Thanks, as to size matters. If the seat is to big you have this problem and if it is to small you have this problem. What are the problems for each? The tethers mantis says on sizing leaner medium and for a sitter a large for me. I would like to be able to change up through out the hang as I need to change for comfort.
Here's the way I look at choosing a saddle...
There are 2 basic aspects...comfort and user friendliness.
User friendliness comes down to bells and whistles like rope styles, knots or buries, Molly loops, ease of putting on/off, buckle style...that kind of stuff.
The comfort aspect is a little harder to say what is best for an individual. I do think that the size recommendation by the maker is a good start but whether it's comfortable goes way beyond that. 1st, Just because 2 guys are both 6 foot and 190 pounds doesn't mean they have the same shape of arse. Saddle size is just a starting point. How it's set-up and how it's used is just as important as size. Stuff that will make a difference...
What type of bridge will you use? Bridge length is critical for comfort. In the beginning, I think an adjustable bridge helps you figure out the best length for you.
Tether attachment height will make a big difference in comfort, too.
Ropeman 1 can make adjustments fast and easy to changing it a bit during a sit will effect comfort. I don't think most guys can hang all day without making an occasional adjustment.
What type of foot management will you employ? Platforms tend to be more comfortable than a ring of steps.
Knee pads...If you are strictly a leaner, you may be able to get away without pads. I lean 90% of the time, but I do need an occasional rest during an 11 hour hang...Knee pads make resting more effective.
The clothing you wear could have an effect on pressure points and hip pinch. Bulky seams, snaps, buttons, zippers, lumps in clothing layers, FOR SOME BODY SHAPES may fall right where the saddle straps put the most pressure on places your body has the least amount of padding (i.e. fat and muscle). My favorite pants have thick seams on the corners of my back pockets...one tiny spot. But that spot always seemed to end up right on a pressure point on my hips. I hardly notice it on short hunts, but when doing back-to-back-to-back, all-day sits, little discomforts start to become more noticeable by the end of each day. Since back pockets are useless for saddle hunting, I removed mine. It's slightly more comfortable.
Here's a little in-the-saddle exercise that helps my back. While leaning, do some pelvic tilts. It takes almost no movement and really makes a saddle cup your butt differently. I think guys that tend to have the saddle slide up suffer from flat-ass. Tilt that pelvis (either forward or back) and all sorts of comfort issues change, from head to toes. Tilts also help on cold days. Either isometric tilts or active tilts, help blood flow and warms me up.
Hope some of this stuff helps you make your decision.
Both AeroHunter and Tethrd make high quality saddles. Which one, and which size, that will work best for you can't be fully answered in a thread, but it's a good starting point.
Good luck and be safe. If you ever get to SW PA, look me up.
