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New Saddle Nightmare!

I didn't like the mantis either. In my opinion not all saddles are made the same or created equally. 1 inch more or less of webbing/fabric, types of fabric used, and attachment points all make a massive difference for most people in the way they feel. I can sit in my flex,yarak, or kite all day long. I usually do every week. But I can't stand to sit in a mantis for more than two hours before I'd rather cut my own tether than sit there for another 5 minutes. Comfort is important. Discomfort leads to more movement which equals less deer. Saddle fit is very individual. Anyone who generalizes and says one thing will work for everyone is ignorant on the subject. Like someone said before you would have no issue selling that mantis on here and trying something else.
 
Had my first real sit in my Flex tonight. The extra 3.5” of material is awesome. It felt like my custom fleece saddle. I would rather use 4lb fly fishing tippet as a bridge than have to go back to my old Mantis XL.


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Aeds151 said:
Had my first real sit in my Flex tonight. The extra 3.5” of material is awesome. It felt like my custom fleece saddle. I would rather use 4lb fly fishing tippet as a bridge than have to go back to my old Mantis XL.


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Yeah the flex is the Cadillac of saddles. Feels like your hunting from a hammock
 
NEBowHunter said:
Hey Everyone,

Let me start by saying I am a veteran bow hunter and a newbie to saddle hunting. I have the Tethrd Mantis and have been using it for about a month. I have to say I absolutely HATE IT! I cannot get comfortable in it. I find myself sliding out of the saddle near the end of my sits. It squeezes me to the point of bruising. I know there is a learning curve with any new products but, man I am not digging saddle hunting at all! I am using the ratchet strap ring step set up btw and will be looking into a platform if I decide to keep this torture device for hunting! Any an ALL advice is sorely (pun intended) welcomed!!!
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THis could be my story with a Mantis.... I could not get comfortable in it at all, hip pinch was cruel. As I liked the saddle hunting idea, I was not ready to give up. So I got a RCH and a commercial swing set seat. Yes, bulky, but so comfy with a back band. It made me realize where I want to have my saddle while I’m mostly sitting. ....below my butt... then I got a kestrel flex, wear it low and guess what... happy happy! I think bridge length is a much bigger factor than one might think in the beginning. Good luck, I hope you can find a good solution.
 
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I had to change my mantis bridge out to a longer one about 36in. It helped temporarily but after 30min or so I’d get uncomfortable again. Went back to my Kestrel. The mantis just wasn’t for me.
 
NEBowHunter said:
My sits range from 3 to 5 hours usually. I have been trying different tether heights and belt positions. Last sit was slightly better but by the end I was in so much pain I would not have been able to make a shot if a deer had presented itself lol. It seems to me like the fixed bridge length is an issue. My hunting buddy has a Kestral and his bridge is adjustable. Not sure what to do...
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Put the buckle below your bellybutton and try that for awhile. The Mantis is a nice saddle .If that doesn't work you could sell it and try a different saddle like a Areohunter Kestrel , Flex or Kite.
 
I don’t know if this will help you but I girth hitch my bridge. This way you can move the bridge in different areas of your bridge loops. A little adjustment goes a long ways.
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rutjr said:
I don’t know if this will help you but I girth hitch my bridge. This way you can move the bridge in different areas of your bridge loops. A little adjustment goes a long ways.
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I’ve actually been looking at ways to do this. If I move the bridge to the bottom of my bridge loops, my mantis feels a lot better.


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rutjr said:
I don’t know if this will help you but I girth hitch my bridge. This way you can move the bridge in different areas of your bridge loops. A little adjustment goes a long ways.
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Yes. This absolutely makes a big difference. The Yarak has mesh on top of the bridge loops and does a decent job of holding the bridge in place where you put it. Ever since I noticed it, I always make an adjustment at that point as well
 
DaveT1963 said:
The following is ONLY my opinion based off a few decades of saddle hunting

Saddles were not designed to replace a climber for comfort reasons. This is one of the reasons I get so perturbed by newbees (folks with less than 5 years experience) making so many claims about comfort being so important. No way a saddle will compete with a good climber or even some newer stands as far as comfort. It is not, or IMO should not be the reason you go to a saddle. Note: it did correct my back problems with older lock-ons.

Having said the above, there are things you can try to get some comfort. IMO, the first thing is to get the hell off a ROS. sorry but there is no way you can get pressure off the saddle better with a ROS then you can with a platform. And I don't care how good a saddle is, if you sit, i.e. put 100% of your weight in it, you are going to feel pressure in some time. That is called gravity and leverage and saddles don't overcome either. Sitting in a saddle is the old technique, some still love it, but most I have introduced to a platform and leaning majority of time never go back to a ROS. yes there are always exceptions, just stating what i have experienced first hand. In the good old days few folks were ever happy with a ROS, especially the ratchet models, and there were always DIYs looking for a better platform. But we are all individuals and no cookie cutter answer works for everyone.

