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Tree Saddle Help

Buckshot1822

Buckshot1822

Active Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2017
Messages
198
Location
Clearfield County PA
I have a trophyline neoprene saddle that I have had fir probably 10 years. I used it some the first couple of years I had it. But, I was never able to get truly comfortable in it. I was using 4 steps around the tree as a platform, and I think that was part of it. I had preset trees with Summit swiftree steps then had 4 screw ins for my platform. I just could get very comfortable, I had pressure on my hips, and couldn't sit still for long. I am about 5'11" and 185 pounds.

I am thinking about giving the saddle a serious try again, and I am looking for suggestions. Weight is not a huge factor for me. At times I may be hiking in a few miles, but I'm not worried about saving ounces. I am looking for suggestions on the best out of the box sticks to get me to 20 or so feet, and platform ideas.

I am thinking about one of ernies platform kits using the xop seat, that has to be pretty comfortable, and I think a lot of my prior issues stemmed from what I was using as a platform.
 
Do you remember what made it uncomfortable when you used it last time?
There are saddle wizards here that can give sound recommendations to make it more comfortable.

Hip squeeze is a common complaint, there are ways to mitigate this.

Sent from my SM-S820L using Tapatalk
 
Think just about everyone including myself would recommend an Ernies platform. As far as sticks go theres alot of options I personally dont like staggering steps and would probably go with muddy pro or hawk helium I'm currently using the stepp ladder system from wild edge Inc and I like them alot but I personally cant get up the tree as fast as a stick climber
 
theres sitting in a saddle that requires something to comfort you knees and theres leaning in a saddle that requires something to comfort your feet. leaning with a larger platform for your feet seems to be the easiest
 
Yea, I was leaning on the 4 screw in steps, and it definitely was hard on my feet. I didn't quite get the right tree diameter figured out for me to be comfortable either when sitting. I think I will get an ernie platform rigged up.

As far as sticks I think I would rather have a double sided step. Than staggered ones also. I'm not sure if I would need 3 or 4 steps to get up to 18-20 feet.
 
Last edited:
yeah screw ins are the worst to stand on for long periods
 
Scott F said:
Do you remember what made it uncomfortable when you used it last time?
There are saddle wizards here that can give sound recommendations to make it more comfortable.

Hip squeeze is a common complaint, there are ways to mitigate this.

Sent from my SM-S820L using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I definitely had some hip pinch occuring. That was one of the biggest issues. I have a feeling that the saddle is a little bit big for me too. I am right between a medium and large. So I followed instructions online and bought the large.
 
I think the causal factors for most hip squeeze is a high tether connection, short bridge, or being a 'sitter' vs a 'leaner'.

Recommend you adjust any/all of these until you get it right for you -- you WILL eventually get it right.
Good luck

Sent from my SM-S820L using Tapatalk
 
You have to dedicate yourself to making the system work. A saddle is not something you can just pull out and everything will work right off the bat. You have to tweak your setups, tether length, tether height, etc to find what works for you. Everybody can give you recommendations to try but everyone finds something different that works for them. And if you find one thing that works for you it might make everything else work too. For example, I have been using screw in steps for years. I have had trees where I have been more uncomfortable than others, but most of the time I have no problems with them. Not saying that you need to use them, my point is that you just have to keep working at your system to optimize it for you.

And with the tree saddle sizing was a big issue. If you were between a medium and a large, a medium probably would have been better, so that could be a reason too.
 
Stiff boots, knee pads, and time. I'm a minimalist so the less "stuff" the better. To me, the key is silence setting up and getting out. I've got no need for a platform when saddle hunting.

I agree that the Medium would've been better.
 
Buckshot1822 said:
I definitely had some hip pinch occuring. That was one of the biggest issues. I have a feeling that the saddle is a little bit big for me too. I am right between a medium and large. So I followed instructions online and bought the large.
Click to expand...

I followed direction and bought large as well. Way to big. I'm using a medium now and it's more comfortable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
fawnzy said:
I followed direction and bought large as well. Way to big. I'm using a medium now and it's more comfortable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Im almost 100% sure that was my biggest issue. I have a 33" waist, and the thing is pretty big on me. I am going to trey and trade it for a Medium
 
Weird how it changes from person to person. I have a 33 inch waist and a medium never worked for me. Large is perfect!!
 
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