Ordered a Recon, how has everyone improved upon it?

[Bowhunter5262]

I flipped the plates, this did 2 things for me. Made it more comfortable and helps hold my EWO fleece pouches in place. I removed the leg straps and I'm engineering leg loop ideas in my head. Still not so sure I need them. I've found as long as I don't allow slack in my tether and bridge I don't have to worry about the sling falling down with the original belt loosened. You shouldn't allow slack anyways but, we are humans. Happy hunting and best of luck. Oh yeah the only saddle I've sat in that is more comfortable is a diy fleece saddle. But the rch you wear for backup kinda ruins that setup.

 

[Longbowwally]

If I got the Recon before the season I feel the same way you do. But since my tree hunting season is over, need to find things to do and keep my mind engage. Keep me out of trouble as my drill instructor used to say. I can still remember those Fall days cleaning the yard outside the barrack with a bunch of other privates. We had to pick leaves by hands while the racks in the storage shed watch us.....MOCKED us.....

I prolly should have added 'but will be tweaking it after deer season' - as some minor things can be improved on like the leg straps and possibly the belt.......

 

[dbd1313]

can someone post pictures of the bungee belt mod?

 

[loujo61]

can someone post pictures of the bungee belt mod?

I tied a bungee (15" long including plastic hook) to the molle loop behind the linesmen loop on the right side then just pull it across the front and hook it to the linesman loop on the left side.

 

[loujo61]

 

[five]

@Allegheny Tom made this video I believe:

@Bwhana has some pics of his method as well:

Treehopper Recon sling

I discovered a mod for the recon today- I threaded an adjustable strap(a replacement for a Petzl foot ascender) through the plates in the slots that bridge rides in and was able snug everything up nicely. Pic please? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

saddlehunter.com

 

[SouthMsBowhunter]

These are mods @Murph4028 made I want to try especially the leg strap attachments.

I have had several sits now from 2.5 to 5 hours and find the Recon to be more comfortable than my Kestrel.

Recon Sling Revamp

Couldn't resist. I added the recon sling to my arsenal a while back. Like the comfort of the Anderson style sling but wanted to add what I liked about other saddles I've had. I also wanted to make it walk in friendly. I always wear my saddle on entry. In stock form, it just wasn't happening...

saddlehunter.com

 

[Allegheny Tom]

@Allegheny Tom made this video I believe:

@Bwhana has some pics of his method as well:

Treehopper Recon sling

I discovered a mod for the recon today- I threaded an adjustable strap(a replacement for a Petzl foot ascender) through the plates in the slots that bridge rides in and was able snug everything up nicely. Pic please? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

saddlehunter.com

Yeah, that's my video. I'm still a firm believer in the basic concept, but I have made a few different versions of the "yokes". I'm not using the metal strapping anymore. I really like my current version but I have a couple other ideas rattling around in my skull.
Let your imagination guide you on what works best for your bungee belt, but some things I firmly believe is that it need to be adjustable, meaning it should have to positions for hook-up. One position is for what I call static, which has the bungee completely stretched out. That makes it as solid and secure as a rigid webbing belt like Mark sells with it.
The 2nd position is the "relaxed" position. That's the semi-loosened position that allows the sling to "open up" while tethered, but it also snugs back closed when you unweight the bridge which prevents sagging. The relaxed position is where I have it when I 1st pull the sling on. It kinda keeps it from getting sloppy and sagging when I pull it up when getting dressed.
There are a dozen ways to skin this cat, but IMO, a bungee belt is a necessity with the Recon. It makes a great product even better.

 

[Bwhana]

Just my likes for the Recon...

• Removed the rubber coating on the rings, but this is a minor thing either way.
• Removed the stitching on the webbing near the rings (@Nutterbuster's idea) - my bungee belt keeps it organized enough for me that I see no need for them. I tried flipping the sections in the rings, but saw zero benefit with the stiches removed.
• Custom bungee belt (https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/treehopper-recon-sling.24426/post-387165) @Allegheny Tom keep preaching brother!
• Would prefer no molle or linesman loops (likely removing them) as I either one stick or use lwhc. I never use the linesman loops and never hang stuff off my saddles, especially the sling.
• I'm interested in @Murph4028's section links with G hooks or ladder locks, but have not tried them yet.
• I do not use the leg loops. One thing to note about the designated bottom section as is...due to not having stitching the middle to allow for leg loops, and therefore less stiffness, the spacers on the bottom section allows the webbing to come together a touch more than the top does. If you don't care about the molle and such, put it on upside down where the sewn spacers are under you and you should feel a little more comfort than the designed way.
• Finally, with all the $ people throw at ungodly priced bows (looking at you Mathews and Ravin guys!) and all the other stuff, why the hell does everyone on this site not have a Recon or DIY Wraptor already, at least as a backup or to lend a friend?! This is the cheapest commercial option out there and a steal for the relative features and comfort.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Just my likes for the Recon...

