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Moving on from the Mantis

hogfish24336

hogfish24336

Member
Joined
May 14, 2019
Messages
58
Location
North Florida
I have been using the Tethrd Mantis faithfully since 2019. It took a ton of effort to get it to work for me. I have over 200 sits in and it’s really starting to show the wear. I’m looking for a new saddle for next season and would like some input on a couple saddles I’m looking considering the TX5 saddles and Trophy line Vantac. I’m definitely had enough of the saddle riding up, sagging, and feeling like the bridge loops are air plane flaps. I usually put the leg straps on the bottom points of the mantis to avoid the riding up and create more of a cup feel. Any input would be appreciated Im not sold on any one brand or saddle.
 
Never sat in either but owned a few saddles that slid up on me. The Cruzr XC fits me well and solved that issue

Maybe someone close by you or a saddle get together this spring close to you someone might have one for you to try out before buying

You should start seeing more ‘saddle meet ups’ come to life in the threads. Keep an eye out for your state or location
 
hogfish24336 said:
I have been using the Tethrd Mantis faithfully since 2019. It took a ton of effort to get it to work for me. I have over 200 sits in and it’s really starting to show the wear. I’m looking for a new saddle for next season and would like some input on a couple saddles I’m looking considering the TX5 saddles and Trophy line Vantac. I’m definitely had enough of the saddle riding up, sagging, and feeling like the bridge loops are air plane flaps. I usually put the leg straps on the bottom points of the mantis to avoid the riding up and create more of a cup feel. Any input would be appreciated Im not sold on any one brand or saddle.
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Come on down to the Florida meet up and you can try a few.

2023 Florida Saddlehunter meet up…..

There's nothing wrong with conserving water
saddlehunter.com
 
Never sat in a trophy line saddle. I own a TX5 Lonestar, it’s the “Cadillac” of modern hunting saddles. If you wanted to stick with Tethrd, the Predator solved the riding up issues the Mantis had, at least for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
hogfish24336 said:
I have been using the Tethrd Mantis faithfully since 2019. It took a ton of effort to get it to work for me. I have over 200 sits in and it’s really starting to show the wear. I’m looking for a new saddle for next season and would like some input on a couple saddles I’m looking considering the TX5 saddles and Trophy line Vantac. I’m definitely had enough of the saddle riding up, sagging, and feeling like the bridge loops are air plane flaps. I usually put the leg straps on the bottom points of the mantis to avoid the riding up and create more of a cup feel. Any input would be appreciated Im not sold on any one brand or saddle.
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Wow. 4 seasons, over 200 sits, and lots of effort to get it to work? You are a glutton for punishment! LOL. That’s persistence! I bought one, used it in the front yard, and promptly sold it. As others have mentioned, it would be good to go to a saddle event to try a bunch of different ones out. See which one(s) work for your body type, shape, size, and hunting style. We’re all different! Wouldn’t buy gloves or boots based on other peoples hand or feet, wouldn’t buy a saddle based on other people’s rear end, either.
 
hogfish24336 said:
I have been using the Tethrd Mantis faithfully since 2019. It took a ton of effort to get it to work for me. I have over 200 sits in and it’s really starting to show the wear. I’m looking for a new saddle for next season and would like some input on a couple saddles I’m looking considering the TX5 saddles and Trophy line Vantac. I’m definitely had enough of the saddle riding up, sagging, and feeling like the bridge loops are air plane flaps. I usually put the leg straps on the bottom points of the mantis to avoid the riding up and create more of a cup feel. Any input would be appreciated Im not sold on any one brand or saddle.
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All the saddle companies are making some good stuff. I have a Cruzr Archon and luv it but if I didn’t have that I’d be in the TX5 or the CRUZR XC. Hard choices but comes down to personal preference and too bad there is not a way to try them all before you buy!
 
I think it's more a matter of your hunting and climbing style than anything.

Are you a sitter or a leaner? Do you climb with sticks or rope techniques?

The most comfortable saddle I ever had was an AH Merlin but it was bulky and heavy whenever not at height.

My current saddle is a Method 2. It wears like a back band going to/from the tree. The 2 panels act like a single panel when leaning or a bonon's chair when sitting. Chief downside is the fiddle factor of finding the best panel placement depending on positioning.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
I came from the Phantom to the XC. While “everyone has a preference” is true to some degree, I’ve seen very few that didn’t like the XC. Yes, you might find something else you might like after trying a bunch. TX5 has a reputation for comfort. Buzzard Roost has been getting some positive user press lately as well as CGM. But if you have to buy one without trying a bunch on the XC is a high probably bet for satisfaction. Good Luck!
 
Maverick1 said:
Wow. 4 seasons, over 200 sits, and lots of effort to get it to work? You are a glutton for punishment! LOL. That’s persistence! I bought one, used it in the front yard, and promptly sold it. As others have mentioned, it would be good to go to a saddle event to try a bunch of different ones out. See which one(s) work for your body type, shape, size, and hunting style. We’re all different! Wouldn’t buy gloves or boots based on other peoples hand or feet, wouldn’t buy a saddle based on other people’s rear end, either.
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Yeah I just made it work. Using an adjustable bridge helped. There were days I got frustrated on year two. After that it just was what it was. I’ve done some 6hr sits nothing longer.
 
MNFarmHunter said:
I think it's more a matter of your hunting and climbing style than anything.

Are you a sitter or a leaner? Do you climb with sticks or rope techniques?

The most comfortable saddle I ever had was an AH Merlin but it was bulky and heavy whenever not at height.

My current saddle is a Method 2. It wears like a back band going to/from the tree. The 2 panels act like a single panel when leaning or a bonon's chair when sitting. Chief downside is the fiddle factor of finding the best panel placement depending on positioning.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
1/2 sit 1/2 lean depending really on tree size
 
I had a Phantom for a couple seasons and switched to an Overwatch Outdoors Orion. I could not be happier, the saddle is a best of both worlds between single panel and two panel. Jamie is fantastic to work with. The saddle is so comfortable I found myself able to hunt off a smaller platform without needing a larger platform to adjust and get comfortable.
 
hogfish24336 said:
I have been using the Tethrd Mantis faithfully since 2019. It took a ton of effort to get it to work for me. I have over 200 sits in and it’s really starting to show the wear. I’m looking for a new saddle for next season and would like some input on a couple saddles I’m looking considering the TX5 saddles and Trophy line Vantac. I’m definitely had enough of the saddle riding up, sagging, and feeling like the bridge loops are air plane flaps. I usually put the leg straps on the bottom points of the mantis to avoid the riding up and create more of a cup feel. Any input would be appreciated Im not sold on any one brand or saddle.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure where about in North Florida you are but as @GeoFish mentioned we have the Florida Saddle Hunter meetup in Lake George February 25th and 26th. There will be a ton of different saddles to choose from. I’ve sat in nearly every saddle made and I am pretty partial to mine for me, but there are a lot of really good options out there. Also I’m in Jacksonville and could probably meet up one afternoon and let you try some out if you are close enough and wanna meet up.
 
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