Your arguments (complaints) are not nothing new. It was why saddles completely failed for decades because so much misinformation by folks that plunged in and had no clue how to use one (and most never took the time to figure things out for themselves). The overwhelming reason was people could not get comfortable on pegs and in a saddle. It is not anything new. A few of us diehards hung on for decades and toyed with all kinds of remedies for foot pain, pinch, back pain, pressure, etc.

here is what I personally found to help with saddle "comfort" (although Ill admit up front its not a big concern for me)
1. Lower your tether to chin high
2. get a damn platform and crap can the ROS
3. Adjust your bridge for your hip width - experiment
4. Get pants that do not have heavy seams, buttons, clips etc, in the waist zone (especially pockets)
5. Put the straps up under your butt where God gave you the most padding - that is where gravity will push the hardest. The cloth portion of saddles will give and then the weight transfer higher on hips and usually only one strap is doing the bulk of supporting.
6. if none of that works - try different saddles or go back to a climber. You might even try the new hybrid as the whale tail thing does in deed remove some pressure form the knees and your entire arse is supported instead of specific locations.

I almost gave up saddle hunting due to discomfort - mine came from standing on pegs for hours - I actually got nerve damage in one foot and I am sure this led to some of that. Thankfully, I talked to John E and he got me to experimenting with tether and bridge and getting the straps under my butt. That made the difference to me and I now can sit far longer in a sling then I can a lock on.

But truthfully, comfort just is not the biggest selling point for a saddle for me. 360 shooting, being mobile, ability to put tree between me and deer, flexibility in hunting trees I could not with a stand, better shot alignment while leaning in a saddle verses bending on a stand, weight, quiet set up, etc. all are far more important to me and more legitimate then comport. And since I toyed with my system and got it dialed in, i really don't see a big difference between the various saddles as far as comfort - i find them all about the same - and I would not say they are comfortable, a recliner is comfortable, I find them more than tolerable to do the job i need them to do - get me into position to kill a buck with my bow.

I am sure you will get many conflicting opinions. All the above is my opinion and what worked for me. If you get down this way, give me a shout and you can try any of the saddles i have and platforms and I will show you what works for me.
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Imma disagree with ya, my saddle replaced my climber for comfort, carrying in a 18lb climber with other gear 2 miles on public land was not only uncomfortable but exhausting.. I am a smaller guy (5'7" 160lbs) and am using a size 2 kite, I don't have to pull it down and sit on a strap that just sounds ridiculous. The mesh is where my rump sits, also I don't like knees together prefer having a leg on each side of the tree so a ring of steps is where it's at for me.
One positive I have to give for a platform is I can easily stand and do a weak side shot where on a ros its requires a bit more movement.
I would never call a ring of steps crap and I would never recommend someone to sit on the strap, the saddle has to fit you, adjust your bridge length and tether height if you cant get comfortable try another saddle they are a little different and are gonna fit everyone a little differently.

I can say from experience from using alot of different climbers and lock ons over the past 15 years or so and switching to a saddle last year comfort can be achieved with some tinkering and after you find that sweet spot you can get really really comfortable.

If you can find some other saddle hunters in your area they can be an amazing asset for you I was lucky enough to meet up with a great group of guys and was able to try a few saddles before I purchased 1.

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Every time I see an Evolution saddle, the one that the Kestrel replaced....that thing looks like it would be very comfortable. It looks more like an Arborist saddle. I really am happy with my Kestrel but would like to give an Evolution a try.
 
Cbinderjr said:
Imma disagree with ya, my saddle replaced my climber for comfort, carrying in a 18lb climber with other gear 2 miles on public land was not only uncomfortable but exhausting.. I am a smaller guy (5'7" 160lbs) and am using a size 2 kite, I don't have to pull it down and sit on a strap that just sounds ridiculous. The mesh is where my rump sits, also I don't like knees together prefer having a leg on each side of the tree so a ring of steps is where it's at for me.
One positive I have to give for a platform is I can easily stand and do a weak side shot where on a ros its requires a bit more movement.
I would never call a ring of steps crap and I would never recommend someone to sit on the strap, the saddle has to fit you, adjust your bridge length and tether height if you cant get comfortable try another saddle they are a little different and are gonna fit everyone a little differently.

I can say from experience from using alot of different climbers and lock ons over the past 15 years or so and switching to a saddle last year comfort can be achieved with some tinkering and after you find that sweet spot you can get really really comfortable.

If you can find some other saddle hunters in your area they can be an amazing asset for you I was lucky enough to meet up with a great group of guys and was able to try a few saddles before I purchased 1.

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thanks for the tip I'll see if I can find some local with some experience
 
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I run an areohunter evolution. The two biggest things for me were bridge length/tether height and the size of the leg loops. I like the loops looser when sitting in the tree haven't had an issue with them. I also run a low tether so my bridge angle is 'greater'. Made a big difference.

The evolution also helps with sliding the main saddle piece lower on your butt. I find that a big help as well.

