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“Best” 2 panel saddle

Mschmeiske

Mschmeiske

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2017
Messages
1,949
Location
New York
If you’ve tried some 2 panel saddles, what one has been the “best”? I tried the first latitude method and wasn’t a fan…. Other than that, no experience. I’ve always used my kestrel, but now that I’m experimenting with one sticking, I’m interested in trying another.
 
I am not a fan of 2 panels. No matter what I do I can’t seem to get as comfortable as I can in a single panel… Tried the recon, ESS, method, method 2, transformer…

Easily the Transformer out of them.

I just so happen to have one for sale.
 
I tried the method briefly last fall and liked it a lot, it but it was too small for my big butt, I could really see the potential though so I knew I would try to find one that fit me better. I love that latitude listened and came out with the method 2 XL version, but I have not tried it. I have a transformer I'm waiting to arrive and I think for me, it's going to be the ticket. I like that I ditched my back band and its one less thing to get out, strap on and have in the way if I need to maneuver to shoot.
 
I have a Kestrel and a Recon. I don't have any other two panels to compare the Recon to, but I can provide some comparison with the Kestrel.

The Recon is considerably lighter and packs down smaller. However, it doesn't have the industrial feel that the Kestrel does. For example the leg loops are just small non-rated straps with plastic buckles or slides that really are just intended for holding the bottom panel in place. The belt also has to be loosened when weighted so the plates can separate. For me, this was the biggest adjustment vs the Kestrel. I'd stand up on my platform to get something out of my pack and the sling slides down. I plan to do the bungee belt mod, probably this weekend.

I don't want you to get the wrong impression. I really like the Recon and would still buy it again knowing what I know now. It's very comfortable once you figure out how you prefer it. For me, it's both panels underneath and slightly overlapping.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
For two panels I’ve tried a recon and now use a method 2. Both are great saddles and very comfortable imo. I switched to a method bc I one stick and with the recon, bc it self adjusts the panels to redistribute weight, would cause the top panel to slowly slide me forward when moving my stick. The recon is a smaller package but fwiw the method holds pouches much better from my experience. The method 2’s magnetic panel holding system is nice, a lot better than the clips, I had one break on me when I was breaking heavy brush to hang in a thicket. I’ve grown more fond of the prusik s on the method for adjusting bridge/weight distribution as well, allows me to fine tune my comfort. I’m a 30 waist so I have the regular method but I think the xl would just add to overall comfort with a little extra real estate for your backside. One nice thing for me is I haven’t really ever experienced hip pinch with either saddles, which with almost every single panel I’ve experienced at some point no matter what adjustments I make. Still looking for a single panel that fits me well.
That being said I haven’t tried a transformer or archon but they both look very comfortable and I’ve heard great things about both.
 
My buddy has a recon, I actually did sit in that once, very briefly, but I forgot haha. I’ll have to see if he’ll lend it to me this weekend so I can give it a real try.
 
My only complaint with the recon is the non loadbearing waist belt and the leg straps.
I modified my Recon. Got a longer webbing strap for the bridge, use the extra material that came out of the buckles and added a AustriAlpin load rated buckle. I also had the leg straps redone with 4,000 LB tubular webbing and 4,000 LB. steel sliders from EWO.
I like the Recon, but I think I am going to go with a Dryad this season.
 
GeoFish said:
My only complaint with the recon is the non loadbearing waist belt and the leg straps.
I modified my Recon. Got a longer webbing strap for the bridge, use the extra material that came out of the buckles and added a AustriAlpin load rated buckle. I also had the leg straps redone with 4,000 LB tubular webbing and 4,000 LB. steel sliders from EWO.
I like the Recon, but I think I am going to go with a Dryad this season.
Click to expand...
Those are the two design items that I think require the most adjustment if you are used to a different saddle. I suspect most Recon users don't use the leg straps.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
sweats said:
Those are the two design items that I think require the most adjustment if you are used to a different saddle. I suspect most Recon users don't use the leg straps.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Leg straps? Never heard of her..
 
I like my recon a lot, but haven’t done any mods. My favorite parts are how comfy it is, the bridge is great and adjustable and the price. My not so favorite parts are those god awful leg loops, the belt and the overall feeling of “wow, I think I could fall out of this thing if I wanted”
 
I'm gonna try the Bravo Company from @Treehopper2 starting tomorrow. I've tried the recon sling, the ESS and the Cruzr. They were all comfy but hard to manage. I think the B Co. is going to solve all of the issues while maintaining comfort.

I'm gonna do a pretty comprehensive testing process and write up because I have several climbing methods (WE steps, sticks, single stick/Platform, spurs) and any number of different platforms/ROS. Looking forward to developing my system with the B Co in my arsenal.
 
Hunter260 said:
I like my recon a lot, but haven’t done any mods. My favorite parts are how comfy it is, the bridge is great and adjustable and the price. My not so favorite parts are those god awful leg loops, the belt and the overall feeling of “wow, I think I could fall out of this thing if I wanted”
Click to expand...
With a bungee belt the Recon always stays snug on the body, it never sags. Not saying it's impossible that anyone could possibly fall out of it but I cannot fathom that it would ever happen to me.

And I don't understand how guys feel it's too fiddly. I have zero issues putting it on and managing it.
Is it as simple as a one panel saddle? Nope. Is a one panel saddle as comfy? Definitely not.
 
trailblazer75 said:
I'm gonna try the Bravo Company from @Treehopper2 starting tomorrow. I've tried the recon sling, the ESS and the Cruzr. They were all comfy but hard to manage. I think the B Co. is going to solve all of the issues while maintaining comfort.

I'm gonna do a pretty comprehensive testing process and write up because I have several climbing methods (WE steps, sticks, single stick/Platform, spurs) and any number of different platforms/ROS. Looking forward to developing my system with the B Co in my arsenal.
Click to expand...
Just received my bravo company saddle on Friday. It’s high quality and the treehopper2 is a craftsman! call him on Saturday put the 2 panel saddle on Hook tether to tree and he went over ever adjust on his saddle and it help a lot .so just give him a call you will not regret it at all. I’m very happy with it
 
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