Alternative (larger) platforms for saddle setups?

[MajorDigglesworth]

So, basically Lone Wolf had it right with the Assassin??

Is the Assassin still being made? Good grief I'm starting to pile on options lol.

 

[MajorDigglesworth]

There are other things to consider than foot space when deciding on the size of the platform. Large size platforms can limit placement on certain trees. An example would be a multi trunked maple tree, which are one of my favorites. Too large a platform may not fit between the trunks. I've experienced that dozens of times over the years. Perfect tree in the perfect spot but it's just a PIA (often impossible) to set a large platform. Sometimes, if you move the platform up the tree a couple feet, the trunks spread apart enough for the stand to fit but then you can get into lateral branches and stuff that limits bow clearance for shooting. Large platforms complicate things more often than they help things.
I'm not just looking for a tree I can get into, I want to be able to get into any tree that I need to be in. Screw the "comfort" of a larger platform. Set up in the tree that gives you the best chance for success. Large platforms can limit which trees you can hunt.
Plus, if they are pre-sets, they are a lot easier for other hunters to see (and maybe steal). I hide from other hunters as much as I'm hiding from deer.

Would that be addressed by the type of saddle you choose? IE, a "lean against" saddle versus one that's more of a "sit in" saddle? I'm not sure if I'm being descriptive enough here... still not very familiar with the various types of saddles available.

 

[Nutterbuster]

So, basically Lone Wolf had it right with the Assassin??

I would say yes. I had a long talk with Mr. Kuhnert after I got my platform and we talked about both models. I think he is to platforms what Eberhart is to a ring of steps. Talking with both of them shortened my learning curve dramatically. They've been doing what they do for so long that all of the "issues" I had were something they just shrugged and said, "Oh, well I never had that problem because I just do it this way." And I was like, "Well, duh. Why didn't I do that?"

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Would that be addressed by the type of saddle you choose? IE, a "lean against" saddle versus one that's more of a "sit in" saddle? I'm not sure if I'm being descriptive enough here... still not very familiar with the various types of saddles available.

No. It all has to do with the physical size of the platform versus the space you have to set the platform among other trunks, branches, etc.
I've run into the issue of tight spaces for the stand long before I saddle hunted. Sometimes a larger stand just won't fit in that exact place on the tree that you need it to set. Whether I'm in a saddle, or a sling, JX3, or on a conventional seat is not the issue if the platform won't fit where I need it to go. Maybe guys that only hunt straight, single trunked trees never have this issue, but I've had tight space issues happen many times over the years. Sometimes it might mean walking away from a prime spot because the stand won't fit...yes, it happens.

Comfort wise, yeah its nicer to not have feet jammed together on a small platform. Thats another reason to add a step or 2 to your strap. Best of both worlds.


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[MNarrow]

Is the Assassin still being made? Good grief I'm starting to pile on options lol.

No. You can buy used on eBay for $500. And I think I read somewhere that Lone Wolf doesn't even have the mold for the Assassin anymore, or something.

 

[MajorDigglesworth]

No. It all has to do with the physical size of the platform versus the space you have to set the platform among other trunks, branches, etc.
I've run into the issue of tight spaces for the stand long before I saddle hunted. Sometimes a larger stand just won't fit in that exact place on the tree that you need it to set.whether I'm in a saddle, or a sling, JX3, or on a conventional seat is not the issue if the platform won't fit where I need it to go. Maybe guys that only hunt straight, single trunked trees never have this issue, but I've had tight space issues happen many times over the years. Sometimes it might mean walking away from a prime spot because the stand won't fit...yes, it happens.

Comfort wise, yeah its nicer to not have feet jammed together on a small platform. Thats another reason to add a step or 2 to your strap. Best of both worlds.


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That makes a LOT of sense. I was hoping that the issue of comfort would be addressed by being able to "sit" in a saddle versus "lean" into one, but it's not going to matter much if you can't use the saddle setup in a place/stand setup for which the system was originally designed to be used. Thank you.

 

[MajorDigglesworth]

No. You can buy used on eBay for $500. And I think I read somewhere that Lone Wolf doesn't even have the mold for the Assassin anymore, or something.

Whelp, there goes that option!

 

[Jimmyfunk60]

I am waiting on an assassin to be delivered today. I was all on board for the ambush but with their quality issues I opted out. In their recent podcast they said they were back in stock, however they also said after this batch they were moving to a different manufacture.. Time will tell. I did own a set of the lwcg mini sticks and really like them. I can see where that system would really pay off. Also I should note I hunted all year off a predator gen 1 in my prepped trees I had a bolt on each side. I’m just wanting to go to a larger platform for a little more room.

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[Jimmyfunk60]

This thing is pretty sweet. Super solid.. If lwcg can figure out their quality control and get rid of the flexing popping issues they may be onto a great system with their incorporated sticks. I need to figure out how I’m going to pack this thing now.

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[MajorDigglesworth]

This thing is pretty sweet. Super solid.. If lwcg can figure out their quality control and get rid of the flexing popping issues they may be onto a great system with their incorporated sticks. I need to figure out how I’m going to pack this thing now.

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What specifically did you experience with the flexing/popping issues? Was it simply a noise issue, or was it an "oh crap I don't feel safe on this" issue?

