Predator First Impression

[DaveT1963]

has there been a video yet for transferring from your sticks to the predator? This is my first platform and I like seeing how others do it. At what height in reference to your top stick do you guys recommend?

I set mine about 18-24 inches above and to my left of top stick. I stand on top of stick, put my tether on and then step up on platform. No video but it really is easy to do. You could also set it to left and same height as top stick for increased safety.

 

[Catskills]

I set mine about 18-24 inches above and to my left of top stick. I stand on top of stick, put my tether on and then step up on platform. No video but it really is easy to do. You could also set it to left and same height as top stick for increased safety.

thank you! I was wondering too if anybody puts it level with your top stick to have an extra pivot point. That may be fore beneficial than toe hooking the tree

 

[DaveT1963]

thank you! I was wondering too if anybody puts it level with your top stick to have an extra pivot point. That may be fore beneficial than toe hooking the tree

I frequently do if I am set up around 18 foot (this is about where my 3 modified sticks and aider come up to. If I want to hit 20-21 - then I have to step up into platform and space my sticks a little more apart (6 inches more apart to hit 21 foot)

 

[DanielB89]

Some of the crap on a couple of these threads is sickening. I never once bashed the platform, the company or anyone involved. Just pointed out the issue I had. Here's a newsflash for everyone: the stand broke because I toe cammed it. Just like some of the Staffers say they do or did, just like I do on my Lone Wolfs. Whether you call it the perfect storm, just the right or wrong scenario whatever. What happened is I believe the strap was very tight, the tree and bark on the tree was very hard and when I toe cammed it the teeth on the post and the stand grab so good that with the strap being so tight there was no or very little slip on the tree when I put my weight on it and it just rolled the corner under. Regardless how many times people have toe cammed it in the past and gotten away with it I truly believe and proved that under a certain set of circumstances it can happen and could again. So now we know we're better off not doing that, no biggee, we learned something. I contacted Ernie, who is nothing but a gentleman every time I've contacted him, who said he'd send another platform right out and would like the old one back to inspect it. I wish nothing but success for their company, I love having new gear and options, just wish everyone would stop getting their panties in a bunch acting like I crushed their dreams or something, try being helpful instead.

I would like to revoke my comments if they were taken in that manner. I agree that the feedback was great and will ultimately be for the good of the platform.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Until this is figured out, Tethrd does not recommend toe hooking to cam lock the platform.

Thank you for the honest review fathead.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

I bout spit my coffee all over my keyboard, then I scrolled back up and saw the guys handle.

I thought Tethrd was giving out some clap-back!

 

[vabwhntr]

has there been a video yet for transferring from your sticks to the predator? This is my first platform and I like seeing how others do it. At what height in reference to your top stick do you guys recommend?

has there been a video yet for transferring from your sticks to the predator? This is my first platform and I like seeing how others do it. At what height in reference to your top stick do you guys recommend?

I would think you treat the predator like a lock on stand when it comes to getting on it. I think as with all lock ons that for safety you should step down onto it or level with the top steps at best. Is it possible to step up a few more inches onto it? No doubt in my mind but every lock on I have ever seen advises to step down on to it. I think if I was using a lifeline I would be more apt to step up and feel safer. Im sure most on here will say step up to get that extra distance and maybe when I get my predator and mantis I will change my mind.

 

[EricS]

I would think you treat the predator like a lock on stand when it comes to getting on it. I think as with all lock ons that for safety you should step down onto it or level with the top steps at best. Is it possible to step up a few more inches onto it? No doubt in my mind but every lock on I have ever seen advises to step down on to it. I think if I was using a lifeline I would be more apt to step up and feel safer. Im sure most on here will say step up to get that extra distance and maybe when I get my predator and mantis I will change my mind.

The problem with most lock on stands is they don’t handle side pressure at all. They also have cables so it’s next to impossible to step up to it and put your weight on it without side pressure. The platform is small enough to step up to while keeping your center of gravity on the platform. It is still recommended to hook up your tether first. Most people’s tethers are much stronger than any lifeline you will buy from a tree stand manufacturer.

 

[vabwhntr]

The problem with most lock on stands is they don’t handle side pressure at all. They also have cables so it’s next to impossible to step up to it and put your weight on it without side pressure. The platform is small enough to step up to while keeping your center of gravity on the platform. It is still recommended to hook up your tether first. Most people’s tethers are much stronger than any lifeline you will buy from a tree stand manufacturer.

I can understand that. When you talk about most tethers being stronger than a lifeline( and when I use lifeline I refer to the HSS Lifeline) what are you saying people are using. I was going to use a HSS tree tether as my tether which I would think would very comparable to the lifeline?

 

[Carolina_trad_hntr]

HSS is used commonly for a tether, several have used them.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[ecfire1967]

You sound like Ron Swanson... haha

“I bought the predator, the predator didn’t move, the predator works.... end of discussion” lmao.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ron Swanson? Maybe Ron Burgundy. “Stay Sexy Saddle Hunters”


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[IkemanTX]

I can understand that. When you talk about most tethers being stronger than a lifeline( and when I use lifeline I refer to the HSS Lifeline) what are you saying people are using. I was going to use a HSS tree tether as my tether which I would think would very comparable to the lifeline?

Most of us use climbing rope of some sort.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kyler1945]

Now this thing doesn't destroy everything in my packs. I'll probably put some straps/buckles on the top so I can clip it outside of my packs as well.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Now this thing doesn't destroy everything in my packs. I'll probably put some straps/buckles on the top so I can clip it outside of my packs as well.View attachment 5777View attachment 5778

I like that. I'm thinking about doing something similar with 2 rows of 3" elastic stitched similar to a cartridge holder to carry bolts. Maybe a side pouch or two for my tether. Maybe a carry strap.

