What to do?

[3 Blade Rage]

Hi guys! I have learned a ton here so far and Thank you for that! I have been given the green light to purchase a Saddle. As a newb should I jump right in and buy the new Mantis or should I start slow and buy a sitdrag and rock climbing harness? I looked at some used Kestrels and other used gear but my wife doesnt like the thought of me buying used because of the safety factor. The other problem I see with the used stuff is that it normally doesnt come with a tree tether or a linesman belt and not really sure on what I would need to make them up. It seems like it would be easier to buy them already made.
If I would go ahead and order the Mantis would I be fine just getting the saddle, tree tether and the linesman belt? Also on the Mantis is the differance between the tether and linesman belt the extra biner? If so I do have a Hss biner that I could use and save 10 bucks. Thank you!

 

[Dragsmack]

I would get the mantis with the predator platform and wild edge steps to simplify the process. You could always change things up later but that would be a good safe start that is quiet an easily packed in.

 

[bigjoe]

You can never go wrong with a full stock product. I would buy a saddle either the mantis or kestrel. I would get the full system with either. I would get the Predator also, unless you have an alternative for a platform. I always use the K.I.S.S. method when it comes to things like this. Monies are limited for most of us with families. But your wife is correct the safety factors that go into these products are unsurpassed.

 

[denots]

If you're on a pretty tight budget I would get the saddle, two tree tethers use one for your lineman's belt and girth hitch it to your saddle. I would also get the Predator platform if the budget allows for it. If not you can purchase three individual wild Edge steps to make a platform at least for the time being. If you think you can save some money buying a used Kestrel then I wouldn't worry about the safety Factor. Those Saddles are extremely well built and will hold up to years of abuse. Tell the wife not to worry this is by far the safest thing you can do as far as hunting as concerned. Besides nobody is going to sell you a busted-up saddle on here anyway. Good luck, have fun, and keep asking questions!

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[bigjoe]

Also, if you do not have already have sticks depending on your size etc. WE Stepps are good. Sticks are easier.

This kicker is you can use the saddle with most hunting stands you have. You may not be as mobile, but the safety factor is unsurpassed.

 

[donnieballgame]

I would make every effort to save money since you are just getting started. I'm a huge fan of SitDrag/Fleece Saddle with the Rock Climbing Harness. You really can't beat the price. I'm pretty sure most folks don't do that and jump right in with a full up saddle system because it's easier. Honestly, you can make a tether and lineman belt in an afternoon and for not that much money. If you can afford a full up saddle system go for it, for me it's money that would be better spent elsewhere.

Good luck!

 

[10essee]

I bought just the Kestrel and backhand when I got mine and pieced my tether and lineman but honestly was t much cheaper than getting one from them. Only advantage is you can get what rope you want, ropemen, and whatever Biner you desire. Either way you go definitely invest in two Ropeman 1’s. One for tether one for lineman. You can thank saddle nation after you see the awesomeness of them.

 

[Catskills]

I recommend posting an ISO (in search of) thread in the classified section, I would say weekly a kestral pops up for sale. Also, say "in search of a climbing method." You never know. I recently traded 8 Wild Edge stepps for modded Hawk Heliums and I will say climbing sticks are much easier to learn and use. Not to mention the Hawk Heliums are only $99 on sale right now and the mods are not much more. So many options, just do thorough research and buy what you think will work for you. I would not be concerned with the safety of the used equipment. Just start on the ground testing equipment

 

[Bgolladay]

This is my first post and I am in no way trying to hijack the OP's post. But I am also very interested in moving over to saddle hunting and I just dont know whether to order the mantis and predator kit or get a kestrel kit and order the predator for my platform.

 

[3 Blade Rage]

Thank you for the replys so far! My climbing method will be some sticks that I fabed up. I also have a old climber seat that I fabbed up years ago and I'm planning on modifying it you work as a platform.

 

[Ken Ruppel]

Some people are using a climber seat as a platform AND there climbing method. Will limit you to size of tree but you should be able to go around limbs with it, just a thought. I would prefer the sticks myself and if you need to get higher you can just move up from the sticks with your platform. Definitely spend the money for a ropeman 1 for your linesman belt at least.

 

[pesqimon]

I got and modified a sitdrag to learn the topes. I would be totally satisfied hunting out of it, I feel. For me, the allure of a finished product such as the Mantis or the Kestrel was too much so I bought one.

By the way, I consider the sitdrag was a good investment as I have been able to practice while waiting for my saddle to be manufactured and delivered.

I support the DIY tether and lanyard but I like smaller diameters than the companies currently offer

 

[redsquirrel]

I recommend new saddle hunters go the commercial option. It gives you a chance to get comfortable in a proven safe saddle without learning on something you built.

 

[sureshotscott]

If you think you can save some money buying a used Kestrel then I wouldn't worry about the safety Factor. Those Saddles are extremely well built and will hold up to years of abuse. Tell the wife not to worry this is by far the safest thing you can do as far as hunting as concerned.

Part of the appeal of the new Mantis is the Kestrel is INCREDIBLY strong, so strong it suffers a bit in the weight department. denots is exactly on point here. Since the Kestrel is only about a year old (max) I think you'd need to wait 10 years before you could find one that could be in need of retirement.

 

[simple man]

For me the Mantis at 16.8 ozs (for the large )sold me . Light weight and breathable for early season

Bought a sit drag last year. Then a used trophy line at the end of season. For what I spent on the the 2 of them I could have just bought a Mantis. Which the Mantis was not available last year.
With the Mantis at 199.99 (presale price) with free shipping. Even if you did not like it. You could probably sale it on here later. Their are new people everyday looking to get in too saddle hunting.



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[donnieballgame]

Do you have a climbing system? If you already had sticks then you might be able to spend some cash on a fancy saddle, otherwise, I would go the cheaper route. You can survive one season without a fancy saddle and that way you will have time to learn what you like and don't like. The problem for new saddle hunters is the saddle costs a lot and that doesn't even get you into the tree and most saddle hunters have/want multiple climbing systems for different occasions, ugh it's expensive, lol.

 

[Plinker22]

Welcome to the site 3 Blade Rage.
You have already got what I consider great advice.
Since I am awaiting my first hunting saddle (a Mantis with teather, extenders and a dump pouch. I purchased two Ropeman 1s and a lineman belt on my own.
Currently I am practicing with bolts and an older Petzel Arborists harness.
Modestly I say... the deer should be in Fear!

Order up what you are comfortable with and have a Fabulous Bloody Fall, 2018.

 

[Catskills]

The problem for new saddle hunters is the saddle costs a lot and that doesn't even get you into the tree and most saddle hunters have/want multiple climbing systems for different occasions, ugh it's expensive, lol.

as a new mobile hunter myself, thank god for Paypal Credit - 6 months interest free

 

[3 Blade Rage]

Thanks you guys for all of the information and comments! I have decided to order a Mantis! I do have a linesman belt for my Hss harness that is made of seatbelt material and seems to work fine.

1. Do you think that it would be ok to use the Hss linesman belt or would I be better off buying a new linesman belt?

2. Also what is the differance between the linesman belt and the tree tether on the Mantis order page other then the extra biner?

3. Is there anything else that I should order that is a necessity for my first saddle?

I know alot of you are using a ropeman 1 on the tether and on the linesman belt. I can always upgrade at a later time. With that said if my Hss linesman belt would be fine to use I could order one for my tether right away. Thank you!

 

[Wolfie]

I’m curious how much your actually saving by diy, the fleece seems to be the cheapest option. How much is the sit/drag used? I’m up in the air on building my own. Anybody use the black diamond momentum harness?