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New To SaddleHunters!

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SaddleTramp

New Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2024
Messages
3
Hello Everyone!

My name is Kesler and I live in SE Wisconsin and this is my first year getting into saddle hunting. I am a firefighter for the village of Slinger as well as an architectural engineer for a design build firm based out of Waukesha. I was considering buying the Cruzr Archon Saddle Kit for my first go around but wanted to see if anyone had any real reviews on it and if it is the way to go for a first time hunter. I bought the Muddy Pro 20" climbing sticks so far but have nothing else for gear. Any recommendations or is anyone selling a used kit? Thanks so much and good luck to everyone this year!
 
Welcome from Maryland. I’ll let some guys that hunt out of that saddle comment. You don’t have to get a kit from anyone, only need saddle ( comes with bridge) a tether & Linemans belt. A lot of great options for those plus look in the classifieds for used, saddle fit is very user specific so you may need to try a couple. You won’t know what you like until you’re in a tree.
 
Welcome from west Michigan!

You may also want to consider a separate platform from just your sticks. Although, I actually find sticks fairly comfortable, but I lean almost exclusively. Good luck!
 
Bigterp said:
Welcome from Maryland. I’ll let some guys that hunt out of that saddle comment. You don’t have to get a kit from anyone, only need saddle ( comes with bridge) a tether & Linemans belt. A lot of great options for those plus look in the classifieds for used, saddle fit is very user specific so you may need to try a couple. You won’t know what you like until you’re in a tree.
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Thanks for the information! I was wondering if the kits sold you "too much". Not that I couldn't find use for it, however the $250+ jump in price was concerning. I will definitely research some saddles only then. Any recommendations on a tether and linemans belt?
 
Horn said:
Welcome from west Michigan!

You may also want to consider a separate platform from just your sticks. Although, I actually find sticks fairly comfortable, but I lean almost exclusively. Good luck!
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I was just thinking about this. I figured worst case I could configure something out of aluminum here at the house that would work as a "platform". I think I would plan on leading the majority of the time as well
 
Welcome from Central Illinois! Volunteer Firefighter for 32 years retired in 2014. Enjoy your Saddlehunting journey. Lots of good people here and tons of information.
 
SaddleTramp said:
Thanks for the information! I was wondering if the kits sold you "too much". Not that I couldn't find use for it, however the $250+ jump in price was concerning. I will definitely research some saddles only then. Any recommendations on a tether and linemans belt?
Click to expand...
There’s a ton of options, I like a mechanical ascender like a Kong duck or Ropeman 2 on my LB , prussik is fine on tether. Rocknarbor has sewn eye 8mm oplux for $36.99 ea… (need 2) Kong duck around $65 (get an oval duck carabiner 12-15$) then you could get a blue water vt prussik (25$) should be all set. If you wanted to just get the oplux for a LB & not fuss with your own Prussik ( latitude & cruzr sell them for about $60) Not a huge savings but that’s 175$ for great stuff that will last years…….
 
SaddleTramp said:
I was just thinking about this. I figured worst case I could configure something out of aluminum here at the house that would work as a "platform". I think I would plan on leading the majority of the time as well
Click to expand...
Welcome from Massachusetts.

My first saddle wasn’t comfortable for me, despite many others liking it a lot. So it took a few tries before I found what worked for me. You’ll get lots of suggestions. I like the “Wood Deluxe” made by Ape Canyon.

Personally I’d suggest buying a platform, unless you’re really handy AND you have access to a functional platform that you can study.
Keep it simple at first and practice a lot at home or somewhere safe.
 
Welcome from Texas. I love my Cruzr XC, it's held up well over the last 4 seasons. But no experience with the Archon, but I'm sure you can find so reviews of it on this site.
 
Welcome from SC! I too just started hunting from a saddle. After a few months of "research" I settled on the Cruzr XC single panel pleat-style saddle. My first sit was 4 hours and while I had some pressure points, minor adjustments periodically helped and I was comfortable. Even had two does under me on first saddle hunt (not is season yet unfortunately). Many saddles have adjustable bridges and adjustable points at which bridge attaches to the saddle loops. I would want the ability to adjust where i could get it. I thought about the 2 panel but with the pleat adjustments (other brand single panels have adjustment capability) I thought I would keep my first saddle more of a simple design. It is an exciting way to hunt and I learned that in the first time I hunted in it.
 
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