I guess this was the original question. Which is better value for my hard earn paycheck and does the H2 check all the boxes that the phantom does and which should I buy not who came first.
I believe New Tribes - Boswell was upset with Tethrd when the mantis came out. He thought it was a copy. That discussion became unprofitable.
My comparison so far... never having sat in either.
1. The phantom is a mesh. The H2 is not.
2. The shape may be similar.
3. The lineman’s loops on the phantom may be better designed but does that matter for a cost conscious guy?
4. The bridge on the phantom is likely a better brand of rope but both are fine. The tether and lineman’s ropes are better with the phantom. I would use Oplux or ultra tech anyway
5. The phantom has bumps on the bridge loops. The H2 has a similar but different way to control bridge location on bridge loops. I don’t know what the better idea is. Seems like H2 got the concept for their bridge design from Tethrd. It is not a copy but the concept is the same. Didn’t Boswell have a similar complaint with Tethrd.
6. As far as cost that is an easier comparison.
7. As far as testing both are safe enough. Likely or maybe tethrd's testing methods are better. I really am not concerned.
8. As far as comfort. That is subjective and needs to be tested. Which is more comfortable - I do not know. The H2 is getting favorable comments. The Phantom is getting favorable comfort reviews from their pro staff. I expect comfort is very very subjective. I bet both are comfortable. However, maybe the recon or Wrap2R are more comfortable. For sure the Jx 3 is best as far as comfort in my subjective opinion.
9. Some might suggest that you should not buy the perceived H2 knock off and should support tethrd. That is a fair question but I likely don’t care if I have minimal funds which is why we go back to the original question.
10. I like to support innovation personally. I like what a Greg and Ernie have done to build the saddle hunting interest. I guess patent lawyers can sort it out - what is a copy? Boswell seemed to want to go that route with Tethrd.
11. Does testing for over a year make a saddle better likely or maybe? The guys who tested the phantom have a lot of saddle and hunting experience. But the question, is it worth the extra cost to me? - maybe. And yes I do value the opinion of the tethrd pro staff. They are biased though. They think the mantis is comfortable. The mantis is a great minimalist saddle for a leaner IMO. But comfort is not a strong point. The phantom was developed to fix that issue. I think the flex is comfortable but that is not the only thing I want in a saddle. We all have a different order of priorities. For me comfort is very important so I sit still.
I really want to know which saddle is best for me and at this point I am not sure. I am picky. The original question is a good one for guys that cannot afford to buy 3 mantis saddles and every thing else that comes out.
I may try a phantom if the recon, Wrap2R, and H2 do not suit me. The sling concept is interesting.
I am a guy that used to have very very limited funds but can now try various saddles and sell them off. I have empathy for the guys wondering about the original question. What’s the best deal so I don’t waste my valuable pay check. The H2 seems to check a lot of boxes for the cost conscious. If funds are tight I would see if I can try some local saddles. I would wait for a used one to come out. Prices and supply will likely be better this year. The number of saddle options is phenomenal compared to two years ago.
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