Guess it depends on what you think a saddle is. I am not riding a horse or watching TV - I am using a device to hang from a tree and allow me to quietly and effectively position myself 360 degrees around that tree. The way I use a "saddle' allows me to do just that and I am comfortable doing so. I don't buy into the whole cradle your butt thing as that creates pressure points unnecessarily. I use mine like a swing. and I place the straps where God gave me the most padding. Like I said above I would never place a strap under my thighs or on my lower back. The netting is NOT what gives you support (netting stretches) - the straps do so wherever you put those straps that is where you will get most of the pressure from. If you want true comfort and equal distribution of weight - then try a fleece saddle as that was the most comfortable saddle I have tried. For me I will give up a bit of comfort to get a modular, lightweight saddle without using a RCH - my choice is the new Mantis - I find it incredibly comfortable and efficient.
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Okay first let me say this. I would like to have a discussion about this not only to help myself but also to help others. The more we discus the details of our methods and why they work or don’t work for us, the more it will help others make choices or figure their problems out.
So having said that. I don’t think it is a matter of what you think a saddle is. We are calling this a saddle because that’s the word that has won out the discussion. We can call it a saddle or a sling or a harness or something else. Would you not agree that the object we are discussing is different from a sitdrag?
I decided to switch from a Guidos Wed to the saddle because I knew I didn’t need that much comfort, then I made your fleece saddle and rock climbing harness. That was much more comfortable and still secure. Then I decided to go the the Mantis because I thought I would get some comfort and still feel secure. But I would never go with a sit drag. No way I’m going to chance some weird mishap and fall out of that thing or get hung upside down. So I think the Mantis is the next best option. Security and some comfort but the comfort still needs some work.
So for those who would also like the security of the “saddle” hugging around your entire hips, leg straps tied around your legs and the saddle not constantly ridding up and pinching your hips, sliding the whole thing under you isn’t an option. Plus I can tell you if I only slid the back strap under me, it would still start hurting because I just don’t have that much padding on my hips or butt.
The mesh should be offering some support. Just because its flexible doesn’t mean it shouldn’t offer support. Your couch, your recliner, your car seat all or flexible but also offer support.
