• 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

LWCG Ambush Platform

I don't want to put words in his mouth, but my understanding is that he does not use a conventional saddle, but a harness that is made to support your lower back as you
lean. I believe he was behind both the assassin and the ambush.

@mattsteg is kinda right. It's different than what most of us are doing. Pros and cons to both systems. I think they're both quite comfortable. I give an edge in maneuverability to a conventional saddle and a ring of steps. However, if you're going to use a platform, to me it absolutely makes sense to use a bigger one, lean, and have a harness made to facilitate that. If you don't like your feet on bolts, suffer from hip pinch, can't shoot your weak side from a ROS, and prefer to lean or stand on a traditional hang on, then the ambush makes a lot of sense.

I do 90% of my sitting and shooting from a ROS from 3 steps. I like having steps all around the tree just I case I want to reach up and move my tether to face a different direction. But I don't swing around the tree to hide from deer or make my weak side shot a strong side shot. On a normal tree, I can shoot any deer from any angle in either setup.
Frustrating following this thread...let's put this whole quality/use issue to rest. LWCG targeted saddle hunters for saddle hunting...that's the problem here. I believe they rushed the ambush to market, and knew the plateform was designed for a waist band harness. This is misleading on their part. I'm not trying start a bush fire here, but darnit... I dont like being a potential customer who is exploited because the think they can sell a product that's not really a saddle hunter product
 
Frustrating following this thread...let's put this whole quality/use issue to rest. LWCG targeted saddle hunters for saddle hunting...that's the problem here. I believe they rushed the ambush to market, and knew the plateform was designed for a waist band harness. This is misleading on their part. I'm not trying start a bush fire here, but darnit... I dont like being a potential customer who is exploited because the think they can sell a product that's not really a saddle hunter product
Not sure I understand entirely where you're coming from. I 100% understand folks who bought an ambush being frustrated with shoddy manufacturing. It shouldn't have happened, but it looks like they're taking care of folks.

As far as misleading, they showed the harness back at the ATA show when this was all coming about. They showed the harness/saddle. They said it was based off of the assassin, which was also sold with a harness/saddle. Plenty of people use it with a regular saddle too. It works when used that way. It just seems to work better with a lower tether, a leaning position, and shuffling on the platform vs leaning and swinging around. Plenty of people hunting that way.
 
Not sure I understand entirely where you're coming from. I 100% understand folks who bought an ambush being frustrated with shoddy manufacturing. It shouldn't have happened, but it looks like they're taking care of folks.

As far as misleading, they showed the harness back at the ATA show when this was all coming about. They showed the harness/saddle. They said it was based off of the assassin, which was also sold with a harness/saddle. Plenty of people use it with a regular saddle too. It works when used that way. It just seems to work better with a lower tether, a leaning position, and shuffling on the platform vs leaning and swinging around. Plenty of people hunting that way.
I believe LWCG is trying to sell the ambush as a tree stand as well as a saddle plateform. Well its apparent it really isnt a saddle plateform...its suited more for a tree stand hunter. Nutter I'm sorry here but I'm not going to make excuses for LWCG rushing something to market not really geared towards saddle hunting. Why should anyone of us support a highly priced product, that's poorly manufactured, and not really designed for the style method of saddle hunting. Again a
 
I believe LWCG is trying to sell the ambush as a tree stand as well as a saddle plateform. Well its apparent it really isnt a saddle plateform...its suited more for a tree stand hunter. Nutter I'm sorry here but I'm not going to make excuses for LWCG rushing something to market not really geared towards saddle hunting. Why should anyone of us support a highly priced product, that's poorly manufactured, and not really designed for the style method of saddle hunting. Again a

I remain respectfully confused.

There were a lot of folks wondering what a lighter assassin would look like. Folks were buying them for $500 used to pair with conventional saddles. LWCG made a lighter assassin, and they sold out within days of launching it. Even with the documented QC issues, both of the ones I've seen listed on the classifieds sold immediately for more than they go for new. So they're obviously filling a need.

