, its $557 from Tethrd. A Cruzr XC with upgraded bridge and oplux ropes is $394. That leaves $163 for a platform. If I were you I'd wait a few weeks before pulling the trigger. Cruzr is about to release a platform and may very well have their own package deal. For me the Cruzr is more comfortable than the Phantom, but everyone will be different.
It depends on the person. If that proven safety factor that comes with the ANSI rating gives you extra confidence in your gear than it's worth every penny.
Looking to buy my first saddle and I’m about the same size waist as you. Do you think the XC is more comfortable than the trophyline covert pro? Any help would be appreciated!
@@SaddleHunter it rides up no matter how tight leg straps are just not as comfortable as I thought it would be even when trying different saddle positions
I sold the Merlin a while back. I like the Cruzr much better. It's not as bulky, has a better bridge, better molle webbing, is lighter and more comfortable.
I’m a 33 with chicken legs so I went with the size 1 and I was really happy with my choice. The size 2 is similar in size to the M/L Trophyline Covert Lite and I felt like I was swimming in that thing.
@@usernamehere6061 You mean the curved profile and amsteel bridge? That's about where the similarities end. Besides I think H2 pioneered the "football" shape.
Now comes standard with the upgraded buckle, and the adjustable amsteel bridge. Bought one right after this review 🙏🙏
I just posted the same thing i watched this video and was like shit i should of got the upgrades until i looked at their site haha
I'm 57 years old 5' 11" tall and 210 lbs. I hunted out of the Cruzr xc this past deer season. I will say I absolutely loved it! The Cruzr xc was so comfortable sitting or leaning.
Great review you really put the work in and it shows.
Thanks for watching. I make it a priority to use a saddle for a lot of hours before giving feedback.
I’m 66 5’ 10” 220#, what size should I get?
been saddle hunting since 2007 and by far the cruzr xc size 2 is my favorite saddle I ever owned and used
Best saddle review I’ve seen. Thanks for the info.
very thorough review
never tried saddle hunting before but am 61 in a few weeks ,,,maybe next season,,looks like cruzr will be in the line up now try yo figure out sticks
Man you should be a CRUZR rep. You have me sold. Great detailed review!
The XC now comes with Amsteel Bridge & Cobra as a standard. Just for the people currently thinking about buying it
Great tip, using the combined molle straps with the said pouch. Thanks, will utilize this information! 🙂
After years of using a climber tree stand. Clinging and clanging cables and chain straps and being limited to only being able to get into certain trees unless you want to break out a 462 Stihl chainsaw to prune your way up. Adjusting cables half way up the tree because of the change in tree diameter above 20-25’. I’m going to saddle hunting haha.
While sitting, if you pull the waist belt up a bit which you can due to the pleat, you'll find you don't need a back band to support your back. I hunted all season in my XC and it is an awesome, very comfortable saddle!
Good tip! Thanks for sharing.
Been waiting for this review
Hopefully it didn’t disappoint! Thanks for watching.
I find your videos very informative. I would really like to see how a saddle would work with heavy bibs and coat for late season. I know it's a con of saddle systems but I would love to see it before deciding if I should switch from a climber.
Great suggestion! I can try to film an upcoming video in heavy clothes. I haven't found many issues wearing heavy layers with my saddle.
@@SaddleHunter I’m also interested in how to layer your cloths on after getting setup in a saddle. I always carry my heavy bibs and several upper layers to my stand and slowly get dressed as I cool off while in my tree stand. All your videos are very high quality and I learn a lot from every one thanks for taking the time to produce them, newly subscribed.
Just got my new cruzer xc
New to the saddle game can't wait to get out and practice
Let me know what you think and if you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask.
@@SaddleHunter one?
Which rope is the lineman and which is the tether
@@craigaekus1600 The tether is the rope that goes around the tree at hunting height and the lineman rope goes from hip to hip as you ascend. One of my earliest videos is called "Saddle Hunting Terminology" and I believe it demonstrates both ropes.
Thank you I just got one and I love it it’s will change the way I hunt
It's truly a fantastic tool to have in your arsenal.
Great review, thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Another fantastic review as always! May be jumping ship from the method to the XC even though I lean a bunch.
I don't think you'd be disappointed. I like the XC a lot more than I liked the Method.
First time saddle user about to purchase my first saddle. Over the last week I’ve literally watched every one of your reviews. Thank you for the time and effort it has been super helpful!
I’ve narrowed it down to this, the XC, and a Recon. Do you have a recommendation?
Thanks for watching Brody. I’m glad some of the content has been helpful. I’d go with the XC between those two.
Thank you that’s helpful! I subscribed and look forward to following along in the future!
GREAT review. Covered everything I wanted to know. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching. Archon review coming later this week!
I have a latitude two panel and the CRUZR XC and The CRUZR is definitely more comfortable. My back has never been happier.
I’m in the same boat, for my hunting style the Cruzr is a much better choice.
Please review the Flat Branch Solitude. Thanks.
The lanyard connection's on the saddle are carrying the load,not the main buckle.That thing could be plastic and it wouldn't matter.I still like the metal though. Just thought I would mention that.
Yeah, there's a lot of guys who are looking for all their buckles to be rated though.
My first first; great review as always.
Thanks again!
