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Does anyone NOT like the Predator?

I screwed up!
I just got into the saddle last year and I waited the long wait for my Kestrel and Predator, the both of them are awesome! I heard a lot about the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Seat and fell in love with the idea so I picked one up and man it is awesome! Someone posted in the classifieds that they would trade a Mantis for a Predator. I've heard a lot about the Mantis and wanted to try it out plus I have the Lone Wolf so I traded. Today I found out it was a big mistake! I put some cameras out and prepped some trees using my set up and found it wasn't perfect, I can make it work but some trees called for the Predator. By the way, you will love your Kestrel. I know they have the new version but mine is perfect for me.
You will love the Predator, if you don't I will trade you a Mantis for it! LOL
 
I didn’t like the Predator. At all. And this is why....

dd65c3368e9a785b16af526246c00997.jpg


The stand off teeth are dull and the teeth on the platform proper are dull. They wouldn’t bite into the tree for me at all and that sucks. I realize this isn’t a “cam over” platform and for that reason you’re only going to get so much bite, but I won’t my platform to stay where I put it and the Predator simply wouldn’t do that for me.

I realize this is only my opinion, but there’s a YT video review that’s been posted on here many times that praises the Predator.....watch the video and you’ll see the movement. To each his own, but, again, I want my platform to stay exactly where I put it when I’m standing on it, putting side pressure on it or completely taking all my weight off of it.
 
dalton916 said:
I didn’t like the Predator. At all. And this is why....

dd65c3368e9a785b16af526246c00997.jpg


The stand off teeth are dull and the teeth on the platform proper are dull. They wouldn’t bite into the tree for me at all and that sucks. I realize this isn’t a “cam over” platform and for that reason you’re only going to get so much bite, but I won’t my platform to stay where I put it and the Predator simply wouldn’t do that for me.

I realize this is only my opinion, but there’s a YT video review that’s been posted on here many times that praises the Predator.....watch the video and you’ll see the movement. To each his own, but, again, I want my platform to stay exactly where I put it when I’m standing on it, putting side pressure on it or completely taking all my weight off of it.
Click to expand...
I did ask if anyone hated it. You, sir, are the first to outright hate it. I appreciate the feedback!
 
rutjr said:
I screwed up!
I just got into the saddle last year and I waited the long wait for my Kestrel and Predator, the both of them are awesome! I heard a lot about the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Seat and fell in love with the idea so I picked one up and man it is awesome! Someone posted in the classifieds that they would trade a Mantis for a Predator. I've heard a lot about the Mantis and wanted to try it out plus I have the Lone Wolf so I traded. Today I found out it was a big mistake! I put some cameras out and prepped some trees using my set up and found it wasn't perfect, I can make it work but some trees called for the Predator. By the way, you will love your Kestrel. I know they have the new version but mine is perfect for me.
You will love the Predator, if you don't I will trade you a Mantis for it! LOL
Click to expand...
LOL I love this. I was hanging on your every word.
 
dalton916 said:
I didn’t like the Predator. At all. And this is why....

dd65c3368e9a785b16af526246c00997.jpg


The stand off teeth are dull and the teeth on the platform proper are dull. They wouldn’t bite into the tree for me at all and that sucks. I realize this isn’t a “cam over” platform and for that reason you’re only going to get so much bite, but I won’t my platform to stay where I put it and the Predator simply wouldn’t do that for me.

I realize this is only my opinion, but there’s a YT video review that’s been posted on here many times that praises the Predator.....watch the video and you’ll see the movement. To each his own, but, again, I want my platform to stay exactly where I put it when I’m standing on it, putting side pressure on it or completely taking all my weight off of it.
Click to expand...

With all due respect, you’re doing something wrong if you can’t get the predator tight. Also, it IS a cam over platform.
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
My Kestrel arrives in early September and I just came into a “spare $200”, aka I shifted some change around and freed up two Benjamins through the grace of the deer gods.
After hemming and hawing over whether I’d use the Bullman ROS, 2-3 Wild Edge Stepps, an OOL Podium, or the Predator, the financial situation is looking in favor of the Predator. So, being the consummate homework-doer when it comes to hunting gear, I have to ask the Predator users at large:
Is there anything you hate about the Predator, or is it really the answer to the bowhunter’s plight?
Click to expand...

As you can see, the internet will provide you with a wide range of opinions.

I withheld the specific reasons I don't prefer the predator platform. The thread will inevitably devolve into people saying it stinks, and other people telling them they don't know what they're talking about, then my dad can beat up your dad.