• Removed the rubber coating on the rings, but this is a minor thing either way.
• Removed the stitching on the webbing near the rings (@Nutterbuster's idea) - my bungee belt keeps it organized enough for me that I see no need for them. I tried flipping the sections in the rings, but saw zero benefit with the stiches removed.
• Custom bungee belt (https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/treehopper-recon-sling.24426/post-387165) @Allegheny Tom keep preaching brother!
• Would prefer no molle or linesman loops (likely removing them) as I either one stick or use lwhc. I never use the linesman loops and never hang stuff off my saddles, especially the sling.
• I'm interested in @Murph4028's section links, but have not tried them yet.
• I do not use the leg loops. One thing to note about the designated bottom section as is...due to not having stitching the middle to allow for leg loops, and therefore less stiffness, the spacers on the bottom section allows the webbing to come together a touch more than the top does. If you don't care about the molle and such, put it on upside down where the sewn spacers are under you and you should feel a little more comfort than the designed way.
• Finally, with all the $ people throw at ungodly priced bows (looking at you Mathews and Ravin guys!) and all the other stuff, why the hell does everyone on this site not have a Recon or DIY Wraptor already, at least as a backup or to lend a friend?! This is the cheapest commercial option out there and a steal for the relative features and comfort.

A most excellent post.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Just my likes for the Recon...

• Removed the rubber coating on the rings, but this is a minor thing either way.
• Removed the stitching on the webbing near the rings (@Nutterbuster's idea) - my bungee belt keeps it organized enough for me that I see no need for them. I tried flipping the sections in the rings, but saw zero benefit with the stiches removed.
• Custom bungee belt (https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/treehopper-recon-sling.24426/post-387165) @Allegheny Tom keep preaching brother!
• Would prefer no molle or linesman loops (likely removing them) as I either one stick or use lwhc. I never use the linesman loops and never hang stuff off my saddles, especially the sling.
• I'm interested in @Murph4028's section links with G hooks or ladder locks, but have not tried them yet.
• I do not use the leg loops. One thing to note about the designated bottom section as is...due to not having stitching the middle to allow for leg loops, and therefore less stiffness, the spacers on the bottom section allows the webbing to come together a touch more than the top does. If you don't care about the molle and such, put it on upside down where the sewn spacers are under you and you should feel a little more comfort than the designed way.
• Finally, with all the $ people throw at ungodly priced bows (looking at you Mathews and Ravin guys!) and all the other stuff, why the hell does everyone on this site not have a Recon or DIY Wraptor already, at least as a backup or to lend a friend?! This is the cheapest commercial option out there and a steal for the relative features and comfort.

I am also perplexed that the Recon has not put all the other saddles out of business.
And I did make a mod for linemans loops on my one prototype that had no linemans loops to begin with. I just stitched loops on each of the tag ends of the bridging webbing whick accommodate a lineman's belt. The same could be done with a rope bridge. Just make loops in the tag ends if you really need loops to connect a LB. I inserted a piece of non tubular webbing inside of the tubular bridge webbing just to form-up a slightly more rigid loop. It ain't as purdy as some of the fancy loops that some saddles have but it certainly is functional and also very minimal. A stripped down Recon is about as minimalist as a saddle can get...and all staying with superior comfort. Heck, I think my version is as good as a saddle can be...and I have spent several hundred hours in mine, 12 hour sits are the norm.

 

[Nutterbuster]

I am also perplexed that the Recon has not put all the other saddles out of business.

Marketing budget, and lack of focus. If Mark was single-mindedly trying to own the industry, and pumped enough money into it, he probably could. But I don't think that's his business model. I'd assume business is good selling treehopper platforms, drills, saddles, and even (gasp) the quick-n-quiet climber.

 

[KeithinPA]

Marketing budget, and lack of focus. If Mark was single-mindedly trying to own the industry, and pumped enough money into it, he probably could. But I don't think that's his business model. I'd assume business is good selling treehopper platforms, drills, saddles, and even (gasp) the quick-n-quiet climber.

I'm not sure it's possible for anyone to "own" the saddle market. We all seem to be gear junkies to the 10th degree so anytime something new and shiny hits the market we're all lining up to give them our money. We may need some kind of therapy.

 

[BriarJumper]

If you are rappelling down or wanting to do that, my experience has been to not remove the leg loops. Here's my experience. I use a Fig 8 loop descender and an autoblock (needed to hold me when I take down sticks). I'm not a professional so I've had the saddle (Recon & Lattitude Method) slip up my back and under my arms because I didn't have on leg loops to keep it under me. Not a safety issue unless I get knocked out but uncomfortable in descending. I also flipped the recon panels and added a paracord loop to the bottom panel so when I walk in/out I can hook it to a biner on the top panel so the bottom panel doesn't drag (similar to the Latitude design). the belt on the recon slips a lot and I am going to try the bungee cord method soon. The latitude has an oplux belt in tubular webbing inside the top panel. It has a hitch on the oplux that easily adjusts but stays put when set, I really like that.

