I have been looking at saddle hunting for 2 seasons now and am getting closer to pulling the trigger I am leaning towards a starter kit seeing how I am not familiar with to many terms and the gear and it will come with the essentials ... just from the kits I’ve looked into I sort of like the idea of the 2 panel saddle by method any thoughts good or bad and information is greatly appreciated
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Best starter kit pros and cons
- Thread starter M_rogala
- Start date
FisherHawk
Member
- Joined
- Nov 23, 2020
- Messages
- 57
I went with the Latitude Method starter kit when I started. It was a good way to start and I have been modifying as I go. I have added a ropeman 1, different sys haulers and a different tether. It was a good way to start for me. The 2 panel system is excellent and comfortable.
I started with (and am still using) the Tethrd Phantom. I have basically upgraded everything but the saddle. I’m planning to swap out the phantom for a Cruzer XC at some point. From what I’ve seen and heard, cruzer makes a really comfortable saddle. They also gave full kits available. If I had to do it over, I think I’d have gone that route.
Looking back now, I wish I never bought starter kit. I hated the Cruzr pouch (too loud). I think the back brace is useless and not reasonable to shoot out of, and I could’ve gotten cheaper linesman and tethers and bridge from other stores. I’ve changed my whole setup quite a bit since I’ve used it
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I'm currently of the same opinion. Pretty sure I could save enough money buying my saddle from one place, lineman's and tether from another. I feel that's my best course of action as I'm not trying to be cheap as much as being smart with my money and buying only what i really need to get started. I am also a saddle hunting novice so I don't have enough experience yet to know if I'll actually use or like some of the items like sys pouches and might like other biners and bridges and have run the numbers and can save worth while money buying separate pieces of equipment to start.
I'm all for buy once-cry-once when I know exactly what I'm gonna be crying over.
DB4x4
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2018
- Messages
- 1,870
The best starter kit is a rock climbing harness, a couple of HSS rope style tree straps, and a fleece saddle made out of a $2.50 Walmart throw...
If you don't like saddle hunting, you can still use the rock climbing harness as your safety harness for tree stand hunting, one HSS rope as your safety tether in the stand, the other as your lineman belt for hanging stands, and the fleece saddle as a ground level seat.
If you don't like saddle hunting, you can still use the rock climbing harness as your safety harness for tree stand hunting, one HSS rope as your safety tether in the stand, the other as your lineman belt for hanging stands, and the fleece saddle as a ground level seat.
In all about buy once cry once. I STRONGLY dislike Amsteel. I don’t like how it looks, I don’t like how it feels... not at least for a lifeline. Many people use and love it... not me I start sketching myself out. I am a novice as well.
I love my cruzr saddle. The pouches from doublesteps are also my favorite. I use 3 pouches for everything since I like everything compartmentalized. I have an additional small pouch that I use paracord through the bottom (it has a hole in bottom) to use as my bow hauling line. I switched to two fixed bridges. One I had made from treestuff is 27” eye to eye. One is 20” eye to eye. Both will be attached using a petzel ring on both bridge loops. One thing I dislike about things being girth hitched around bridge loops is I feel constricted and wanted my rope to move on my bridge loops instead of being taught against wherever they’re stuck hitched. I don’t mind the extra metal it’s not noisy. On my bridge I also use the petzel roller carabiner instead of a carabiner. A) I don’t like the bend a carbiner puts into my rope B) I live how easy it is to move left and right and alleviate hip pinch at any moment just by moving slightly.
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GetHomeSafe
Active Member
Takes a bit more work in research but being into it this far I would buy separate pieces where the best deals can be found. I have a Aero Hunter Kite, if I bought, I like it a lot, now I think I would buy a Cruzer saddle, I may yet. Biding my time, as so many new offerings are on the way. I thought the two panel Latitude might be great but I watched a detailed great review on YouTube (
), it changed my mind (nothing against Latitude or it's users). It might even be great but I need to learn vicariously as I can't buy every new saddle that seems interesting to test it. So reviews, done well, are very informative for me.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2020
- Messages
- 1,577
I went with Tethrd for a few reasons. I liked the Phantom and Predator but have changed ropes. I did like the spliced eyes but switched for weight. No real complaints but I don’t really have any reference.
Really? That's the review that really sold me on the Method, lol. I haven't got my hands on it yet, so I'll see how I end up liking it. Got the buckle version. I think it will work perfect for use my WE steps and Cain method.