Welcome from central Mississippi!! I too am looking forward to being able to walk in lighter.
@Kurt how long you been saddle hunting? I got the large mantis as well. I haven’t hunted yet, but been practicing. Any pointers on using mantis?
I just got done with my first year. Got my stuff sprinkled through the beginning of the MA bow season. My order was completed before mid-season. Predator platform included. I've worked in saddles since college. Part of my job still requires me to climb trees. I bought the party pack. Everything tethered, and WE steps, I like the knaider/swaider climbing method, although, I've been working on the knaider/5 step aider method. Jury's still out on that. The biggest Mantis related change I made was to take off the adjusters, and hook the leg straps in there instead of where they were originally designed to attach.(recommended by someone on this site). For me the comfort was night and day. I have the ability to practice a lot, so I'm out doing multiple reps of one sort or another, trying to iron in a good solid, safe system. I'm addicted to saddlehunter.com!! I used to think I was the only one who sat in a tree all season thinking of things to tweak, and weaknesses to work on. I'm an information whore. If it's hunting related I want to know. Come to find out I am not the sickest man in the room. My wife calls me her idea guy. Man, I'm like a novice compared to some of the creative brains on this site. So if you want to be a better saddle hunter faster, log in daily and ask questions. This guys on this site are awesome, and their good sharers. Lots of good videos on line of folks showing their climbing methods, and modifications. I do a lot of set ups at ground level, which lets me change things up quicker , and safer than if I did full climbs. So I guess my best advice is to, practice, practice, practice. Find out what feels safe to you. Oh, and focus on quiet rather than quick, quick will come with reps. You have to spend some hours in the saddle to know what's going to be comfortable for you. I can't tell you how high your tether needs to be, or if your a leaner or a sitter. I tend to lean more than sit. I bought arcteryx knee pads. They were recommended on here. I'm glad I did. I find them super comfortable, and easy to pack in, or wear in . Well you asked for it, and I went and rambled on. If there's anything specific I can help you with, fire away. If I don't know( and trust me I don't know a lot) your in the right place.