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Does anyone NOT like the Predator?

DB4x4 said:
Oh, and peeing from a platform is much easier, if that's an issue/deciding factor. Hard to face away from the tree on a ROS...

...and as always, make sure you play the wind. :laughing:
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I spook more deer with the pee-pee dance than I do with cam buckles and aluminum.
 
After going thru this thread, I wound up adding three ameristeps to my ros and buying two squirrel steps to add to my platform. The ros will give me 4 positions of doubled up steps. Thanks everyone for all the responses!
 
So here’s what I’m thinking:
Predator is pretty much a certain purchase. Was impressed with Ridge Runner but the LW user in my soul is attracted to the Predator. Plus, more room to keep my feet either vertical or horizontal as I pee. Big deal for me. My body is 31 but my bladder is 81.

I’m also going to grab a pair of Bullmans that I can slide onto the Predator strap OR use to reach another 4-7’ of hunting height.

I just can’t seem to get past that standoff bracket on the Predator. Compared to the LW offset batwing, it just looks cheap. I’m sure it’s fine but it looks like it could be tweaked by the dudes at Tethrd IMO. That said, I do have a spare LW offset batwing in my shop. Is this swappable? Has anyone else done this to their Predator?
 
Last year I used the ROS. I ordered the predator this year and just using it in my yard I think I prefer the ROS.

So what I don’t like about the platform is weight and bulk vs ROS. I also think it’s a bit to long. I will keep trying it out but I may end up selling it.
 
WildBill said:
Last year I used the ROS. I ordered the predator this year and just using it in my yard I think I prefer the ROS.

So what I don’t like about the platform is weight and bulk vs ROS. I also think it’s a bit to long. I will keep trying it out but I may end up selling it.
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It seems pretty even split between guys who like one or the other. That’s a big part of why I’m still gunna invest in some Bullmans or Stepps for the Predator, so I can see if I like the taste of ROS.
 
I just don’t think steps on a Predator strap are a smart idea.....
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
So here’s what I’m thinking:
Predator is pretty much a certain purchase. Was impressed with Ridge Runner but the LW user in my soul is attracted to the Predator. Plus, more room to keep my feet either vertical or horizontal as I pee. Big deal for me. My body is 31 but my bladder is 81.

I’m also going to grab a pair of Bullmans that I can slide onto the Predator strap OR use to reach another 4-7’ of hunting height.

I just can’t seem to get past that standoff bracket on the Predator. Compared to the LW offset batwing, it just looks cheap. I’m sure it’s fine but it looks like it could be tweaked by the dudes at Tethrd IMO. That said, I do have a spare LW offset batwing in my shop. Is this swappable? Has anyone else done this to their Predator?
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Go to the bottom of page 4 in this thread.
https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/how-have-you-modified-the-predator.12260/unread
 
dalton916 said:
I just don’t think steps on a Predator strap are a smart idea.....
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Lots of dudes chiming in on this thread and others with sample pics of what seems okay. Might void warranty though. Also, I may just keep the steps on their own straps.
 
I’m still on the fence on my predator. I am finding as others have stated, the saddle thing is a rabbit hole, and highly subjectable per the user. This year I will be trying a ROS as well. I think there are advantages/disadvantages to each, you just have to see what works best for you. My only issue with the platforms is trying to shoot off to the weekside. Could be due to lack of practice as well. I had one missed opportunity last year at my 5-6 o’clock position. Part of this could also be due to finally switching to a LH bow last year. I changed up everything. Rh to lh bow, LW to saddle, my predator didn’t come in till mid season, so each hunt was slightly different in the gear I was using. Started with my LW and a sitdrag, then mantis and the top of a couple sticks, finally to the mantis and predator. I’ve also got size 13 boots, so not much room left.

The casting looks good, straps on decent once you figure out the technique. No real good answer from me yet. Lol
 
Mag1 said:
I’m still on the fence on my predator. I am finding as others have stated, the saddle thing is a rabbit hole, and highly subjectable per the user. This year I will be trying a ROS as well. I think there are advantages/disadvantages to each, you just have to see what works best for you. My only issue with the platforms is trying to shoot off to the weekside. Could be due to lack of practice as well. I had one missed opportunity last year at my 5-6 o’clock position. Part of this could also be due to finally switching to a LH bow last year. I changed up everything. Rh to lh bow, LW to saddle, my predator didn’t come in till mid season, so each hunt was slightly different in the gear I was using. Started with my LW and a sitdrag, then mantis and the top of a couple sticks, finally to the mantis and predator. I’ve also got size 13 boots, so not much room left.

The casting looks good, straps on decent once you figure out the technique. No real good answer from me yet. Lol
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I still appreciate the stream of consciousness. It answers my question as much as anyone else. Thanks!
 
Regarding the offset, I switched mine out to an XOP bracket as I agree the teeth on the OEM cast bracket left something to be desired. In the end I am sure it is basically zero difference but I had an extra bracket so why the heck not? I had a case last year, not in the Predator but in my DIY Klemz, where the bracket didn't bite due to a gnarly tree. I just couldn't get it to happen. It was still a huntable situation, but the platform had a lot more play in it.

The other things I did to my stock predator:
-filed down some sharp edges in the casting
-spray painted (just dull textured beige/brown)
-hockey tape/yoga mat silencing where platform meets the post folded up
-I wanted the level screw to contact the post not metal on metal so I thought I would try putting a spot of JB weld there then I decided to put a piece of stealth strip on top of that. We'll see how that works out.

Still not sure if if the Pred or Klemz is going to be my #1 this year. I wanted a backup and originally thought I'd go with the LWC Ambush but I am passing on that offering. I wish the Predator was a touch bigger but I do like the leveling screw, leveling on my Klemz is just a ghetto shim.
 
I also made up this bracket to try just yesterday. It is a muddy stick bracket with the tips hacked off. You really just need two points of contact with the tree and the XOP bracket I don't think I've ever seen the distal teeth make contact. Having some contour to it seems to make sense to me. We'll see how it plays but it's such in incremental thing, only the gnarliest trees does it matter. Really just something to do as I've entered hunting season prep with all my fishing trips in the rearview.

5Rmk0WR.jpg
 
elk yinzer said:
I also made up this bracket to try just yesterday. It is a muddy stick bracket with the tips hacked off. You really just need two points of contact with the tree and the XOP bracket I don't think I've ever seen the distal teeth make contact. Having some contour to it seems to make sense to me. We'll see how it plays but it's such in incremental thing, only the gnarliest trees does it matter. Really just something to do as I've entered hunting season prep with all my fishing trips in the rearview.

5Rmk0WR.jpg
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I agree with the teeth contact. That’s why I think LW has the best batwing. The XOP and LWCG six-point is a good concept, but it’s hard to beat those deep-welled, sharp-ass LW teeth.
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
I agree with the teeth contact. That’s why I think LW has the best batwing. The XOP and LWCG six-point is a good concept, but it’s hard to beat those deep-welled, sharp-ass LW teeth.
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I agree. I wonder if a LW batwing and an OCB strap would give enough bite? Might shoulda tried that before I sold mine.
 
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