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Phantom Uncomfortable

MIbowhunter49

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2019
Messages
342
So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"

I've been working on bridge and tether adjustment, along with where I'm at in the comfort channels. I can't keep the bottom strap (the main structure of the saddle) from digging into my legs/arse. Leaning is doable but not great, sitting hurts.

What "initial" settings can you guys recommend. Right now I have my tether forehead height and bridge about 2/3 out in terms of overall adjustment.

Thanks
 
If you are looking for staffers input you will need to post this on the vendor section. Otherwise this will be users opinion and advice which may very well be what you are after.
But “vendors” are prohibited from posting customer service outside the vendor area.


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I don’t have this saddle but if you can adjust the leg loops, I bet that’s the issue. I have the H2 and if the leg loops are tight what so ever while standing up, it is awful actually hanging from it.

I would adjust the leg loops so they’re so loose they could flop on your legs. For me they need to be that loose so it’s comfortable to hang.


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I don’t have this saddle but if you can adjust the leg loops, I bet that’s the issue. I have the H2 and if the leg loops are tight what so ever while standing up, it is awful actually hanging from it.

I would adjust the leg loops so they’re so loose they could flop on your legs. For me they need to be that loose so it’s comfortable to hang.


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Yep. I loosen waist belt and leg loops once I’m ready to hunt. Also you may need the next size up saddle if nothing else works.
 
Are you dropping the saddle down below your belt line some? Tried different tether heights?


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I found the most comfortable setup with the phantom was a little higher tether and bridge than I'd usually use. The comfort channels right in the middle helped too
 
Are you dropping the saddle down below your belt line some? Tried different tether heights?


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I don’t drop it below my belt line. Before I start climbing or supporting my weight in it, I do like to pull it down just a little to make sure it’s not riding up after the walk in. It just sort of adjusts downward when I do that, doesn’t really slide down per say.


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So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"

I've been working on bridge and tether adjustment, along with where I'm at in the comfort channels. I can't keep the bottom strap (the main structure of the saddle) from digging into my legs/arse. Leaning is doable but not great, sitting hurts.

What "initial" settings can you guys recommend. Right now I have my tether forehead height and bridge about 2/3 out in terms of overall adjustment.

Thanks
I don't own a Tethrd saddle, but I've sat in both designs they make. The phantom was actually quite comfortable.

The longer you can get your bridge, the better comfort-wise. Bigger saddles seem to be more comfortable to me. I'm not a big guy, but I prefer aerohunter's size 2 product. A lower tether and a higher seated position (think bar stool instead of chair) will take pressure off your butt.
 
Leg loops are actually not weight bearing at all...just wear them in when walking and if it offers you peace of mind, keep them on the whole time while climbing and hunting...with that being said, you do not NEED them when hanging...either way it sounds like you need to loosen them significantly...just loosen them up to where the G-Hook won’t fall off, but where there’s slack...they should not be obtrusive at all when hunting.
 
So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"

Guys that have reviewed alot of saddles would say. The phantom is not a lazy boy, it is a fine minimalist, very light, saddle that is best with a platform and is made for a leaner. It takes some adjusting to get comfortable. If you want to sleep buy a cruzr which is like a hammock, or JX 3 they are easy to sleep in. . I am no fan boy and have tried a lot of saddles and this is just my opinion. Madhunts adventures has the some of the best reviews on utube.

The recon, flex and H2 get honorable mention as not bad for sitting in. I will soon have a TX5 but I expect it to be comfortable too.
 
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Guys that have reviewed alot of saddles would say. The phantom is not a lazy boy, it is a fine minimalist, very light, saddle that is best with a platform and is made for a leaner. It takes some adjusting to get comfortable. If you want to sleep buy a cruz which is like a hammock, or JX 3 they are easy to sleep in. . I am no fan boy and have tried a lot of saddles and this is just my opinion. Madhunts adventures has the some of the best reviews on utube.