 

[XbowCOLJimRob]

There are other things to consider than foot space when deciding on the size of the platform. Large size platforms can limit placement on certain trees. An example would be a multi trunked maple tree, which are one of my favorites. Too large a platform may not fit between the trunks. I've experienced that dozens of times over the years. Perfect tree in the perfect spot but it's just a PIA (often impossible) to set a large platform. Sometimes, if you move the platform up the tree a couple feet, the trunks spread apart enough for the stand to fit but then you can get into lateral branches and stuff that limits bow clearance for shooting. Large platforms complicate things more often than they help things.
I'm not just looking for a tree I can get into, I want to be able to get into any tree that I need to be in. Screw the "comfort" of a larger platform. Set up in the tree that gives you the best chance for success. Large platforms can limit which trees you can hunt.
Plus, if they are pre-sets, they are a lot easier for other hunters to see (and maybe steal). I hide from other hunters as much as I'm hiding from deer.

Some places like in a marsh or swamp, you may have to use ROS which I have purchased already but need to practice with before actually using them.

 

[XbowCOLJimRob]

If you a beginner, I think going with the predator platform is the way to go until you gain enough experience. Discovery learning is the best way to figure out where to spend your money on new equipment.

 

[DanielB89]

Large platforms can limit which trees you can hunt

You do realize a "large platform" is only a few inches larger than a smaller platform, right? Were not talking about setting up a lock on in the tree, are we?

FWIW, I have one of the LWCG platforms and have hunted from it every hunt since they came out. I have learned the camming process and find it to be a great platform. IMO, the predator was a better thought out and tested item(minus the version 1 hiccup). The added width of the LWCG platform makes it have some movement on the outer teeth when you walk on the edges. I can't figure out how to cam it good enough to stop that. I don't remember that problem with the predator. If tethrd would come out with the predator XL I would sell my LWCG tomorrow. But, until something better than it hits the market, I will keep it.
I love being able to stand up completely on my platform. I love being able to easily add layers if needed. It solved one of my biggest struggles, cold weather hunting and more specifically, layering while in the stand.

 

[pesqimon]

Might be worth mentioning that I haven’t heard much about an OOAL platform cracking or popping. Maybe early Podiums had some squeaking but mine has performed admirably

 

[Allegheny Tom]

You do realize a "large platform" is only a few inches larger than a smaller platform, right? Were not talking about setting up a lock on in the tree, are we?

The OP didnt say HOW much larger of an alternative platform, he just said "larger".
And I know from experience, sometimes even an inch too wide, or too deep can make a huge difference in how easily a stand fits in a tight space.
For presets, that might be less of an issue because you have time to screw around, but for run and gun, I dont want to fool with getting a stand on the tree.

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[Jimmyfunk60]

What specifically did you experience with the flexing/popping issues? Was it simply a noise issue, or was it an "oh crap I don't feel safe on this" issue?

YouTube assassin vs ambush there is a good video on it.. I haven’t owned an ambush or seen one in person but the majority of reviews are they have a ton of flex and movement.


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[Homebrew454]

I value width over depth with whatever I’m putting my feet on. It’s not natural or comfortable to lean/stand with your feet touching together. Especially men...

I like one that allows me to have my feet shoulder width apart. Which is why I like a ring of steps as well. Feet on either side of the tree.

I spent my entire year trying to love the predator. I used it on all but 2 hunts. The other 2 I used my WE Perch. When I could get that to cam, that thing was much more comfy. I still think 2 or 3 WE steps was the most comfortable for me. I used them all of last year.

It is so much more comfortable to be able to keep my feet shoulder width apart. I may have to pick up an OOAL ridge runner. I'm thinking that would be for my style better and it looks comparable to the Perch... If not the same area and size.

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[huntin_addict]

I spent my entire year trying to love the predator. I used it on all but 2 hunts. The other 2 I used my WE Perch. When I could get that to cam, that thing was much more comfy. I still think 2 or 3 WE steps was the most comfortable for me. I used them all of last year.

It is so much more comfortable to be able to keep my feet shoulder width apart. I may have to pick up an OOAL ridge runner. I'm thinking that would be for my style better and it looks comparable to the Perch... If not the same area and size.

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This is why I'm liking my Ambush. I ran my Predator ALOT this season, and to be quite honest, it's just not quite wide enough. Used my Ambush a few times now, and noticeably different. My Predator will still have a place and still get used, but my Ambush is going to be my go to at this point.

 

[Westdesign03]

Might be worth mentioning that I haven’t heard much about an OOAL platform cracking or popping. Maybe early Podiums had some squeaking but mine has performed admirably

I have the ridge runner and totally love it. Never had a pop or any kind of noise or any issues with it. You can stand on it and lean at any angle without issue in my experience.


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[Westdesign03]

I might love the RR as well if I had one. One thing that is nice about the podium is the mesh surface. I like not standing on thin rails. Might not be an issue but that was part of my decision when picking between the Pod and RR. I can basically stand barefoot on the Pod

Understand. Not sure when you would want to use a platform barefoot but I know what you mean. The bars of the RR aren’t as thin as you might think. Haven’t measured them but seems like they’re a good 3/16” or maybe thicker.


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