It works for me so far. If they fix the QC issues going forward, I think it's a winner.
 
I remain respectfully confused.

There were a lot of folks wondering what a lighter assassin would look like. Folks were buying them for $500 used to pair with conventional saddles. LWCG made a lighter assassin, and they sold out within days of launching it. Even with the documented QC issues, both of the ones I've seen listed on the classifieds sold immediately for more than they go for new. So they're obviously filling a need.

It works for me so far. If they fix the QC issues going forward, I think it's a winner.
It's a winner for you and I truly respect your opinion. I believe LWCG should be much better. Let's see how they resolve the many issues they themselves created and not look to DIYers here to fix their mistakes. Certainly LWCG owes an apology
To saddle hunters who bought an inferior product...thanks nutter for always keeping it real
 
I remain respectfully confused.

There were a lot of folks wondering what a lighter assassin would look like. Folks were buying them for $500 used to pair with conventional saddles. LWCG made a lighter assassin, and they sold out within days of launching it. Even with the documented QC issues, both of the ones I've seen listed on the classifieds sold immediately for more than they go for new. So they're obviously filling a need.

It works for me so far. If they fix the QC issues going forward, I think it's a winner.

they should discount it or atleast give you a partial credit towards another product.

I will wait to see.
 
It's a winner for you and I truly respect your opinion. I believe LWCG should be much better. Let's see how they resolve the many issues they themselves created and not look to DIYers here to fix their mistakes. Certainly LWCG owes an apology
To saddle hunters who bought an inferior product...thanks nutter for always keeping it real

I get why you’re upset about the product issues, I would be too had I purchased one. Sounds like they know it’s unacceptable and are trying to dig their way out of this mess. I can only imagine the headaches this thing has caused, growing pains I guess. I gotta say though I really don’t think it’s fair to say they are misleading anyone about the purpose/use of the platform. I thought that’s been pretty transparent from the getgo. I really hope they’re able to resolve the issues and continue to produce these in the future.
 
I believe LWCG is trying to sell the ambush as a tree stand as well as a saddle plateform. Well its apparent it really isnt a saddle plateform...its suited more for a tree stand hunter.
It's a winner for you and I truly respect your opinion.
I've gotta admit, I'm a bit mystified. What's a "true saddle hunter"? What "counts"? Is it just whatever you use? Are leaners acceptable? Or only sitters?

Are sticks "not really a saddle hunting climbing method"? They sure don't make sense to me except in a couple of presets.

Anything that helps you hunt safely, confortably, and effectively with your butt in a sling has its place. There's clearly demand for the product.
 
I get why you’re upset about the product issues, I would be too had I purchased one. Sounds like they know it’s unacceptable and are trying to dig their way out of this mess. I can only imagine the headaches this thing has caused, growing pains I guess. I gotta say though I really don’t think it’s fair to say they are misleading anyone about the purpose/use of the platform. I thought that’s been pretty transparent from the getgo. I really hope they’re able to resolve the issues and continue to produce these in the future.
Why do we have to make excuses for a poor product? Yes they were upfront on Kunerts harness but they still focused on a niech saddle market that didnt fit...its not fair for the price...and certainly hadn't been tested before product launch. I dont understand the reasoning members are giving LWCG a free pass
 
I've gotta admit, I'm a bit mystified. What's a "true saddle hunter"? What "counts"? Is it just whatever you use? Are leaners acceptable? Or only sitters?

Are sticks "not really a saddle hunting climbing method"? They sure don't make sense to me except in a couple of presets.

Anything that helps you hunt safely, confortably, and effectively with your butt in a sling has its place. There's clearly demand for the product.
Yes I like the thought of this product, but being their Ginny pig at $300 isnt exactly fair...it was disingenuous since they delayed the product launch multiple times. They had time to figure things out and they didnt...this is a fair argument. I'm in favor of protecting our members from being used and abused...this is my point I dont like being mislead to by any company.
Sad to say the first 150 buyers were LWCG's test market at your expense...sorry but this is the truth. We shouldnt be funding their Research & Development testing
 
Last edited:
Huh? What is this niche market that didn't fit? And who's giving them a free pass? From all the weird-ass crap I see on facebook...I know that many hunt in ways I can barely comprehend. If a product doesn't (or can't be tweaked to) fit me, I don't buy it.

