Newbie’s first time in the saddle and review of the Mantis

[KCbuckeye22]

I’m totally new to saddle hunting, as in I’ve never been in one. I have done a fair amount of repelling in the military (12B). I’ve been a mobile public hunter for over 7 years now. I’ve used a old aluminum loggy bayou predator stand and muddy pro sticks. Going saddle seemed like a logical choice. I banked on it this year, going all in and....I waited....and waited....and waited....

My saddle came in the mail Monday. I’m 6’3” 220lbs ordered a XL. I didn’t get my micro adjusters, stuff pouch, and platform in the order, so I’m waiting for it to arrive.

Again I have zero experience in the saddle. Ive been interested in it for about 4 years, just couldn’t pull the trigger. My loggy has been used and abused and I was looking to get a new safety harness. I figured it was now or never, so I ordered a Tethrd Mantis. I’ve been stoked about this since my order in July. I’ve pre gamed by watching the on line videos, YouTube, etc on how to set up this rig and such.

At first glance the product looks good. I had the saddle put on rather quickly. Everything seems stitched well and tough.

I noticed that one prusik had a knot on the end where the binger would land. I think I recalled something from military training so I moved the knot so the binger didn’t touch the knot, problem solved.

The bingers seem loud, the waist band seemed loud as well. I put some green 100 mph tape on both which quieted them down.

Honestly the ropeman is a scary little dude to me, so I doubled it with the prusik. I figure with time I will get use to it. I put it on my linesman belt. I also tied figure 8s on the ends of the tether and belt.

I found the rope tether to be a huge improvement over the old Treestand safety buckle. I will need to get a ropeman for it, the prusik takes more effort. The tether is much quieter, faster, and easier than the old safety buckles.

I used on muddy pro stick as a platform and tied in. The lineman belt was extremely nice. The ropeman works well and it’s easy to adjust, however for now I’ll continue to use the prusik with it.

The saddle felt comfortable, yet I felt uncomfortable. Leaning back felt good, sitting in it felt a little awkward. I picked a tree that was to big, so straddling it wasn’t comfortable. In the future I’ll stick to smaller trees.

Positioning. This is were the wheels came off. I was standing on one stick, not a platform. I found it extremely hard to position myself without making a ton of movement. I felt it was an endurance check most of the time, my body and footing fighting to keep balance. Strong side was okay, however I still felt unbalanced. Shooting to the rear was full of movement and a balancing act. Weak side was a pain as well. I added an extra stick to get my footing to get my balance. My shooting form wasn’t the best, and at most very difficult to perform a good shot. Strong side wasn’t bad tho. I came to the conclusion that I need a platform, some knee pads, and way more practice than I expected. Movement is going to be much more than I expected. I figure this comes with more experience in the saddle to fine tune movements.

I plan on going out tonight to play around with it some more. The saddle itself seems to be a win, using it is going to take much more time than I expected.

I felt I should give my first time saddling a review since I believe some others will be in the same boat as me. If you think you’re going to be saddle ready after a couple hours and a few shots you’re going to be disappointed. I went all in and ordered thinking I would have a month and a half of practice before the start of the season. Missouri’s bow season has started and I am definitely behind the curve. Luckily I don’t plan on getting much hunting in until Columbus Day weekend. I’m also lucky to have my saddle, as many might be waiting for a couple more weeks. I could see myself dragging out the Loggy Treestand if the platform doesn’t come soon, I would advise anyone in my boat to start PLAN B. I’d hate for someone thinking they could get it together with a couple hours and a couple days of practice in late October. I honestly really don’t think you can workout what footing, balance, platform, movement, and shot form in that time period.

However, I am optimistic that’s it’s only up from here. Once I have knee pads and a platform I think my balance and comfort level will increase. I also believe once I’m more confident in the equipment the ease of use will make it stellar and flow fluidly.

Any questions please ask, I’m a newbie so I apologize for any ignorance.

 

[redsquirrel]

Saddle hunting is not something that you can just pick up and do. You need to work out a system and practice it before you will be comfortable in a hunting situation. You did the right thing so keep at it and you will be proficient after a few practice sessions.

 

[Nutterbuster]

You'll definitely be more comfortable with knee pads and a platform. I'm possessed of an elven physique and maneuvering on the top of a stick would be a drag. Can't imagine doing it if I was a big dude.

There's a hundred small changes you'll make before you get really comfortable. Kind of like hammock camping in my experience. Nothing major or complicated, just a lot of little tweaks to make before doing something so COMPLETELY different becomes 2nd nature.

