THE SHOOTOUT
I (George) come from a motocross/off road background and I consider riding dirt bikes to be my “bread and butter” when it comes to describe what I’m good at. John also comes from this same background and is probably responsible for getting me involved in most of the very expensive hobbies that still partake in to this day. Due to John’s influence, we have similar experience with riding dirt bikes, four wheeling (jeeps), mountain biking, rock climbing, and of course hunting. One thing that I would say we would agree on is the method we used to use to learn about cool new gear, which was opening a magazine at the store. In my mind, one of best articles in a magazine (specifically motocross) to read was always the “shootout”. There is nothing like seeing the brand new machines/gear going head to head to see what comes out on top. Also, the one of more important features of the shootout is testers themselves. I always look for the comments from the person that reflects me the most and from there, I can make an educated decision on what to spend my money on.
Buying a tree saddle is no different. Since there are more saddle options ever, I want to share my experiences and thoughts in a Saddle Shootout so that if your reading this trying to find out what might be best for your style and needs, it may help aid you in making a decision and getting it right the first time (unlike me).
The Testers:
George (George Clark) – Weight: 190lbs – Height: 6ft – Body Type: Athletic, yet, Svelte
John (Adrena123) – Weight: 207lbs - Height: 5’ 7” - Body Type: Neanderthal
I have been hunting out of a tree saddle since 2005 when I got a “pro deal” from Trophyline. It was early enough in Trophyline’s legacy they were still selling the original leather Green's Tree saddle as the top model as well as the neoprene and mesh (ambush) saddle. The Pro Deal was $100 for all the models so naturally I ordered the most expensive leather model and have been using it up until 2016. During that 10 year period, the only other harness style tree stand I bought was the Guido’s Web; mainly cause it was the only commercially available saddle available….and it looked like a lounge chair.
The main reason I wanted to upgrade from Green’s tree saddle was age. I realize it is probably strong enough to use as a winch anchor to pull the jeep out of a mud hole, but mentally I just thought it would be better to have something newer and better. Until this past season, John also wanted a change in gear. For him, it was more to preserve his Trohyline Ambush that he purchased in 2006 and maybe get something with better features that the ambush lacks.
Enter the year 2017 and the discovery of Saddlehunter forum. Since last 2016, I have sat in just about all available harness style tree stands past and present as well as the common DIY sit drag with exception to the Tree Suit and Aero hunter’s first attempts in the market – aero hunter and the evolution.
The ratings on these saddles are based on which one we would most likely hunt with to the least likely. Also, this all my opinion which I why I recruited my cousin to also share his opinion. Between John and I, we cover a common spectrum of body types. My hope is this shootout can help people trying to figure out what to buy before they go and waste a bunch of time and money like I did. Also, we used a Lone Wolf hand climber for a platform and multiple tether heights to achieve the feel that’s best for us.
6th place: The Mantis size large
For me, the mantis did not live up to the hype. I wanted it to, believe me. This saddle is just too minimalistic. Personally, saddle weight is getting a little out of hand. I love lightweight gear and that has to be the standard way of thinking when packing in somewhere that is mile or more back, but the difference between less than a pound or even three pounds is moot point. Whether I wear it in or pack it in, at this range of weights, it’s all about the same. I reason I bring this up is that to have such a minuscule weight (which Tethrd has done), sacrifices must be made. If you look at the shape of the Mantis, you can see the seat portion has more of “V” shape to it compared to the competition, which has more of a “U” or square shape to it ( see above picture). This is main contributor for my biggest complaint, riding up my back. There just is not enough material to get the seat to “cup” the user even with the micro adjusters. While they help create the “cup” sensation, at that point you’re just sitting the webbing and make it far too easy to “pop” out of the seat when making a tricky shot.
As far as comfort goes, while sitting and leaning back, the upper webbing against your lower back digs in more than I would like. To me it feels like the bridge loops are too high or close to my hips pulling me towards the tree no matter where I tie my tether. If you are a pure leaner with a predator style platform and high tether, the mantis works just fine. If you like to move around from leaning to sitting, you’ll find yourself pulling it down and re positioning a lot. For the folks that say, “Pull it down below your belt and it’s fine,” to me that’s supporting my theory that there isn’t enough seat material where it needs to be.
The overall construction is good but the decision to have removable micro adjusters is a bit of a bust. They can’t weight more than a few ounces, why not just sew them in? I have had them nearly fall off numerous times to find them dangling by a G-hook. Same with the leg straps; the G-hooks can and will work themselves loose and good luck getting them back on quickly…in the dark...with gloves on.
Not that I have real problem with the lineman loops, I prefer a more rigid loop so I can feel the carabiner hook in and grab. The mantis lineman loops are very giving forcing me to tug and check to make sure I’m hooked in securely.
