Rookie from central Ohio.

[HookSet Harvey]

Hey guys, I have been soaking up as much info for saddle hunting as possible. Long time summit climber hunter, sick of the bulk and weight, but love the comfort.
I'm leaning towards the cruzer xc package without the platform.
Really digging the ewo ultimate one stick along with a ultimader then going with the single stick climbing method and repel down.
If not that route I might just do a set of hawk minis so save some money.
With all your guys knowledge from hours spent in your tree what would you recommend to a 100% rookie with zero saddle time.

 

[Still Kicking]

Welcome from Central Illinois! Just starting out I recommend sticks while you practice other methods on your non-hunting time. Also take a look at SRT using presets.

 

[HookSet Harvey]

Thanks alot. Hawks are cheap enough to play around with. Just sick of all the weight of the summit. Trying to be light and nimble.

 

[MattMan81]

Welcome from Mi! If you really like the comfort of the climber, have you considered the JX3? Not sure how much lighter it is than a climber. But it is going to be the most comfortable.

 

[Hall17]

Welcome! I ditched the Summit this year myself and could not be happier. I am hunting new grounds because of it. I am not on the lightest set up possible train yet but with a good pack the weight carriers so much nicer than the Summit. Welcome and good luck this season!

 

[jbrow340]

Welcome from Ohio,Medina area

 

[HookSet Harvey]

I'm trying to stick with lightweight but usually that also comes at a premium cost. Figured this year I'll get a saddle and cheap sticks. Then see how it goes and upgrade what I don't like.
Really could have used sticks tonight, wasn't a good tree in a new spot I hunted. Still seen some good chasing action only thing bad was the doe pretty much same size as the small fork chasing her. Was waiting for the big one to slip in afterwards but never showed.

 

[Schemeecho]

I also switched to a saddle this year as well. I use to carry in 4 sticks and my cheap walmart lock on stand. I have a Aero hunter Flex. A 13 inch diy one stick with an 8 inch x 11 inch platform on the top step. I just jumped into one-sticking head on. Took about 20 climbs to get comfortable with it. Looking back I know for me this is the best option

 

[phatkaw]

I started practicing saddle hunting with spikes 'cause I already had a couple sets for tree work.
I got interested in one-sticking so I bought one.

Now I don't even think about using the spurs...

*edit* I bought a set of 4 climbing sticks in the spring time just to try out. (I used them twice!)

 

[HookSet Harvey]

I'm thinking hawk minis with the hawk hsp. Cheap easy. Can you 1 stick with this? Maybe play around with one stick and still have 3 other sticks to use also.

 

[phatkaw]

^^^ You can definitely do that.

 

[HookSet Harvey]

Mad rock safe guard and 40ft of canyon IV 9mm
Alone with a cruzr. Not sure on which one yet. Xc or archon?

 

[Jtoddg]

Welcome from Holmes County Ohio.

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

Hey guys, I have been soaking up as much info for saddle hunting as possible. Long time summit climber hunter, sick of the bulk and weight, but love the comfort.
I'm leaning towards the cruzer xc package without the platform.
Really digging the ewo ultimate one stick along with a ultimader then going with the single stick climbing method and repel down.
If not that route I might just do a set of hawk minis so save some money.
With all your guys knowledge from hours spent in your tree what would you recommend to a 100% rookie with zero saddle time.

cruzr xc is super comfortable! That’s what I got this year with 4 hawk minis and I’m very happy with it!

 

[HookSet Harvey]

cruzr xc is super comfortable! That’s what I got this year with 4 hawk minis and I’m very happy with it!

Did you buy the entire package with ropes? Have you upgraded anything from it?
I'm wondering if I should buy the package with ropes, back brace, and dump pouch? Or just piece together parts with upgrades.
I know buying all at once will be easier to get set up but I would like to repel down.

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

I have canyon c-Iv ropes now. I had olpux that came with it when I bought it here from a fellow member. I traded some binos for ropes and cash. Only reason I’m not using the oplux is because that’s what’s in my pouches. No other reason. Either is fine. The standard ropes are also fine no need to upgrade to oplux

 

[HookSet Harvey]

Ok here is the gear list so far
Hawk minis
Cruzer saddle kit
What's the beat way to transport the sticks into the woods?
What else am I needing?
Maybe a gear holder

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

Definately a gear holder and a good pack.

 

[HookSet Harvey]

I'm thinking either Insights Element pack or Magellan Outdoors Bow Pack.
They aren't super fancy or pricey but look like they will work for my needs.
I don't carry a lot of stuff with me now...just a small fanny pack and a small pack on my summit for a drink and to dump odds and ends.

 

[MA_PAdeerslayer]

Pack makes a difference for carrying sticks and platform. Other wise it can be comber some and a pain in the ass for lack of a better word lol