Great review, I think I may go with the Cruzr XC 🤟
You should!
Have you reviewed the berserker saddle yet? Looking at that one vs cruzer. Thanks for all your help sir
I have not seen it yet. I’ve talked to some people that own it. They say the pleat works really well. My concern is that the top of the saddle is flat.
Hi there I've been watching a lot of your video learning a lot my name is Thomas 61 years old been hunting for the last three years out of a stand I'm I'm disabled I had four heart attacks and a three-way bypass and 12 messed up desk I'm trying to make it easier on me what kind of advice will you give me what would be the best equipment
Revisited this video as I'm looking to purchase my first saddle. Great review. Have you examined the new Berserker saddle? Any comparison thoughts? Keep up the great work.
I have the Berserker currently. The XC is far better.
Next level - Latitude saddles
After I got a xc I stopped looking for a better rig. Its great for srt/ drt too
I agree it’s awesome for srt and single stick climbing. I don’t notice any riding up of the saddle.
Good review.
I am looking at the Cruzer XC versus the new Cruzer Archon. New to saddle hunting. Interested in your thoughts.
You can’t go wrong with either. Long day sits I’d go with the archon. Quick 4-5 hr sits I’d use the xc. I own both and that’s just my opinion
Have you ever experienced or heard of the panels not wanting to go back and hold themselves together in the travel position after long term extensive use? I've been looking at this saddle for awhile and heard that at some point. I currently have never owned a saddle for hunting would you recommend this saddle or any other? Thanks for any input!
Haven’t been hunting but would recommend it based on me practicing in my backyard. Intend to be ready when I pull that trigger.
Cruzer HC or Transformer?
I'll be doing a head to head, hopefully next month.
Well done
Great video! When will your sh1kar review be released?
Either late this week or next. We're dealing with really cold temps and the idea of filming in single digits just doesn't get me fired up lol.
Would you recommend the XC over the recon for long sits and one sticking?
Do you feel that the cruzr is more comfortable than the transformer ?
That's a tough call, they are both phenomenal.
I'm on the fence between this one and the tethrd phantom. With the whole package with tethrd I can get the saddle, 8mm tether, 8mm lineman rope, and platform for the same price as the "package" from cruzr minus a platform. So value wise it seems tethrd wins. Is the comfort/quality of this one so much better that I forego an included platform for the same price? Your videos are awesome man
Thanks for watching the videos. When I look at what you've described, its $557 from Tethrd. A Cruzr XC with upgraded bridge and oplux ropes is $394. That leaves $163 for a platform. If I were you I'd wait a few weeks before pulling the trigger. Cruzr is about to release a platform and may very well have their own package deal. For me the Cruzr is more comfortable than the Phantom, but everyone will be different.
Cruzr all day man you will not be disappointed
Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to seeing that platform.
@@SaddleHunter would you say the upgraded buckle is necessary since the standard you said had a higher breaking point?
It depends on the person. If that proven safety factor that comes with the ANSI rating gives you extra confidence in your gear than it's worth every penny.
Any concern about the mess ripping?
Looking to buy my first saddle and I’m about the same size waist as you. Do you think the XC is more comfortable than the trophyline covert pro? Any help would be appreciated!
Absolutely and it’s much more streamlined and lighter.
Thanks. I really appreciate your videos!
What is the single most comfortable saddle for an over weight 50
Year old that likes to sit all day ?
wish I would have seen this before I purchased the tether phantom. it sucks to repel with
Does it ride up?
@@SaddleHunter it rides up no matter how tight leg straps are just not as comfortable as I thought it would be even when trying different saddle positions
@@scottyoung6745 the mantis sucked too. Sold that and got this one
What is the Resc Tech Rope Upgrade?
Time to review the Merlin & compare
I sold the Merlin a while back. I like the Cruzr much better. It's not as bulky, has a better bridge, better molle webbing, is lighter and more comfortable.
What size saddle did you get?
which 2 panel saddle are you using?
$ ?
Ahhh you saved the best for last 😃
It's certainly up there!
Climb the tree with the satile.
what do you think is better for a sitter this or teh Method 2? thanks
The Cruzr by a long shot, at least for me.
@@SaddleHunter good because I literally just bought one.
Is it worth the upgrade from my aerohunter kestrel?
Oh absolutely. I had a kestrel back in the day and the Cruzr is light years better.
@@SaddleHunter thanks so much for your input, you convinced me to try the xc and I am typing this response from my xc super comfortably!
I’m 6’4 and 185 anyone know what size I would need
What size waist? Reach out to Cruzr, they will point you in the right direction.
What size waist r u and what size did u have here?
I’m a 33 with chicken legs so I went with the size 1 and I was really happy with my choice. The size 2 is similar in size to the M/L Trophyline Covert Lite and I felt like I was swimming in that thing.
@@SaddleHunter thanks for the size comparison
So its a wannabe phantom
I don't know about that...
@@SaddleHunter Looks identical to the phantoms footprint
@@usernamehere6061 You mean the curved profile and amsteel bridge? That's about where the similarities end. Besides I think H2 pioneered the "football" shape.
Seriously?... Not even close, my dude. Literally opposite ends of the spectrum. And the XC is at the good end of that spectrum
@@TruffulaSteve Cry is free