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New from NC-Considering Saddle Hunting

B

burlybear75

New Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2018
Messages
12
Hello All! I am a new comer to the site and considering the mobility of tree saddles. I hunt a fair bit of public land and need to be able to hunt out of different setups based on wind. I have gotten by with climbing stands over the years but hate how exposed you can be with a limbless tree. My biggest concern is comfort and safety. Being a big fella, as my name suggests, I have seen suggestions from Aero hunter that guys over 240lbs are not the best fit for saddle hunting. I weigh 270lb and although I know most manufacturers of any tree stand with weight safety ratings top out at 300lbs although the breaking strength of lots materials, (webbing, ropes, weld points, etc.) are well into the 1000s of lbs, I am still wary if a guy of my size will be 1.safe, 2.comfortable in a tree saddle. It looks like such a good option but do any of you guys have anything light to shed on this topic? I scanned and saw a few mentions of big guys using and loving saddles but I wanted to ask again. If I hear the answers I am hoping for, I very well might be purchasing one for the late season here in NC!
 
Welcome to the site! There are big guys in saddles. One guy custom made one for a big guy but not all have. Search around a little and I'm sure a few of them will post in here too.
 
burlybear75 said:
Hello All! I am a new comer to the site and considering the mobility of tree saddles. I hunt a fair bit of public land and need to be able to hunt out of different setups based on wind. I have gotten by with climbing stands over the years but hate how exposed you can be with a limbless tree. My biggest concern is comfort and safety. Being a big fella, as my name suggests, I have seen suggestions from Aero hunter that guys over 240lbs are not the best fit for saddle hunting. I weigh 270lb and although I know most manufacturers of any tree stand with weight safety ratings top out at 300lbs although the breaking strength of lots materials, (webbing, ropes, weld points, etc.) are well into the 1000s of lbs, I am still wary if a guy of my size will be 1.safe, 2.comfortable in a tree saddle. It looks like such a good option but do any of you guys have anything light to shed on this topic? I scanned and saw a few mentions of big guys using and loving saddles but I wanted to ask again. If I hear the answers I am hoping for, I very well might be purchasing one for the late season here in NC!
Click to expand...


6' 2 275 in a kestrel size 2. Had a double spinal fusion years ago and just can't get comfortable in conventional stands. Mainly used a climber, 30+ lbs gunslinger. Saddle hunting has got me back in the woods. I'm mostly a leaner. Using a whoopie sling to find my bridge length now before I splice a fixed. Having a big belly, my temp bridge is more comfortable at 45" with tether at hat heighth. I have the predator platform and I can really shoot 360. Plan to use it along with 4-5 WE steps and knaider/swaider. Jump in, the water's fine!
 
Welcome to the obsession. Most of our set ups would be able to hold a small car up in a tree so there’s plenty of extra safety factor. Once your properly tethered off at height you can not fall out of a properly assembled saddle. The climb and set is the most dangerous part but that’s true with traditional stands as well. Put an emphasis on finding a climbing method your comfortable with and make sure you research and use safe climbing techniques. Then you just have to find a comfortable hang. Most guys including myself have used many diferent saddles both home made and manufactured and most of us keep pushing to make them better. So pick a design or a product and start the adventure. I have as much fun working on my set up and tinkering as I do hanging in the tree with a bow in my hand. Have fun and stay safe.
 
Welcome! Where in NC, I'm in the Hickory area and hunt game land for turkey, but not much for deer. Based on all of the wisdom shared on this site, you could always go with a dyi saddle for comfort if a commercial model doesn't work out. I have been trying to get a big friend into saddle mode and he may finally try a preacher seat for strength and comfort.

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Welcome aboard.

I too am a large guy. I can add that if you climb correctly, even before you are tethered off you cannot fall. You may slide a foot or two but you will not fall. (Look at Buckingham Tree Squeeze for ideas). Some guys climb with their tether attached just as you do with a climbing tree stand. I have found it to be very comfortable. Good luck to you.
 
Welcome to the mad house I'm from China Grove NC I have a two diy saddles and love them very comfortable once you get the bridge and tether ajusted right shot a doe opening day out of mine I say fours hours that morning and three that evening no back pain love it good luck
 
Awesome! Thanks so much guys. This is great info. Really making me feel better about making a purchase soon. Another question, I know some of yall have your own DIY saddles but as far as commercially made ones, any preferences for the big guys? Other than the Kestrel size 2. Big Country said that worked well for him. The Tethered Mantis has my attention right now. Maybe for nothing else than the 300lb weight rating instead of Kestrels 240lb max suggestion.
 
I’m not a big guy but you can’t go wrong with either. It would come down to how light weight you want to go. Mantis is crazy light. Next would be the AeroHunter Kite then the Kestrel - construction on all of them is high quality and handle big dudes no problem


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