DIY Flexible Saddle

[always89y]

Love the idea of the Flex, but I have certain little adjustments that I prefer in the design...deeper cup, slightly wider seat, and I prefer the doubled layers. Plus, it being close to Christmas, I cant really make the investment right now, and not into the wait, so I'm making my own version. Heres where I'm at now.

 

[Razorbak66]

That looks awesome!!!

 

[always89y]

Main webbing added. Leg straps, belt and 3 molle loops is all that's left. Not adding linemans loops since I'm always tethered.

 

[always89y]

Finished this up last night. Not putting lineman loops because I don't use them. I mainly one stick And am always tethered to the tree.If I do need a lineman's I will just use my bridge loops. I also used heavy duty plastic and hardware. The waist belt and leg loops are typically not load bearing for me. I also do not like a bunch of stuff strapped to the saddle, so I only have 3 molle loops. Those are to attach my stick and platform while climbing

 

[Ruff-n-it]

Man that looks great!!

 

[EricS]

Looks great. Now all you need to do is get some blood on it. Preferably that of a game animal and not your own. Good luck.

 

[Razorbak66]

Man i wish i get to that level when i finally complete my saddles..i plan to make a whole bunch of different styles to see what i like and dont like...great looking saddle SIR!

 

[mtsrunner]

Looks great. When I first saw the completed project I thought the plastic quick release buckles and 1” Helium stick webbing was your bridge! Had me scared for a minute.

 

[BCHunter]

Looks good, would only be worried about the plastic waist buckle. Stay safe

 

[always89y]

I ordered a Cobra aluminium buckle to replace the waist buckle. I agree with you guys that the plastic is pushing the envelope a bit.

 

[DC10]

Looks great! Wish I had the skill set to make my own saddle.

 

[Kmarks]

Any progress available on how you created and sewed the pleat to make it flexable?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[peteherbst]

The diy saddles never cease to amaze me on here. Going to need to learn how to sew this off-season.

 

[always89y]

Any progress available on how you created and sewed the pleat to make it flexable?

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

Sure. I basically used the same saddle build process as @ckossuth (https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/diy-kestrel-clone.5757/) for the base saddle (with some personal preference changes in measurements and add-ons)
I used 4-inch wide webbing for the extension (bottom of the pleat).
I used 2 inch wide strips of the same material as I used for the saddle to connect to the outside of the webbing, then attached the other side of the 2 inch material saddle seat. Not sure if thats THE way to do it, but it works for me. Here are some photos to explain

Once the webbing is attached, I sewed the perimeter of the whole saddle with the pleat fully closed and cross stitched it to insure the ends stayed closed.

I doubled over the ends of all of the material to keep it from fraying and pulling away from the edging and webbing. I also added the green milspec material over the 500d cordura to keep the "rubberized" coating from rubbing off, or at least to hide it when it does.