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Lone Wolf Saddle and Platform????

BassBoysLLP

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I have three key features that would address the issues I face with our homemade kits and any other platform option (not steps).

The platform needs to be on top of the post, or really close to it.

The back edge of the platform needs to be spacious, and close to the tree as possible (the usable space needs to butt up against the treeV or whatever edge will be close to the tree, and narrow as it moves away from the tree - the opposite of everything available)

Whatever mechanism attaches the platform to the tree is independent of the portion you put your feet on (ropes, whoopies, cam buckle straps, etc).

The big drawback to the XOP seat platforms is that your toes are 6-8" from the tree, or hanging off the platform to be next to the tree. I'm a leaner, and tall, and this puts me way away from the tree.

I also don't like anything on top of the platform that interferes with me moving my feet - being on top of whatever connection would be ideal.


I am in for whatever way I can help. I've got a couple ideas in the hopper right now that hopefully address the three issues above.


A 6 year old can do a sand casting for aluminum in their kitchen. We do need an ME to figure out the actual pouring, metallurgy, etc.


We are probably looking at several thousand dollars to have a casting done by a real company. My guess is XOP is going to be selling something for us before we get to the finish line. I don't think they're blind to the fact they are selling hundreds of seats that don't break...
I have my doubt XOP or lone wolf will develop anything. The Assassin was a business failure.

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redsquirrel

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I will be a little bummed if after all these years we have a commercially made platform before we get a new commercially made strap on step platform! Just because we've been asking for that for years!
 
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BassBoysLLP

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I will be a little bummed if after all these years we have a commercially made platform before we get a new commercially made strap on step platform! Just because we've been asking for that for years!
Start it up Red. Just need people excited about steps

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BassBoysLLP

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This is all just speculation right now. It could fizzle to nothing if the cost is too high.

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I'm new to the forum but have been thinking about a platform design based on the same ideas that you all are discussing. If you want feet closer to the tree the "seat" part could be wider and with a gap where the riser tube would cross through when you cam lock the seat over. This would put your feet with the bar in between them.The seats are tapered at that part where they wouldn't need to be. I'm not sure if this is clear or not.


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This is what was driving the idea behind the use of a hexagonal bar for the post
 

Gettin Closer

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I love all of these ideas! Just out of curiosity, I know that y'all are in the planning stages right now but I know that Wild Edge is working on a Stepp platform. Not sure when it will be ready but it might solve all the world's problems and then some... then again, it might not. I would just hate to see you spend a lot of $$$ up front when there may be a great solution just around the corner that is being produced by a company that is looking out specifically for our niche of hunters.

I am NOT wanting to slow progress or stop innovation. Especially when the wheels are turning as quick as they are with this deal. Just wanting to play devil's advocate and look at all sides and possibilities.

As mentioned earlier, if the metallurgy isn't right, it could turn sour quick and I would hate to see someone in the group hurt or worse and someone else in the group held responsible.

At the same time, I am watching this thread with great excitement and waiting to see what you come up with!
 
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Gettin Closer

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Did not mean to kill the conversation on this topic but I do want to look out for you. Please keep the ideas running. I look forward to what this thread may produce!
 

brydan

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As mentioned earlier, if the metallurgy isn't right, it could turn sour quick and I would hate to see someone in the group hurt or worse and someone else in the group held responsible.

From the looks of it, there's probably more engineers participating in this thread than are involved in production of the commercially made products :blush:
 

DaveT1963

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Thanks I am definitely in for 2-3 of them. Only think I would change is make it a bit wider/longer and change the angle of the tree contact (a little loess of an angle).
 

BassBoysLLP

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Thanks I am definitely in for 2-3 of them. Only think I would change is make it a bit wider/longer and change the angle of the tree contact (a little loess of an angle).
And add a leveling bolt

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g2outdoors

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Ok, we're moving.

@bowhunter15 is going to do the CAD.
@BassBoysLLP - can you mail a spare seat, or at least measure everything out for him?

Last thing we need is someone to handle the production. Who's good for that? I don't mind doing it, but I don't know jack about machining or casting.

We have the talent to model the platform in CAD. We still don't have a volunteer to help with the actual casting. What Saddle Hunting nut knows a thing or two about casting aluminum?