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Platform question

A

ahetteen

New Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2021
Messages
3
This is my first year hunting from a saddle. I got the Tethrd Phantom kit with some syshauler pouches and the Predator XL Platform. Though I have spent considerable time in climbing harnesses, it has been quite a while since doing so, and it has been quite an adjustment to getting comfortable in the saddle. My big question is how do you get comfortable using the platform? I feel fairly comfortable with the saddle itself once it has taken my weight, and the platform isn't too bad as long as I am standing straight up and down or leaning straight back. But when I try and lean left or right like I've seen so many guys do on Youtube, the platform tips in the direction I lean. Though I know the saddle and tether will catch me, I still don't want to fall and bang into the tree or have that mess up a shot. I can't seem to pull on the anchor strap any tighter, how do you prevent this tipping of the platform? What am I doing wrong? I'm tempted to give up the platform and just lean against the tree with kneepads, but I feel like that is going to limit my span of shooting angles. I can't seem to find anything anywhere in the forums where people mention this same problem.
 
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I know exactly what your talking about.. I used a platform when I first started playing woth saddle hunting. If I wasn't standing straight up or sitting straight,, I would feel like I was going to unintentionally swing around the tree. Last year, I used 3 primal steps in a ring instead of a platform.. much more confident feeling.

You can help your issue with a couple squirrel steps on the strap of the platform. One put at least one the left and one on right. You can lean either direction after stepping on the step without feeling unbalanced.

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jphillips97 said:
1- Strap platform to tree
2- Cam platform over
3- Step onto platform
4- Step onto the top of the platform post
5- Cam platform up with your toe and back down (try not to get too scared while doing this....)
Click to expand...
This is basically the answer, you need to re-cam for a better grip.
I keep my linesman's belt on for this task (actually usually I have my tether installed and have yet to take off my belt). Smaller platforms will have a better anchor for what you're looking for, its sort of a leverage issue when you're off center, but basically I've never been truly comfortable until I'm re-cammed after stepping on to the platform for the first time. No matter what I do, I always feel like the platform has some wobble unless I've worked it from the top.
 
Great advice, thank you! I will try this tomorrow on my last practice session. Season opens on Saturday, so I hope to be maximally comfortable and confident by then!
 
ahetteen said:
This is my first year hunting from a saddle. I got the Tethrd Phantom kit with some syshauler pouches and the Predator XL Platform. Though I have spent considerable time in climbing harnesses, it has been quite a while since doing so, and it has been quite an adjustment to getting comfortable in the saddle. My big question is how do you get comfortable using the platform? I feel fairly comfortable with the saddle itself once it has taken my weight, and the platform isn't too bad as long as I am standing straight up and down or leaning straight back. But when I try and lean left or right like I've seen so many guys do on Youtube, the platform tips in the direction I lean. Though I know the saddle and tether will catch me, I still don't want to fall and bang into the tree or have that mess up a shot. I can't seem to pull on the anchor strap any tighter, how do you prevent this tipping of the platform? What am I doing wrong? I'm tempted to give up the platform and just lean against the tree with kneepads, but I feel like that is going to limit my span of shooting angles. I can't seem to find anything anywhere in the forums where people mention this same problem.
Click to expand...
also make sure the strap is level...I have seen this question many times on here and youtube...I really dont get it because I uave never had this happen to me...sure hope it doesnt happen now that I mighta jinxed myself...peace
 
Over center buckles or a ratchet strap may help get it tighter too. I did add a step and gonna add one more to my platform strap. Just cannot say enough about them cam buckles! No matter the method of attachment, I’d set the platform at least twice, like said above.
 
I would agree with what everyone above has said but, I would add that tree selection also factors in. "Harder" trees , like walnuts make it tougher to get a good bite in the tree with your platform.
 
I've got the tetherd predator and found if you set it like your sticks and then cam it it bites reallly good. Forgot to set it once and it was a little wobbly when using the sides of it.
 
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