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New and not a fan...yet

htr2133

New Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2019
Messages
15
Location
Nashville, TN
I bought my first saddle a few weeks ago. The saddle is a lightly used Tethrd Mantis (M). I have only had the saddle on a tree twice so far but I have to say, I'm not a fan of the whole thing so far. I can't tell if it is the saddle or just my unfamiliarity? Below are a few things I'm observing and questioning and I'm hoping this forum can speed up my learning curve:

1. I think the saddle is a bit too small for me. I feel like the bridge loops should come forward on my hips just a bit more and I'm thinking this would increase comfort. Where is a good rule of thumb for the bridge loops to rest when determining saddle sizing?

2. I am able to be mostly comfortable leaning in the saddle at multiple tether heights. But, I cannot find any way of sitting in the saddle that doesn't hurt immediately on my hips most. What are some tips for a more comfortable saddle-sit position? I've tried tether high, low and everything in-between it all hurts about the same. The bridge is not adjustable, there are no "comfort-channels" on my model of saddle.

3. This is the more shocking realization to me, in general, I'm just freaked out on the entire idea of hanging back off the tree at 10+ feet. I'm not someone who is typically afraid of heights and I've historically not been nearly as safety conscious as I should have been in treestands. I assume this is normal for a newbie, but it has really surprised me how much I don't like the feeling so far. I would like to hear if anyone else struggled with this and how long it took for it to work itself out?

Thanks!
 
Newbie also... but found this.
For the Mantis and Menace saddles, check out the size chart. 26″-34″ = MEDIUM 34″-38″ = LARGE 38″-44″ = EXTRA LARGE

I also feel a little eerie about hanging from a rope...but like most other things, sheet happens when you get complaisant.

Always tied in...well, since daughter was born :laughing:..................before that :rolleyes:
My API climber, never bothered me (open front and arm rests) which I have feel asleep in many times in.
LoneWolf lock-on, not near as comfortable, works, and yes, not a "safe" feeling.
TX5 Saddle, comfortable, and yes, getting my brain to stop focusing on that tether/bridge ropes.

I do not have a lot of time in my saddle, and as you said, feel a difference sitting Vs leaning...maybe it's our muscles relaxing when we sit ?

A LOT of reading and seen where some adjust the bridge on the loops to adjust pressure at different points.

This may help ?
 
Last edited:
Newbie also... but found this.


I also feel a little eerie about hanging from a rope...but like most other things, sheet happens when you get complaisant.

Always tied in...well, since daughter was born :laughing:..................before that :rolleyes:
My API climber, never bothered me (open front and arm rests) which I have feel asleep in many times in.
LoneWolf lock-on, not near as comfortable, works, and yes, not a "safe" feeling.
TX5 Saddle, comfortable, and yes, getting my brain to stop focusing on that tether/bridge ropes.

I do not have a lot of time in my saddle, and as you said, feel a difference sitting Vs leaning...maybe it's our muscles relaxing when we sit ?

A LOT of reading and seen where some adjust the bridge on the loops to adjust pressure at different points.

This may help ?

Thanks, I'm working my way through some yt videos on saddle comfort! I don't want to give up just yet! The more videos I watch, the more I'm convinced my saddle is too small and that is creating some discomfort.
 
Welcome from Central Illinois! You will find an enormous amount of useful information on this site. Hope you can become comfortable as it is a fantastic way to hunt.
 
this is my 3rd year saddle hunting.. I started with tethrd phantom for 2 seasons. I was able to sit in the phantom several hours with the back band under my legs, but not so comfortable without. This summer I went to a try before you buy event where there were 25-30 different saddles, sticks, platforms, etc.. I tried most of them and settled on a Buzzard Roost.. the comfort was so far ahead of the rest. They're a small company out of Louisiana.. it's a 2 panel saddle with 4 bridge loops for adjustments. I can sit all day easily. 3 of my hunting buddies own one, they all love it
 
this is my 3rd year saddle hunting.. I started with tethrd phantom for 2 seasons. I was able to sit in the phantom several hours with the back band under my legs, but not so comfortable without. This summer I went to a try before you buy event where there were 25-30 different saddles, sticks, platforms, etc.. I tried most of them and settled on a Buzzard Roost.. the comfort was so far ahead of the rest. They're a small company out of Louisiana.. it's a 2 panel saddle with 4 bridge loops for adjustments. I can sit all day easily. 3 of my hunting buddies own one, they all love it

I'll check Buzzard's Roost out. Thanks!
 