Based on all the replies I hope you are able to find a solution that works. Saddles changed my game for the better. I hate that not everyone is getting the same boost.
 
cb750 said:
I run an areohunter evolution. The two biggest things for me were bridge length/tether height and the size of the leg loops. I like the loops looser when sitting in the tree haven't had an issue with them. I also run a low tether so my bridge angle is 'greater'. Made a big difference.

The evolution also helps with sliding the main saddle piece lower on your butt. I find that a big help as well.

Based on all the replies I hope you are able to find a solution that works. Saddles changed my game for the better. I hate that not everyone is getting the same boost.
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The evolution is the tree lounge of the saddle world. Most comfy thing I've ever sat in.
 
DaveT1963 said:
I have zero problem getting comfortable in any saddle. They are all basically the same thing. It is how you use and position it. You have to find what works for you. What I tell people that ask me about saddle hunting is to write a list of what you want in a saddle. Prioritize it. Then find the one that meets the most requirements for you. A lot of the guys that complain about comfort are ROS users. Coincidence? Perhaps, but those complaints have been going on for decades. The other complain I hear a lot about is riding up your back. If you spread the straps of a saddle to your legs and above your crack, it is naturally going to try to expand as far as the material will allow. That is called gravity. Once you get the strap UNDER your butt, riding up is NOT a problem. It can seem awkward and a little unsafe at first, but it is not more so than sitting in a swing. If you are worried about a saddle not being safe, then by all means get a bulkier saddle and cup your butt as some suggest, or add a RCH. I have zero concerns getting the strap under my butt and I do not experience riding up at all. I also have sat many all days sits in TX which can mean for a very long sit 0500-2100 during early season. There ain't no way you can sit in same position for hours like that with out pressure points building up - I don't care if you are in a lazy boy. SO MOVE/ADJUST.

Saddles may not be for everyone - but for me they relieved some serious back pain I had in lock ons. The foot pegs killed my feet wearing rubber boots for hours - predator resolved that (I still occasionally will have plantar fasciitis after weeks of saddle hunter - damage is done from silliness when I was young. A low tether and short bridge really reduce the leverage for me and also immensely solved a lot of "comfort" issues.

So when I say comfort is not a concern I am in no way indicating I am uncomfortable in a saddle. What I am saying is I don't have any comfort issues. I can grab any saddle, to include a sit drag and make it work for me. That, and I have years/decades of experience with them and know what works for me. And please stop with all this leaner and sitter BS. I can sit in a saddle for hours anytime I want. I will post a video when I have time that I made showing a hunt I did the other day on a leaner where I had to sit and could barely keep my toes on the platform - sat that way for 4 hours. I PREFER to lean in a saddle because I can move, adjust and take a shot at a moments notice far easier then when sitting - that is the ONLY reason I lean most of the time - IMO its just a more efficient hunting position and since I tend to hunt in thick nasty stuff - I like to be ready to execute a shot quickly. It certainly is not because I cannot sit in mine because of some limitation brought about by the way I use them. I have slept in mine waiting for daylight when I go in 2-3 hours before daylight.

Makes no difference to me what tool you use to hunt with, saddles included. I don't tell people they choose gear because they can't lean so really stop with this silliness. The tools I use and prefer are not a choice made out of some limitation or hap hazardously - I choose them because they work best and meet my list of requirements.
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Lots of good info here from Dave as well as others....However, the Flex has the adjustable bridge which I think really helped me 'tune' my saddle to my body shape/size - the Mantis does not....I know you can add an adjustable bridge to the Mantis but most folks just starting out saddle hunting don't want to have to do that or are not comfortable 'tweaking' the saddle that much due to safety concerns or lack of confidence due to lack of experience with the saddle...Hopefully Tethrd will come out with an adjustable bridge option and that may help folks with Mantis issues resolve them....

I agree with Dave's comments on platforms - I would say 'Gxxe Chxxgxr' but I've grown to hate that term as have others and I won't even spell it out but you know what it is ...lol .....

I think maybe the Mantis needs to ride lower on your butt than the flex - at least that seems like a common theme I have seen in comments...

I used a saddle in 2004(tree suit) and 2010(guidos), when there just wasn't that much good info on using saddles. That caused me to abandon them after one season each - but I still could see the benefits of the saddle but just didn't know how to make them work for me. With all the info here on saddle hunter there's no reason anyone can't make a saddle work and be comfortable enough to hunt successfully....I've been using my flex exclusively this season - I committed to it this season due to flinginairos or someone here on saddle hunter or a podcast I listened to saying stick with it one whole season to figure it out, and with every sit I like it even more and come away from the hunt with new knowledge on making it work better for me...Practice in your back yard is a good start but until you are hunting in it you really haven't experienced all the ins and outs of saddle hunting....I'm sold on it and each time I walk in the woods with a small pack and platform on my back it makes me appreciate the effort I've made to make the saddle work for me....
 
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