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Anybody still using DIY saddle?

S

splatek

Active Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2019
Messages
167
Just curious: Anybody still using a DIY saddle?
Over the past year I have collected a JX3, which is a game changer for backcountry and a Trophyline, which I use a lot on the small private parcel I hunt. But being quarantined had me playing around with some of the plans I found a while back on here about converting the Sit Drag into a saddle. I am using that as my Yard practice saddle and honestly, it's really really light and I have a system for climbing ( @Athena method) and connecting that it's pretty much seamless.
 
Yep, DIY Kestrel clone is the primary saddle I use - thanks @ckossuth! Also have a Wrapter, Wraith, SitDrag, and going to test out a fleece saddle too.

Biggest issue with DIY is you really need a heavy duty machine to finish a few spots. I had to take my Wrapter in to an upholstery shop for a few box stitches that I couldn't do on my wife's machine. I've since picked up an industrial machine and it makes all the difference to get good quality stitches through multiple layers of webbing and cordura. I did some stitching on my SitDrag with a SpeedyStitcher and won't ever do that again - ok in a pinch or in an emergency, but no way I'd make a saddle out of that.
 
I use a sit drag with an added waistbelt. I sewed my first DIY saddle recently and had it up a tree once. I am going to use the DIY one now. I have an Aero Evolution and a Trophyline Ambush Pro saddle with the leg loops and the waist belt cut off. I bought it that way.
 
Last edited:
splatek said:
Just curious: Anybody still using a DIY saddle?
Over the past year I have collected a JX3, which is a game changer for backcountry and a Trophyline, which I use a lot on the small private parcel I hunt. But being quarantined had me playing around with some of the plans I found a while back on here about converting the Sit Drag into a saddle. I am using that as my Yard practice saddle and honestly, it's really really light and I have a system for climbing ( @Athena method) and connecting that it's pretty much seamless.
Click to expand...
I use a diy kestrel clone and know a phantom clone ...:) Working on a few more as we speak ...
 
Cool.
It's good to know.
Sounds like a lot of folks are sticking with stuff they made.
 
I predominantly sit since I climb SRT. Most of the saddles ride too high with a small area to support your thighs. Notice how the JX3 fully supports your thighs. I was looking for a flexible JX3 so I had to make my own.

My First Yellow Jacket (tm) Saddle Build *** Complete 1 lb 7 oz

Edit: People have asked me what I was going to name it and then I thought of a name. It is "The Yellow Jacket(tm) Saddle". Good enough. :D Today was the first time I took something that wasn't a saddle and made it into a saddle. I have been practicing with my sewing machines to good effect...
saddlehunter.com
 
Can you buy manufactured saddles now?? :tearsofjoy:

Kestrel clone here. Still have a sitdrag and early mantis wanna be. I don't see myself turning to a production model. I enjoy the research, planning, and production far too much.
 
I have clones of a wraptor, wraith-ish (made some mods), kestrel, phantom, and another 1 I made on my own. They are very comfy

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Yup, I have a kite/mantis clone and a wrapt2r clone I made that I use. Thinking of a phantom with some customizations next...


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Kestrel clone for me as well. Just got a phantom clone put together to try out but it’s gonna be hard to beat old faithful


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