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Tethrd ESS vs. the Phantom for a newby?

L

Lastmohecken

New Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2023
Messages
21
Ok, just getting started and I have watched a lot of John Eberhart's vids on the double panel saddle. And I am about convinced to give it a try, but when I called Tethrd to get some more info, they tried to steer me away from the ESS and go with the Phantom. And I asked about the Menace but they steered me away from that one too, pushing the Phantom.

I have actually just turned 66 years old, 5'10" and a little overweight at about 250 lbs with a 44" waist. So, I am little bit on the higher end of things. I was told the Phantom would still be big enough for me, but I figure the ESS would be also. So, anyway, suggestions? Recommendations? I am going to pull the trigger on something, pretty soon, but still trying to decide.

Eberhart puts on a pretty convincing show, regarding the double panel ESS, but then again, I know he is a lot skinnier and lighter weight person than I am. And of course, he has a lot of years of experience saddle hunting. I plan on using the saddle and teather as fall protection, while hunting out of some of ladder stands, also. I used fall protection a lot in construction work, but I must admit, I never have in the past used fall protection while hunting out of a ladder stand or even a climber. But I think it time for me to be a bit more careful, in the future.
 
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Not sure I am much help here, but I am 50 and use the old Anderson Slings almost exclusively, I am about 5' 9" and 170 bs. I just recently ordered an ESS but returned it, because I didn't like it as much as the Anderson Slings. I thought the "rings" on the ESS would make a difference, but I didn't care for them. I say that because the RECON by Treehopper is less expensive than the ESS, and if you look around, you can usually find an original Anderson sling for even less. I have not tried the Phantom.
 
One of the better saddle manufactures said that bigger guys with extra padding, ( I fit that description) are more comfortable in a 2 panel saddle.
I would recommend a Overwatch Transformer. And since you want to use it as a harness I think it would be a better option for you.
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I’m not sure I understood you correctly. If you are only using as fall arrest, I would use a full body harness with the hook up line on the back. When falling in a saddle you could end up top heavy. I’m just saying it’s possible. If you want it to be an all in one deal the ESS is a good choice because the rings naturally want to ride on the high side which gives you lots of back support and keeps your center of gravity lower which will keep you right side up. HOWEVER, if you are standing or sitting for that matter, in a ladder stand and the Drings are hanging down low (which they will with slack line) and you fall, I would think you will go head first and slip right out of the saddle. You may be better off with a 2 panel that has a bridge that is better fixed in its position. I have an ESS and 2 other 2 panels and my suggestion for your situation would be the Cruzer Archon.
 
I’ll add that although I never tried a back band, in theory… with one on, you shouldn’t be able to go inverted. But I’m not sure about that.
 
Lastmohecken said:
Ok, just getting started and I have watched a lot of John Eberhart's vids on the double panel saddle. And I am about convinced to give it a try, but when I called Tethrd to get some more info, they tried to steer me away from the ESS and go with the Phantom. And I asked about the Menace but they steered me away from that one too, pushing the Phantom.

I have actually just turned 66 years old, 5'10" and a little overweight at about 250 lbs with a 44" waist. So, I am little bit on the higher end of things. I was told the Phantom would still be big enough for me, but I figure the ESS would be also. So, anyway, suggestions? Recommendations? I am going to pull the trigger on something, pretty soon, but still trying to decide.

Eberhart puts on a pretty convincing show, regarding the double panel ESS, but then again, I know he is a lot skinnier and lighter weight person than I am. And of course, he has a lot of years of experience saddle hunting. I plan on using the saddle and teather as fall protection, while hunting out of some of ladder stands, also. I used fall protection a lot in construction work, but I must admit, I never have in the past used fall protection while hunting out of a ladder stand or even a climber. But I think it time for me to be a bit more careful, in the future.
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I would look at other brands. Check out this thread. Notice how many times Tethrd is (or isn’t) mentioned.

Also, since it appears you intend to use this device somewhat differently than a typical saddle, perhaps look into the Dryad killdeer (and consider the drey mini hammock) or the TBWS by Tactisaddle.
 
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The ess was my first and I hated it with every molecue of my soul. It is very comfortable, maybe the most comfortable I've ever sat in. But the fiddle factor was enraging and those metal rings sound like a wind chime in the tree. I wouldn't even go with either option. They make great platforms and sticks but I think competitors saddles are much better. If you looked at the Phantom look at the Cruzr XC. Better on every level
 
I personally tried the phantom when it came out and was not impressed asicould never get comfortable. Used it for almost an entire season before switching and was glad I did.
 
There is a hybrid saddle Josh tuelker uses for hunting in the beast stand maybe look into something like that. I will post a link in a minute.
 
I'm 64 years old and been saddlehunting for a very longtime. The ESS is one of my favorite saddles. Two panel saddles are very comfortable. I have 3 saddles with pleats and 2 saddles that have 2 panels. I would recommend the ESS over a single panel saddle. I also have a Overwatch outdoors Transformer 2 panel saddle that's really nice.
 
Once you get over the panel management the ESS is awesome. But I would recommend something like those mentioned above to make an easier hybrid setup for use in stands.
 
Why are these your only options? Broaden your horizons and explore all the manufacturers. Personally I hated the phantom. I just sold my ess and I absolutely loved it. I’m not “overweight” exactly but I’m not athletic at 5’11” and 210. The ess was the most comfortable saddle I had tried until I got into a latitude method. My opinion would be stick with the 2 panel route the adjustability is what a larger fellow needs. My buddy fits your build description and has a phantom xl and considers it nothing short of a waste. Look at pleated saddles if you’re going to go single panel. I do a lot of all day sits and with out a 2 panel they’re not possible. I’d say whoever you spoke with at tethrd pushed a phantom so much because it’s their “flagship” saddle and at this point in manufacturing they probably profit the most off of it. I’m sorry but I’m just not a tethrd guy I don’t believe they are mostly for the consumer
 
There’s lots of great saddles out there. Do some homework and look into the many makers. Try some out if you have the ability.
 
I mainly plan to use the saddle as designed. I just was hoping to maybe avoid buying a tree stand harness, also. It could be that I would be better off just spending a little more and get both.

I will do some more research. The problem is, nobody, dealer etc, carries tree saddles in this part of the world it seems. Of course there is the internet, but everyone considers their's to be the best. I was just trusting Ebehart because he seems to really know what he is talking about.
 
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