Owners of newest TX5's ordering advice for complete saddle novice needed

[DMTJAGER]

Messaged back and forth with Matthew of TX5 Saddles and due to the high volume of orders, he asked I wait until end of November to call him and place my order. As I am a 100% complete saddle novice having never owned one let alone used one I could use and greatly appreciate all the advice I can get from current TX5 owners on how configure my TX5 saddle when I order it.

Here is some info to help those giving me advice:
>Cost if possible keep under $275 TMD
>My physical Particulars:
I am a larger framed man 6'-2" in height weight fluxuates between 230lbs-270lbs. My hips measure 46" in circumference with jeans on. I usually wear XXL shirts and XXL-3XL hunting jackets.

>Use & how I hunt:
I hunt in all weather conditions except for heaviest of rain. I am concerned about what size to buy because I hunt in the most extreme of cold temps and have the clothes for it. So I will be hunting in the saddle with 2-4 layers of insulated LJ's and a heavy wind-proof jacket.

>Comfort is my most important requirement as my shortest sits would be 3-4 hours and during peak pre-rut all day hunting is more often than not.

>Ease of use is second in importance only to comfort. I am a huge proponent of the KISS methodology. I do NOT LIKE complicated.

>Weight I have spent the 35 years lugging around steel ladder stands, steal hang on stands and an aluminum climber who's weights varied from a minimum of 17lbs to as much as 55lbs so the saddles weight is not of extreme importance to me. I'd be happy with a bare saddle less linemans, tether, external pouches and clips and bridge weighing anything under 3lbs. With all items added anything under 10lbs and I will be happy.

>I have no idea what type o bridge or tether to buy. I already own and plan on using LW 3 step sticks as my climbing method. Plan on giving a A/M platform that bolts onto my top stick a try as well as A/M cable aiders from EWO's a try. Lastly when allowed will be using my Cranford EZ screw in TS's. I will buy some A/M double steps from EWO's for one stick to start to see if i like them as I wear 14-15 XXW boots and are no fan of single step sticks.

So any ordering advice do's or don'ts or questions I should ask Matthew when we speak, or tell me things you wish you had done differently will be of great help and greatly appreciated by myself.

 

[KeithinPA]

I have one of his pleated models and it's taken a bit to find the most comfortable set up. I had the web bridge and removed it for an H2 Triad bridge because I would get a lot of pressure on the back of my legs initially. The bridge loops on my saddle are very long. I've never measured them but I'll bet they extend past my hips by a good 8"-10". That's good because there is no hip pinch at all but those long bridge loops required a higher tether and that angle caused enough pressure on the back of my legs to make my feet to go numb. With the Triad bridge I can move the bridge prussics very high on the bridge loops and that evened the pressure out between the upper and lower parts of the saddle. That made a HUGE difference in comfort. The pleated saddle is very large and goes down close to the back of my knees when it's expanded. I'd be interested to try one of his in a standard configuration because the saddle is kind of bulky if you're trying to walk with it. I keep it in my pack until I get close to my destination so it's not a big deal and you do get used to the feel of it when you're walking. It doesn't restrict movement, it just feels strange. It is very well made and Matthew is awesome to work with. You see very few of his saddles go up for sale, and with this group, that says a lot. I would buy another without hesitation.