• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Horrible day.. and I hate the mantis

A

Arieleagle

Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2019
Messages
61
went out today to an area I was drawn by lottery to hunt. I planned to go up in a tree. first it took me forever to find a spot Bc the place I wanted to go was occupied by another once I selected a tree it took me an hour to even get my saddle on and my sticks (hawk) on the tree. I made an aider- that didnt work so I threw it in the trash. The mantis saddle was not designed to fit women. the straps are wimpy and are about 50 feet too long (exaggeration) so I have to wrap them around my waist so they don’t hang to my knees.. the saddle fits like a diaper.. after several attempts the last year in trying to making it work I have decided that I hate it. I think I want to cut It into pieces and throwing it in the River. I think this saddle design is for men..
back to the drawing board..
anyone want to buy a tethrd mantis for $25? It’s a total pos.
winds were high today and I think it kept deer from moving. not sure what tactic to take tmrw. there are 3 days left in this hunt.
 
Hahaha, I remember when I posted the same thing about the mantis. Get you a better saddle and throw that poj away. I love my recon but the cruiser saddles are good too. Too many good options available now to punish yourself everytime you climb a tree.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
 
I think most people have struggled with comfort in the mantis. I know I have. It took me a lot of doing, but I’m okay with it now. Have you tried wearing it low and rotating the bridge loops so it cups better? If you prefer sitting over leaning, the mantis is a no-go.
 
That sucks, any good places to set up on the ground?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 
Did you practice much hanging your setup in a non hunting scenario? Just noticed where you said you made an aider. Curious if you tested your setup before hunting. As far as the mantis I can’t say much but I have a cruiser xc and it’s awesome. Also I’d say most saddles are designed for men. I believe theirs a few women on here who could help you! Although I’m not sure how you would design a saddle differently to fit a women. As far as the other hunter thing. Being a public land hunter before I go to the woods I always have a plan b. Then being public I have a plan c,d,e,f and g. Not even being funny either. Can’t tell you have many times this year I’ve made a plan and had to do something 100% different. That’s just part of it and is super frustrating but I’ve learned to not let it get to me so bad. It’s a mindset. Hope your future hunts go better!
 
Just out of curiosity, what size is the Mantis?
 
if I’m on the ground we need to use a blind- which I have. I almost want to make my own custom to
Bowtie747 said:
Did you practice much hanging your setup in a non hunting scenario? Just noticed where you said you made an aider. Curious if you tested your setup before hunting. As far as the mantis I can’t say much but I have a cruiser xc and it’s awesome. Also I’d say most saddles are designed for men. I believe theirs a few women on here who could help you! Although I’m not sure how you would design a saddle differently to fit a women. As far as the other hunter thing. Being a public land hunter before I go to the woods I always have a plan b. Then being public I have a plan c,d,e,f and g. Not even being funny either. Can’t tell you have many times this year I’ve made a plan and had to do something 100% different. That’s just part of it and is super frustrating but I’ve learned to not let it get to me so bad. It’s a mindset. Hope your future hunts go better!
Click to expand...
unfortunately no I didn’t practice much and I know much of my frustration could have been prevented. However, with the mantis- it’s a one size fits most design that was also wayyyy overpriced. it’s like buying a first year model of a car- the coolness of new model soon wears off when you discover all the flaws.
back to the drawing board….
 
krub6b said:
That sucks, any good places to set up on the ground?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
If we are on the ground we need to use a blind- which I have one.. my issue is I get bored after sitting several hours. my style is spot and stalk -sit in an area that looks hot and move a few hrs if nothing happens.. whx is not allowed at this place.
 
After season, I would sell the mantis, call Chad at Cruzr, explain your issues with the mantis and your body proportions, and he'll set you up.

I have a cruzr xc, and I've never been uncomfortable once in it.

I just can't wear it in. People do it, but I don't have enough backside to keep it from sliding a bit while walking. No biggie, I just put it on at the tree.
 
I had to put a second bridge on mine. I put the bridge on with prusik toward the front of the loops. Which tilt the mantis just a little giving me more comfort. Like they said. More comfort for leaning. Not so much for sitting. I still use both bridges but keep the second one shorter so it is the one that is being utilized. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say. Good luck to you.
 
Honestly I chuckled when initially reading your post because many of us have had a similar experience with the Mantis. Certainly don't give up though! There is a saddle for you. Many folks are finding comfort with a two-panel saddle. Maybe try one of those next.
 
Arieleagle said:
If we are on the ground we need to use a blind- which I have one.. my issue is I get bored after sitting several hours. my style is spot and stalk -sit in an area that looks hot and move a few hrs if nothing happens.. whx is not allowed at this place.
Click to expand...
To what extent are you not allowed to move around? Are you supposed to sit one spot all day? Are you required to use a blind there or is that just your preference?

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk
 
What’s the deal with the Mantis? Im still using a sit drag but all the saddles and their pros and cons seem overwhelming.
 
I mean, for $25 I would give it a try haha

It can't be THAT bad, right?
 
Ckwilli said:
What’s the deal with the Mantis? Im still using a sit drag but all the saddles and their pros and cons seem overwhelming.
Click to expand...

I pre ordered the mantis and gave it a good part of my season but it kept riding up. I went back to fleece saddles. Now I use a recon which isn’t a user friendly saddle but I like it.

I suggest the cruzer. I had a buddy that tried the mantis and “hated saddles” untill I coaxed him into the cruzer. That was solely based upon friends reviews and people on here. I have only sat in one for a few minutes. I might pick one up after season if anyone is willing to sell theirs.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top