Preacherman
New Member
I've been reading several of the posts on this site recently and noticed that most here are either tree saddle, or aero saddle hunters. While this post is not a knock on those at all (if they work well for you and put you close to deer that's all that matters!), I would like to mention some advantages of the Guidos Web. Since I started using the Guidos Web it has become my one an only choice for deer hunting. So, what are the advantages?
Comfort: The Guidos Web is the most comfortable saddle you can ever imagine sitting in. It's like sitting in a foam-padded, adjustable back and lumbar supported cushioned chair. Once you put your feet on the steps it's almost like being in some type of padded chair with foot rests! Unless you have tried it, you can not begin to imagine just how comfortable and enjoyable it is to hunt out of. Of course that has a natural impact on hunting because if you are comfortable you can stay in the stand longer increasing your odds of seeing deer, you can be still and less fidgeting meaning less opportunity for deer to see your movement, and if you are not constantly thinking about how uncomfortable you are you can keep your mind more focused on hunting and less on discomfort distractions.
Packabilty: For the lack of a better word the Guidos Web packs extremely well. Depending on size, the web weighs from 7-9 pounds and is packed in like a backpack. The shoulder straps you pack it in with are padded and it fits extremely well. On the back of the web there are three compartments for packing stuff, one will hold your tether belt, the other likely a lineman's belt and other various items you may want to carry in the woods. With minimal weight and the added comfort, the Guidos Web packs in very well. I have packed the web in up to a mile with no difficulty or problems at all. Since the web is worn like a backpack, I did have to change from carrying a backpack in with any added gear to wearing a fanny pack.
The Aluminum Fork: Otherwise known as the "whale tail", the aluminum fork is a huge advantage the Guidos Web offers. Below the bottom seat and at the first point of contact with the tree is a 5 inch aluminum fork that makes contact with the tree at all times and keeps you from being the main point of contact with the tree. I have to say that this is a genius design. Again, not to knock any other stands, but if my knees were my main point of contact with the tree or if I had to wear knee pads, that would be a pain in more than one way. Thus, the aluminum fork keeps the hunter away from the tree saving his knees and giving him more maneuverability and rotation. Here is what I mean by that. I wrap my aluminum fork in camouflage duck tape to eliminate any noise. Once I do that my fork then allow me to rotate slightly to one side or the other without making as big of a movement and without any noise. Rotating to the left angle of the fork allows me to look back and to my right with little movement and vice versa. While I have heard complaints about the fork cutting into one's legs while climbing, I personally have not had an issue with this. I think it could be dependent upon the type of steps you are using to climb. For example, sticks that are right on the tree might make one more vertical and force the fork into one's legs some. I use Ameristep Non-Typical Aluminum Rapid Rails and they give me enough of a platform to climb up with that I don't have to be directly vertical which seems to me would be the problem in climbing. Either way, I would endure the minor discomfort while climbing for the huge benefit once you get settled in. On top of that, I have seen several people actually make their aluminum fork adjustable with various modifications to it.
Safety: The Guidos Web was designed first and foremost with safety in mind. The tether belt is rated at 7600 lbs. All harness strapping is rated at 6000 lbs. Guidos's Web has passed industrial strength standards testing and is rated at 300 lbs. The standard webbing used is seat belt webbing, rated at 6,000 lbs. sewn with 92 nylon thread. Guido's Web can withstand weather conditions and physical abuse year after year. Although this is an advantage of every saddle stand, Guidos Web is right at the top with safety. Although some have had issues with the maneuverability and clearance of the tether belt, Guidos has designed a new tether belt this year that eliminates some of those problems. From experience, I have had no issues with maneuverability/shoot-ability. For bow hunting (I do it all the time) just simply cross the straps on the bridge from left to right and you gain a lot more clearance.
Back Support and Lumbar Adjustments: The Back Support of the Guido's Web is another huge advantage. The back of the Guidos web is a slightly hard foam padded piece of plastic. I have always had a little back trouble, and can say that the adjustments for both back and lumbar support on the Guidos web are amazing. With adjustments on both sides one can simply tighten or loosen the straps for more support in both the lower and upper back. You can let the straps out and lean it back to the desired point or tighten them up and sit up straighter. The upper and lower back stay comfortable at all times as well as the legs that are sitting on a 2 inch foam pad.
Ability to Hunt 360 Degrees: Guidos Web, like any saddle, is designed to hunt 360 degrees with little movement. The New tether belt system makes this easier to do as you simply stand and ease the strap around when you see deer. For the platform for my feet (after trying several options--even a few homemade ones) I have settled on what I believe is the lightest, quietest and easiest--cranford eze steps. Unlike other steps, these are extremely easy to start in the hardest hardwood trees. Again, speaking from experience with different platforms, this is what is easiest for me to do quietly, with less sweat and less weight to carry in. I use three cranford foldable eze steps on the top platform. When I reach the top rung on my Rapid Rails I then put two steps at knee height on each side of the tree and one in line with those right in front of me. This gives me the maneuverability I need to shoot and move 360 degrees.
Are there any disadvantages to the Guidos web that I am still working the kinks out of? Sure, and here they are:
First, the carabiners and buckles can be noisy if you are not careful. That noise for me is only a problem when climbing. I think the solution for me is to use a lineman's belt to install rails with and climb with. Then once up the tree install the tether belt.
The only other problem for me is climbing in the dark. Of course, this would be a problem with any stand situation where you had to take everything with you and setup in the dark. This is a problem for me because of the need to remain quiet and use as little light as possible. While my rapid rails are easy to set up, I do have to work extra hard with things are quiet in the woods to set up quietly. I guess this will always be a work in progress though.
