Looking to upgrade my saddle. Any input would be appreciated.

[Chickenking]

My only experience is with Aero Hunter saddles and unless you can find a used one they are no longer in production. I have the Kestrel and the Merlin. I love them both. The Merlin is better during warmer weather because of the mesh. Both the Kestrel and the Merlin are very adjustable to most, however, I'm sure there are a few who would find it uncomfortable. I have sat in both saddles several times for 5-6 hour sets and never experienced any issues. More adjustability with the Merlin than the Kestrel. I've recently ordered a TX 5 Custom Gear Lonestar 2.0 but have zero experience with it as of date.
Greg Stagg of Stagg's in the Wild You Tube channel has 100's of hours setting in multiple saddles. Check his channel out for great reviews. I've found his reviews to be spot on.

 

[bfriendly]

You’re using the buzzard roost now? I’ve heard good things I’m definitely interested.

Yes! I bought it when they had a pattern going for $199, mainly cause I wanted a 2 panel. I asked for a few Molly loops added and they complied, no charge. I had an issue with putting on the leg straps so I called them. He went through the process once and the light came on…genius! Some folks cut leg straps off(not me, I wear mine), but you can remove these without cutting of desired.
I finally moved my @beaston roll pouch over to it and am replacing a small dump pouch with a fleece on the way from EWO.

 

[greg728]

I’m torn between the buzzard roost and the cruzr xc. Leaning towards buzzard roost. Do saddle companies typically have sales on the off season?

 

[Chickenking]

Several saddle companies offer year round discount codes if you’re a veteran, first responder or law enforcement officer. Not sure about Cruze or Buzzard Roost, however, both have awesome reviews. Greg Stagg has done reviews on both @ (Staggs in the Wild) You Tube.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[cjr4497]

I have a tethrd phantom saddle that I want to upgrade as I don’t find the single panel saddle (or at least this one) to be very comfortable after an hour or two. I find myself constantly fidgeting around trying to adjust it because of the way that it sits on me. I’ve loosened up the leg straps and the buckle strap and it has helped but the full webbing panel just doesn’t feel right. I was thinking of looking into a two panel saddle but I’d like some feedback. It doesn’t have to be two panel that’s just what my gut is telling me. I’m 6’ 180lbs and don’t have a lot of cushion so comfort is my biggest factor after safety. Any input would be awesome.

I am 5'9" and 220 pounds. I sat in my Overwatch Transformer, dual panel saddle, for 8 straight hours without issue this past Saturday. The longest I have gone is 11. The thing is phenomenally comfortable. I go between sitting and leaning in it as I need. The transformer distributes your weight evenly across four sections of webbing vs 2 on most saddles. I have never experienced hip pinch with it. I did get a back band this year due to a couple October sits where the tree leaned weird at the position I needed to be in to shoot. I got the Overwatch version of that too just because I knew it was made in American and would have amazing build quality, worked like a charm.

The whole reason I got the Transformer is because every review gushed over how comfortable it was, how there was no hip pinch, and the build quality. After 3 seasons of public land abuse it is still like brand new. Not a stitch loose. That said I am temped to try the Overwatch Orion just to see what the pleated saddle thing is all about.