Platform Comfort

[MSbowhunter48]

In your personal opinion what percentage of comfort is attributed to your platform, whether it be size or shape?

I currently have a Gen2 Predator platform. I’m wondering if the very slight difference in size between The Fix or EDP platform would you even really notice the size difference since we’re talking mere inches here? Or would changing the platform shape to the X-wing or RZR style platforms benefit someone more.

 

[GreginPA]

I own the Get 2 predator, RZR 2.0 and as of a few days ago the V.
The RZR 2.0 is nice and I didn't notice any big difference with the overall size but I had trouble when I tried using the sides. My foot would slide a little. I'm hoping the V addresses some of that for me. TBD.

 

[elk yinzer]

Idk about comfort, not a big priority to me/comfort is too subjective, but function? 100%. If I can't stand and easily maneuver to shoot, it's not a platform, it's a positioning aid.

 

[Plebe]

The non 1 stick platforms have the angle in the wrong spot. It should be near the post, not the front. The further from the tree you lean, the more static torque on your saddle.

The X-Wing doesn’t have angles, but is positionally better.

A forum member made this mod and I was skeptical but dead wrong. I lean my feet on the cross support of my moded LW climbing platform and it is awesome.




In the right situations something like a couple of tree steps (ROS) can enhance overall comfort opportunities during a hunt.

 

[bigmike23]

Idk about comfort, not a big priority to me/comfort is too subjective, but function? 100%. If I can't stand and easily maneuver to shoot, it's not a platform, it's a positioning aid.

Nailed it.

 

[lawrence]

So i have used ring of steps, actual tree sticks (original muddy’s -4 all the way around the tree) and close to 90 % of the platforms out there. I found the larger the platform, the more i wanted to stand and shoot my bow. I am a sitter when it comes to the saddle and i do not find standing is necessary for archery shooting. I never stand when using a rifle. One issue the platform solved for me over the ring of steps was reloading my black powder rifle in the tree. I always felt real uncomfortable when i did that with the ring of steps. Each platform has its benefits and drawbacks. As i have gotten older my feet are bothered by long time standing and leaning. I alternate between my feet holding position and my knees (knee saver). I only use the edge of the platform to do a quick move to line up a shot. I sometimes have issues with trees that are two large and not being able to shift. I am going to actually try the adapter that is list above to see if it is better than my ring of steps. As i get older comfort is becoming more important.

 

[MSbowhunter48]

Idk about comfort, not a big priority to me/comfort is too subjective, but function? 100%. If I can't stand and easily maneuver to shoot, it's not a platform, it's a positioning aid.

Maybe that’s the question I’m asking and just worded it wrong. So if most of these same sized platforms function equally(for the most part), does even a slight change in size benefit the user in anyway?

I’m really just trying to justify me trying a new platform but if it’s near the same size and functionally does the same thing, is there any other benefits to be gained?

 

[MSbowhunter48]

The non 1 stick platforms have the angle in the wrong spot. It should be near the post, not the front. The further from the tree you lean, the more static torque on your saddle.

The X-Wing doesn’t have angles, but is positionally better.

A forum member made this mod and I was skeptical but dead wrong. I lean my feet on the cross support of my moded LW climbing platform and it is awesome.


View attachment 114367

In the right situations something like a couple of tree steps (ROS) can enhance overall comfort opportunities during a hunt.

I actually really like that idea that I’ve never seen before, just to give your feet a different angle. Is there any downside to having the square tubing on the front side of the post, besides the folding ability of the platform?

 

[elk yinzer]

Maybe that’s the question I’m asking and just worded it wrong. So if most of these same sized platforms function equally(for the most part), does even a slight change in size benefit the user in anyway?

I’m really just trying to justify me trying a new platform but if it’s near the same size and functionally does the same thing, is there any other benefits to be gained?

I think yes but I haven't played with a lot of platforms. Certainly shape is important too, especially when you talk about leaning into the platform, which is a saddle mode that doesn't particularly interest me, because I prioritize the ability to stand. I now use a LWCG .5 for that reason.

I got away from the "standard size saddle platform" we'll call it, because I had a buck get away. It was an offside shot, in a leaning tree, and I just couldn't stand and pivot around on my platform. Executing a "saddle move" was too much movement and I got busted. That was enough playing around for me.

There are bigger saddle platforms similar to the LW Assassin (aging myself there, there are similar platforms now in production, but I really don't follow the market anymore). What keeps me away from larger platforms is they weigh as much as a .5. For some guys the cables get in the way when you go back to a treestand, idk, for me, they don't.