The recon, flex and H2 get honorable mention as not bad for sitting in. I will soon have a TX5 but I expect it to be comfortable too.
I find the recon ridiculously comfortable for sitting, as everyone has mentioned above. Try adjusting where your tether is and bridge length first....also if it is your first saddle, I hate to say it, but it won't be your last or only. It took me many many many to figure out what in like and what works for my body shape and hangout style....we all are different..
 
So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"

I've been working on bridge and tether adjustment, along with where I'm at in the comfort channels. I can't keep the bottom strap (the main structure of the saddle) from digging into my legs/arse. Leaning is doable but not great, sitting hurts.

What "initial" settings can you guys recommend. Right now I have my tether forehead height and bridge about 2/3 out in terms of overall adjustment.

Thanks

First of all, this is "MY" comfort setting. I did buy a Phantom and it took me about 2 weeks (new to saddle hunting at that point) to find my comfort settings (I'm very comfortable at this point; but I did almost give up, due to hip pinch, initially). Full length bridge set in the top comfort channel; chest height tether with enough length so that, if I swing in to straddle the tree, my upper thighs are parallel to the ground, and I wear the top of my saddle about an inch or so below my actual pants belt (when in the tree). I typically "sit" pretty "deep", I guess... More of a leaner here... I am using a CT RollNLock on my tether, because at my height setting, the additional length of a prussic forces me to sit "too deep".

I prefer a WEI ring of steps vs. other methods currently, for comfort.
 
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I found the phantom to be comfortable leaning with a platform and moderate comfort sitting with legs together knees into tree.

Straddling the tree or using a ring of steps I found it pretty uncomfortable. Dug into the outside of my thighs really bad.
 
I agree with others, a longer bridge equals less hip pinch.
No Tethrd saddles are known for comfort they're known for being light weight. That's where they focus their attention. If you're looking for a comfortable saddle, as mentioned above, there are better choices out there.
 
So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"
I wouldn't call myself a fan boy dedicated to any particular saddle company, and I may just have a weird shaped butt, but I have definitely slept in my XL Mantis (more than I really would like to admit). The saddle on tap for me this season is a DIY knockoff of the Phantom, less the comfort channels, and I could definitely sleep in it too. Ultimately as I've followed threads on saddle comfort I've come to the conclusion that we are all very individual in what we find comfortable. What works for one may not work for another. Keep trying different tether heights, bridge lengths, waist belt positions and strap tightness. You most likely will find a sweet spot that works for you.

For me, a sitter with knees to the tree, it generally comes down to tether at eye/forehead level while standing, about a 36in bridge loop to loop, saddle waist belt positioned almost directly between my pants belt and tailbone and the leg straps so loose I don't even know I have them connected. That said, I still make adjustments as necessary if I end up in a leaning, crooked or odd shaped tree. Again, there's no magic setting, you'll need to experiment with it yourself. The more you things you try the more the effect of the individual adjustments will make sense.

My first saddle was an Aerohunter Evo and it had so many adjustments I could never find the comfort sweet spot and didn't know what to adjust to fix the specific discomfort I was feeling. After a couple of years in the other simpler saddles I developed a better understanding of how to achieve the comfort I wanted. One day I broke out the EVO again and in less than five minutes I had the comfort dialed in. Its just a matter of spending enough time in saddles to know how to correct a comfort flaw. It's hard to describe and may be different for us all but eventually it just seems to click.

If you exhaust the possibilities it's possible the Phantom just isn't for you. Sell it off here and try another. One thing about saddles is they hold their value pretty well.
 
So is it just the fan boys that say "I could sleep in this thing?"

I've been working on bridge and tether adjustment, along with where I'm at in the comfort channels. I can't keep the bottom strap (the main structure of the saddle) from digging into my legs/arse. Leaning is doable but not great, sitting hurts.

What "initial" settings can you guys recommend. Right now I have my tether forehead height and bridge about 2/3 out in terms of overall adjustment.

Thanks



If the saddle is digging into the legs look at this video. JAred has a low tether . Notice the angles. There will be minimal pressure on your legs with a low tether and longer bridge. Think about angles and where the pressure will be.


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i agree with what the other hunters have said. i found pushing it down like a plumbers pants can be helpfull. I discovered that back in my new tribe evo days.
 
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