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Brand new big dude

C

Carter6e

New Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2020
Messages
14
Hey all

I stumbled upon saddle hunting from a friend, and in the last few weeks I have gone down the rabbit hole hardcore. I plan to fully devote to this method of hunting due to it being so light and honestly cool to hang in the air.

little about me, I’m in Ontario and I’m 6’2 300ish pounds(hopefully be less soon but it’s a work in progress).

I keep bouncing between what saddle I want to go with and was hoping to get some opinions from all of you who have a ton more experience then myself. I really like Tethrd and how much they seem to listen and promote the style of hunting and plan to go to Michigan in March to their event, but I doubt from what I have read that the mantis or phantom would be comfortable for a man of my size. So that leaves me thinking either the kestrel flex or the jx3. I plan on buying a platform(probably the predator) and was hoping to get some insight, as well as introduce myself and not just lurk the forums reading everything I can.

thanks Carter
 
If you don't already have a climbing method I'd suggest starting there. Figure out what you want to use and get familiar with it. You don't need the saddle.... Any old tree stand harness with linesman belt loop is good for learning your climbing method. I haven't tried all the different saddles but from the 2 that I have and reading what other people say they are all comfortable to a certain extent.... Anytime your body is in an unfamiliar position for extended amounts of time your going to get discomfort. Once you get the climbing part down that's more than half the battle.... Whichever saddle you choose to get first may or may not be the one for you... Pay up the dues on this forum to get classified access and you'll be able to get your money back on the saddle and try the next flavor.
 
Carter6e said:
Hey all

I stumbled upon saddle hunting from a friend, and in the last few weeks I have gone down the rabbit hole hardcore. I plan to fully devote to this method of hunting due to it being so light and honestly cool to hang in the air.

little about me, I’m in Ontario and I’m 6’2 300ish pounds(hopefully be less soon but it’s a work in progress).

I keep bouncing between what saddle I want to go with and was hoping to get some opinions from all of you who have a ton more experience then myself. I really like Tethrd and how much they seem to listen and promote the style of hunting and plan to go to Michigan in March to their event, but I doubt from what I have read that the mantis or phantom would be comfortable for a man of my size. So that leaves me thinking either the kestrel flex or the jx3. I plan on buying a platform(probably the predator) and was hoping to get some insight, as well as introduce myself and not just lurk the forums reading everything I can.

thanks Carter
Click to expand...

I’m 6’5 and 265lbs (lost 5 last week THANK YOU KETO!!!)
Size 16 boots too

Biggest thing for a big guy is trusting something to hold us. We know we are capable of carrying loads and being strong, but not many people are carrying us and there is not a lot of gear that is holding us or supporting our load. For that reason I chose the Aero Hunter kestrel Flex. It is built with solid material and feels very substantial. In fact I only practice one time at ground level before going out at 4am the next day. It is a sure fire winner for guys our size. It sounds like you will really give it a fair chance so I recommend trying a few different climbing methods but I found the wild edge steps to be great for mobility and still support my weight.

Feel free to PM me with any questions
I can give you my cell number as well if u like .

Like weldabeast said, pay the $15 and get classifieds access
Most guys change gear frequently enough to get some good deals and try different things


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I’m 6’1” 270. I tried the mantis a couple times and never got comfortable. For me, sitting in the summit treestand harness I already had and a fleece saddle I made for about $5 was super comfortable. I even made another fleece saddle with a different bridge and belt to hold it up Because I liked it so much. No plan to buy a saddle anytime soon
 
Getting the classifieds is solid advice, I was on the fence about it only for the fact this is a system that I put my life on the line with. I haven’t made up my mind on how to climb the tree was planning on trying drt and maybe a type of steps in the warmer months to see what works with me.

I only got into hunting this past season so I don’t have any climbing gear from tree stands and the like so I don’t want to go buying gear I won’t want to keep.....easier to not be murdered by the wife before I get to play in the saddle I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Carter6e said:
Getting the classifieds is solid advice, I was on the fence about it only for the fact this is a system that I put my life on the line with. I haven’t made up my mind on how to climb the tree was planning on trying drt and maybe a type of steps in the warmer months to see what works with me.

I only got into hunting this past season so I don’t have any climbing gear from tree stands and the like so I don’t want to go buying gear I won’t want to keep.....easier to not be murdered by the wife before I get to play in the saddle I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Take ur time
Watch videos on YouTube
That will help a lot preparing mentally for warmer months



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Carter6e said:
Getting the classifieds is solid advice, I was on the fence about it only for the fact this is a system that I put my life on the line with. I haven’t made up my mind on how to climb the tree was planning on trying drt and maybe a type of steps in the warmer months to see what works with me.

I only got into hunting this past season so I don’t have any climbing gear from tree stands and the like so I don’t want to go buying gear I won’t want to keep.....easier to not be murdered by the wife before I get to play in the saddle I think.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
If you don’t have much experience with climbing trees and elevated hunting I suggest a set of climbing sticks, I climb with the hawk heliums. You can probably find some for less than $130 and they’re super easy to pack and climb.
 
Climbing sticks were my first plan, but with the size I am I wasn’t 100% they would be the best method.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Carter6e said:
Hey all

I stumbled upon saddle hunting from a friend, and in the last few weeks I have gone down the rabbit hole hardcore. I plan to fully devote to this method of hunting due to it being so light and honestly cool to hang in the air.

little about me, I’m in Ontario and I’m 6’2 300ish pounds(hopefully be less soon but it’s a work in progress).

I keep bouncing between what saddle I want to go with and was hoping to get some opinions from all of you who have a ton more experience then myself. I really like Tethrd and how much they seem to listen and promote the style of hunting and plan to go to Michigan in March to their event, but I doubt from what I have read that the mantis or phantom would be comfortable for a man of my size. So that leaves me thinking either the kestrel flex or the jx3. I plan on buying a platform(probably the predator) and was hoping to get some insight, as well as introduce myself and not just lurk the forums reading everything I can.

thanks Carter
Click to expand...

I live in Ontario. Huron county. I have a flex and Jx 3 you can try out. I may go to Michigan if I have time. Where are you from.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
I’m in Mississauga, did my hunting in Niagara in Haldimand county.


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Hey Carter, I'm also a big guy (6', 300 lbs) and just got my Kestrel Flex in the mail this weekend after waiting nearly 3 months. After a couple of short sits (10 mins), I'd say it's very comfortable. I'm a 44" waist with a full seat (wide), so I was pretty worried about hip pinch, but haven't felt the discomfort from these short sits. I'm sure things will get a little more snug on an actual hunt.

I am using Lone Wolf sticks and think they're pretty great, but do wish it had double steps on each rung. I believe they're rated for 350 lbs.

A note about the predator platform though - the top bracket does pull away from the tree when I stand on it. I'm trying to research whether this is normal or if it is because I'm likely tipping the weight limit on it. If that's the case, I'm curious if I should immediately stop using the platform since I'm relying on the strap and only the bottom bracket against the tree.
 
Thanks man, I really think between what squatch and you have said I am going to try out the flex. And that’s good to know about the predator as well, I will keep that in mind
 
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