I'm in the market for a new saddle and looking for some positives and negatives of each. I started several years ago with a Timberline which was super comfortable but I didn't like the metal buckles and no adjustable bridge. Got sucked into the Tethrd marketing black hole and got a Mantis which I could not get comfortable in at all. I'm currently running an Aero but its heavy and too warm as I hunt FL, AL & GA. Was looking for something in mesh and I split time sitting and leaning so I like more support under my butt when sitting. I was looking at the Cruzr Archon or the LO Method 2 as the split design might cover both leaning and sitting. Any plusses or minuses of either one. Oh and I run ROS, Currently Bullman Outdoors but might be switching to Squirrel Steps.
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Cruzr Archon or Latitude Outdoors Method 2?
- Thread starter 293sheepdog
- Start date
My first year saddling. I bought method 2 lat off eBay to get started. It totally rocks to walk in and pick the most productive spots. I don’t like the rope around my waist to hold the saddle on. And the method 2 has magnetic panel, sometimes it’s hard to get it up to stay without concentrating if that make sense. I’ve been looking at trophy line they have buckles for the waist and thinner parachute like materials. Good luck and saddle up!
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2019
- Messages
- 1,289
My brother and I tried both last year at the GAOS and we both decided to go with the method 2 and have been running it all season. Coming from a Tethrd phantom it is very comfortable.
samu
Well-Known Member
I have Method 2 XL and after about 15 times setting up I'm starting to get to comfort level I like. Rope belt is fine in my opinion, it's most important function is to carry the stuff you strap on while walking. Loosens up easy enough once at height. It is replaceable with webbing and cobra buckle if you insist though.
If you like to use a knee strap that holds your knees together while sitting, those two loops on bottom panel are in perfect place for that.
Leg straps on the Method are cosmetic, the gates pull off the hooks with bare fingers and one of mine came off on its own mid climb. The hook buckles also slide pulling with just two fingers. After Latitude didn't respond my email I sewed 9kN cobra buckles on top of the loops and made fixed leg straps. Easy to adjust and I know some g-hook just doesn't give up and let me fall through when I'm one sticking and the lower panel starts riding up.
Magnetic panel took a while to learn how to find the spots. Middle magnet first, then slide along the upper edge to the magnets and slide those under any pouches till they click in place. Loosen leg straps to walk or they might pull the panels separate.
My biggest comfort gripe is that the lower edge frame webbing on the bottom panel is tighter than the mesh. So no matter how I set it up the strap is bearing more load and the pressure doesn't distribute to the mesh evenly.
If I were buying another saddle now, I'd probably get Cruzr XC instead.
If you like to use a knee strap that holds your knees together while sitting, those two loops on bottom panel are in perfect place for that.
Leg straps on the Method are cosmetic, the gates pull off the hooks with bare fingers and one of mine came off on its own mid climb. The hook buckles also slide pulling with just two fingers. After Latitude didn't respond my email I sewed 9kN cobra buckles on top of the loops and made fixed leg straps. Easy to adjust and I know some g-hook just doesn't give up and let me fall through when I'm one sticking and the lower panel starts riding up.
Magnetic panel took a while to learn how to find the spots. Middle magnet first, then slide along the upper edge to the magnets and slide those under any pouches till they click in place. Loosen leg straps to walk or they might pull the panels separate.
My biggest comfort gripe is that the lower edge frame webbing on the bottom panel is tighter than the mesh. So no matter how I set it up the strap is bearing more load and the pressure doesn't distribute to the mesh evenly.
If I were buying another saddle now, I'd probably get Cruzr XC instead.
Think I might be the only person on this forum that uses an Archon. I've used it 2 seasons and I'm probably a 60/40 sitter/leaner. 5' 11"/175 lb, for reference.
At first I though it was a little bulky but I got used to it. Suspenders are a must or the top panel will flop a bit. I will wear the thing pretty often even if I'm not saddle hunting just so I have the pouches available. I usually can't even tell I'm wearing it. Did not take me long to get comfortable. It is definitely more comfortable than any treestand I've been in. Buckles are metal but I haven't had any issues with that.
Your lower back may get a little sweaty if it's hot and you're sitting but I'd imagine that'll be the case with any two panel you're using for lower back support.
It's a little more difficult to adjust the bottom panel than I initially thought it would be. I thought I'd be able to go from tight for leaning to more spread apart for sitting but that's easier said than done. Ultimately I found an adjustment that works great for both and there's really no need for that adjustment.
Really no other complaints, but this is my first and only saddle so my overall perspective may be limited.
I have no regrets and after two season still have no thoughts of getting a different one. Well, let's be honest. I've thought about it, but not for any reason other than curiosity about other saddles.
At first I though it was a little bulky but I got used to it. Suspenders are a must or the top panel will flop a bit. I will wear the thing pretty often even if I'm not saddle hunting just so I have the pouches available. I usually can't even tell I'm wearing it. Did not take me long to get comfortable. It is definitely more comfortable than any treestand I've been in. Buckles are metal but I haven't had any issues with that.
Your lower back may get a little sweaty if it's hot and you're sitting but I'd imagine that'll be the case with any two panel you're using for lower back support.
It's a little more difficult to adjust the bottom panel than I initially thought it would be. I thought I'd be able to go from tight for leaning to more spread apart for sitting but that's easier said than done. Ultimately I found an adjustment that works great for both and there's really no need for that adjustment.
Really no other complaints, but this is my first and only saddle so my overall perspective may be limited.
I have no regrets and after two season still have no thoughts of getting a different one. Well, let's be honest. I've thought about it, but not for any reason other than curiosity about other saddles.
Thank you everyone for the info. Still on the fence. More research. Might wait till April West Palm has a big outdoor show and some of the vendors have saddles with a pole to try
Can you post a link to the webbing and cobra buckle please. My rope belt is a pain and I’d like something easier. Maybe the rope I’m using is worn, I could order another rope belt from LO
samu
Well-Known Member
Well it's DIY unless someone like EWO makes one for you. Have you tried just loosening the knot slightly? It's slightly modified blakes hitch they use, adding one wrap or turning it into actual blakes hitch could work too.
You need a dual adjustable buckle . No sew.