I would tell you we are about the same age, and I have not been in a tree since 2 seasons ago; I had a mishap. I would tell you it is very very safe or I would not be going back into a tree. Last weekend I took my time in the yard practicing. I am not so worried about doing presets as I am about rebuilding my confidence and building a repeatable system for me that is safe. I literally hung upside down at 18” off the ground on Saturday. Yeah definetly not looking like Boudreaux. It wasn’t pretty righting myself lol. I moved into shooting positions. I am sure my neighbors thouhht I was nuts. Sunday I moved up a little further. I did not practice with a bow but moved myself into different positions. I even put myself in the classic drop shot pose. I found out that I need core work.
I would tell you to do what G2, Red and other accomplished saddle Hunters tell you as far as familiarizing yourself at a low height first.
My twin brother is a nationally recognized OSHA teaching instructor. He thought I was nuts until he looked at the system. Now he too is getting into saddle hunting. His kestrel ships tomorrow. I truly believe that by taking your time and building your confidence in the system is best approach.
I cannot thank the guys in here enough.