XL Platforms

[Mike Burch]

I joined the site a couple months back, and been on the site just researching anything and everything, since. The search function has helped a ton, keeps me from posting much.

I have been playing and practicing with a buddy’s setup. Tethrd Phantom and predator platform. The climbing and setup is fine. I hunt with a recurve and trying to get used to shooting from a saddle has been a little different. The saddle is fine, but I’ve never tried another to compare, but I like the light weight and minimalist approach of the phantom. The platform serves its purpose, but I’m thinking maybe a little bigger platform maybe ideal for me for the weak side shot.

Has anyone went to a bigger platform and liked it better? I know they won’t pack as compact, but getting a little more room to turn would be nice. Even thought about getting a DS .5 to use as a hybrid, but buying that and a complete saddle setup is a good chunk of change.

How does a predator xl and a mission compare? Is one recommended more than the other or just personal preference?

Thanks in advance...Mike

 

[MattMan81]

I have a mission and a predator. The predator works, but the extra room is nice on the mission. It packs a little harder. But I don't walk 5 miles in and out. So it's all preference. I am waiting for guys to review the Monarch from OOAL. Might trade the predator in to try that.
Look for other guys in your area or meetups to try different stuff if you can. That way you know what your getting.

 

[AttackMode]

I started this past season with a Predator. I never felt 100% confident with it. I could get it to cam over but not as hard as I would've liked. I bought a Mission and have loved it. It cams over great and is rock solid. There's plenty of room and it's quiet too. No creaking or popping like the Predator. The only trade off is the weight and overall size but both are easily manageable in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Jay_Ohio]

I went from the predator to the LW Ambush. I’ll never go back. It’s the perfect size for me. Not saying it’s one size fits all, but for me, it’s perfect.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Nugget]

The larger platforms are nice, but a better approach is adding two squirrel steps to the sides of your cam strap. It's like having a ROS and platform in one.

 

[Pilk64]

The larger platforms are nice, but a better approach is adding two squirrel steps to the sides of your cam strap. It's like having a ROS and platform in one.

Spot on!

 

[lawrence]

I use both. For archery season, i like the extra space on the mission. Deer sometime just surprise you which direction they come from. Early season its the mission all the way.
For the mobility, run and gun i use the predator.(and i do mean gun season) I also have a lot of 14 year old pines that i can hook the predator to. The predator Gets me on trees and in areas other people cant hunt unless they are in ground blinds. So depends on the setup as to what i use.

 

[steve-0h]

Spot on!

Yeeup... A platform and a step on either side for straddling and maneuvering is my favorite setup. Even with something as small as a Scout platform, add a couple of squirrel steps and you’re set

 

[peteherbst]

I have a Predator, Predator XL, Mission, and Windwalker at the moment. Reiterating what some have already said, bigger platforms are nice for the weak side shots.

It all comes down to personal preference though. Sacrifice packability and some weight with the larger platforms, but if you want to stand at any point during your hunt, it may be worth a try.

 

[Loopwing]

I sold a predator XL, I will NOT be selling my mission. I tried the steps on either side and just hated it. I don't see the problem with carrying an extra couple lbs for the benefits of being able to hunt pretty much any tree I want. I can do a 180 with size 14 boots, with no problem on the mission. There is no weak side shot.

 

[pblclandbow]

I have a Predator, Predator XL, Mission, and Windwalker at the moment. Reiterating what some have already said, bigger platforms are nice for the weak side shots.

It all comes down to personal preference though. Sacrifice packability and some weight with the larger platforms, but if you want to stand at any point during your hunt, it may be worth a try.

you wanna sell that wind walker

 

[peteherbst]

you wanna sell that wind walker

Honestly it has crossed my mind. But it’s the last treestand I own so I’ve always held on to it.

 

[pblclandbow]

Honestly it has crossed my mind. But it’s the last treestand I own so I’ve always held on to it.

Now is the perfect time to let go then lol. I’ve always wanted to try one out myself.

 

[LoadedLimbs]

How does a predator xl and a mission compare? Is one recommended more than the other or just personal preference?

@Mike Burch - The single best comparison review I've seen is worth your time to watch. The entire video is an hour, but if you only want to see the comparison of the Tethrd Predator XL vs. the Trophyline Mission, go straight to the 28:45 mark in the video...

7 Platforms reviewed in 1 video!