ESS questions…

[CP3]

I’m considering the ESS. I’ve owned a couple single panels, but would like to try a 2 panel.

1 question: I run saddle bags. Does anyone run them on the ESS. On all the videos, I never see anyone using them with this saddle.

2nd question: Does anyone one stick with this saddle? Any issues?

 

[Apex7]

I did run saddle pouches on mine at first with no problem. I did one stick with mine with no problem.

 

[CP3]

I did run saddle pouches on mine at first with no problem. I did one stick with mine with no problem.

You like that saddle?

 

[Jimdude]

I run a pouch stuffed with heavy stuff on one side and 30’ of canyon elite in a roll pouch on the other. No problems. I also one stick with no problems. I do however have an adjustable amsteel bridge which I can easily shorten for one sticking. The biggest problem with it is panel management when NOT wearing it. I would take it out of my tote to put it on and it would be tangled. The best thing I came up with is using a lightweight aluminum carabiner to clip the 2 panels together when walking or not in use. I’ve had 2 single panels and 2 two panel saddles and I’m still looking for the perfect saddle. Maybe it doesn’t exist. But the ESS stays in my bag of tricks and I still use it from time to time. If that means anything. Tether hight is everything with the ESS.

 

[CP3]

I run a pouch stuffed with heavy stuff on one side and 30’ of canyon elite in a roll pouch on the other. No problems. I also one stick with no problems. I do however have an adjustable amsteel bridge which I can easily shorten for one sticking. The biggest problem with it is panel management when NOT wearing it. I would take it out of my tote to put it on and it would be tangled. The best thing I came up with is using a lightweight aluminum carabiner to clip the 2 panels together when walking or not in use. I’ve had 2 single panels and 2 two panel saddles and I’m still looking for the perfect saddle. Maybe it doesn’t exist. But the ESS stays in my bag of tricks and I still use it from time to time. If that means anything. Tether hight is everything with the ESS.

Where do you run your tether?

 

[Tim0712]

Love my ess. As stated the caribeaner to clip the panels together for storage and walking is a must. I’ve one sticked with it with absolutely no problem. I considered tying a secondary bridge that was short but said heck to that it’s more work and just unnecessary bulk. Now I may be partially biased because it’s the only 2 panel I’ve ever tried so I don’t have much to compare BUT I will say this. I hated this saddle when I got it, basically regretted spending my money on it but decided to give it a shot. At the start of the season (sept.15) I didn’t even use it I thought there was no way I could sit in it for any period of time. So 2 days later I decided F-it I’ll try it. I ended up falling in love with it that day and sold my single panel the following week. I’ve done multiple all day sits 12-14 hours with zero desire to get down. But tether height is Deffinately the make it or break it. I found for me collar bone height is the absolute most comfortable position. When I ran a 1 panel I was putting my tether up around my nose/top lip. I also found that a ring of steps works best with it but I’ve also never been one for platforms aside from small platforms like the scout and monarch.

 

[CP3]

Love my ess. As stated the caribeaner to clip the panels together for storage and walking is a must. I’ve one sticked with it with absolutely no problem. I considered tying a secondary bridge that was short but said heck to that it’s more work and just unnecessary bulk. Now I may be partially biased because it’s the only 2 panel I’ve ever tried so I don’t have much to compare BUT I will say this. I hated this saddle when I got it, basically regretted spending my money on it but decided to give it a shot. At the start of the season (sept.15) I didn’t even use it I thought there was no way I could sit in it for any period of time. So 2 days later I decided F-it I’ll try it. I ended up falling in love with it that day and sold my single panel the following week. I’ve done multiple all day sits 12-14 hours with zero desire to get down. But tether height is Deffinately the make it or break it. I found for me collar bone height is the absolute most comfortable position. When I ran a 1 panel I was putting my tether up around my nose/top lip. I also found that a ring of steps works best with it but I’ve also never been one for platforms aside from small platforms like the scout and monarch.

You do more sitting or leaning?

 

[Tim0712]

You do more sitting or leaning?

Only time I really sit is if I’m taking a nap lol but my lean is very shallow I’ll put 2 steps at like the 3 and 9 or 2 and 10 o clock positions and primarily use those so it’s really almost a sit

 

[Apex7]

You like that saddle?

Yes I do. It is very comfortable and I don't need a back band with it. In fact it's probably the most comfortable saddle I own. It reminds me of the Anderson sling only way better. I do recommend it.

 

[peteherbst]

It’s definitely clunky at first. But just like @Tim0712, I bought one and gave it a shot. Next week I sold my Kestrel. I don’t one stick, but do run a pouch on one side to carry a lineman’s and gear strap. Doesn’t cause any issues for me at all.

 

[Tim0712]

Yes I do. It is very comfortable and I don't need a back band with it. In fact it's probably the most comfortable saddle I own. It reminds me of the Anderson sling only way better. I do recommend it.

I think the biggest marketing issue with it is because it’s not “new technology” hence why we’d see posts like this because it’s not overly hyped up when in reality it should be

 

[Jimdude]

Where do you run your tether?

I run it low with the ESS. Probably around shoulder hight.

 

[Apex7]

I run my tether at eye level and I run my bridge at 16 inches.

 

[CP3]

I know one sticking it’s easy for me to run my tether higher than I would if I wasn’t. I don’t know why, but that’s the case.

Running it high creates more hip pinch? I currently run a TX5 single panel with the kydex strips, so it basically impossible to get hip pinch.

 

[Jimdude]

I know one sticking it’s easy for me to run my tether higher than I would if I wasn’t. I don’t know why, but that’s the case.

Running it high creates more hip pinch? I currently run a TX5 single panel with the kydex strips, so it basically impossible to get hip pinch.

When you run the tether high the D rings settle higher which puts more pressure on your back. It’s fine while you climb but one at hight you’ll want more of that pressure on your bottom. I’ve actually been thinking about cutting my D rings off and sewing some webbing around it and make it like a typical adjustable bridge loop.

 

[tylerray378]

I love my ESS clone. I used it on every hunt this year. One sticked a couple times and WE style steps the other times. I’m usually a leaner but with this saddle I prefer to sit. I’ve found comfort in the tether being shoulder height and feel the saddle pairs better with a ROS.

 

[Jimdude]

I love my ESS clone. I used it on every hunt this year. One sticked a couple times and WE style steps the other times. I’m usually a leaner but with this saddle I prefer to sit. I’ve found comfort in the tether being shoulder height and feel the saddle pairs better with a ROS.

Are you talking about your wraptor or you made an ESS?

 

[enkriss]

One sticking with it sounds like certain death. Scares me to even think about.

If you want to try a 2 panel. I suggest an overwatch transformer or a latitude method 2

 

[Jimdude]

One sticking with it sounds like certain death. Scares me to even think about.

If you want to try a 2 panel. I suggest an overwatch transformer or a latitude method 2

I have no clue why you would say that. I had a latitude method 2 with the panel management straps and it was the same or possibly not as good as the ESS. It’s a, don’t knock it till you try it kind of thing. I’ve had zero scares one sticking with it.

 

[enkriss]

I have no clue why you would say that. I had a latitude method 2 with the panel management straps and it was the same or possibly not as good as the ESS. It’s a, don’t knock it till you try it kind of thing. I’ve had zero scares one sticking with it.

I have tried them all and you have lousy control of the straps sliding through the rings on the ESS. A little better on the recon but still… the method and transformer would be much better suited for one sticking than those Anderson style ones.