• 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

Lightweight lock on vs platform

Davis21

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2018
Messages
362
Trying to get all my stuff in line for the season, just had a thought. Seems like a light weight lock on would be more beneficial than a small platform? 1. Got more room to pivot in off need too. 2. Can still rotate around edge. 3, if wanted to sit could turn around and sit in seat instead of dealing with hip pinch and knee pads. The the amount you pay you get get a multipurpose platform that’s got more room than a tradition “platform”. Am I wrong or missing anything?
 
Weight is the biggest thing. And cost. A platform can be had for 150 but an ultralight stand will be more than 200. For run and gun I think dialing in a lightweight comfortable saddle is better, but in presets I often use hang on stands as platforms for the reasons you described
 
You have the saddle to sit in. You don't need another seat. The only purpose of the platform is to take the pressure off your butt every now and then. Some people just use a ring of steps and no platform at all. A platform is just for a bit more comfort. This one is actually too big for me. You could almost land a plane on it. Forgot my boots.
 
Trying to get all my stuff in line for the season, just had a thought. Seems like a light weight lock on would be more beneficial than a small platform? 1. Got more room to pivot in off need too. 2. Can still rotate around edge. 3, if wanted to sit could turn around and sit in seat instead of dealing with hip pinch and knee pads. The the amount you pay you get get a multipurpose platform that’s got more room than a tradition “platform”. Am I wrong or missing anything?
@Davis21 - You may want to go with a TrophyLine Mission Platform. It might be the best of both worlds and keep the weight down vs. buying a hang-on stand. Be aware that hang-ons generally have cables that can get in your way when you move around the tree, and they aren't really made to take side pressure when you do. (Although with proper set-up, they might be just fine.) I already own some other options, but I purchased a TrophyLine Mission platform a couple of days ago, based on watching this comparison of 7 different saddle hunting platforms. It arrived today and it seems like a really nice compromise that might be great for what you're looking for. The review of the Mission platform starts at about 36:40 into the video, if you want to skip right to the review of the Mission:

Comparison of 7 Platforms for Saddle Hunting

P.S. - If you do want to order one, use discount code "HANGTIMETL10" and you'll get 10% off if the code is still valid.
 
Here's an entire thread on the Trophyline Mission platform:

 
Once a platform gets over 4 lbs, then you could run a Loc On stand for nearly the same weight (if you can find one!). Things are very bulky though compared to a platform. I don't think there are many modern equivalents (testing standards mean that a 6 lbs tree stand is close to impossible). Hopefully, more saddle companies come out with ultralight platforms made out of tubing, instead of solid material (weight). The Tree Suit is very light.
 
Nothing wrong with carrying a lot more gear into the woods if that is what you want to do. It is up to the individual. I have been accused of having too many bridges and tethers but I want to make sure I make it out alive.
 
We all think a little differently but lightweight lock-ons are not a benefit to me. I don't like dealing with the cables, packing them is cumbersome, and I haven't found a seat on any of them that is more comfortable than my saddle. More foot room could be a benefit to some guys with larger boots but saddle platforms have room to spare for me.

The only time that I use a treestand anymore is when I hunt the few stands that I leave up on private ground for my non saddle buddies to hunt. When I hunt these, I turn around and use the seat as my platform so I can get away from the cables and setup my gear the same way that I normally do. I take that back, I do hunt regular treestands occasionally when the weather gets really cold in late season and I have to bust out the heater body suit but most of the time, I stay grounded when it's bitter cold.

Also, IMO you shouldn't have hip pinch once you find the perfect saddle and/or adjustments necessary to find your sweet spot and you don't need knee pads either. Many guys hunt comfortably with tree pads or nothing at all, it just depends on what you get accustomed to. Good advice from bj139 above, carry what YOU want to make YOUR hunt more enjoyable and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I've simply expressed what I do that works for me......currently, things change :)
 
Appreciate all the input fellas, I ran the predator last year and I just like to bounce ideas off the crowd. Reason I asked was the lone wolf assault kinda caught my attention. That’s what I like about this site, I can get feedback on my random ideas haha
 
Appreciate all the input fellas, I ran the predator last year and I just like to bounce ideas off the crowd. Reason I asked was the lone wolf assault kinda caught my attention. That’s what I like about this site, I can get feedback on my random ideas haha

If it is a short walk in and I'll be hunting all day, I might bring my Loc On Limit and hunt out of it with a saddle this year. Why not try it and see if it works well when you are close to the truck and will be doing an all day rut sit? I think this would go double if you are in an area where it is harder to predict the direction of approach (help with weak side shots).
 
Last edited:
Im thinking about buying a tree suit next year or Scout just for a back up plan to my Mission. Great price and weight. So many options out there. One thing Ive noticed after using my Mission is that I think I can go smaller and be fine. BUT I absolutely love my Mission.
 
I’ve got a predator xl on order. So far my favorite platform fits in my sys hauler. Along with my tether, backband, and just strap. To ma lightweight hang ons sucked. That’s why I use a saddle.
 
I’ve got a predator xl on order. So far my favorite platform fits in my sys hauler. Along with my tether, backband, and just strap. To ma lightweight hang ons sucked. That’s why I use a saddle.

What's your favorite platform? Sounds like a ring of steps maybe.
 
If it is a short walk in and I'll be hunting all day, I might bring my Loc On Limit and hunt out of it with a saddle this year. Why not try it and see if it works well when you are close to the truck and will be doing an all day rut sit? I think this would go double if you are in an area where it is harder to predict the direction of approach (help with weak side shots).
I also have a Loc On Limit and it's a great little stand, but just be careful not to put to much side pressure on it. It may kick out on you.
Good luck this season!
 
Back
Top