Out on a limb platform

[redsquirrel]

Locking this thread until I have time to figure out what to do with it.

Take the time to cool off guys.

 

[redsquirrel]

Alright I tried to clean this up to keep this discussion on track. I want to remind everyone that personal attacks will not be tolerated on this site. From this point forward please keep the discussion on the topic of this thread, the new saddle hunting platform by out on a limb. Anything straying too far from that will be deleted by a moderator.

 

[Vtbow]

A few more comments to follow up @redsquirrel:

Thanks @kyler1945 for stating some facts about this platform and trying to bring this thread back on target.

@FletchDeep it is important to mention this site is not affiliated with tethrd. There is a lot of current talk and focus on their products and brand for several reasons:

(1) They have been the first new saddle specific saddle company in a long time, that got the community excited
(2) Those involved with Tethrd have been frequent posters, contributors and long time members of this site. There are many personal connections at play here.

I can see how if you were a newer member here there appears to be an inner "tethrd" circle. I do not believe that is the intention of all those involved and you can see @redsquirrel 's comments above. It is tough because as with any newly introduced piece of gear, it will be compared and contrasted against the last released "newest and greatest"--which is a tethrd predator currently. Difference between this platform comparison and your Mathews comparison is there are 100's of brands of bows for people to compare and contrast. That argument is more closely relevant to something like the Ford/Chevy debate. Some may call those consumers "hard headed", the correct term is brand loyal. There is ONE commercially available platform on the market; anything new will be compared to it, there's no other option, literally.

That being said, a platform isn't for everyone. A light platform isn't for everyone. A small platform isn't for everyone. Not everyone is going to be comfortable leaning off the side of any platform like (@flinginairos)--some will put a step on either side, but in order for people to choose and develop their own saddle hunting style info has to be shared on all viable options in a respectful way. Remember what is viable for some, isn't for others.

Personal attacks have never been tolerated on this site, and even though the site is growing exponentially, I don't expect that to change. On the same note if anyone is affiliated with a a vendor(prostaff, dev, sponsored, etc.) I would ask them to please do the community the courtesy of stating that in their signature. Even though a community member may not always express an opinion that favors there association, it is important for people to be aware, especially new members whom may not be privy to history and personal/professional connections

Personally, I'm excited to see all these new companies become involved in the saddle hunting world. It will bring innovation and more choices that broaden how applicable and valuable saddle hunting is to the entire hunting population. Just like treestands, saddles, platforms, and other associated gear and techniques are not a one-size-fit all.

 

[Jefferson10940]

I watched the 2 videos showing the new version. It is not for me, but I am sure it will sell. Especially at the initial $99 price. I personally do not think it is better than the XOP or predator that I already have. But if I was without a platform, I would consider it. 3 pounds is nice, I would add a ratchet strap but that is just me. The video show it taking a side load better than I imagined. It seems more functional than my first impression. On IG last night he posted a phone number to pre order and a few hours later made another post where it seemed like he was getting flooded with calls to order. Taking risks in a small business takes courage and I commend him for it and hope it works out for him and his family.

Interested in hearing a review from someone who has one.

 

[EricS]

I think if he wrapped the expanded metal over the edge a little and weld it there that would help with getting traction. I would also consider using a larger washer or stop where the strap loops onto the platform. That or see a video of it strapped around a larger tree and see if the straps look like they may pull off. It’s definitely more stable than it looks like it would be based on the video. It’s at least as stable as my hand climber if not more so. Can’t wait to hear some feedback once some get out there.

 

[Vtbow]

I think if he wrapped the expanded metal over the edge a little and weld it there that would help with getting traction. I would also consider using a larger washer or stop where the strap loops onto the platform. That or see a video of it strapped around a larger tree and see if the straps look like they may pull off. It’s definitely more stable than it looks like it would be based on the video. It’s at least as stable as my hand climber if not more so. Can’t wait to hear some feedback once some get out there.

Each of the loops on the strap could be girth hitched as well to keep from pulling off the ends...decreases strength a little, but wouldnt be worried about it in that application...

 

[EricS]

Alright I tried to clean this up to keep this discussion on track. I want to remind everyone that personal attacks will not be tolerated on this site. From this point forward please keep the discussion on the topic of this thread, the new saddle hunting platform by out on a limb. Anything straying too far from that will be deleted by a moderator.

Guys come on. We didn’t make it two hours since Scott posted this. Basically if it isn’t about the out on a limb platform you’re just peeing into the wind.

 

[EricS]

Each of the loops on the strap could be girth hitched as well to keep from pulling off the ends...decreases strength a little, but wouldnt be worried about it in that application...

I guess you could run them across the front and hook on opposite sides also. Either way would work.

 

[Vtbow]

I guess you could run them across the front and hook on opposite sides also. Either way would work.

thats a good idea too.

 

[FletchDeep]

I'd like to apologize to...

Ok kidding aside I would like to apologize for contributing to some back and forth stuff earlier and not finding the ignore feature sooner. Thank you mods for cleaning it up. Thank you kyler for stating things a little more gracefully.

But to keep this about the platform I want to dig down on the channel post vs a traditional I beam type. I really like that it grips the tree for it's full height on both sides of tree. Would venture to guess it might even be over all lighter when you consider the bolt and offset bracket. I know it grips the tree really well as it's on the camera base as well and is the only one I've found that will hold solid with a cam buckle strap.

And hopefully for the last time, I have ZERO affiliation with the company.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[GCTerpfan]

I guess you could run them across the front and hook on opposite sides also. Either way would work.

