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Hello from Greenville, SC...How does the old Trophy Line compare to todays saddles?

T

Tree Beard

New Member
Joined
Jan 5, 2021
Messages
3
I am looking to get back into saddle hunting. My first venture was an old Trophy Line saddle about 12 years ago. I was and am a public land hunter and was looking for something more compact, lighter, and stealthier. The concept of the saddle is what drew me toward that product. The big issues that I never overcame was that the trophy line saddle would become uncomfortable after a few hours and frustration with my climbing system. Those frustrations compelled me to sell my saddle and buck steps and purchase a new climber. I am very interested to hear of anyone's experience with the old Trophy Line Saddle compared to what is available today.
 
I'm nearby in Anderson. There are a few in the upstate on the site. I am a noob and will let others chime in on specific changes.

Generally speaking, it's still a saddle, but there are a few variants now:
One panel, two panel, minimalistic (webbing), JX3 (hybrid)

You have to get up the tree somehow:
Sticks, One stick, SRT/DRT, Bolts, squirrel steps, climbing spurs

Down the tree:
Same method or rappel down

At height:
Ring of steps, platform, knee pads

I'd say there are two main differences:
1) Lots of choices these days
2) A wealth of information. Between this site and youtube, you can find every answer you seek (in most cases)
 
I have a trophyline ambush. With all the information here I learned and using a platform to help ease some comfort for long sits...I'm keeping mine right now. Still working great.
 
I’m in Clemson and was seduced into saddle hunting many years ago by the old leather trophy line saddle. It was heavy but still easier to carry than a climber but I could never get as comfortable as in my old climber. I have since transitioned into the newer saddles. The 2 that i use now are the recon saddle and the JX3 hybrid. The JX3 is by far the most comfortable but for shorter sits i really like the recon as its super light. You will learn a lot on this sight that will help you in the area of comfort. Feel free to pm me if you would want to take a look at the JX3 or recon in person since you are so close.
 
Cutigers said:
I’m in Clemson and was seduced into saddle hunting many years ago by the old leather trophy line saddle. It was heavy but still easier to carry than a climber but I could never get as comfortable as in my old climber. I have since transitioned into the newer saddles. The 2 that i use now are the recon saddle and the JX3 hybrid. The JX3 is by far the most comfortable but for shorter sits i really like the recon as its super light. You will learn a lot on this sight that will help you in the area of comfort. Feel free to pm me if you would want to take a look at the JX3 or recon in person since you are so close.
Click to expand...
Great info. Thank you
 
Welcome to the forum. I went to school at North Greenville. Grew up just down the road in union.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I had (and still have) one of the original Trophyline saddles. Back in 1999 there was a whole lot of info out there on the best way to utilize it to it's fullest potential other than the DVD (that I think came with it) I used it several seasons but just couldn't get comfortable. Yhe tether strap supplied with it was a real pita to get on the tree. Then along comes the new era of saddles and all of a sudden a light bulb goes off. I currently have a Phantom, a Flex, a Mantis, my old Trophyline, and a Notch floating D ring arborist saddle. They are all comfortable to a degree depending on use. I find myself using the Phantom the most. It is the lightest one I own and it has served me well in those long (2 mile) treks into the back edges of public land. You will find a plethora of info on this site. My best advice is try to get together with other saddle users in your area and try different ones to see what may suit you better before you buy. I have kept my old Trophyline mainly for nostalgic reasons because my son kept telling me I was going to fall and break something. (He actually used my Mantis this past year) Best of luck in your search and welcome to the rabbit hole.
 
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