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Does anyone NOT like the Predator?

I really like the predator but I also really like my squirrel steps. I also just got the ridgerunner from out on a limb and I like it to, but haven't hunted from it. The one time that I prefer one over the other (ROS vs Platform) is leaning trees. I rather a platform for those. Just personal preference.
 
If you are new to saddles, then I think what ever you start with, ROS or Platform is most likely what you will like. What ever you put the time into to learn and get comfortable with will be best for you. For me, I hook up different and use both different. I like to be able to be comfortable to sit in my saddle, and I find my sweet spot is having a longer bridge and tether height makes that work better for me. And with having my saddle set up like this, it’s more comfortable on a ROS for me. When I use a platform, I feel like I need to be more upright and not lean as far off the tree. So I have a shorter bridge and tether height which isn’t as comfortable for me sitting.
This is why so many of us try everything as a new saddle hunter. We really haven’t figured out what we like for ourselves. It takes years to put good time in with a system and fine tune different options to really know what you like. With just hours in the backyard, you can make any system work and think you like it. Use each system for a hunting season and you find yourself going back to a particular setup and style. Then you get to a position where you don’t have to buy every new thing that comes out. You can look at it a decide if it fits your style or not.
Have you heard of the saddle hunting rabbit hole? This is it! Lol
But to answer your question, I think the predator had a few squeaks at first, but is a well made platform from what I hear and you will be happy with its quality.
 
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Predator for me. I have nothing bad to say about it. Mine never squeaked a lick. I tried a ring of steps for a minute, but went right back to the platform. It just fits the way I hunt.
 
Cory T said:
I really like the predator but I also really like my squirrel steps. I also just got the ridgerunner from out on a limb and I like it to, but haven't hunted from it. The one time that I prefer one over the other (ROS vs Platform) is leaning trees. I rather a platform for those. Just personal preference.
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How do you like the width vs the depth of the two platforms? I like the predator but might give the ridge runner a shot. I’ve got wide feet and it seems the predator feels narrow.
 
enkriss said:
Buy a predator and a couple squirrel steps to put on the strap and have the best of both worlds.

I have a predator and ridge runner gonna be a tough decision between those two come fall.
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My Ridge Runner is coming this week!!!!
 
Ac
Wolfie said:
How do you like the width vs the depth of the two platforms? I like the predator but might give the ridge runner a shot. I’ve got wide feet and it seems the predator feels narrow.
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The width of the ridgerunner is really nice. Let's you spread out a little bit. The predator you kinda have to keep your feet together. The ridgerunner really grips your boots. I'm really looking forward to hunting from it
 
Cory T said:
Ac The width of the ridgerunner is really nice. Let's you spread out a little bit. The predator you kinda have to keep your feet together. The ridgerunner really grips your boots. I'm really looking forward to hunting from it
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My conundrum now is which should I go with between the RR and Predator. I still feel like the Predator might fit my body better at a Hobbitous 5’7” x 185# with a size 10.5 shoe, since it’s a half-pound lighter and a little slimmer profile/packability. That said, I do have a wide gait for my size, so I might like the RR better. It just seems clunkier, without having actually used it. Like a Hawk hang-on vs. a LW, if that makes sense.
 
Wolfie said:
How do you like the width vs the depth of the two platforms? I like the predator but might give the ridge runner a shot. I’ve got wide feet and it seems the predator feels narrow.
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I saw Southern Outdoorsmen Predator review video and Jacob was sitting sideways to the tree, using the platform’s length AS its width. Looked like a solid technique. It’s at about 4:10 in the following video:
He specifically says pistol hunting, but it’s still applicable to archery IMO.

Anyone have issues with the straps like he mentions in the video? I do have a LW strap handy...
 
First, let me say that I am primarily a sitter and not a leaner, so that is a huge factor in platform selection and likes. The Predator is the best platform option for most leaners and is the most solid platform on the market. I do not like it for me simply because it, and other platforms, force you to keep your feet closer together on the front of the tree as compared to a ring of steps, which is not comfortable for me sitting. I do not use a true ring of steps, just 2 squirrel steps on an ocb placed at 4 and 8 oclock on the tree. I also only hunt with xbow or gun, so I do not have to go through all the maneuvers and positions as you vertical bow guys do, and I shoot left or right handed, so I do not have to move much to shoot directly behind me or around the tree (360 kill zone with minimal movement). If you lean for the most part and shoot a bow, the Predator is probably the best option for you.
 
Bwhana said:
First, let me say that I am primarily a sitter and not a leaner, so that is a huge factor in platform selection and likes. The Predator is the best platform option for most leaners and is the most solid platform on the market. I do not like it for me simply because it, and other platforms, force you to keep your feet closer together on the front of the tree as compared to a ring of steps, which is not comfortable for me sitting. I do not use a true ring of steps, just 2 squirrel steps on an ocb placed at 4 and 8 oclock on the tree. I also only hunt with xbow or gun, so I do not have to go through all the maneuvers and positions as you vertical bow guys do, and I shoot left or right handed, so I do not have to move much to shoot directly behind me or around the tree (360 kill zone with minimal movement). If you lean for the most part and shoot a bow, the Predator is probably the best option for you.
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Thorough response sir. Thank you!
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
My Kestrel arrives in early September and I just came into a “spare $200”, aka I shifted some change around and freed up two Benjamins through the grace of the deer gods.
After hemming and hawing over whether I’d use the Bullman ROS, 2-3 Wild Edge Stepps, an OOL Podium, or the Predator, the financial situation is looking in favor of the Predator. So, being the consummate homework-doer when it comes to hunting gear, I have to ask the Predator users at large:
Is there anything you hate about the Predator, or is it really the answer to the bowhunter’s plight?
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Where in Delaware are you? I've got a predator you can try out.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
My conundrum now is which should I go with between the RR and Predator. I still feel like the Predator might fit my body better at a Hobbitous 5’7” x 185# with a size 10.5 shoe, since it’s a half-pound lighter and a little slimmer profile/packability. That said, I do have a wide gait for my size, so I might like the RR better. It just seems clunkier, without having actually used it. Like a Hawk hang-on vs. a LW, if that makes sense.
Click to expand...

It seems it’s preference, it took me four different saddles to find the one I like best. So I have some extra cash laying in my PayPal account that’s gonna get spent on a ridge runner. The ros is not a bad option, I like them and might even just stick with them in the end. They’ve definitely come down price since last year. Can’t hurt to have some.
 
Wolfie said:
It seems it’s preference, it took me four different saddles to find the one I like best. So I have some extra cash laying in my PayPal account that’s gonna get spent on a ridge runner. The ros is not a bad option, I like them and might even just stick with them in the end. They’ve definitely come down price since last year. Can’t hurt to have some.
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Good feedback for sure.
 
I had a gen 1 and used it for a couple months. I didn’t care for it and sold it. It was really thought out and made well but sometimes no matter how tight I got it it would still pull away from the tree. I replaced the strap with a Lone Wolf strap and it still did it. The platform was a little smaller than I would like. The gen 2 is probably improved. I have a Treesuit platform that works pretty well and have the new OOAL platform on the way.
 
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