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Latitude Method - metal free or buckle

Not to hijack, but after reading this thread i’m wondering (Concerned) if other 33/34” waist ppl are having hip pinch with the method?? Also wondering about metal free vs metal preference like the op

I wear 34 waist pants. Not sure what my exact waist measurement is but it fits me fine. The way I would describe this saddle is it has a similar feel to a rock climbing harness with a sit drag. I would go back to that combo in a minute if I needed to. If someone already has a RCH with a sitdrag and likes to sew they could replicate the way the bottom section stows away on the top section pretty easy.
 
I've read this from several people. So you can remove the belt and buckle and make a rope belt without any cutting or sewing?

Yes. The webbing for the belt slides out, and you can feed a rope through that channel, tie an Adjustable Bend knot, and you’re metal free if you choose
511778c7860a026357155b6f5c27fa82.png



Semper Fi,
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
sorry if I intrude, are saddle clips included or do you have to buy them separately? thanks
 
Yes. The webbing for the belt slides out, and you can feed a rope through that channel, tie an Adjustable Bend knot, and you’re metal free if you choose
511778c7860a026357155b6f5c27fa82.png



Semper Fi,
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you are going to make your own rope belt I think the simple blakes hitch like the buckle free method comes with would better. Do you want two knots sticking you in the gut or 1? I will say that the blake hitch belt is a breeze to use and you can adjust with one hand.

Also, how many of you experienced if you don't take the bottom out of the kydex carry hooks perfectly straight up they slap really loud. I also found myself snagging on them and generating that loud click inadvertently.
 
If you are going to make your own rope belt I think the simple blakes hitch like the buckle free method comes with would better. Do you want two knots sticking you in the gut or 1? I will say that the blake hitch belt is a breeze to use and you can adjust with one hand.

Also, how many of you experienced if you don't take the bottom out of the kydex carry hooks perfectly straight up they slap really loud. I also found myself snagging on them and generating that loud click inadvertently.

A modified adjustable bend is what comes with the buckle free version. Modified in the sense that there isn’t a second knot. Very similar, but a Blake’s hitch has one more wrap, and the tag end feeds out through the middle of the wraps between the 2nd and 3rd loops. The adjustable bend has 3 wraps and the rage end comes out through the 2nd and 3rd wrap. An adjustable bend will bite faster and release easier. There were a batch of metal free saddles that were sent in it with incorrect knots. Not sure if they were Blake’s Hitches or what, but they sent out info with instructions and options for correction.

No issues here with the kydex clips slapping the when releasing the bottom panel, but I’m pretty methodical about how I do things in an attempt to reduce noise. I have heard issues of the clips breaking. I like being able to secure the bottom panel, but there might be an easier way to do it- may j-hooks ???


Semper Fi,
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I too am new to the saddle game and had similar thoughts after doing too much research. It might be important to note I am 6'1" 215lbs with a 36" waist. After all the research I decided to get three saddles and compare them to find the perfect fit. I decided to try a large Tethrd Mantis, a Latitude Method metal free, and a size 2 Cruzr XC. I sat in all of them for two one hour sits to compare them.
Honestly I wanted to like the Method the most but it was just too small and I couldn't seem to fix the pinch on both panels at the same time, it was always one was good but the other pinched. I simply couldn't get comfortable for more than 5 or 10 minutes in the saddle, I was constantly adjusting. If they come out with a bigger size I will 100% buy it. As mentioned by @gcr0003 the leg straps are basically useless and hard to work with all around. However, I liked the oplux belt but agree with getting the buckle version if only to change out with oplux at a later date. I personally felt secure and safe in the saddle while one sticking and I liked the two panel design and could tell it would be super comfortable if it was only and inch or two bigger. I also liked the way the saddle sat when clipped up, it was like wearing a large belt and felt super mobile.
The Tethrd Mantis was in the middle. I could get somewhat comfortable for maybe 20 minutes at a time but still experience mild pinch. It fit me much better than the method but I didn't like the fixed bridge. I like the ease of adjustment with the leg straps. The saddle was very light weight but didn't feel as sturdy as the other two.
The Cruzr XC was hands down the winner for me. It almost required no adjustments to make it comfortable. It simply fit. The construction seems to be bullet proof and the leg buckles are easy to work with despite the inability to remove them. All the loops are reinforced and stay open really well. I went with the adjustable bridge and I'm glad I did. I will say the cruzr pouch is lacking and the latitude pouch is the best.
This is just from my limited experience, I hope it helps.
 
