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My Predator Platform Review

D

DaveT1963

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Joined
Dec 2, 2014
Messages
3,511
OK guys I've spent the last 4 days putting the predator through its paces and I'll have to say this thing is awesome. I did not have time to do much of anything to it except for I greased up the bolts and replaced the strap with a Lone Wolf strap. I hunted hard for 4 days, and though my legs and feet are a little sore still getting my saddle legs this year. I think this platform is the perfect size. I love how it folds flat and it weighs next to nothing. Greg and Ernie did an awesome job!!!
 
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You're killing me Dave! I've been saying over and over in my head...."you do not need another saddle OR platform" trying to resist the urges. I already collapsed under the pressure and bought the Mantis and then you throw this out there? Damn it! :)

I know a predator is undoubtedly in the near future for me now.... I'm a weak, weak man.

Is there a 12 step program or any meetings that I could attend for this addiction?
 
DaveT1963 said:
OK guys I've spent the last 4 days putting the predator through its paces and I'll have to say this thing is awesome. I did not have time to do much of anything to it except for I graced up the bolts in the nights were placed the strap with a lone Wolf strap. I hunted hard for 4 days, and though my legs and feet are a little sore still getting my saddle legs this year. I think this platform is the perfect size I love how it folds flat and it weighs next to nothing. Greg and Ernie did an awesome job!!!
Click to expand...

Dave, when you say perfect size, is it bigger or smaller than your previous platform? You were using the sand cast LW seat, right? Or the XOP seat? I think it's right between those two? I can't remember. I have the cut-down LW and just haven't quite felt the urge to upgrade, I figure it to be about perfect size. Any smaller dont think I could do the "pivot shot" in my boot blankets.
 
just a bit bigger then original LW seat that we make Klemz platforms from
 
DaveT1963 said:
OK guys I've spent the last 4 days putting the predator through its paces and I'll have to say this thing is awesome. I did not have time to do much of anything to it except for I graced up the bolts in the nights were placed the strap with a lone Wolf strap. I hunted hard for 4 days, and though my legs and feet are a little sore still getting my saddle legs this year. I think this platform is the perfect size I love how it folds flat and it weighs next to nothing. Greg and Ernie did an awesome job!!!
Click to expand...

I say your spot on!! I have always been a ring of steps guy but this thing is pretty sweet. It has changed my view on these platforms well i should say this platform. Earlier versions of the platforms were cumbersome for me in regards to size, side pressure, and how they folded. This is very user friendly and plenty big!!
 
MCDM said:
I say your spot on!! I have always been a ring of steps guy but this thing is pretty sweet. It has changed my view on these platforms well i should say this platform. Earlier versions of the platforms were cumbersome for me in regards to size, side pressure, and how they folded. This is very user friendly and plenty big!!
Click to expand...
Cant wait for mine to arrive. Using stepps atm but would like less pressure points on my feet.
 
Jasper2 said:
You're killing me Dave! I've been saying over and over in my head...."you do not need another saddle OR platform" trying to resist the urges. I already collapsed under the pressure and bought the Mantis and then you throw this out there? Damn it! :)

I know a predator is undoubtedly in the near future for me now.... I'm a weak, weak man.

Is there a 12 step program or any meetings that I could attend for this addiction?
Click to expand...
There is a 12 step program, but if you use an aider, you can do it in 6. :tearsofjoy:
 
elk yinzer said:
Dave, when you say perfect size, is it bigger or smaller than your previous platform? You were using the sand cast LW seat, right? Or the XOP seat? I think it's right between those two? I can't remember. I have the cut-down LW and just haven't quite felt the urge to upgrade, I figure it to be about perfect size. Any smaller dont think I could do the "pivot shot" in my boot blankets.
Click to expand...

Just a tad smaller than the XOP seat. Here they are together. Predator packs down infinitely better.

4bd2198d89d7273cbe559e7c1fed4590.jpg


80b3a79622e961f18a50d48b08c3b7d8.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
d_rek said:
Just a tad smaller than the XOP seat. Here they are together. Predator packs down infinitely better.

4bd2198d89d7273cbe559e7c1fed4590.jpg


80b3a79622e961f18a50d48b08c3b7d8.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

Great picture to compare. Looking forward to getting mine ordered May 27
I am a ring of steps guy but maybe this will convert me when I get it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Ontariofarmer said:
Great picture to compare. Looking forward to getting mine ordered May 27
I am a ring of steps guy but maybe this will convert me when I get it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

I will say i will never not use my ring of steps but this has been a go to for me this year. Super comfortable imho!!
 
I too just spent the afternoon and evening on my predator for the first time... also used beast sticks for the first time. This is my second year saddle hunting thanks to great help and encouragement from OntarioFarmer... just down the road from me.
Previsouly I used an XOP/Ernie kit and LW sticks. I've used LW sticks and stands for a decade.

