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Best saddle?

Weldabeast said:
Not me.....I'll replace when it's worn out....hopefully in 10 years
Lucky for me the best saddle I've tried is made right here in jax FL so I can go pick up local..... https://woodtreesaddles.com/
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X2 for the Woods Saddle!!!
I agree with most all that everyone has posted, but in the end - Fit and Finish rules the roost!!! I just so happened to be at a saddle group meet up a few weeks ago and got to try out about 8 different saddles, platforms, and climbing methods, and found one that I really liked (even over my all time fav. . .Cruzr XC), but couldn't talk the owner out of it. He and his wife stayed in touch with me that following week for camo pattern and size, then before I knew it there was a saddle sitting on my front porch when I came home from work!!! I am returning from a five day hunt where I have logged about 35+/- hours in this saddle and I'm VERY happy with my decision. I sold one of my XC's and keep the other for a back-up (I try to have 2 of everything) just in case I need it. I'm 5'11" 220lbs with a 36" waist and the Woods Deluxe Size 2 is pure perfection for a long hunting duration sit person like myself. Leaning/sitting on a ROS I was very comfy. Robert and Alisha are fantastic people to work with, will go out of their way for you, and produce an exceptional saddle rig. . .you CAN NOT go wrong with these folks, check them out.
 
cincyprostheticguy said:
Before i buy a saddle id your input. I have no experience with a saddle so what have you tried that was above all else? What didnt work?
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I've tried 3 different versions of the new breed saddles in the past year. Sold every one of them because at 60 years of age, I just can't find comfort in these minimal material new breeds. That said, the old Trophy line leather saddle, pretty much the original saddle that Eberhart made popular has been my "go too" saddle in the end, especially when I sit all day during the onset of the rut. Now I have AFIB, so climbing trees just became a thing of the past for me. So check out the classifieds for my Leather Trophy line saddle and grab it up. You won't regret it.
 
I keep seeing posts on cost, I can’t imagine choosing a saddle based on price. I mean I see buying used… but…You’re betting your life on them and they’re all within a reasonable cost of each other. Most to least expensive is just not that much. If you’re buying and trying a bunch I get it. But that’s like last on the list of concerns in my book. Do some research and try if possible prior to purchase. That’s my .02. Lol. Yep cheap advice.
 
Try to get ahold of some guys who have different setups in your area. You will find them if you dig deep a bit. Ask them to meet up and let you mess with whst they got
 
overspined said:
I keep seeing posts on cost, I can’t imagine choosing a saddle based on price. I mean I see buying used… but…You’re betting your life on them and they’re all within a reasonable cost of each other. Most to least expensive is just not that much. If you’re buying and trying a bunch I get it. But that’s like last on the list of concerns in my book. Do some research and try if possible prior to purchase. That’s my .02. Lol. Yep cheap advice.
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Custom Gear Modifications Sidewinder=$175
TX5 Lonestar=$350

In this case one costs double the other. Both good saddles. (Very different from each other.)

If it doesn’t fit or function as you need, you’ve wasted the money either way. So, yeah, that’s got to take top priority.

But I understand a budget too.
 
Fl Canopy Stalker said:
You’re going to get many different answers because some guys love 2 panels, some guys love minimalist set ups, some guys love pleats, some love hammocks. Some guys have brand loyalty and some guys are friends with the guys on here who make them. Cruzr XC gets a lot of love. The past year the Dryad Drey has become very popular. For the price point it’s hard to beat CGM’s saddles and they are loaded with features. Some people really love TX5 saddles, recently Overwatch Orion (pleated) and the Transformer (2 panel) are getting a lot of great reviews. Best advice anyone can give you is to find a saddle hunter group or meet up close to you and try out as many as you can. Each body type and hunting style is unique so you need to find the one that works best for you, and none of us can define that for you
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Don’t forget the famous Wood Tree Saddles in there! Only thing I would add to this is a five minute sit doesn’t equal a hunt sit. Good luck.
 
If you're looking to dip your toe in the water, nothing wrong with pairing a rock climbing harness ("RCH") with a sit drag or fleece hammock. Or a Dryad Drey retrofit. Figuring out what you're looking for, what you want out of a saddle, can be helpful while you're saving up for what you funally decide you actually want.

Other tip is to put your info in the member map and keep an ey on the member meetup page. That might be your best bet to try a few saddles out before you buy one.
 
Here’s another vote for Wood Hunting Saddles!

I started off with a tetherd Phantom and didn’t get along with it. So I got a Wood saddle and an Aerohunter New Flex, realizing that I needed to try a few models to see what works for me. I kept both and put a lot of miles on them. The New Flex, aka Merlin hasn’t got the best reviews, But I absolutely love it. The pleat closes reliably and I actually like that the tether and lineman’s belt connect in different locations. Everything about the Original Wood Saddle works for me. It’s extremely light weight and wears very comfortably on long treks in and out of the woods and in the tree. It’s a Great design, well built in the US and the owner is extremely knowledgeable and an all around nice guy.
 
Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, no fidgeting, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches, you can shoot 360° around the tree with any weapon, bow or gun.
No platform required, only a ROS, no sore feet, no knee pads required, no sore knees, no tired legs from leaning as you can sit all day, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs. No getting into “saddle shape” as your Lazy Boy at home does it for you. Buy once, cry once.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........
 
Just ordered a Cruzr XC to try out. Really like my Tethrd Phantom, but get just a bit of hip pinch on long sits regardless of how I have it set (I'm a bigger guy and have some junk in my trunk). Hopefully the Cruzr will even that out. People seem to rave about the comfort. We'll see...
 
I believe, You’ll find the Cruzr to be a very comfortable saddle.
Spartan said:
Just ordered a Cruzr XC to try out. Really like my Tethrd Phantom, but get just a bit of hip pinch on long sits regardless of how I have it set (I'm a bigger guy and have some junk in my trunk). Hopefully the Cruzr will even that out. People seem to rave about the comfort. We'll see...
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I was able to pick up a overwatch orion from this site and ive been in it a couple times (my first saddle) and i just got all the stuff i needed to one stick.. I really like the saddle and dont have any complaints with it.. using the saddle and one stick (trophyline wingman) even for the firat time was pretty awesome compared to lugging my summit viper sd around.. my only complaint so far is that i didnt get away from the climber a few years ago when i bought another summit..
 
Spartan said:
Just ordered a Cruzr XC to try out. Really like my Tethrd Phantom, but get just a bit of hip pinch on long sits regardless of how I have it set (I'm a bigger guy and have some junk in my trunk). Hopefully the Cruzr will even that out. People seem to rave about the comfort. We'll see...
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I did the same at the start of last season. You will be amazed at the difference the XC makes. Instant comfort, without having to constantly fiddle with it like the Phantom. XC wears like your favorite pair of jeans and is a very good choice for a first saddle, because there’s an excellent chance that you won’t ever need another.
 
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