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Does anyone NOT like the Predator?

Last year when I 1st got my Predator I started hammering guys with questions about the batwing (there is a thread about it, somewhere here). I think I was getting annoying with my hard headedness. Something just didn't seem like it was the best design, to me.
But then it finally sunk into my thick skull the reasons why it's designed the way it is. After I got over that concern, I've come to accept that this stand is the cat's pajamas, bees knees, top shelf, cream of the crop. I love it.
 
Allegheny Tom said:
Last year when I 1st got my Predator I started hammering guys with questions about the batwing (there is a thread about it, somewhere here). I think I was getting annoying with my hard headedness. Something just didn't seem like it was the best design, to me.
But then it finally sunk into my thick skull the reasons why it's designed the way it is. After I got over that concern, I've come to accept that this stand is the cat's pajamas, bees knees, top shelf, cream of the crop. I love it.
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Fair assessments from top to bottom.
 
I have been only using a platform. I personally never felt like I needed extra steps around the tree. The only time I think you would need it is on really large trees. I tend to stay away larger trees anyway. There are little tricks you can do on a platform that make shots at any angle.

I'm not far from you if you want to try out a platform sometime.

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Hey, thanks @Holt ! That’s nice man. I may take you up on that. Don’t have my saddle yet but I could always rig my HSS lineman’s loops like a bridge I guess. Are you in DE also?
I also try to stay away from bigger trees as I’m a small dude. Gimli or Bilbo shaped.
It’s tough to know what you might prefer before trying, but I feel a draw to the platform setup.
 
DelaWhere_Arrow said:
Hey, thanks @Holt ! That’s nice man. I may take you up on that. Don’t have my saddle yet but I could always rig my HSS lineman’s loops like a bridge I guess. Are you in DE also?
I also try to stay away from bigger trees as I’m a small dude. Gimli or Bilbo shaped.
It’s tough to know what you might prefer before trying, but I feel a draw to the platform setup.
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Anytime. I'm in MD just below Elkton. I also have a kestrel in size 1 and a flex in size 2 that you could try out also.

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Holt said:
Anytime. I'm in MD just below Elkton. I also have a kestrel in size 1 and a flex in size 2 that you could try out also.

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I ordered a Kestrel size 1, and I’m only 20m from Elkton. I go further than that to hunt anyway.
 
I really have to thank everyone for contributing to this thread, those who offered your own equipment to try, and even those who said “don’t like the Predator that much”. After really truly considering all of your suggestions so far, I still feel like I have no clue what I’m going to like until I get up into the tree. Thanks to New Tribe, I will be doing that three weeks earlier than the average person who orders a saddle right now LOL. I decided to go with the Predator after all, but I will have it in my possession a few weeks before my saddle. I’m going to rig my HSS harness as a makeshift saddle with tether and LB loops/rope as “bridge”. I really just want to get the platform and bow to the tree and practice drawing/angling/general lightbulb moments.
I’m not against getting a ROS to try also. I try to hunt 12-16” trees whenever possible, but on bigger trees, or trees with multiple trunks close together, I could see how a ROS could open options. Isn’t that always the idea?

I hope people keep contributing to this thread, as it has brought more to light than just the pros and cons of one specific platform. Tons of knowledge and candid shots presented here; no need to stop.

Finally: If you’re in the market for a Predator or any other Tethrd product, type APPALACHIA in the discount code box. I got that idea from the classifieds yesterday, in the versa-straps thread. I will link it. My Predator cost $10 less and free shipping. Should be here in less than 2 weeks. I know there’s buzz about the Ridge Runner and rightly so, it looks like a solid piece of equipment that will help you feel good in a tree. It’s the same cost, with shipping, as the Predator retail without discount, and I know there’s a much longer wait time. If that doesn’t bother you, no sweat. That’s why it’s so cool to have options.

Thanks again everyone, keep it up!
 
Murph4028 said:
I just traded someone on here my squirrel steps for their predator. I have to say I am impressed. Rock solid in the tree.
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Good endorsement. I feel like I’ll be a severe leaner and fidgety in the saddle because I’m always standing in my treestand. Always good to hear the platform is solid.
 
I’m glad you started this thread, thanks. The predator is a great platform, I just ordered the mini versastrap for it. It will be interesting to see how things evolve over the season.
 
Wolfie said:
I’m glad you started this thread, thanks. The predator is a great platform, I just ordered the mini versastrap for it. It will be interesting to see how things evolve over the season.
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I tried the mini versa strap on my Predator and I didn't think the platform was consistently rock solid.
When I get the most solid set is when the strap is horizontal and tight before I cam it over.
Sometimes the appropriate loop of the versa would work, but sometimes the next loop looser would be the one that fit the tree. That extra inch or so of slack was something I didn't like.
I would say that 60% of the time, it wasn't an issue, but the other 40% was more than I cared to mess with.
I tried the versa and I tried an Amsteel whoopie on my Preds.
I think the cam strap is the most solid, most consistent attachment for a Predator.
I put my versa on a LW stick and I like it there, but on a platform...not so much.

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Allegheny Tom said:
I tried the mini versa strap on my Predator and I didn't think the platform was consistently rock solid.
When I get the most solid set is when the strap is horizontal and tight before I cam it over.
Sometimes the appropriate loop of the versa would work, but sometimes the next loop looser would be the one that fit the tree. That extra inch or so of slack was something I didn't like.
I would say that 60% of the time, it wasn't an issue, but the other 40% was more than I cared to mess with.
I tried the versa and I tried an Amsteel whoopie on my Preds.
I think the cam strap is the most solid, most consistent attachment for a Predator.
I put my versa on a LW stick and I like it there, but on a platform...not so much.

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I thought the same as well but I watched a YouTube video of Carl standing on the post to lock it down then camming it over. 25ft up might feel different to do this but seem to lock really tight. I hate buckles and considering using the versastraps on my sticks instead of my ropes. I gotta at least give EVERYTHING a try right!
 
Wolfie said:
I thought the same as well but I watched a YouTube video of Carl standing on the post to lock it down then camming it over. 25ft up might feel different to do this but seem to lock really tight. I hate buckles and considering using the versastraps on my sticks instead of my ropes. I gotta at least give EVERYTHING a try right!
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That video does help the case for versa straps. But I am in the minority who thinks cam buckles are about the niftiest piece of EQ aside from a good rangefinder.
 
I like the predator and it works well - I had one last year - but I wish it was about 4 inches wider - I'd buy another one if it was wider....I'm using my LW hand climber as my platform(using sticks not climbing with it) - and strap it down to tree and it doesn't move....The extra 4 inches of width makes a big difference to me....
 
Longbowwally said:
I like the predator and it works well - I had one last year - but I wish it was about 4 inches wider - I'd buy another one if it was wider....I'm using my LW hand climber as my platform(using sticks not climbing with it) - and strap it down to tree and it doesn't move....The extra 4 inches of width makes a big difference to me....
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I wrestled with the width spec for weeks before ordering, but I do like the squared shape of the Predator when compared with the extra width of say, the Ridge Runner or Podium. I feel like you can sit sideways as easily as forward with Predator.
 
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