What you put your feet on when you hunt is highly user specific and hunting style specific. I would say that a large majority of folks could use either platform or ROS and it would be "acceptable" - we're hunting not kissing babies. There's a very small number of folks who prefer one over the other for a "deal breaker" reason. Most inevitably try both, and for a multitude of small reasons, choose one or the other.

I've owned 3 predators. I've had plenty of time to hunt with it. It isn't for me. But I also know that the reasons I prefer a ROS are highly specific to me. Because of this, I don't try to convince someone that a ROS is the answer.

You're probably in the majority that could be fine with either. Just get both, and try both extensively, and sell the one you don't want.
 
Don`t forget almost everything we use gets DIY modded out eventually . I would get to a SH Palooza in your area or start one. They are a great way to try everything in one place. You may be posting up your own mods soon.Good luck
 
I read all the comments as you can’t hardly go wrong with either option to start out but in the end, the only way to find out what is most comfortable and functional is to try both and see what YOU like best for YOUR style of hunt.
 
kyler1945 said:
Buy a ring of steps, buy a platform. Sit with both in your yard for a few hours a few times each. Decide which one is more conducive to comfort and shooting well.

Then sell the other on the classifieds.

There is no answer other than this that does you any good. There's dang near an even split of ROS and platform users. Buy both, it's risk free, and you'll avoid the nonsense trying to figure it out in the woods.
Click to expand...
He is 100% right. I don't know if it makes the most sense to do but I bought a drill and bolts. Use it for my climbing method and also use bolts as a ring of steps my first year. I know hunt off a platform but my ring of steps also doubled as my climbing method. So I didn't have to sell anything.
 
huck72412 said:
With all due respect, you’re doing something wrong if you can’t get the predator tight. Also, it IS a cam over platform.
Click to expand...

It might be called one, but it’s not. All it can do is push away from the tree to further snug the strap. A true cam over crosses center then locks in place.
 

There’s a lot of movement for something really locked in there.
 
dalton916 said:
It might be called one, but it’s not. All it can do is push away from the tree to further snug the strap. A true cam over crosses center then locks in place.
Click to expand...
I’m curious about the tightening issue you are having.
 
Identical to the video above, when stepping on and off or drastically changing the amount of pressure on it the platform will rise or sink. I don’t stay on my platform the entire time and I don’t want movement making noise.

Like I said earlier, it’s a quality product as is, but replacing the dull standoff with one that has sharper teeth might be in order. The Predator came in third place amongst my platform stable (Shoprider footrest is one, XOP seat is two) so I sold mine or I would try it and see.
 
dalton916 said:
Identical to the video above, when stepping on and off or drastically changing the amount of pressure on it the platform will rise or sink. I don’t stay on my platform the entire time and I don’t want movement making noise.

Like I said earlier, it’s a quality product as is, but replacing the dull standoff with one that has sharper teeth might be in order. The Predator came in third place amongst my platform stable (Shoprider footrest is one, XOP seat is two) so I sold mine or I would try it and see.
Click to expand...
Understood!
 
dalton916 said:
Identical to the video above, when stepping on and off or drastically changing the amount of pressure on it the platform will rise or sink. I don’t stay on my platform the entire time and I don’t want movement making noise.

Like I said earlier, it’s a quality product as is, but replacing the dull standoff with one that has sharper teeth might be in order. The Predator came in third place amongst my platform stable (Shoprider footrest is one, XOP seat is two) so I sold mine or I would try it and see.
Click to expand...

So you would be looking for something more like our DIY lone wolf/xop seat platforms. Where they cam past the fulcrum of pressure and don’t utilize the hunter’s weight for stability.... right?

I get your point, and hunted with one of those for a couple years. I do, however, love the simplicity and ergonomics of the klemz style predator more.
Perfect example of the individualism of saddles!


................................................................................All climbing methods, platforms, saddle designs, and/or use of materials possibly mentioned in the post above are not peer reviewed for safety, and should only be used as an example of my own method. Do your own research and testing before becoming confident in any DIY solution to support your life.
-IkemanTx
 
huck72412 said:
I’m curious about the tightening issue you are having.
Click to expand...

Were using the stock strap that came with the platform? I’ve heard those straps are not as heavy weight as a LW strap and as a result had some slop come in under load.

Anyone try the buckleless strap method that @nudderbuster just did a video on with the predator?
 
ofor said:
Were using the stock strap that came with the platform? I’ve heard those straps are not as heavy weight as a LW strap and as a result had some slop come in under load.

Anyone try the buckleless strap method that @nudderbuster just did a video on with the predator?
Click to expand...
Versa strap.
 
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