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Anybody gone back to mobile stands?

Bowtie747 said:
You gonna try this setup again? I’m real curious on your thoughts on it after another hunt or two buddy
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Did total 2 full days of .5 hybrid. Not planning to go again and going to try the Dryad with ROS as my next setup. Again, for me it just did not work because I never felt the desire to sit at all once I'm in the saddle. The transitioning from saddle position and hang-on position was not worth it just for the sake of a large platform. Also the shape of a dedicated large platform which 'hug' the tree is more efficient than the tear shape of a hang on for facing the tree. I might sneak in another hunt using the .5 as a purely hang-on setup, but I'm sticking to one or the other.
 
okccj said:
Are you saying that you use a hang-on stand with a saddle, but never sit in the seat? What's the reason to not simply use a saddle platform?
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Because I have bow hunted 30 years from tree stands and have zero desire to perform weak side shots from a platform, I’ve never had a problem killing game from a stand, I just can’t sit on any of the seats and standing for several hours gets old quick. I do use a platform for rifle hunting, Ambush.
 
Plebe said:
It's funny because I got into a JX3 thinking cold weather rifle hunting option. I had spied the Guido's Web for many years and when a good opportunity presented itself I cashed in on the new modern marvel.

Where I'm at: It's my DeLorean.
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I’m going back to mobile hunting.
I am a true capitalist. I have over 30 stands, ladders hang on stands a tree house box blinds etc etc. on my private property. Don’t hate on me. I do let younger hunters hunt the property that don’t have a hunter menter.
The trouble with my permanent stands is the deer over time have figured them out and stay away..lol That’s one reason I started saddle hunting it keeps the deer second guessing me where I will set up on my property and the public land next to me.
I am also pulling out my lone wolf climbers. The assault is my favorite. I don’t own a .5….it looks sweet.
Maybe a guy with a Delorean could float me a loan?
 
One bad part about saddle hunting out of a stand is how narrow the platform is right next to the tree. If you really want to get crazy you can run a hang on/ring of steps combo which allows you to widen your stance while standing tight to the tree.
 
I rotate between stands, saddles, JX3 Hybrid and my Pac Seat. I appreciate them all and each one serves a purpose depending on where I’m hunting. Lately the Pac Seat is seeing more attention. As I get older hunting on the ground is getting more and more appealing to me.
 
Topdog said:
Because I have bow hunted 30 years from tree stands and have zero desire to perform weak side shots from a platform, I’ve never had a problem killing game from a stand, I just can’t sit on any of the seats and standing for several hours gets old quick. I do use a platform for rifle hunting, Ambush.
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Is it safe to assume you use a very large hang-on stand? If not, wouldn't a large saddle platform, such as the Mission, allow you to take similar weak side shots?
 
Another climber option coming soon. I heard 16lbs but it’s listed at 18lb. Not horrible.

xopoutdoors.com

AMBUSH EVOLUTION

The XOP AMBUSH has been phased out, making way for the upcoming XOP REVOLT. This new climber is a game-changer with its unique features. It boasts a lightweight platform, making it incredibly easy to carry. The belt lock design has been upgraded for better functionality, and the addition of our...
xopoutdoors.com xopoutdoors.com
 
I am not going back to a hang on. But I need one for specific situations.
Ordered a LWCG .75 on 9-21. I was told 4 to 5 weeks. Showed up today.
Screenshot_20220929-104057_Gallery.jpg
 
207bowhunter said:
The other thing thats a PITA in saddles is adding extra layers as the day gets colder
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IME, adding and removing upper layers (parka, coat, jacket, insulation layer, etc.) as the temperatures fluctuate is actually much easier in a saddle than a traditional tree stand safety harness, because a tree stand harness encompasses the legs and torso. Can keep the saddle on while adding/removing clothing on the upper body, not so with a safety harness.
 