 

[Longbowwally]

Marketing budget, and lack of focus. If Mark was single-mindedly trying to own the industry, and pumped enough money into it, he probably could. But I don't think that's his business model. I'd assume business is good selling treehopper platforms, drills, saddles, and even (gasp) the quick-n-quiet climber.

Was the 'quick-n-quiet climber' comment a joke or is there such a thing? Asking for a friend lol .....

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Was the 'quick-n-quiet climber' comment a joke or is there such a thing? Asking for a friend lol .....

There is such a thing. Google it. Mark owns/sells the brand but to the best of my recollection its on a different website. Mark demonstrated one to me once. As a strictly saddle hunter, I was not interested.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

 

[atwoodnative]

What I use for my leg loops is shock cord. Not sure of diameter, but probably about 1/8". I threaded about a 5-6' section through the "holes" where the factory leg loops are threaded through (after I removed factory leg loops). I then tied knots to keep the shock cord in place, leaving two 2.5-3' strands hanging from each side. When I get the saddle in position when I am in the tree, I reach back and grab the two strands and bring them around to the front of my leg and tie and overhand knot in them, but instead of pulling the tag ends through, I leave them in a loop. When done hunting I just pull the tag ends and knock comes undone and then I put the strands behind my leg and tie an overhand knot/loop which helps keep them a little more out of the way and from slapping and catching on things while walking through the woods. Other posters have commented they use para-cord which would work, but what I love about shock cord is that i shift througout the day to leaning, standing or sitting, the shock cord stretches and tightens and keeps the right amount of snugness on my legs. Really the same concept as the bungee belt in that it adjusts as you adjust in the saddle.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I am also perplexed that the Recon has not put all the other saddles out of business.

Maybe confirmation bias is the cause of this perplexed feeling?

Seems like there is a tendency toward that here, as elsewhere in life. Saddle hunting is an individual experience, and we all react to different products differently. As individuals we both recognize what works for us and we seek to legitimize our choices by focusing and/or exaggerating on the benefits of our chosen products and the same for the weaknesses of alternatives.

I like my Recon, but I don't love it. I don't think I'll sell it, as I like @Bwhana's point about a low cost backup saddle that is well built, functional, and American made. I also want to give it more of a chance. It is comfortable and certainly minimalistic which is great when walking in/out.

I foolishly sold my Kite last year, but I'm pretty sure I liked it better than the Recon. I will have a Covert here at some point and I anticipate it providing a similar experience as my Kite. Hopefully even better. I'm pretty sure if I bought a Cruzr XC I'd like that better also. So, from my perspective, it is not surprising at all that the Recon has not come to dominate the saddle market, marketing budgets aside.

It might be just that I'm a single panel guy. I like to buckle a waist buckle, buckle leg straps and have the saddle right where I want it, all the time. Walking, climbing, sitting, leaning, always right there. The bungee belt idea has merit but remains an untapped potential for me for some reason. I mod lots of stuff but this one eludes me. If someone (Mark. DanO, etc) would come out with a ready made part to buy I'd jump on it to try. I'd love to feel more secure about the Recon staying put should I stand up to adjust things.

Just my 2 cents. I appreciate your and others' perspectives on these topics.

 

[SouthMsBowhunter]

Questions/advice on reattaching/modding waist belt location.

My only two complaints with the Recon is the waist belt design and leg straps.

The waist belt attachment design is bulky and restrictive and I rather have sewn in functional leg straps.

I plan to add leg strap G hook attachment molle like @Murph4028 but can’t figure out how he’s actually attached the waist belt.

Would like your advice on this idea

Want to attach waist belt 1” straps to rigging plate first cross member (see below).

And then run bridge webbing over it. It slides now with test strapping in place with tension off. And webbing bridge locks under tension.

By doing it this way it allows the waist belt to still pull and adjust both panels.

I’ve order a Austialpin dual adjustable buckle for securing.

Anyone see any issues with this set up?

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Questions/advice on reattaching/modding waist belt location.

My only two complaints with the Recon is the waist belt design and leg straps.

The waist belt attachment design is bulky and restrictive and I rather have sewn in functional leg straps.

I plan to add leg strap G hook attachment molle like @Murph4028 but can’t figure out how he’s actually attached the waist belt.

Would like your advice on this idea

Want to attach waist belt 1” straps to rigging plate first cross member (see below).

And then run bridge webbing over it. It slides now with test strapping in place with tension off. And webbing bridge locks under tension.

By doing it this way it allows the waist belt to still pull and adjust both panels.

I’ve order a Austialpin dual adjustable buckle for securing.

Anyone see any issues with this set up?

At 1st glance, I don't see any issues with it but the pic is hard to scrutinize. I'm thinking it is workable but only for plates with the coating removed. With the coating left on, I dont think there would be enough slot space to accommodate all the webbing.

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