Single vs 2 Panel Saddle

[RMcDonald7]

I have a DIY single panel I picked up off FB and have 5 or so sits in it (maybe 15hrs) and was getting hip pinch. I bought a Overwatch Transformer off the classifieds here and WOW, what a difference for me. Love my 2 panel overwatch! I like how I can adjust it down to sit in more when rappelling down and retrieving my stick and platform off the tree at the end of a hunt.

 

[tailgunner]

2 panel?why not 2 bows,2 binos,2pairs of boots,2 climbing systems,heck.2 of everything

 

[MNFarmHunter]

The most comfortable saddle I ever sat it was a AH Merlin which is discontinued. The downside was it’s weight and you really couldn’t wear it in.

The Method2 is close but not as comfortable. However, it’s far lighter and wearable while walking.

I’m about 50/50 sit/lean and having a 2-panel lets me adjust for both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Apex7]

I think you may like the transformer. But maybe just stick with the cruzr xc. I’ve been going down the rabbit hole of multiple saddles. Now I have 3 different ones that I like and can’t make up my mind which one I like most haha

I have 6 different saddles . Two are to panel one a Guido's web two are single panels and ones a Treesuit . I like the ESS but wish the molle loops came around the front of the saddle more. My Transformer is about perfect. My Cruzr XC is awesome and my Areo hunter Flex is the awesome also. So what I do is in early season when it's hot I use the Cruzr XC . Then when it gets a little cooler I use the Transformer. For all day sits I might gl with the Guido's web and when it's cold I use the Aero Hunter Flex. The ESS I bring out when the urge hits me. The Treesuit is in my saddle hunting archive.

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

All you guys are making me feel bad for the sheer number of saddles I have in my possession
Like mentioned by nearly everyone, it really is personal preference. It really seems to come down to two things in my mind:
A) panel management- some two panels are more easily managed than others and some adjust into easy comfort quicker than others
B) that extra webbing and where it lands. Personally I can’t stand the feeling of a piece of webbing directly across my hip. That’s why the two panel wasn’t for me. I have an XC and I got the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time in an archon, while I think both are pretty similar and built very well, I enjoyed the XC. It was probably the third or fourth most comfortable saddle I ever sat in. The archon while not uncomfortable put an insane amount of pressure in my back and when I adjusted the bridge to get it out of my back, it ended up putting the lower panel top strap right across my hip. The method I only spent about 20 minutes in and there was less back pressure but more side hip pressure for me. Buzzard roost had a pretty comfortable that I got to try. But it still required more moving around and adjusting for me than a pleated saddle ever has. We get these topics every month or so on here unfortunately though no one can tell you which saddle will fit your body type best. It’s very personalized. Best advice try more out at a local meet up before buying. And if you already love the XC, just stick with what you know works for you.

 

[TurkeyBum]

All you guys are making me feel bad for the sheer number of saddles I have in my possession
Like mentioned by nearly everyone, it really is personal preference. It really seems to come down to two things in my mind:
A) panel management- some two panels are more easily managed than others and some adjust into easy comfort quicker than others
B) that extra webbing and where it lands. Personally I can’t stand the feeling of a piece of webbing directly across my hip. That’s why the two panel wasn’t for me. I have an XC and I got the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time in an archon, while I think both are pretty similar and built very well, I enjoyed the XC. It was probably the third or fourth most comfortable saddle I ever sat in. The archon while not uncomfortable put an insane amount of pressure in my back and when I adjusted the bridge to get it out of my back, it ended up putting the lower panel top strap right across my hip. The method I only spent about 20 minutes in and there was less back pressure but more side hip pressure for me. Buzzard roost had a pretty comfortable that I got to try. But it still required more moving around and adjusting for me than a pleated saddle ever has. We get these topics every month or so on here unfortunately though no one can tell you which saddle will fit your body type best. It’s very personalized. Best advice try more out at a local meet up before buying. And if you already love the XC, just stick with what you know works for you.

I am not giving anyone a hard time about the number of saddles you own. First step to realizing it’s an issue is to realize you have a problem lol. I’ve gone down a really long and expensive rabbit hole this year to end you learning exactly what you stated. The extra webbing strap on the lower panel hurts my hips no matter where it lands. I don’t know the ages of anyone commenting but at almost 53 years old it is not comfortable.