I felt mantis was most uncomfortable saddle I ever sit in.

I played with the saddle a little more yesterday and found some additional comfort. It helped to lower the waist belt a few inches, especially for sitting. But, there is no way I'll ever be able to be still in this thing. I would say it is useable but not really comfortable. I'm looking for a trade or upgrade.
 
I ran an aero kestrel starting out. Sorta felt like you did. Got an overwatch transformer—two panel and it changed the game. To my surprise I sit more than I lean but can lean and do so regularly to change it up. No all day sits but close. No hip pinch in lean or sit. I kinda know my optimal tether height and bridge length now so keep playing with those.

As for being comfortable at height—practice low, get comfortable with the gear, I think. Takes awhile but it comes with time and trust in your kit. I still feel a little wigged out every sit until I’m set up and squared away.

Good luck to you!
 
I ran an aero kestrel starting out. Sorta felt like you did. Got an overwatch transformer—two panel and it changed the game. To my surprise I sit more than I lean but can lean and do so regularly to change it up. No all day sits but close. No hip pinch in lean or sit. I kinda know my optimal tether height and bridge length now so keep playing with those.

As for being comfortable at height—practice low, get comfortable with the gear, I think. Takes awhile but it comes with time and trust in your kit. I still feel a little wigged out every sit until I’m set up and squared away.

Good luck to you!

Thank you! I am glad to know I'm not the only one who gets a little wigged out!
 
I'd check out latitude right now. Like 160 bucks for the classic 2 today. I have the original and love it
 
Pretty much everything you mentioned comes down to one thing: more experience. This is my first season hunting out of a saddle, and I can say that I didn't feel "comfortable" saddle hunting until the 10-12 sits range. That was both due to not feeling physically comfortable, but also from getting used to using sticks, my new gear set up etc. It takes time to figure out what YOU like.

I can empathize with the trusting-of-ropes-mind-game you're experiencing. I came from a rock climbing background, and I remember being totally flipped out by that more than anything else. It'll get better with time and reps. Promise.

My cheap advice from one newbie to another is to play around with what you have for the remainder of the season before swapping gear. This stuff is expensive enough as it is...You may be like me and after a dozen or so sits finally get comfortable with what you have. I went from having raw hips to being able to pull all day sits no problem...just took some adjusting and familiarity with my gear.
 
I saw that yesterday actually and was tempted! Trying to do a little more research and read reviews on the Classic 2.

Mine came in yesterday, limited experience with saddle hunting so far but it looks and feels well put together with quality materials. Now just need a platform and sticks.
 
Late to the party, but if you are feeling immediate discomfort, then yes, your saddle is too small imho. Or, it’s not in the proper position somehow. I LOVE my legs straps while some will cut them off. With my leg straps fairly snug, supporting my package, I feel like I’m wearing a jock strap, kind of invincible.
When sitting, the top of your legs should be horizontal. This will also leave enough tether length for a good leaning position…..I find myself leaning way more than sitting. I’m in my second season wearing a saddle and mine is a cheap Hawk and I fall asleep in it often.
The fear factor will go away when you trust your equipment. But that also includes your knowledge and trusting yourself……are you sure of what you just did? Mechanicals may help with trusting equipment, but I’d start gaining my trust just barely off the ground,not 10’ up. Hang low and try to fall out of it. Rotate as far as you can, both around the tree pushing on your platform and rotating your body using your bridge. Tether length is key for me ……I never even get the backband out anymore.
 
Mine came in yesterday, limited experience with saddle hunting so far but it looks and feels well put together with quality materials. Now just need a platform and A stick and rappel rope!
I fixed it for ya!
 
Look into the Latitude Method 2. I hunted out of the tethrd phantom prior and could use it for long sits but experienced some small hip pinch after a few hours.
Decided to try a 2 panel and was an immediate game changer and can’t see myself going back to a single panel.
 
Look into the Latitude Method 2. I hunted out of the tethrd phantom prior and could use it for long sits but experienced some small hip pinch after a few hours.
Decided to try a 2 panel and was an immediate game changer and can’t see myself going back to a single panel.
Recon or ESS.
I'll never go back to a single panel either.
 
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