Hey Boswell what if it's also one of my climbing methods? How do you climb? Sticks? If you use sticks I bet they weight a lot more than my platform does(4lbs 11.8oz, XOP Hand Climber), although maybe not more than all of my SRT gear, all of my climbing gear weighs under 16 lbs including my platform because I'm a sissy.
I’ve done the lone wolf/xop hand climber, I think with a better (something that doesn’t pivot at the seat, ie fold flat) climbing section, it could be a really interesting way to climb. I would still switch to steps as a platform, once I climbed to the top. Using the climber system can restrick tree selection and make it difficult to traverse branches. I use 4 muddy pro sticks that are 10 lbs
but my entire system less than 16lbs. I use the muddy sticks because they are the quickest, quietest, safest and easiest sticks that I have used hints why I use such a heavy climbing method.
I used platforms back when I started saddle hunting and I still use them to test prototypes with. Even thought I HATE them I have to use them, to make sure the saddle will work with all style of saddle hunting, same with short bridge and tree strap.
The sissy comment was a joke, I don’t care what anyone uses. The reasons platforms have become big is because they are cheaper and easier to diy than any step out there. When someone releases a good quality step that’s not ridiculously priced you will see more steps.
Using only a platform restricts the versatility of a saddle, saddles can be used to WALK 360 degrees around a tree with a single platform that CAN’T be done. So a single platform restricts the versatility of the saddle, a platform with steps does not.
Thanks,
Boswell