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Guys with big feet

S

SLaCowboy

New Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2019
Messages
5
I just got my first saddle. I have been playing on my pole in the yard with a ring of steps made of screw ins. I like it but not sure if I can make long sits using that style. I'm trying to decide on a platform to try. I wear a size 14/15 shoe and being from South Louisiana I hunt in rubber boots 98% of the time. I'm leaning towards the bigger platforms (mission, predator xl, ridge runner xl) but the reason I wanted to try a saddle is to cut bulk and weight. My first lock on was an lw alpha because of the larger platform but after a few hunts in a assualt I was just as comfortable on a smaller platform. With that being said I hate to buy a big platform when I may be just as comfortable in a smaller style. Anyone with big feet have any recommendations based off your experience?
 
Go big or go home. Even with 10.5 feet, I didn't care for the predator size amongst other things. The ridge runner was much better because it allowed me to keep my feet further apart. The mission is by far more comfortable and is totally worth the weight and bulk penalty. Positioning for a shot without all the rope acrobatics that you see in saddle logos and advertisements.
 
iamcorey said:
Go big or go home. Even with 10.5 feet, I didn't care for the predator size amongst other things. The ridge runner was much better because it allowed me to keep my feet further apart. The mission is by far more comfortable and is totally worth the weight and bulk penalty. Positioning for a shot without all the rope acrobatics that you see in saddle logos and advertisements.
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I agree. Width is the most important part of a platform for me. Or tree diameter for a ring of steps. I am a man-spreader. If I'm going to set up for all-day comfort, I want some room.

But, I do hate carrying the big boys. I end up thinking "why not just go back to a 5lb treestand."
 
I fall in to the other camp on platform size. I wear size 13 rubber boots most of the season. The regular Predator is just about the perfect compromise for me as far as platform size goes. Its small enough to fit in my pack and carry easily but I can still maneuver around enough to make a turn if I have to. I typically sit in my saddle knees to the tree with about a fist width between them and it still provides plenty of platform for me to rest my feet on. I do like my Ridge Runner and find it comfortable but it's pushing the limit on being able to stow it in (and get it out of) my pack at height. Personally I certainly don't want anything bigger than that.
 
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Use a LW seat and make you a platform.

I wear size 14 and the LW seat is plenty big enough. I also have a platform made from a scooter footrest and one made from an XOP seat. XOP->LW->scooter in order of largest to smallest.

This is the XOP over the Scooter....

5e827392074874423eaed9c3edd881e0.jpg


This is the Lone Wolf seat.....

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The hawk apex platform is a cheap option to try a smaller platform. ( on campfire now for $70)I used my DIY platform all last season that is smaller than the hawk with 13 boots with no issues. I also have a strap on step at 3 and 9 o clock on my platform strap to change it up once in awhile. With one foot on the strap on step higher up and other on my platform it angles my body towards the ground creating less bend at the waist.

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I have to assume that with size 14 feet you are a larger humanoid. Adding 1.5-2 pounds of extra weight for comfort is on you. But with feet that size (I am also a size 14), you were designed to carry things. I run the mission and love it. It’s personal preference. And the weight difference is one subway foot long or a water bottle. Even at 15 miles a day, that is not going to break you weight wise. There are some platforms for sale in the classified section. So maybe buy two and see what you like.
 
I wear size 14 boots and my 'platform' is simply my top Wild Edge Step. I spent an obscene number of hours up there (thank you COVID), took two deer, and never thought about getting a platform. I alternate between different positions, and take the weight off my feet altogether by kneeling against a Thermaseat that I clip to the bottom of my pack, which I keep in front of me.

I just started saddle hunting last fall, and all sorts of great ideas I came up with in the workshop and yard quickly got scrapped after trying them in the field. It took me a few weeks of hunting to get my gear and system figured out.
 
I got a size 16 and trying to find a good boot it seems all the companies every body list all stop at 14 some at 15


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david.monnin05 said:
I got a size 16 and trying to find a good boot it seems all the companies every body list all stop at 14 some at 15


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Size 16 and above go barefoot. That’s standard knowledge. That way Arnold and his rescue team can track you in Central American jungles easier every summer.
 
Size 14/15 (depends on the boot) chiming in. MISSION!!!!! I tried a predator XL right beside a mission. The predator XL went in the classifieds the next day. Honestly my comfort is worth a couple extra pounds.
 
I’ve looked hard at the mission off and on as a platform for longer hangs, but I haven’t convinced myself yet to pull the trigger.
 
Loopwing said:
Size 14/15 (depends on the boot) chiming in. MISSION!!!!! I tried a predator XL right beside a mission. The predator XL went in the classifieds the next day. Honestly my comfort is worth a couple extra pounds.
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Same. I’m a size 14 and in the south east. I don’t mind the extra pound or so because terrain is easy. But, now of course I want the new CRUZR platform design on the Mission size platform.
 
Do it! If you don't like it put it on the classifieds. Almost guarantee you will keep it. Unless you are one of those guys that cuts an ounce in exchange for comfort. You walk for how many MINUTES with the extra ounces, compared to the how many HOURS will you be standing on a comfortable platform.
 
I have size 14 boots, I used the predator for a season and it was serviceable. I did usually also have a step to 2 on the strap to allow move movement. Now I hunt off the Mission and the width along with the stability make it a better option for me.
@Nutterbuster what lock on weighs 5 pounds?? The ones my cheap self bought were more like 30 pounds!!
 
Loopwing said:
Do it! If you don't like it put it on the classifieds. Almost guarantee you will keep it. Unless you are one of those guys that cuts an ounce in exchange for comfort. You walk for how many MINUTES with the extra ounces, compared to the how many HOURS will you be standing on a comfortable platform.
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I haven't hunted from a saddle yet and am used to hauling around a hang on or climber, so weight isn't really a concern. I got a Hawk Apex Platform cheap and did some modifications, just don't know how that will be to hunt from. I think you convinced me to take the plunge :).
 
Jefferson10940 said:
I have size 14 boots, I used the predator for a season and it was serviceable. I did usually also have a step to 2 on the strap to allow move movement. Now I hunt off the Mission and the width along with the stability make it a better option for me.
@Nutterbuster what lock on weighs 5 pounds?? The ones my cheap self bought were more like 30 pounds!!
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The old windwalkers were under 6lbs, as is the lwcg .5. I've been kicking around a .5 since they came out. 3oz heavier than the mission if both company's advertised weights are accurate, same width, more depth, and you get a seat and the ability to add shoulder/waist straps and haul a backpack on it for a nice little package.

But every time I go to pull the trigger I pull out my sling and my hand drill and wonder why i'd tote all that.
 
@Nutterbuster I figured you were talking the Windwalker but the .5 is so new there is no "going back to it" I think these ultra light high very price tag stands are a direct result of us saddle hunters. I would look into a 1.0 if I was to consider a stand. That .5 for a guy of my stature would not work out so well!
 
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