The quality issues are one thing. Business practices are another. The product itself is a third.
 
Seems like there's a lot of negativity floating around lately. Do we have a single product release this season or company that's lived up to the saddle hunter "standards"?

Tethrd has backlash on the gen 1 predator, the AH Flex got slammed for the wait times and the cordura coating rubbing off, WE decided to use a lottery and people lost their minds, Trophyline brough back an icon and caught flack for not "modernizing", LWCG sees the need for a larger platform and drops the ball on quality control, etc.

Are there issues? Sure. How bout we actually contribute to a solution instead of condeming, complaining, and demanding immediate gratification. Every one of those groups are fellow hunters, its not like they don't get it.

I bought one of the 150 and ponied up for the mini sticks. I've got skin in the game and the off center holes to go with it. But it function exactly as it should, I stood on it for 8.5 hours last weekend until I killed the biggest buck I've ever personnaly laid eyes on. He wouldn't be a record for some, but it sure made my year.

I'll give Andre a chance to address the issues and then decide if I keep it or not. Maybe there will be other options (*cough* predator XL *cough*) or maybe not. That's the coolest part about this "niche", tons of new stuff and ideas to play with. Some people just don't seem to handle it well...
 
Yes they were upfront on Kunerts harness but they still focused on a niech saddle market that didnt fit...i
Like Nutterbuster previously said they sold 150 units in a matter of days and despite the known QC issue people are still paying more than they cost new. Id say they hit some sort of market.
 
Like Nutterbuster previously said they sold 150 units in a matter of days and despite the known QC issue people are still pa
Seems like there's a lot of negativity floating around lately. Do we have a single product release this season or company that's lived up to the saddle hunter "standards"?

Tethrd has backlash on the gen 1 predator, the AH Flex got slammed for the wait times and the cordura coating rubbing off, WE decided to use a lottery and people lost their minds, Trophyline brough back an icon and caught flack for not "modernizing", LWCG sees the need for a larger platform and drops the ball on quality control, etc.

Are there issues? Sure. How bout we actually contribute to a solution instead of condeming, complaining, and demanding immediate gratification. Every one of those groups are fellow hunters, its not like they don't get it.

I bought one of the 150 and ponied up for the mini sticks. I've got skin in the game and the off center holes to go with it. But it function exactly as it should, I stood on it for 8.5 hours last weekend until I killed the biggest buck I've ever personnaly laid eyes on. He wouldn't be a record for some, but it sure made my year.

I'll give Andre a chance to address the issues and then decide if I keep it or not. Maybe there will be other options (*cough* predator XL *cough*) or maybe not. That's the coolest part about this "niche", tons of new stuff and ideas to play with. Some people just don't seem to handle it well...

ying more than they cost new. Id say they hit some sort of market.
Is there a market for a larger plateform yes there is..Do I like LWCG Yes I do. But shame on them for not field testing and quality inspecting their products before shipping. I'm not complaining...I'm concerned for our members being used for funding someone else's product development. On face value that's what's happened here
 
Last edited:
I was extremely happy with the Customer service and Andre's reaction and follow up to the issues I had with mine. I sent mine back-The quality and issues I had just led my mind to wonder about issues down the road with use, and the ability to get my $300 back If I decided to. I thought about selling it used on here, had an offer, but after that didnt work out, I decided against reselling it in the classifieds. Not knowing the longevity of the platform, and knowing the issues I didn't feel right reselling an inferior product after talking to Andre and his dissatisfaction wiht the quality as well. I decided I would rather send it back, and let Andre come out with a prodcut he is happy with, rather than have a poor qualty one floating around on the used market and giving potential comsumers a bad impression of what LWCG's goals are. Marketing is weird these days--it doesnt take much to spread like wildfire, good or bad--and because of my positive experience with LWCG's CS, Personally I thought it was more fair to them to get the poor platform out of the field. Just my $.02.
 