Again, this post is not meant to knock any other type of stand. Whatever type of stand puts you closer to deer and increases the enjoyment of your hunting experience is what one needs to use. Just wanted to give my take on a great stand--The Guidos Web. You can check it out here at : http://www.guidosoutdoors.com
Comfort: The Guidos Web is the most comfortable saddle you can ever imagine sitting in. It's like sitting in a foam-padded, adjustable back and lumbar supported cushioned chair. Once you put your feet on the steps it's almost like being in some type of padded chair with foot rests! Unless you have tried it, you can not begin to imagine just how comfortable and enjoyable it is to hunt out of. Of course that has a natural impact on hunting because if you are comfortable you can stay in the stand longer increasing your odds of seeing deer, you can be still and less fidgeting meaning less opportunity for deer to see your movement, and if you are not constantly thinking about how uncomfortable you are you can keep your mind more focused on hunting and less on discomfort distractions.
Packabilty: For the lack of a better word the Guidos Web packs extremely well. Depending on size, the web weighs from 7-9 pounds and is packed in like a backpack. The shoulder straps you pack it in with are padded and it fits extremely well. On the back of the web there are three compartments for packing stuff, one will hold your tether belt, the other likely a lineman's belt and other various items you may want to carry in the woods. With minimal weight and the added comfort, the Guidos Web packs in very well. I have packed the web in up to a mile with no difficulty or problems at all. Since the web is worn like a backpack, I did have to change from carrying a backpack in with any added gear to wearing a fanny pack.
The Aluminum Fork: Otherwise known as the "whale tail", the aluminum fork is a huge advantage the Guidos Web offers. Below the bottom seat and at the first point of contact with the tree is a 5 inch aluminum fork that makes contact with the tree at all times and keeps you from being the main point of contact with the tree. I have to say that this is a genius design. Again, not to knock any other stands, but if my knees were my main point of contact with the tree or if I had to wear knee pads, that would be a pain in more than one way. Thus, the aluminum fork keeps the hunter away from the tree saving his knees and giving him more maneuverability and rotation. Here is what I mean by that. I wrap my aluminum fork in camouflage duck tape to eliminate any noise. Once I do that my fork then allow me to rotate slightly to one side or the other without making as big of a movement and without any noise. Rotating to the left angle of the fork allows me to look back and to my right with little movement and vice versa. While I have heard complaints about the fork cutting into one's legs while climbing, I personally have not had an issue with this. I think it could be dependent upon the type of steps you are using to climb. For example, sticks that are right on the tree might make one more vertical and force the fork into one's legs some. I use Ameristep Non-Typical Aluminum Rapid Rails and they give me enough of a platform to climb up with that I don't have to be directly vertical which seems to me would be the problem in climbing. Either way, I would endure the minor discomfort while climbing for the huge benefit once you get settled in. On top of that, I have seen several people actually make their aluminum fork adjustable with various modifications to it.
Safety: The Guidos Web was designed first and foremost with safety in mind. The tether belt is rated at 7600 lbs. All harness strapping is rated at 6000 lbs. Guidos's Web has passed industrial strength standards testing and is rated at 300 lbs. The standard webbing used is seat belt webbing, rated at 6,000 lbs. sewn with 92 nylon thread. Guido's Web can withstand weather conditions and physical abuse year after year. Although this is an advantage of every saddle stand, Guidos Web is right at the top with safety. Although some have had issues with the maneuverability and clearance of the tether belt, Guidos has designed a new tether belt this year that eliminates some of those problems. From experience, I have had no issues with maneuverability/shoot-ability. For bow hunting (I do it all the time) just simply cross the straps on the bridge from left to right and you gain a lot more clearance.
Back Support and Lumbar Adjustments: The Back Support of the Guido's Web is another huge advantage. The back of the Guidos web is a slightly hard foam padded piece of plastic. I have always had a little back trouble, and can say that the adjustments for both back and lumbar support on the Guidos web are amazing. With adjustments on both sides one can simply tighten or loosen the straps for more support in both the lower and upper back. You can let the straps out and lean it back to the desired point or tighten them up and sit up straighter. The upper and lower back stay comfortable at all times as well as the legs that are sitting on a 2 inch foam pad.
Ability to Hunt 360 Degrees: Guidos Web, like any saddle, is designed to hunt 360 degrees with little movement. The New tether belt system makes this easier to do as you simply stand and ease the strap around when you see deer. For the platform for my feet (after trying several options--even a few homemade ones) I have settled on what I believe is the lightest, quietest and easiest--cranford eze steps. Unlike other steps, these are extremely easy to start in the hardest hardwood trees. Again, speaking from experience with different platforms, this is what is easiest for me to do quietly, with less sweat and less weight to carry in. I use three cranford foldable eze steps on the top platform. When I reach the top rung on my Rapid Rails I then put two steps at knee height on each side of the tree and one in line with those right in front of me. This gives me the maneuverability I need to shoot and move 360 degrees.
Are there any disadvantages to the Guidos web that I am still working the kinks out of? Sure, and here they are:
First, the carabiners and buckles can be noisy if you are not careful. That noise for me is only a problem when climbing. I think the solution for me is to use a lineman's belt to install rails with and climb with. Then once up the tree install the tether belt.
The only other problem for me is climbing in the dark. Of course, this would be a problem with any stand situation where you had to take everything with you and setup in the dark. This is a problem for me because of the need to remain quiet and use as little light as possible. While my rapid rails are easy to set up, I do have to work extra hard with things are quiet in the woods to set up quietly. I guess this will always be a work in progress though.
Again, this post is not meant to knock any other type of stand. Whatever type of stand puts you closer to deer and increases the enjoyment of your hunting experience is what one needs to use. Just wanted to give my take on a great stand--The Guidos Web. You can check it out here at : http://www.guidosoutdoors.com
