It’s about time..

[gcr0003]

for a new saddle build. I guess I’ve had 4/5 seasons in my current homemade saddle (Transformer clone) and it’s starting to show. I may build a couple different saddles if I have the time. I’m still curious about the OO Orion based on its similarities to the AH flex, but I’ve honestly shut out and shut off looking at saddles for 4 years now so I’m not sure which ones may be worth copy catting. I’d like suggestions based on at least a full season of use and/or one that you’ve cloned yourself, but it doesn’t have to be both.

I’ve not seen anyone DIY a Dryad Drey/mini, but I feel like that would be a cool build. As someone who cut their teeth with a fleece saddle this is one that still peaks my curiosity.

 

[frankp]

Out of curiosity, did you not like what you have? Why the search for a new design?

 

[tailgunner]

Coast ghost....duh... i mean Most saddles are just modified clones of the phantom and flex.realy nothing new to try except adding cobra buckles.aside from that it's the same bridge loops,the same tied on bridge,the same linemans loops,the same lack of pockets,the same lack of camo webbing and seats.same lack of ergonomic geometry.lack of organization and compleat lack of style of course.....thats kind of a lot of stuff to copy...if you are already harvesting deer from a diy saddle then you are already winning.

 

[gcr0003]

Out of curiosity, did you not like what you have? Why the search for a new design?

I like it just fine, even still I’ve made some modifications to it over the years and there are things I would do different if I did it again. I do still owe a buddy a transformer clone.

 

[gcr0003]

Coast ghost....duh... i mean Most saddles are just modified clones of the phantom and flex.realy nothing new to try except adding cobra buckles.aside from that it's the same bridge loops,the same tied on bridge,the same linemans loops,the same lack of pockets,the same lack of camo webbing and seats.same lack of ergonomic geometry.lack of organization and compleat lack of style of course.....thats kind of a lot of stuff to copy...if you are already harvesting deer from a diy saddle then you are already winning.

If I have lineman’s loops on my next build they will be small single 1 inch webbing like AH ones. With 2TC, one sticking and rope climbing I haven’t used a lineman’s belt in years and the loops mostly just get in the way. Stretchy pockets sound cool but maybe above my skill level. I liked the single large pouch Trophyline had on their old green tree saddle. If I go semi custom/hodge podge of designs I’m going to give more thought to how I want my layout to be.

 

[woodsdog2]

If I have lineman’s loops on my next build they will be small single 1 inch webbing like AH ones. With 2TC, one sticking and rope climbing I haven’t used a lineman’s belt in years and the loops mostly just get in the way. Stretchy pockets sound cool but maybe above my skill level. I liked the single large pouch Trophyline had on their old green tree saddle. If I go semi custom/hodge podge of designs I’m going to give more thought to how I want my layout to be.

Hopefully you take us along on your build, whatever you decide.

 

[Center Punch]

I saw saddle the other day that had a bunch of these heavy duty loops on the saddle - along with the 'standard' molle attachments that are on most saddles today. I liked the idea of them on a tree saddle.

This pic is a close up of an older 511 duty belt. Apparently, it's strong enough to throw a carabiner on and support your weight while hanging/rappelling.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

If I have lineman’s loops on my next build they will be small single 1 inch webbing like AH ones. With 2TC, one sticking and rope climbing I haven’t used a lineman’s belt in years and the loops mostly just get in the way. Stretchy pockets sound cool but maybe above my skill level. I liked the single large pouch Trophyline had on their old green tree saddle. If I go semi custom/hodge podge of designs I’m going to give more thought to how I want my layout to be.

My DIY saddle only has a couple of single attachment points on the back (no molle) since I don't like to carry things attached to my saddle, that's what the pack is for. I also didn't install any Lineman's loops. When one sticking if I need to go around a limb I just attach my Line man rope directly to my bridge loops, no extra loops required. It all adds up . . . well technically subtracts out, to make the saddle lighter and more minimalist.

 

[Sziggy2.0]

I have been thinking along similar lines. I have several saddles, both commercial and DIY. Some I like better, but all do pretty well. Since I have been hunting from the ground more I have been wanting something with a little less bulk/ weight so I dont mind taking everything with me for all options.
@tailgunner did you post a build thread for your saddle?

 

[Jammintree]

The Wood Deluxe.

 

[gcr0003]

My DIY saddle only has a couple of single attachment points on the back (no molle) since I don't like to carry things attached to my saddle, that's what the pack is for. I also didn't install any Lineman's loops. When one sticking if I need to go around a limb I just attach my Line man rope directly to my bridge loops, no extra loops required. It all adds up . . . well technically subtracts out, to make the saddle lighter and more minimalist.

I don’t like to carry stuff on my saddle either; however, I do temporarily hang stuff off my saddle while climbing or transitioning gear. I ended up cutting out two bar stitches and leaving the third so that there were larger loops to easily carabiner in and out of similar to a rock climbing harness. I may formally incorporate that into the saddle this go around as well.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I just incorporated a zip tie thru a short piece of rubber hose that attaches through a bar tack on my saddle for the same reason. The only thing that rides there permanently is my pull up/pull down string.

 

[tailgunner]

I

I have been thinking along similar lines. I have several saddles, both commercial and DIY. Some I like better, but all do pretty well. Since I have been hunting from the ground more I have been wanting something with a little less bulk/ weight so I dont mind taking everything with me for all options.
@tailgunner did you post a build thread for your saddle?

Did not...it is quite a trick to sew the waist belt so that it has the low profile linemans loops...the underside of the loops need to be sewn befor the rest of the strap and that could be confusing.it takes alot of thought to engineer things like that instead of just adding big floppy loops to the sides

 

[Sziggy2.0]

I

Did not...it is quite a trick to sew the waist belt so that it has the low profile linemans loops...the underside of the loops need to be sewn befor the rest of the strap and that could be confusing.it takes alot of thought to engineer things like that instead of just adding big floppy loops to the sides

Well I have copied a phantom, latitude and a overwatch. I suppose your coast ghost is the next logical choice to copy. More pics would helpful.