I (George) come from a motocross/off road background and I consider riding dirt bikes to be my “bread and butter” when it comes to describe what I’m good at. John also comes from this same background and is probably responsible for getting me involved in most of the very expensive hobbies that still partake in to this day. Due to John’s influence, we have similar experience with riding dirt bikes, four wheeling (jeeps), mountain biking, rock climbing, and of course hunting. One thing that I would say we would agree on is the method we used to use to learn about cool new gear, which was opening a magazine at the store. In my mind, one of best articles in a magazine (specifically motocross) to read was always the “shootout”. There is nothing like seeing the brand new machines/gear going head to head to see what comes out on top. Also, the one of more important features of the shootout is testers themselves. I always look for the comments from the person that reflects me the most and from there, I can make an educated decision on what to spend my money on.
Buying a tree saddle is no different. Since there are more saddle options ever, I want to share my experiences and thoughts in a Saddle Shootout so that if your reading this trying to find out what might be best for your style and needs, it may help aid you in making a decision and getting it right the first time (unlike me).
The Testers:
George (George Clark) – Weight: 190lbs – Height: 6ft – Body Type: Athletic, yet, Svelte
John (Adrena123) – Weight: 207lbs - Height: 5’ 7” - Body Type: Neanderthal
I have been hunting out of a tree saddle since 2005 when I got a “pro deal” from Trophyline. It was early enough in Trophyline’s legacy they were still selling the original leather Green's Tree saddle as the top model as well as the neoprene and mesh (ambush) saddle. The Pro Deal was $100 for all the models so naturally I ordered the most expensive leather model and have been using it up until 2016. During that 10 year period, the only other harness style tree stand I bought was the Guido’s Web; mainly cause it was the only commercially available saddle available….and it looked like a lounge chair.
The main reason I wanted to upgrade from Green’s tree saddle was age. I realize it is probably strong enough to use as a winch anchor to pull the jeep out of a mud hole, but mentally I just thought it would be better to have something newer and better. Until this past season, John also wanted a change in gear. For him, it was more to preserve his Trohyline Ambush that he purchased in 2006 and maybe get something with better features that the ambush lacks.
Enter the year 2017 and the discovery of Saddlehunter forum. Since last 2016, I have sat in just about all available harness style tree stands past and present as well as the common DIY sit drag with exception to the Tree Suit and Aero hunter’s first attempts in the market – aero hunter and the evolution.
The ratings on these saddles are based on which one we would most likely hunt with to the least likely. Also, this all my opinion which I why I recruited my cousin to also share his opinion. Between John and I, we cover a common spectrum of body types. My hope is this shootout can help people trying to figure out what to buy before they go and waste a bunch of time and money like I did. Also, we used a Lone Wolf hand climber for a platform and multiple tether heights to achieve the feel that’s best for us.
6th place: The Mantis size large
For me, the mantis did not live up to the hype. I wanted it to, believe me. This saddle is just too minimalistic. Personally, saddle weight is getting a little out of hand. I love lightweight gear and that has to be the standard way of thinking when packing in somewhere that is mile or more back, but the difference between less than a pound or even three pounds is moot point. Whether I wear it in or pack it in, at this range of weights, it’s all about the same. I reason I bring this up is that to have such a minuscule weight (which Tethrd has done), sacrifices must be made. If you look at the shape of the Mantis, you can see the seat portion has more of “V” shape to it compared to the competition, which has more of a “U” or square shape to it ( see above picture). This is main contributor for my biggest complaint, riding up my back. There just is not enough material to get the seat to “cup” the user even with the micro adjusters. While they help create the “cup” sensation, at that point you’re just sitting the webbing and make it far too easy to “pop” out of the seat when making a tricky shot.
As far as comfort goes, while sitting and leaning back, the upper webbing against your lower back digs in more than I would like. To me it feels like the bridge loops are too high or close to my hips pulling me towards the tree no matter where I tie my tether. If you are a pure leaner with a predator style platform and high tether, the mantis works just fine. If you like to move around from leaning to sitting, you’ll find yourself pulling it down and re positioning a lot. For the folks that say, “Pull it down below your belt and it’s fine,” to me that’s supporting my theory that there isn’t enough seat material where it needs to be.
The overall construction is good but the decision to have removable micro adjusters is a bit of a bust. They can’t weight more than a few ounces, why not just sew them in? I have had them nearly fall off numerous times to find them dangling by a G-hook. Same with the leg straps; the G-hooks can and will work themselves loose and good luck getting them back on quickly…in the dark...with gloves on.
Not that I have real problem with the lineman loops, I prefer a more rigid loop so I can feel the carabiner hook in and grab. The mantis lineman loops are very giving forcing me to tug and check to make sure I’m hooked in securely.
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