I'm a little surprised at the responses on this thread, I feel the same way but thought I was the only one. I bought a saddle because I bought property my climber wouldn't work. Well first I bought a hangon and realized I HATE sitting in a hangon and hate hanging sticks almost as bad. I don't mind sitting in my Cruzr but still hate dealing with anything sticks related.

If I hunt elsewhere I always carry my climber. Sits like a recliner and plenty of platform room. I honestly never knew there was such a thing as a "weak side" shot until I bought a saddle. I have a lot of trouble shooting out of my saddle and can only shoot from about 8-11 o'clock. All the behind me and weak side acrobatics necessary for other shots hasn't worked for me without looking like a side show carny act.
 
BuffaloBill said:
Another climber option coming soon. I heard 16lbs but it’s listed at 18lb. Not horrible.

xopoutdoors.com

AMBUSH EVOLUTION

The XOP AMBUSH has been phased out, making way for the upcoming XOP REVOLT. This new climber is a game-changer with its unique features. It boasts a lightweight platform, making it incredibly easy to carry. The belt lock design has been upgraded for better functionality, and the addition of our...
xopoutdoors.com xopoutdoors.com
Click to expand...

We only need something like this:

2E48A0D6-78AA-4B45-8E8B-D49C42CFD2C9.jpeg
 
Plebe said:
I have and use a Millenium M7, and while it lacks platform length and has the smallest mesh seat, it's where I'd spend my money in an "economy" stand. I've seen them for under $170 several times this year at Midway.
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I’ll second the M7, for the money it’s surprisingly comfortable and pretty light.

I used to be able to outhunt suboptimal setups with time and perseverance… now I believe having less available time is what drives me search for better setups. I keep coming to the unfortunate conclusion that a couple different available hunting methods out in the barn is better than committing to just one. This past weekend the saddle probably cost me a shot at a buck I’ve dumped more time into than any other in 25 years. In the tree I was in, I knew a hang on would have set up better but I arrived to the spot in a saddle.

I sometimes don’t feel smart enough to figure out how to make one setup do it all, so I accept a couple different setups… the thing I hate about this is transferring gear across these setups, and losing the muscle memory of a single method, which makes me want to commit to just one, but again I’m not smart enough to make that work as well, and it did cost me a good deer 3 days ago. I hope to keep getting better at dialing my pile of chosen junk in, nirvana always seems just a few good decisions / mods away. But now that I’ve seen the benefits of the saddle I’ve added it to the methods that I deploy, but cannot fully commit to.
 
neonomad said:
I’ll second the M7, for the money it’s surprisingly comfortable and pretty light.

I used to be able to outhunt suboptimal setups with time and perseverance… now I believe having less available time is what drives me search for better setups. I keep coming to the unfortunate conclusion that a couple different available hunting methods out in the barn is better than committing to just one. This past weekend the saddle probably cost me a shot at a buck I’ve dumped more time into than any other in 25 years. In the tree I was in, I knew a hang on would have set up better but I arrived to the spot in a saddle.

I sometimes don’t feel smart enough to figure out how to make one setup do it all, so I accept a couple different setups… the thing I hate about this is transferring gear across these setups, and losing the muscle memory of a single method, which makes me want to commit to just one, but again I’m not smart enough to make that work as well, and it did cost me a good deer 3 days ago. I hope to keep getting better at dialing my pile of chosen junk in, nirvana always seems just a few good decisions / mods away. But now that I’ve seen the benefits of the saddle I’ve added it to the methods that I deploy, but cannot fully commit to.
Click to expand...

If they just made it 3" narrower and 3" longer, I'd be in. It really is a jam up stand for the under 6' crowd. One downside is lack of platform leveling. But that is easily remedied.
 
I've added a hang on back to my arsenal last year. My back can only take 3-4 hours at a time in a hang on with fixed angles.

But having one with the perfect dimensions, and under 6lbs with no metal buckles or cables as I've modified it, makes a useful tool.

I'm about 75-80% JX3 hybrid, 20-25% stand when I do climb a tree.
 
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