If you are going to make your own rope belt I think the simple blakes hitch like the buckle free method comes with would better. Do you want two knots sticking you in the gut or 1? I will say that the blake hitch belt is a breeze to use and you can adjust with one hand.

Also, how many of you experienced if you don't take the bottom out of the kydex carry hooks perfectly straight up they slap really loud. I also found myself snagging on them and generating that loud click inadvertently.
Line them with stealth strips or something similar
 
I too am new to the saddle game and had similar thoughts after doing too much research. It might be important to note I am 6'1" 215lbs with a 36" waist. After all the research I decided to get three saddles and compare them to find the perfect fit. I decided to try a large Tethrd Mantis, a Latitude Method metal free, and a size 2 Cruzr XC. I sat in all of them for two one hour sits to compare them.
Honestly I wanted to like the Method the most but it was just too small and I couldn't seem to fix the pinch on both panels at the same time, it was always one was good but the other pinched. I simply couldn't get comfortable for more than 5 or 10 minutes in the saddle, I was constantly adjusting. If they come out with a bigger size I will 100% buy it. As mentioned by @gcr0003 the leg straps are basically useless and hard to work with all around. However, I liked the oplux belt but agree with getting the buckle version if only to change out with oplux at a later date. I personally felt secure and safe in the saddle while one sticking and I liked the two panel design and could tell it would be super comfortable if it was only and inch or two bigger. I also liked the way the saddle sat when clipped up, it was like wearing a large belt and felt super mobile.
The Tethrd Mantis was in the middle. I could get somewhat comfortable for maybe 20 minutes at a time but still experience mild pinch. It fit me much better than the method but I didn't like the fixed bridge. I like the ease of adjustment with the leg straps. The saddle was very light weight but didn't feel as sturdy as the other two.
The Cruzr XC was hands down the winner for me. It almost required no adjustments to make it comfortable. It simply fit. The construction seems to be bullet proof and the leg buckles are easy to work with despite the inability to remove them. All the loops are reinforced and stay open really well. I went with the adjustable bridge and I'm glad I did. I will say the cruzr pouch is lacking and the latitude pouch is the best.
This is just from my limited experience, I hope it helps.


you get the upgraded buckle on the cruzr xc or the standard one? All the photos on their website show the upgraded ansi cobra buckle, not sure what the "standard" option is. Thanks for all the info. You think the latitude would have been more comfortable if it was a bit larger? I am a size smaller than you, 33 inch waist , 6 ft, 180 lb.
 
you get the upgraded buckle on the cruzr xc or the standard one? All the photos on their website show the upgraded ansi cobra buckle, not sure what the "standard" option is. Thanks for all the info. You think the latitude would have been more comfortable if it was a bit larger? I am a size smaller than you, 33 inch waist , 6 ft, 180 lb.
I upgraded to the cobra buckle and its nice. I think the Method should fit you well.
 
Also, how many of you experienced if you don't take the bottom out of the kydex carry hooks perfectly straight up they slap really loud. I also found myself snagging on them and generating that loud click inadvertently.

I did have the same issue. I tried some stealth strips and they helped some but eventually I ended up with a small paracord loop cinched around the webbing on the bottom panel. I placed that into the clips. It eliminated the noise and gave me some some added length which made it easier to place them in the clips compared to the webbing.
 
Just when I think I am decided on buying the Method, Someone posts about hip pinch and gives me doubts.
 
FWIW, I got hip pinch in my old cruzr xc. No matter the tether height or length etc, after an hour or so it would start bothering me. The methods panels haven’t given me hip pinch and can easily be moved slightly to fine tune whereas with the xc there will always be material in contact. Honestly your best bet is buy both and sell on or find local dudes that have them and take them for a sit. Everyone is shaped a little different so it’s hard to judge based on others reviews. Just know you can try one out and resell on here and maybe, at worst, eat shipping costs.
 
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