Maybe...

 

[kyler1945]

I like that. I'm thinking about doing something similar with 2 rows of 3" elastic stitched similar to a cartridge holder to carry bolts. Maybe a side pouch or two for my tether. Maybe a carry strap.

Maybe...

I like that. I'm thinking about doing something similar with 2 rows of 3" elastic stitched similar to a cartridge holder to carry bolts. Maybe a side pouch or two for my tether. Maybe a carry strap.

Maybe...

wanted to do elastic and got lazy. Also made it a little too big because i'm going to shove a piece of close cel foam in there with it for when I use my fleece backpack so it doesn't wear my back out.

can double as a kneepad too for the tree

 

[Chaceigan]

1st impressions of the predator EXTREMELY LIGHTER than I thought it would be, checked to see if it had any bends like others and noticed it was slightly off square. Looked to see if there were any weak spots and found a spot that was alot thinner than the rest. Looks like there was not enough aluminum poured into that weak spot. Even though there are some slight imperfections to my positioning aid I am really looking forward to standing on it and using it all season! Thank you to all of the individuals responsible for making such an awesome tool. Greg and Ernie sincerly appreciate you making this product and getting it in my hands before my vacation! THANK YOU!

 

[Tom Karrow]

I would like to know where during the testing of the predator it actually broke. Was it the strap, was it the platform and in either case... where?

I was suprised to see the "versa" button built in to the casting. While I see the benefit of this to the narrow post design (which reduces a lot of weight) I imagine a ss bolt is much stronger.

Amazing platform though.
T

 

[Tom Karrow]

My review....

First "use".... I just tried mine about a foot off of ground level and right away found the top batwing pulling away from the tree once I set weight on the platform. The batwing is realitevely flat so for smaller diameter trees there seems to be less contact on the trunk... perhaps not a good thing. (I am comparing it to the LW feet on LW sticks which have a more substantial step from the tree) After experiencing the batwing pull off, I re-tightened the strap and SLID THE WHOLE PLATFORM DOWN THE TREE a bit before caming... that solved the problem and it is rock solid. G2 posted a Youtube video on this earlier today and it helped me. I am very impressed.

Also impressed that I got it so quickly. Here above the border, travel is slowed as dog sleds do not work well without snow and border agents usually inspect and confiscate things they might want to give as Xmas gifts.. I guess none of them are saddle hunters, and the dogs got wheels on their sleds.

The platform and post casting both look great and I see no issues like others have described with insufficient aluminum or warping. When standing on the platform at 230lbs, it feels great. There is some bounce when I stand on the edge at the batwing, but I usually do not stand on the edge. All in all, I feel far more safe on this then on my previous XOP/Ernie platform. While the Ernie mod is great, I never really trusted the XOP little tabs that the strap attached too even when looped over the platform itself. The front of the predator is a bit smooth and may be problematic with rubber boots, wetness, mud and or snow on it. I would have liked some traction built into it like the LW stand surface. I may use some paracord along the front after painting the platform, to give some traction and reduce any potential metal to metal noise. At present this is not an issue as the junction bolt between the platform and the post is tight... there is no chance the platform would "fall" and hit the post. Added weight of some paracord would not be an issue for me as the thing is so light anyway.

I do not think the strap material weight is as heavy as the LW straps... this could be improved upon as with just a few sets trying the new platform, I see wear on the strap. I may use my trusty LW straps.

I cannot wait to use this for hunting. It is an outstanding improvement and should propel saddle hunting forward.

Tom

 

[Ontariofarmer]

My review....

First "use".... I just tried mine about a foot off of ground level and right away found the top batwing pulling away from the tree once I set weight on the platform. The batwing is realitevely flat so for smaller diameter trees there seems to be less contact on the trunk... perhaps not a good thing. (I am comparing it to the LW feet on LW sticks which have a more substantial step from the tree) After experiencing the batwing pull off, I re-tightened the strap and SLID THE WHOLE PLATFORM DOWN THE TREE a bit before caming... that solved the problem and it is rock solid. G2 posted a Youtube video on this earlier today and it helped me. I am very impressed.

Also impressed that I got it so quickly. Here above the border, travel is slowed as dog sleds do not work well without snow and border agents usually inspect and confiscate things they might want to give as Xmas gifts.. I guess none of them are saddle hunters, and the dogs got wheels on their sleds.

The platform and post casting both look great and I see no issues like others have described with insufficient aluminum or warping. When standing on the platform at 230lbs, it feels great. There is some bounce when I stand on the edge at the batwing, but I usually do not stand on the edge. All in all, I feel far more safe on this then on my previous XOP/Ernie platform. While the Ernie mod is great, I never really trusted the XOP little tabs that the strap attached too even when looped over the platform itself. The front of the predator is a bit smooth and may be problematic with rubber boots, wetness, mud and or snow on it. I would have liked some traction built into it like the LW stand surface. I may use some paracord along the front after painting the platform, to give some traction and reduce any potential metal to metal noise. At present this is not an issue as the junction bolt between the platform and the post is tight... there is no chance the platform would "fall" and hit the post. Added weight of some paracord would not be an issue for me as the thing is so light anyway.

I do not think the strap material weight is as heavy as the LW straps... this could be improved upon as with just a few sets trying the new platform, I see wear on the strap. I may use my trusty LW straps.

I cannot wait to use this for hunting. It is an outstanding improvement and should propel saddle hunting forward.

Tom

Any duty on the product


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Tom Karrow]

Any duty on the product


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

NO... made in the US of A and still covered by NAFTA I guess.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I have not got mine yet. Maybe it is shipping with the mantis