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Final attempt at a DIY pleated saddle

JCLINE84

JCLINE84

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Before I buy a production saddle I make a copycat to see if I like the design. I’ve attempted a couple of pleated mesh saddles and didn’t care for them. I had some cordura laying around so I figured I’d make a flex copy to see if a different material would make me like the pleat better. So I finished up a batch of knaiders and swaiders today and started on a size 1.5 flex copy. Pretty pleased with how it turned out. I didn’t have any tan t92 thread so I had to use black. Which bugs me way too much. But I was able to use tan terra 40 in the non weight bearing parts. Gonna try it out on a hunt in the morning and if it works well I will make another one with matching colored tan thread that will be my keeper because I’m OCD about that stuff. I put some d rings on the lower suspension to hook an auto block into for rappelling. I found the exact webbing that aero hunter uses for their suspension in coyote tan so I was pretty pleased with that. I love the color scheme of this saddle. But I can’t stop looking at that ugly black thread lol. I’m hanging in it from my squat rack watching TV right now and it seems to be more comfortable than my beloved kestrel. Anyway here are some pics
 

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JCLINE84

JCLINE84

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I will say the thousands of hours I’ve spent making knaiders and swaiders has got my stitching consistency way up from where I started sewing. If it wasn’t black thread we’d be in business
 

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Red Beard

Red Beard

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JCLINE84 said:
Before I buy a production saddle I make a copycat to see if I like the design. I’ve attempted a couple of pleated mesh saddles and didn’t care for them. I had some cordura laying around so I figured I’d make a flex copy to see if a different material would make me like the pleat better. So I finished up a batch of knaiders and swaiders today and started on a size 1.5 flex copy. Pretty pleased with how it turned out. I didn’t have any tan t92 thread so I had to use black. Which bugs me way too much. But I was able to use tan terra 40 in the non weight bearing parts. Gonna try it out on a hunt in the morning and if it works well I will make another one with matching colored tan thread that will be my keeper because I’m OCD about that stuff. I put some d rings on the lower suspension to hook an auto block into for rappelling. I found the exact webbing that aero hunter uses for their suspension in coyote tan so I was pretty pleased with that. I love the color scheme of this saddle. But I can’t stop looking at that ugly black thread lol. I’m hanging in it from my squat rack watching TV right now and it seems to be more comfortable than my beloved kestrel. Anyway here are some pics
Click to expand...
Yeah that black thread is hideous Jamie. Just send the saddle to me and I'll dispose of it properly. :smile:
 
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JCLINE84

JCLINE84

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Red Beard said:
Yeah that black thread is hideous Jamie. Just send the saddle to me and I'll dispose of it properly. :smile:
Click to expand...
I may do that when I make the next one with the right colored thread. Two hours into this sit and so far it’s a winner. Cordura pleat is definitely better than mesh.
 

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EricS

EricS

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Looks great. I would just deal with the black thread.
 
kenn1320

kenn1320

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Pretty sweet. FYI I just used my knaider that I bought from you when you first started injecting thread. Lol I like to buy cool stuff, just don't always try it right away.
 
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Razorbak66

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Super sweet build nice and clean. I personally like the contrast of the colors. If you part with it I might know a guy LOL
 
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JCLINE84

JCLINE84

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Sat six hours in it this morning and I guess I need to eat some crow. I’ve never seen the point in a pleated saddle but this thing is the most comfortable saddle I’ve sat in. The pleat actually stays together or separated when you want also. I could never get mesh to do that. I may add some lower adjustment straps on the bottom suspension like the kestrel had on the next one I build but it is pretty awesome as is. The d loops on the bottom strap worked awesome for the auto block in case any of you rappel guys were wondering. They would be easy to add to pretty much any saddle if you have a thread injector
 
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Sziggy2.0

Sziggy2.0

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Looks great. The black thread wouldn't bother me once I knew how comfortable it sat. Just try not to look at it when you put it on. Good build.
 
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TNSTAAFL

TNSTAAFL

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JCLINE84 said:
Sat six hours in it this morning and I guess I need to eat some crow. I’ve never seen the point in a pleated saddle but this thing is the most comfortable saddle I’ve sat in. The pleat actually stays together or separated when you want also. I could never get mesh to do that. I may add some lower adjustment straps on the bottom suspension like the kestrel had on the next one I build but it is pretty awesome as is. The d loops on the bottom strap worked awesome for the auto block in case any of you rappel guys were wondering. They would be easy to add to pretty much any saddle if you have a thread injector
Click to expand...
Great craftsmanship and excellent perspective.

Curious if others who have experienced pleated mesh saddles (CruzrXC) and pleated cordura saddles (Flex) have similar thoughts.

I've never had a pleated saddle of any kind. Seems like Cruzr gets raved about for comfort despite being mesh. I don't seem to hear as much comfort certainty about the Flex, but perhaps I am mistaken.

I'd like to try one at some point. Leaning mesh, but you make me pause.
 
O

Ontariofarmer

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TNSTAAFL said:
Great craftsmanship and excellent perspective.

Curious if others who have experienced pleated mesh saddles (CruzrXC) and pleated cordura saddles (Flex) have similar thoughts.

I've never had a pleated saddle of any kind. Seems like Cruzr gets raved about for comfort despite being mesh. I don't seem to hear as much comfort certainty about the Flex, but perhaps I am mistaken.

I'd like to try one at some point. Leaning mesh, but you make me pause.
Click to expand...

I have tried both the Cruzr XC and Tx5 expand and flex.
I would have to say the Cruzr XC was more comfortable. But the Cruzr XC was significantly deeper.

That said they are all comfortable.
I am hunting almost exclusively out of a JX3 because my old knees hurt too much in the others.

But today I am in a ladder stand owned by a friend. Hate to admit it but true. Seems like a very good spot and nice of him to offer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
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