 

[Plebe]

I think yes but I haven't played with a lot of platforms. Certainly shape is important too, especially when you talk about leaning into the platform, which is a saddle mode that doesn't particularly interest me, because I prioritize the ability to stand. I now use a LWCG .5 for that reason.

I got away from the "standard size saddle platform" we'll call it, because I had a buck get away. It was an offside shot, in a leaning tree, and I just couldn't stand and pivot around on my platform. Executing a "saddle move" was too much movement and I got busted. That was enough playing around for me.

There are bigger saddle platforms similar to the LW Assassin (aging myself there, there are similar platforms now in production, but I really don't follow the market anymore). What keeps me away from larger platforms is they weigh as much as a .5. For some guys the cables get in the way when you go back to a treestand, idk, for me, they don't.

A couple of the larger platforms offer similarly ample footroom as the .5 with a slight weight savings. In particular I can speak to the Ambush and Ridge Runner XL.

(e.g. from prior post):


But I love the .5 because it essentially comes with a built in knee pad and option to sit.

 

[Plebe]

I actually really like that idea that I’ve never seen before, just to give your feet a different angle. Is there any downside to having the square tubing on the front side of the post, besides the folding ability of the platform?

I couldn’t say.

I do enjoy a bit of foot relief leaning with my feet supported on these ears in front of the OOAL bracket though.

 

[lawrence]

I use the ring of steps method for off side shots. Here is a video of why ring of steps is easier/superior then on a platform (in my opinion)

 

[MSbowhunter48]

I use the ring of steps method for off side shots. Here is a video of why ring of steps is easier/superior then on a platform (in my opinion)

I’ve wanted to make a ring of steps work but I just don’t think it works best for me. Like others have stated I love the ability to stand up if I need to. And I sometimes hunt small diameter trees I’m talking like 6” diameter, a stand alone platform typically works better in those situations for me.

 

[Alaska at Heart]

Maybe that’s the question I’m asking and just worded it wrong. So if most of these same sized platforms function equally(for the most part), does even a slight change in size benefit the user in anyway?

I’m really just trying to justify me trying a new platform but if it’s near the same size and functionally does the same thing, is there any other benefits to be gained

I hunted from two platforms in '24, a standard Tethrd Predator and a Trophyline Mission. I used the Predator most on a small private property I have sole access to with some preset sticks. I moved them a couple times during season as I learned more about the local deer patterns, but left the platform out for November and December, so I could just walk out, climb up, tether in and hunt. I found the standard Predator to be quite functional for a smaller platform, but it lacked the ability to easily stand and turn my back into the tree for a weak side shot.

Conversely, the Mission is bigger, heavier and has the TL 'hump' that I don't care for a bit. But the real estate it provides allowed my sized 10 boots plenty of surface to get into various shooting positions. I used the Mission on a couple other private properties where I had preset sticks in place and just carried it in and out with shoulder straps. The weight was somewhat negated by just having the platform, a knee pad that doubled as a way to cushion the 'hump' and a small pouch for necessites on my back without sticks.

With those experiences fresh in mind, I looked at larger platforms that were a bit lighter and opted for a used LWCG Ambush to test out this off-season and hopefully like for next fall. I also was a bit intrigued with the Predator V and just bought a used one to test out. The Mission will definitely be up for sale, but I am not sure about the standard Predator as it was really nice to have a ready setup for quick in and out short hunts.

 

[thedutchtouch]

If I were you I would buy a set of squirrel steps instead of a new platform. I use mine with the platform, and having one on each side gives me the option to either stand directly in them or out my toes on them and heels on the platform. It also lets you maneuver around the tree (though to be honest, every deer I've shot out of a tree so far has been from the platform, not the steps)

I typically put the steps a few inches higher than the platform

 

[Alaska at Heart]

If I were you I would buy a set of squirrel steps instead of a new platform. I use mine with the platform, and having one on each side gives me the option to either stand directly in them or out my toes on them and heels on the platform. It also lets you maneuver around the tree (though to be honest, every deer I've shot out of a tree so far has been from the platform, not the steps)

I typically put the steps a few inches higher than the platform

I made a set of DIY ROS last winter, but never hunted with them. I found that setting my sticks at a 90* angle to the left of my platform (righty) allowed me to step off with my left foot on to the top stick step. That provided extra range on my strong side and didn't require one extra piece of gear. Just set your platform at the height or just above your top stick.....works for me.