 

[bigjoe]

Welcome aboard

 

[BRAVEHEART]

Welcome from Michigan!

 

[g2outdoors]

The issue is your platform. Get a ring of steps or wait for the Predator. That will be a game changer. Saddle shape is a thing. It's awkward at first and it takes a few practice sessions to get used to it. However, a pivot style platform like the Predator really cuts down the learning curve.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.

 

[Inconel710]

Thanks for the review. I'm glad I started on Plan B as I've been working through some of those same issues. Good luck on figuring out your platform. I'm going with WE Stepps.

 

[KCbuckeye22]

Thanks for the review. I'm glad I started on Plan B as I've been working through some of those same issues. Good luck on figuring out your platform. I'm going with WE Stepps.

I ordered some silent approach steps. I figure later I could use them for about anything.

 

[SouthernTierHunter]

My gf got me a kestrel for my bday, but when I saw there was a delay in shipping I knew I had to do a plan B to get comfortable with the new style of hunting. This led me to a sit drag harness combo. I also ordered a ring of steps and a platform as well as clibing sticks and wild edge steps. I figured I wouldn't know what was for me until I tried it. Also, I now have 2 complete set ups so I can teach others how to saddle hunt and actually be able to provide them some gear. On my first saddle hunt I was dying from my first 5 hour hang, but the buck at the end was worth it. A deer I never would have been able to hunt from a regular stand. Keep grinding and experimenting the pieces will come together. I'm brand new too btw.

 

[buckshideout]

Im a noob also. I have been hunting out of my kestrel for the last three weeks. The first couple of sits I wanted to throw the thing away because it was so uncomfortable. I kept tinkering with tether lenthgs and bridge lengths. One big improvement that made it lot more comfortable was when putting it on I would naturally belt it up to high on my waist. I lowered to where it felt my pants were saking and that helped tremendously. I have been in a lot of messed up trees already where you couldn't dream of getting a stand in.

 

[KCbuckeye22]

Im a noob also. I have been hunting out of my kestrel for the last three weeks. The first couple of sits I wanted to throw the thing away because it was so uncomfortable. I kept tinkering with tether lenthgs and bridge lengths. One big improvement that made it lot more comfortable was when putting it on I would naturally belt it up to high on my waist. I lowered to where it felt my pants were saking and that helped tremendously. I have been in a lot of messed up trees already where you couldn't dream of getting a stand in.

Thanks for the input. I think you’re right. It’s a matter of trying different positions. I also think once I hunt in it I’ll change some “settings” as well.

 

[KCbuckeye22]

Just a little update on my transition into the tethrd mantis. I've got to spend some time saddled up in the yard over the weekend and last night. I took my old mobile treestand and hung in just above the ground. I used the seat as a platform and I used my muddy pro stick on the back side. I also use a much smaller in diameter tree.

The platform, smaller tree, and having the muddy pro stick on the backside of the tree really helped. I found finding the right position still somewhat challenging, however after a first attempt I usually nailed it down. Confidence is slowly....slowly building. I still feel like I have more unnecessary movement to eliminate. I'm still figuring out foot positioning and body positioning while maneuvering and taking a shot. I also still had issues losing balance. I combated that with dry runs moving into position, before getting the bow in hand. I've had the G2 YouTube videos constantly going, trying to mimic the motions to positions. I'm still a long...long way from fooling a whitetail with all my movement.

I moved the saddle lower on my body which made sitting much more comfortable. However, I feel my XL size might be to big, I do have the micro fit adjusters coming, so hopefully that will clean up that "big" feeling. I also feel like the thigh straps loosen a bit, which required a couple times adjusting it. I used the tri glide slide which helped, but made hooking up the thigh strap slightly more difficult. I started playing with the longer and shorter tether. I absolutely like sitting, however the platform was causing my legs to be bunched up. I hung the tether at eye level, tonight I will go slightly above head level to give me more leg room while sitting.

Newbie alert. So, for some dumb idea I thought I would tape the caribiner going into my bridge. I don't know what I was
thinking. It was one of those moments, kind of like when you put orange juice in your coffee or try to brush your teeth with your
hair brush. Now my bridge is sticky and doesn't slide well. Is there a way to clean this up without damaging the Amsteel
bridge? Thanks for your continued replies and responses.

