Any trad guys here?

[Joebuck]

Welcome to other side Saddle Convert!!
You will find a ton of great info on this site about saddle hunting from all these guys. Hopefully I can help you also.
first off ......As far as general advice ..........I guess I would have to break Saddlehunters into 2 groups from my observations.. Light weight Gear Saddle Hunters and Fixed Place Saddle Hunters. I would generally classify a LWGSH as hunter that weight is a concern for his hunt since he may roam substantial distances on a typical hunt probably on public land. His hunts are in and out and random from tract to tract or new area to new area.
I am a Fixed Place Hunter. A weekend warrior so to speak that hunts basically one property/ club/private property type of guy. For most part my trees or tree is hunted year to year without the worry of theft of my equipment. There is dozens of options for a set up for a saddle as you are discovering. These set ups will be no different from a compound to a traditional bow except I like my shots closer

I am a 20yd and in guy. My Guido web is more constrictive to shoot out off than my old TreeSuit or Green Saddle. Because of that i shoot with my right shoulder strap off. I also twist my torso in the web to give me better clearance for my bow string on a close shot. As my avatar shows my position , I love the stand up leaning shot. However my Guido Web does not allow me to shoot sitting down a left( or right) hand shot with my recurve. I have to stand up. As far as height of stand, i think i hunt 12 to 15' . Good luck!

 

[SaddleConvert18]

Joebuck,
Thanks for the info.

 

[Joebuck]

Your Welcome! Sorry i didnt give you probably anything earth shattering but after you get some "strap time" in the woods, you will figure out what works best for you. I will warn you though..........You are going to see more deer and get busted less hunting facing the tree..That lone fact has kept me in a saddle for 2 decades. I hunt 75% of my time in a saddle. I am a fulltime bowhunter so i have some strap marks!!! There are several really neat saddle stands and now platforms available with connections on here to buy. its exciting watching the OEM side of this style of hunting grow. really some great products being made. Personally i'm excited to try the new Gudio Web coming out..

Tip here: #1 If you have a regular tree you hunt year to year like a Coke Machine Persimmon ( puts out every year)....I like to put up and leave year round a stick ladder that has a top i use for my base( 6 oclock) and 2 Cranford EZy Steps at 9 and 3 oclock. i'll cut off the fabric tension straps on stick and replace with a chain and metal doo hicky too tighten.( squirrels are not your friend) i try not to cut a single limb on tree when i climb and install ladder.
#2 scenario.. If i am mobile looking for a evening acorn tree to climb.. I use 3 XL Wide Rapid Rails( out of production ) and 2 EZy steps. Top of XL rapid rail is platform and 2 EZY steps is 9 and 3 oclock. I throw the 2 rails up then pull up third rail with a BIG treble hook as haul line... attach 3rd rail then cinch in and lower treble and retrieve bow.

Those are my 2 basic set up................now...............like a lot of guys on here i'm sure ...i have an impressive collections over the years and some still in use of Summit Buck steps to various lone Wolf steps to Stepp Ladders and homemade platforms i use.....but those previuos are my prefered. Now will climb with a climber then hook into a saddle to hunt sometimes!!!!!!!!!!! Thats rare when but when i out of things to climb with, i'll use a climber to get up just to use a saddle......thats how much i like facing the tree.....

hope some of this helps....happy Safe Hunting

 

[SaddleConvert18]

It does, thank you. I have a mix of public and private access areas, so I can give both a try and see how those set-ups work for me. Luckily, I do have 4 sets of rapid rails, I have always liked them!!!

Safe hunting to you!!

 

[Joebuck]

Good deal! This is pic of the XL Rapid Rail compared to regular Rapid Rail. These are extra wide and are great bases. You can see how both feet sit on these. Thats a regular Rapid Rail hook low to show size comparison.