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Tethrd ESS vs. the Phantom for a newby?

Yep, that Overwatch Transformer looks quite substantial in the pictures and I like the sizing and the weight range is 350 vs 300 for most saddles I have researched. Unfortunately, the larger size which is what I would want, is sold out at this time. I may give them a call.
 
I have my lineman rope and tether coming, carabiners and ropeman 1's coming. I think I may play around some, DIY at ground level, with a cinch strap, off of a horse saddle, I have. I know it plenty strong to hold me, and just get the feel for being suspended by the teather, and also lineman's rope, and I can fashion my own bridge.

Just getting the feel for things, might help me to decide if I think I will be comfortable, 15 for 20 feet up, with the real thing. I may put a ring of steps on a tree about a foot or two off of the ground and experiment some.
 
If you still want a true fall arrest capability. I suggest the the XOP renegade. Add a dryad mini for longer sits. I can't recall anyone commenting one way or the other on the renegade comfort in saddle mode. But it does have a 350lb rating.
But just wanted to bring up a saddle is not a fall harness.
 
Lastmohecken said:
Yep, that Overwatch Transformer looks quite substantial in the pictures and I like the sizing and the weight range is 350 vs 300 for most saddles I have researched. Unfortunately, the larger size which is what I would want, is sold out at this time. I may give them a call.
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Reach out to Jamie, he should be able to give you an idea when he might have transformers in stock. This time of the year can be tough finding inventory of the good stuff. There was a Orion size 1.5 for sale on here which is his single panel saddle with pleat adjusters. I know you are looking for a 2 panel however I thought I would throw that out there.

SOLD Please Close - Overwatch Orion - Size 1.5 - Multi-Cam - $210

This Orion is in "as new" condition. This is a catch and release for me and I have included the original sale post below. It came to me in like new condition and I have only sat in it one time in the yard. I bought this size 1.5 as well as another in size 1 to see which fit me better. I am 6...
saddlehunter.com

I have an Orion love it. My previous saddle was a Phantom that was uncomfortable for long sits due to hip pinch. It was also uncomfortable on the first couple multi-hour sit of the season until you were in saddle shape. I am 54, 5'11" and 185#.
 
Ok, I am learning. It does look like the Transformer or the Buzzard Roost are definitely better saddles than the Phantom or the ESS.

Thank you, fellows, for all of the good information.
 
I wouldn't buy a Tethrd saddle. They seem like the obvious, Cadillac choice simply because of their marketing.
 
I kind of like the look of the XOP Mondo for a harness, and it's not that expensive. It's supposed to double as a tree saddle. I am not sure, I would buy it for the saddle option. But it would probably serve my harness needs for my ladder stands.
 
I guess the marketing is what Tethrd is really good at. Because I was convinced that it was the choice to make, until I got on here. But it's obvious that Tethrd is not very popular on this site.
 
Lastmohecken said:
I guess the marketing is what Tethrd is really good at. Because I was convinced that it was the choice to make, until I got on here. But it's obvious that Tethrd is not very popular on this site.
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Tethrd has turned several people away from the sport because their saddles are very minimalistic and not super comfortable. People buy one as the Cadillac, it hurts them and then they write off all saddles because "I had the best and it hurt my hips".

I'd get a Woods Deluxe Hunting Saddle or another 1 panel with pleated seat.
 
Well, I called Overwatch Outdoors, to inquire about the Transformer saddle, and check on availability and I didn't get an answer, because I called after five, but Jeremie called me back later in the evening and we talked quite a while, and it just so happened that he had just finished a size 2 like I needed, so I ended up buying it. He seems to be a really nice man and took the time to tell me anything I wanted to know. So, I feel really good about buying the Transformer from him.

So, it looks like I will be in the saddle hunting mode, after I get everything delivered.

Thank you, one and all, for educating me, on the different options available.
 
Lastmohecken said:
Well, I called Overwatch Outdoors, to inquire about the Transformer saddle, and check on availability and I didn't get an answer, because I called after five, but Jeremie called me back later in the evening and we talked quite a while, and it just so happened that he had just finished a size 2 like I needed, so I ended up buying it. He seems to be a really nice man and took the time to tell me anything I wanted to know. So, I feel really good about buying the Transformer from him.

So, it looks like I will be in the saddle hunting mode, after I get everything delivered.

Thank you, one and all, for educating me, on the different options available.
Click to expand...

I bought a Transformer too. This will be my first year using it. I do like the 2-panel design as it makes a good saddle for sitting long periods of time.

Don't forget to get some good knee pads as your knees will be up against the tree when sitting. Check out Eastern Woods Outdoors for saddle hunting items you will need. Eastern Woods Outdoors – Home of DoubleSteps and the Ultimate One-Stick
 
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