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Opinions on a secondary saddle for early season

A

Alaska at Heart

Active Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2023
Messages
188
Location
West Michigan
I purchased new tires for my Jeep in November that came with a rebate and those funds showed up recently in the form of a gift card. I've been mulling over the purchase of a second saddle that is mesh and lighweight for early season.....something like the Ape Canyon Pioneer. My Overwatch that I bought used fits well and is a very well constructed saddle, but it is fairly stout. I have to admit I loaded it up with two EWO saddle cloth dump pouches for my linemans, tether, bow haul rope, accessory tree strap, compact flashlight, branch nippers and foliding saw. Some of that I could carry in my pack, but then it isn't handy when I need them during ascent.

So how many of you have more than one saddle? If so, do you use a different one for various parts of the fall hunting season? Is going minimalist and very lightweight a reasonable way to go in? Any opinions of the Ape Canyon or a different option that is economical, yet well made? When do discounts or sales happen in the saddle market?

Thanks for the assist.
 
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Alaska at Heart said:
I purchased new tires for my Jeep in November that came with a rebate and those funds showed up recently in the form of a gift card. I've been mulling over the purchase of a second saddle that is mesh and lighweight for early season.....something like the Ape Canyon Pioneer. My Overwatch that I bought used fits well and is a very well constructed saddle, but it is fairly stout. I have to admit I loaded it up with two EWO saddle cloth dump pouches for my linemans, tether, bow haul rope, accessory tree strap, compact flashlight, branch nippers and foliding saw. Some of that I could carry in my pack, but then it isn't hand when I need to during ascent.

So how many of you have more than one saddle? If so, do you use a different one for various parts of the fall hunting season? Is going minimalist and very lightweight a reasonable way to go in? Any opinions of the Ape Canyon or a different option that is economical, yet well made? When do discounts or sales happen in the saddle market?

Thanks for the assist.
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Early season, I’m using my Original Wood. It works great all year, but I switch to Cordura pleated or double panel saddles as temps drop and tactics change.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
I purchased new tires for my Jeep in November that came with a rebate and those funds showed up recently in the form of a gift card. I've been mulling over the purchase of a second saddle that is mesh and lighweight for early season.....something like the Ape Canyon Pioneer. My Overwatch that I bought used fits well and is a very well constructed saddle, but it is fairly stout. I have to admit I loaded it up with two EWO saddle cloth dump pouches for my linemans, tether, bow haul rope, accessory tree strap, compact flashlight, branch nippers and foliding saw. Some of that I could carry in my pack, but then it isn't hand when I need to during ascent.

So how many of you have more than one saddle? If so, do you use a different one for various parts of the fall hunting season? Is going minimalist and very lightweight a reasonable way to go in? Any opinions of the Ape Canyon or a different option that is economical, yet well made? When do discounts or sales happen in the saddle market?

Thanks for the assist.
Click to expand...
so how do you likethat transformer saddle?? I really wanted to get that,but I settled with the cgm cobra which I like but it was my second choice
 
HuumanCreed said:
The Ape Outdoor Pinoeer is great. Its going to be my early season saddle. I also have a standard and mini Dryad for those longer sit in the rut.
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Same here. I have the dryad drey mini for quick afternoon hunts and the full size dryad for the longer sits. Easiest swap out you can ever make between the two models.
 
I had the CGM Sidewinder, loved it. Used it for three seasons. Traded it for some sticks. Got the clone from Ape Canyon, Love It! Especially the Ghillie rope bridge. I have a brand new Tranformer I traded Jamie a red dot for like two years ago now. Looking forward to using that this season for the first time. Build quality on the Transformer is exceptional.
 
I really like my Overwatch, but it is heavy duty (in a good way) and the only saddle I've hunted from thus far. I've tried a couple others on and they seemed OK, but it takes some field testing and adjustment to make a valid assessment. I learned that CGM and Ape Canyon were very similar. I also Googled Wood saddles and it took me to Ape Canyon.....is that one of their models? I was under the impression that a SH member made Wood saddles? Sounds like many have more than one and I'm not surprised by that. Thanks for the feedback thus far....keep it coming.
 
Alaska at Heart said:
I really like my Overwatch, but it is heavy duty (in a good way) and the only saddle I've hunted from thus far. I've tried a couple others on and they seemed OK, but it takes some field testing and adjustment to make a valid assessment. I learned that CGM and Ape Canyon were very similar. I also Googled Wood saddles and it took me to Ape Canyon.....is that one of their models? I was under the impression that a SH member made Wood saddles? Sounds like many have more than one and I'm not surprised by that. Thanks for the feedback thus far....keep it coming.
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yes one of our members on the forum is the maker behind Wood Hunting Saddles. My understanding is that Ape Canyon will be making his design. Perhaps Mr Wood will chime in.
 
2 panel or pleated are going to be heavier than a stripped down saddle like the Wood original because it takes more materials to make them. I am using a Wood original and love it but I am primarily a leaner. If you are primarily a sitter then it prolly makes sense to look at your options for a lighter 2 panel or pleated saddle. That or just stick with the Transformer which is a fantastic saddle. If you are primarily a leaner, then something like the Wood original should work great.
 
I know that I am in the minority with this opinion, but I don't see the point in owning multiple saddles. Find one that is comfortable for you and you feel safe in and stick with it. I hunt in cold weather too, and to be honest my butt has never gotten cold in the late season or sweaty in the early season from a saddle.
 
Andrew920 said:
I know that I am in the minority with this opinion, but I don't see the point in owning multiple saddles. Find one that is comfortable for you and you feel safe in and stick with it. I hunt in cold weather too, and to be honest my butt has never gotten cold in the late season or sweaty in the early season from a saddle.
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I agree with this statement as well. @Alaska at Heart your profile says your in West Michigan. We don't get a lot of hot days. Or a lot of really cold days. If your walking public a lot I would lobby for the lighter saddle anyway. But I can't see the difference between a mesh seat and the solid fabric changing that much for me. If your comfortable sitting in your current saddle I would pick that one 99% of the time. I pick less movement over a little warmer.
 
I do this. A different saddle/harness for different applications. For ex. Agile saddle for early season one sticking, treehopper sling for traditional sticks and platform, and rch for hybrid .5 lwcg. My reason is I got tired switching accessory pouches around and then forget I need a certain tool for certain application.
 
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