This was my first thought also.

I am also curious how it grips on larger trees. In my mind the channel would grip well on smaller trees when the sides of the channel are being tightened around the side of the tree. It literally can't slip in that case but, when the channel is tightened against the "face" of a larger tree it seems like it might not handle side pressure as well. I would be interested to see a video of that.

 

[hairy chinch bug]

I emailed the gentleman and he sounds like a stand-up, professional businessman.

I, by the way, am not affiliate with any company in the sporting goods industry; just a simple farm-boy raising a few pigs, so please eat lots of bacon!!

In our email discussions I have been told the inside of the mounting bracket (4" alum. channel) is about 3.5", which is able to accept 2 stock LW sticks nested together "one on top of the next" or 3 nested "side by side" (with 1/4 inch on both sides). I suppose a pool noodle or small wood shim would hold them apart to lessen metal to metal contact.

I also stated that a way to use molly attachment to cinch to a backpack or add carrying straps might be good.

Eat more bacon; if you want, I guess!

 

[DanO]

I emailed the gentleman and he sounds like a stand-up, professional businessman.

I, by the way, am not affiliate with any company in the sporting goods industry; just a simple farm-boy raising a few pigs, so please eat lots of bacon!!

In our email discussions I have been told the inside of the mounting bracket (4" alum. channel) is about 3.5", which is able to accept 2 stock LW sticks nested together "one on top of the next" or 3 nested "side by side" (with 1/4 inch on both sides). I suppose a pool noodle or small wood shim would hold them apart to lessen metal to metal contact.

I also stated that a way to use molly attachment to cinch to a backpack or add carrying straps might be good.

Eat more bacon; if you want, I guess!

Thanks for the report. And I eat bacon every single day!

 

[IkemanTX]

I had this typed up just before it was locked, but wasn’t able to post it. Here goes now.

It seems the complaint was that the reviews didn’t mention any positives and went directly into criticism. So, let me take a stab at a review from a longer time saddle hunter.

I totally don’t understand using the tiny one, so I will review the larger one.

Pros-
•Inexpensive to diy/produce with a welder, which makes it great for multiple permanent setups. (If you are into permanent setups)
•lightweight
•compact

Cons-
•expanded metal
•hollow tube structure
The combination of the two above items have caused me ENORMOUS problems with noise over the years. Between the hollow tubing echoing any metallic noise, and the expanded metal and welds popping as they expand/contract in cold weather.
•rounded edges reduce traction (we saddlehunters tend to place most or all of our weight on the outside edge of a platform, not on the top deck)
•lack of the “wings” that tethrd pioneered. I really do think they are a game changer. Without them, you definitely still need a couple steps with your platform, and that defeats the purpose of a platform.

I will probably build a few platforms similar to these to permanently stick in a few trees on my parents place as my son gets old enough to saddlehunt, but I won’t pay for such a basic design to be built for me. It is just too easy for me to put together myself.

It is easy for it to look like we didn’t give the product any benefit of the doubt. But, what is missed by not being on the forum for the last 5+ years is how many of us DIY’d basically the exact same thing, and the countless threads discussing their pros and cons.
To be honest, the best product resource guide for ANYONE wanting to produce a product for saddlehunters exists right here in the archives. Power through ALL the diy platform threads from a year or two before tethrd announced their product line and you will have a great understanding of what we are looking for in a product.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FletchDeep]

I emailed the gentleman and he sounds like a stand-up, professional businessman.

I, by the way, am not affiliate with any company in the sporting goods industry; just a simple farm-boy raising a few pigs, so please eat lots of bacon!!

In our email discussions I have been told the inside of the mounting bracket (4" alum. channel) is about 3.5", which is able to accept 2 stock LW sticks nested together "one on top of the next" or 3 nested "side by side" (with 1/4 inch on both sides). I suppose a pool noodle or small wood shim would hold them apart to lessen metal to metal contact.

I also stated that a way to use molly attachment to cinch to a backpack or add carrying straps might be good.

Eat more bacon; if you want, I guess!

That's another pro for the channel vs an I beam. I bought their camera base for my muddy filming arm that uses the same channel and it nests perfectly.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Just stumbled into this on YouTube.

Wish I could see an install on a tree. Does it cam over like other platforms?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Vtbow]

Just stumbled into this on YouTube.

Wish I could see an install on a tree. Does it cam over like other platforms?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Check out their Facebook page, a few different videos.

 

[Jefferson10940]

Just stumbled into this on YouTube.

Wish I could see an install on a tree. Does it cam over like other platforms?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

This design has been changed already, I think you can see the new design on post 86. It is wider and shaped differently. Like Vtbow said facebook or instagram has 2 short videos showing the new one and how to attaches to tree.

 

[Jefferson10940]

That's another pro for the channel vs an I beam. I bought their camera base for my muddy filming arm that uses the same channel and it nests perfectly. View attachment 9325

I do not see where you can order just the camera arm base? It only shows ordering the entire arm on their page. I also have muddy arm, but that base is sooo cumbersome I would like to consider an alterative. Thanks

 

[FletchDeep]

I do not see where you can order just the camera arm base? It only shows ordering the entire arm on their page. I also have muddy arm, but that base is sooo cumbersome I would like to consider an alterative. Thanks

I had to call and order it separately. Yes, I hated my muddy base, half the time I couldn't get it level and it ate up my whole backpack. Was looking at the fourth arrow forever and just never went through with it. Now that I found this I'm glad I didn't.