 

[muzzyman88]

I have no experience with a two panel, but I do currently use a Cruzr XC. I could be really wrong, but I think single panels are much more sensitive to fit and setup in the tree. I struggled even with the XC for a bit until I learned that one, my saddle was a size too big for me and two, I find the most comfort when my tether is around chin height.

I sit and lean 50/50. What I found was that with the larger saddle, I was constantly adjusting it, pulling it down on my waist, pulling the bottom of the saddle up, etc. It was definitely a battle to stay in the tree comfortably for any amount of time. Once I got the smaller size and brought my tether height down, the saddle stays put and moves with me. It was astonishing how much more comfortable and enjoyable it was for long periods of time.

 

[farmlegend]

Have owned two two-panels and tried a third. Have still never found the “sweet spot”.

All were more uncomfortable for me than any of the flock of single panels I’ve owned. They’re simply not for me.
It’s just a highly individualized type of product.

Which is why you can’t answer the question “which saddle is the most comfortable?”

 

[Spartan]

I've noticed a pattern where the hunters that seem to prefer the two panel saddles tend to be the more experienced users who have been saddle hunting for many years. There are exceptions, but it's a pattern. I'm only on my second season of saddle hunting and didn't like the two panels. Maybe that will change down the road after I get lots more saddle hours under my belt.

Just sharing my observation on that.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

My general observation on two panels is the following.

If you are primarily a sitter, then you will have a better chance of liking a 2 panel. John Eberhart mentions in one of his videos that a saddle is a seat, it is meant for you to sit in. I agree with that. No offense to leaners.

I fidget less because the two panel has one section that stays put under my butt no matter where I position the upper panel. I usually run it where the top of the bottom panel overlaps with the bottom of the top panel, giving me a 9-inch-deep seat. The webbing offers more support, and the support is more consistent and evenly spread out over the whole surface area. In a 2 panel you generally only have ridged wedding support at the top and at the bottom. So, you have 2 inches of strap under your butt at the bottom and then one way up near your waist and some form of mesh in between. This can make a hot spot on the bottom where most of the weight is concentrated. A 2 panel has 4 two inch wide sections of ridged seat belt that won't stretch or sag. The way I use mine I have 6 inches of solid webbing under my butt, but if I wanted, I could have 8 inches of webbing width very easily to spread out the weight. This is a feature John Eberhart also points out about 2 panels.

Accessories and pouches. If you want to hang pouches and accessories off your saddle, then you will probably not be happy with a 2 panel. They seem too really be best when you run them clean. Once again, John mentions this also.

There are people who love 2 panels and there are people who love single panels. There is no right or wrong answer. For an individual, there will likely be a definite preference once they get some experience. As long as what you are using suits you and your hunting style, and you like it that is the right answer for you.

 

[Apex7]

I been at t

I've noticed a pattern where the hunters that seem to prefer the two panel saddles tend to be the more experienced users who have been saddle hunting for many years. There are exceptions, but it's a pattern. I'm only on my second season of saddle hunting and didn't like the two panels. Maybe that will change down the road after I get lots more saddle hours under my belt.

Just sharing my observation on that.

I been saddlehunting since the early 80s and I do prefer 2 panel saddles although I do own a couple saddles that have pleats in them. I am a sitter always have been and the only saddle I ever own that was uncomfortable was a neoprene Trophyline saddle made many years ago. So I do switch saddles from time to time from 2 panels to signal panel. They all work for me.

 

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

I've noticed a pattern where the hunters that seem to prefer the two panel saddles tend to be the more experienced users who have been saddle hunting for many years. There are exceptions, but it's a pattern. I'm only on my second season of saddle hunting and didn't like the two panels. Maybe that will change down the road after I get lots more saddle hours under my belt.

Just sharing my observation on that.

I know many people who have saddle hunted for 15 years or more and won’t touch a 2 panel. My belief if people just jump on the new “best thing” but even that isn’t necessarily true. It truly comes down to personal preferences and I’m kind of a if it ain’t broke don’t fix it kind of guy.

 

[Apex7]

I know many people who have saddle hunted for 15 years or more and won’t touch a 2 panel. My belief if people just jump on the new “best thing” but even that isn’t necessarily true. It truly comes down to personal preferences and I’m kind of a if it ain’t broke don’t fix it kind of guy.

The Anderson sling is like the ESS saddle and that's why I like it so much. With a 2 panel saddle for me there is no need for a back band. I can ajust the panels so I am comfortable . I still wish I had my Anderson sling just as a reminder of old times.