Looking to buy a platform, is there a go-to choice?

[Fl Canopy Stalker]

As everyone else said, depends. Also depends on your vitals. Height and especially weight. How far you humping the thing to your spot, etc. Jump on the saddle hunter map and see if there’s some folks near you that might have some platforms you can try or see if there’s a meet n’ greet near you. I myself prefer a ridge runner. I’m 6’2” 230 with size 13 boots and it works well for my purposes. Large enough to support me but small enough it doesn’t feel like I’m trying to attach scaffolding to the tree.

I prefer the ridge runner as well but it doesn’t pack down as well as some of the others but for us larger guys with bigger feet, it is roomy and bites down like nothing I’ve seen

 

[JASmith]

Check out Treehopper Trees and Accessories. Look at platform.

Packability also depend on your choice of backpack or load. If your backpack profit is 16 inches wide, does it really matter if your platform is 10 or 16 inches wide? With good support, would you noticed the difference between 1-3 lbs difference between the platforms? Some people are packless, they strap everything to a load bearing vest and saddle setup. If you are new to saddle hunting, you have time find your style/system. But the platform is only one aspect of your system. Dont try to fit a system into a platform, JMHO. But some people do, they found their perfect platform and do setup their pack system for it, which actually works well. But some questions you have to think about. If the platform is the main deciding factor, then find packs that fit that platform. If you are considering the Predator. I highly suggest the V3 outlaw pack for it. Or get the predator carry pack and fit it to your preferred backpack or molle vest everything.

Agree. The treesuit style are not pack friendly.

 

[FisherHawk]

I've always really like my predator platform from Tethrd. I have the original size not the xl and it has plenty of room for my size 10 boots. The packability is great and it's held up very well for me. If I lost it I wouldnt hesitate to replace it with another one.

I have added 3 steps to get a full 360 shoot ability and very happy with my predator weight and easy to carry and set up. I would buy it again.

 

[Patriot]

I have always said the best complement a SH can give about a product is to say that they simply have NO interest in an alternative and that is how I have always felt about my Predator. I mean we SH’s are all insane about gear and trying everything and I’m guilty too. But I sincerely believe in 20 years I will still happily be using my Predator without a single bit of temptation to even try something else.

 

[SWVA_329]

+1 for the predator . I use my DIY version of the predator but I could probably get sued over how close it is to the real thing . For something so basic I don't see there being anything that's ever better , only different.

 

[ofor]

I have always said the best complement a SH can give about a product is to say that they simply have NO interest in an alternative and that is how I have always felt about my Predator. I mean we SH’s are all insane about gear and trying everything and I’m guilty too. But I sincerely believe in 20 years I will still happily be using my Predator without a single bit of temptation to even try something else.

I also have the predator and have been very happy with it but I can’t say I’m not intrigued in the CRUZR Seeker design. I would have to switch packs though if I switch to a larger platform and cant’t come up with a good enough reason to lay out the cash when what I already have has no issues for how I hunt.

 

[3lilpigs]

I've only had a couple dozen hours on it, and only two actual hunts, but I've been really pleased with my Wild Edge Perch. It's a comfortable middle size, hangs on my saddle easily with one of their Stepps, wrapped up with a night ize gear tie. I use it whether I'm climbing SRT or using my Stepps.

I also have a ring of steps, but the small size starts to hurt my feet pretty quickly, and the odd standing angles wear out my legs.

 

[raisins]

I have a tree suit by treehopper and a tethrd predator. The predator is heavier but is slightly longer so I can stand on it fully more easily to take full pressure off tether. Also, the predator has angle adjustment. The tree suit wins in the lightness and durability departments though. There have been several predators that cracked due to it being a sand cast platform. The tree suit is bent and welded aluminum tubing and is more sturdy. I'll switch or buy another win something light that is better comes out. The current trend is towards larger platforms though.

 

[lawrence]

For mobility buse predator, for static I use mission