 

[redsquirrel]

Just a little update on my transition into the tethrd mantis. I've got to spend some time saddled up in the yard over the weekend and last night. I took my old mobile treestand and hung in just above the ground. I used the seat as a platform and I used my muddy pro stick on the back side. I also use a much smaller in diameter tree.

The platform, smaller tree, and having the muddy pro stick on the backside of the tree really helped. I found finding the right position still somewhat challenging, however after a first attempt I usually nailed it down. Confidence is slowly....slowly building. I still feel like I have more unnecessary movement to eliminate. I'm still figuring out foot positioning and body positioning while maneuvering and taking a shot. I also still had issues losing balance. I combated that with dry runs moving into position, before getting the bow in hand. I've had the G2 YouTube videos constantly going, trying to mimic the motions to positions. I'm still a long...long way from fooling a whitetail with all my movement.

I moved the saddle lower on my body which made sitting much more comfortable. However, I feel my XL size might be to big, I do have the micro fit adjusters coming, so hopefully that will clean up that "big" feeling. I also feel like the thigh straps loosen a bit, which required a couple times adjusting it. I used the tri glide slide which helped, but made hooking up the thigh strap slightly more difficult. I started playing with the longer and shorter tether. I absolutely like sitting, however the platform was causing my legs to be bunched up. I hung the tether at eye level, tonight I will go slightly above head level to give me more leg room while sitting.

Newbie alert. So, for some dumb idea I thought I would tape the caribiner going into my bridge. I don't know what I was
thinking. It was one of those moments, kind of like when you put orange juice in your coffee or try to brush your teeth with your
hair brush. Now my bridge is sticky and doesn't slide well. Is there a way to clean this up without damaging the Amsteel
bridge? Thanks for your continued replies and responses.

If you are a sitter the micro fit adjusters will be a HUGE benefit so hang on for those. I could not hunt without them.

 

[IkemanTX]

Thanks for the input. I think you’re right. It’s a matter of trying different positions. I also think once I hunt in it I’ll change some “settings” as well.

The biggest adjustments (other than finding your platform preference) is really going to be tether height. Often times it is also bridge length, but the guys at Tethrd settled on a very comfortable length.
Lots of guys have the tether way too high. I like mine at about nose height. If it is above your head, you are often approaching uncomfortable territory in a heartbeat.

I have often hunted off the top of a single stick, but it is the least mobile option in the tree. Even with 3 years of practice, I know there are a lot of shot angles I can’t take with that setup. I will use that setup when my only expected shot is on my strong side. I can pull off about a 160° shot like that, and everything else is out of luck. If drilling trees is legal where you are, I would point you to the EZKut bolt system. Where legal, there is ABSOLUTELY no better all in one climbing/platform system.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[vabwhntr]

Thanks for the input. I think you’re right. It’s a matter of trying different positions. I also think once I hunt in it I’ll change some “settings” as well.

Sounds like someone needs to write a kama sutra saddle hunting book!

 

[KCbuckeye22]

Sounds like someone needs to write a kama sutra saddle hunting book!

LOL. I'm definitely a saddle hunter virgin, still trying to figure out the missionary position with the tree.

 

[Apex7]

I have been saddle hunting a longtime used ameristep and a strap for a longtime now I going to use a Predator platform . It's a little different I could never use just the top stick, very awkward. Once you get your platform I think you will see a big difference. You may like steps on a ratchet strap better only you can figure what works best for you. Be patient take your time get comfortable with your equipment and then I think you'll really like the world of saddlehunting.

 

[Drslyr]

So my bridge length may not be my problem trying to get comfortable. It’s my micro adjusters I don’t have yet redsquirrel? Feels like the saddle is cutting into the back of my legs . I stand and try to keep pulling it down

 

[EricS]

If you are a sitter the micro fit adjusters will be a HUGE benefit so hang on for those. I could not hunt without them.

I’m thinking along this line as well. If I grab the bridge loops and force the bridge down on the loop just a half inch the comfort sitting goes way up. It just doesn’t stay there. I’m thinking with the adjusters you will get the same feel in a way that will stay.

 

[EricS]

So my bridge length may not be my problem trying to get comfortable. It’s my micro adjusters I don’t have yet redsquirrel? Feels like the saddle is cutting into the back of my legs . I stand and try to keep pulling it down

Try moving the saddle higher. It doesn’t need to ride as low as the kestrel. Then consider lowering your tether some. Without the adjusters I’m running my tether like chin height. With the kestrel I ran it about head high. They look similar but it’s a completely different hang. Not necessarily better or worse just different.