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Best two-panel or gusseted saddle

B

Boone Liane

Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2024
Messages
42
As I dive deeper down this rabbit hole, ive come to the conclusion I should have a back up rig (ya know, to go with my backup climbing rope).

Id really like to try to a two panel or a gusseted type saddle.

Ive been running an Ape Canyon Pioneer since last year, and overall I really like it, but find I maybe get a little fidgety after two hours in it. I feel like I want more support below my butt especially which brings me to wanting to try the two panel design.

Thanks
 
I prefer the pleated saddle because I find it more comfortable but I switched off a two panel because I found myself adjusting it frequently, probably just out of boredom.
 
I’ve had the ESS, latitude version 2, and the cruzer archon. The ESS was extremely comfortable BUT, I don’t like the sliding D-rings because they settle into position by gravity and that doesn’t allow YOU to set the pressure any other way. The archon was ok but too much cup in the seat for my butt. The latitude was my favorite of the 3 but the seat was too narrow. I think the gen 3 latitude looks like they got it all sorted out as a solid option. The new tethrd 2 panel is intriguing as well.
 
Method 3, CGM Cobra, Cruzr XC would be my top 3…..with the Latitude Lonestar real close.


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I've got a Recon, a modified Tetherd ESS (modified to JE's specs by the Amish gentleman he recommends) and 2 homemade Wraptors. Out of the box, stock, the Recon is the best as shipped. The ESS modified is way more manageable than the stock version. It's a solid option. I tend to use the smaller of the two Wraptors I made the most. It is just like a tailor made suit made just for me.

So, out of the box and readily available I would recommend one of the three size options of the Treehopper Recon that best suits your build.

A: Recon size small
B: ESS modified
C: Large Wraptor
D: Small Wraptor
 

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Picked up the ESS last year when they had it on sale to clear inventory. Used it all last season (Sep-Dec) and never had any hip pinch or any other discomfort. Had Tethrd not had them on sale I would have gone with Buzzard Roost. Had an opportunity a couple years ago at an expo to try out the Buzzard Roost, Latitude Method 2 and CGM and for me personally the Buzzard Roost was the clear winner.
 
I have a recon and an ESS. Transformer is a great saddle but I can't stand the raptor buckles, I just can't get them quiet. I agree that the two panels that auto adjust are better.

Dryad is the most comfortable saddle, or a the fleece.
 
Love my original Wood Deluxe, just wish it had suspender loops. I'd definitely get one of the new Ape Canyon versions when I'm in need.
 
I have an Overwatch Transformer 2-panel and an Ape Canyon Pioneer. I bought the Overwatch first and really liked it, but wanted to try an adjustable single panel to compare. While researching, I saw a JRB gig on the Pioneer and purchased it on sale. I bought that one in the summer of '24 and tried it on the first saddle hunt of the season...never got the Overwatch out the rest of season. Not because there was any dissatisfaction with the Transformer, but the Pioneer is lighter and felt very similar in comfort. This summer I gifted our son-in-law with the Overwtch and ended up buying a virtually new one in the larger sized from the SH classifieds to use for late season with extra clothing bulk.
 
I love my CGM Cobra. It is not the lightest saddle but it is comfortable. My DIY fleece saddle was still the MOST comfortable. Only issue is lack of molle so I couldn't attach anything and the rock climbing harness was not ideal for saddle hunting. Early morning set up well before first light I took a number of naps in that fleece saddle. It really felt more like a hammock than a saddle.
 
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