Is there a market for a larger plateform yes there is..Do I like LWCG Yes I do. But shame on them for not field testing and quality inspecting their products before shipping. I'm not complaining...I'm concerned for our members being used for funding someone else's product development. On face value that's what's happened here
Do you expect andrae to hunt out of each and every platform before it ships? Why do you believe there was no field testing? Seems more like being burned by bad QC, probably at an outsourced machine shop.
 
I was extremely happy with the Customer service and Andre's reaction and follow up to the issues I had with mine. I sent mine back-The quality and issues I had just led my mind to wonder about issues down the road with use, and the ability to get my $300 back If I decided to. I thought about selling it used on here, had an offer, but after that didnt work out, I decided against reselling it in the classifieds. Not knowing the longevity of the platform, and knowing the issues I didn't feel right reselling an inferior product after talking to Andre and his dissatisfaction wiht the quality as well. I decided I would rather send it back, and let Andre come out with a prodcut he is happy with, rather than have a poor qualty one floating around on the used market and giving potential comsumers a bad impression of what LWCG's goals are. Marketing is weird these days--it doesnt take much to spread like wildfire, good or bad--and because of my positive experience with LWCG's CS, Personally I thought it was more fair to them to get the poor platform out of the field. Just my $.02.
I like your thoughts and decisions here. I'm wondering if Andrae really had his hands on the manufacturing after he did the designs. I suspect othersclet him down on this regard. It's always my thoughts to "seek to understand" but again I suspect Andrae wasnt part of the final push to getting this out to market
 
When I talked to Andrae he said the platform is not going to change. They are getting another manufacturer to water jet a better quality platform and post. But it will be the exact same platform. The replacement post are going to be machined. Which he said will only happen for the first 150. Machining is better than water jetting but they can't machine the entire platform in the USA and make money. There is no Gen 2 any time soon. As far as quality control, he didn't oversee it. Which is why he is upset they went out like they did. You know his son Cody also runs the company. Could quite possibly be his fault or other employees. The damage is done and they are taking care of everybody. The replacement post will probably be better than the water jetted post in the future. So some will have a unicorn Ambush with a machined post. It was tested by Brad and maybe Andrae. There is no LWCG pro staff that get's stuff early. I was upset that I have post holes that are not centered, but the platform works for me, pairs extremely well with the mini sticks and they are going to replace the post. What is there to be mad about at this point? If it didn't work out for me I wouldn't be mad. I'd just return it or sell it and move on.
 
I totally understand criticizing and holding a company accountable. I've been vocal about what I see as Tethrd's shortcomings. I still completely understand paying customers being unhappy with crooked holes and rough machining. 100%.

But, in their defense, they've been pretty Johnny-on-the-spot trying to rectify the issue. Andrae didn't just call me once and check me off the list. He called me until I picked up the phone and let me know he was quite unhappy with the flaws he was seeing, and was working on changing manufacturers. When I told him I wasn't sure a bolt would fix the issue, he said if that was the case he'd just send a new post, and let me keep everything I had so I didn't miss any hunting time. That's quite different from, "It's fine, but we redesigned it anyway for...reasons. No you can't have a new one unless your old one breaks." I got the bolt two days after the platform got sent. Folks who asked for return labels got them, with no arm-twisting. Folks who ask for posts seem to be getting them. What else are they supposed to do?

Andrae told me he wished he was still making stuff himself, but he isn't! He's big enough he doesn't have to. His time is more economically spent as a brand and as an executive. He didn't, as the owner, have hands on every platform that went out. Some saddle companies do, and lemons still get out.

The argument that they're over priced holds no water. Bad as you might hate it, if they're selling out, they're priced appropriately!

Them misleading folks about how it's intended to be used doesn't make sense. The only surprise is that a huge platform with 2-3 lbs shaved off of it has some flex. They built exactly what got asked for, and have been clear about how it's meant to be used in videos, write-ups, and podcasts.
 
Back
Top