Predator - I have never felt so safe in a saddle. This platform set well on hard maple bark, and held solid for the whole duration. It is an excellent size, I was worried with size 12 feet at 220Lbs., but it was perfact. FAR more comfortable and safe feeling than the XOP ever was. Packing is far better. I too used a LW strap with yakgrip to silence it. I will add some more stealth strips before next time. LOVE this thing!

Beast sticks - Love them too. They bite far better into hard maple bark than I have ever experienced with LW sticks. I love the non swivelling bracket, but it is very sharp... be warned. Also love the double step. I did not think it would make much difference but it is far more comfortable for setting and removing sticks. I used a rope mod and had no trouble... these are awesome. Because I lost some length/height, I will have to go to aiders to make up the difference. I do not have stealth strips on them YET (they are in the mail) but I think they will fit much better nesting than the LW sticks did.
I can't wait to get out again with this gear!

So, it was a perfect night. GREAT gear, cold weather for mid October and I saw two deer... from the truck on the way out! :( Murphy paid me a visit!

Tom
 
Tom Karrow said:
I too just spent the afternoon and evening on my predator for the first time... also used beast sticks for the first time. This is my second year saddle hunting thanks to great help and encouragement from OntarioFarmer... just down the road from me.
Previsouly I used an XOP/Ernie kit and LW sticks. I've used LW sticks and stands for a decade.

Predator - I have never felt so safe in a saddle. This platform set well on hard maple bark, and held solid for the whole duration. It is an excellent size, I was worried with size 12 feet at 220Lbs., but it was perfact. FAR more comfortable and safe feeling than the XOP ever was. Packing is far better. I too used a LW strap with yakgrip to silence it. I will add some more stealth strips before next time. LOVE this thing!

Beast sticks - Love them too. They bite far better into hard maple bark than I have ever experienced with LW sticks. I love the non swivelling bracket, but it is very sharp... be warned. Also love the double step. I did not think it would make much difference but it is far more comfortable for setting and removing sticks. I used a rope mod and had no trouble... these are awesome. Because I lost some length/height, I will have to go to aiders to make up the difference. I do not have stealth strips on them YET (they are in the mail) but I think they will fit much better nesting than the LW sticks did.
I can't wait to get out again with this gear!

So, it was a perfect night. GREAT gear, cold weather for mid October and I saw two deer... from the truck on the way out! :( Murphy paid me a visit!

Tom
Click to expand...

I saw two does last night. No shot.

I used my mantis and predator twice now. I may be a predator convert from ameristeps

Anyone put one or two ameristeps on the predator strap


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Ontariofarmer said:
I saw two does last night. No shot.

I used my mantis and predator twice now. I may be a predator convert from ameristeps

Anyone put one or two ameristeps on the predator strap

I want to try the hybrid next week.

It looks fantastic. Super quality and attention to detail. It does not feel heavy at all.

Come over and try the hybrid Tom

The mantis wears well and is every bit as comfortable as the kestrel. But lighter and does not fall off walking in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Tom Karrow said:
I too just spent the afternoon and evening on my predator for the first time... also used beast sticks for the first time. This is my second year saddle hunting thanks to great help and encouragement from OntarioFarmer... just down the road from me.
Previsouly I used an XOP/Ernie kit and LW sticks. I've used LW sticks and stands for a decade.

Predator - I have never felt so safe in a saddle. This platform set well on hard maple bark, and held solid for the whole duration. It is an excellent size, I was worried with size 12 feet at 220Lbs., but it was perfact. FAR more comfortable and safe feeling than the XOP ever was. Packing is far better. I too used a LW strap with yakgrip to silence it. I will add some more stealth strips before next time. LOVE this thing!

Beast sticks - Love them too. They bite far better into hard maple bark than I have ever experienced with LW sticks. I love the non swivelling bracket, but it is very sharp... be warned. Also love the double step. I did not think it would make much difference but it is far more comfortable for setting and removing sticks. I used a rope mod and had no trouble... these are awesome. Because I lost some length/height, I will have to go to aiders to make up the difference. I do not have stealth strips on them YET (they are in the mail) but I think they will fit much better nesting than the LW sticks did.
I can't wait to get out again with this gear!

So, it was a perfect night. GREAT gear, cold weather for mid October and I saw two deer... from the truck on the way out! :( Murphy paid me a visit!

Tom
Click to expand...
Those beast sticks are great .. They stack well and grip the tree like glue.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
Those beast sticks are great .. They stack well and grip the tree like glue.
Click to expand...

I got mine on Tuesday. I finally opened them last night. I was amazed at the quality. I steAlthough stripped them and hunted them this evening. Wow do they bite into a tree
 
I like how it packs too... and how light it is... and how quiet to set up compared to 5 ameristeps... I still think I need a step or two on some trees.
 
Havent seen one in person, but the pics above give me scale. Wish they would of added some ears/side steps.
 
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