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Platform size and thickness research

Plebe said:
15x15 is a good size.

It'll offer similar "usable" footspace to a .5. I know this because I use a .5 and an OOAL Ridge Runner XL.

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With the .5 you get a little more distance from the tree and a built in knee rest and seat; but the saddle platforms are easier to work around the sides, and more compact packing overall. I can fit the RRxl inside a backpack.

I also have a Kuhnert's Ambush. It's no thicker than the .5, and nearly a couple pounds lighter I think. It flexes more and is trickier to set up consistently compared to the .5.

I like the way the .5 carries sticks, as a system.

So, pros and cons.

But 2.5 lbs is another league compared to these options. Folks have that much weight in accessories on bows, lol. 2.5lbs is light enough to change how I'd pack my gear. For reference, my old Fanatic Jacket weighs about 3.25 without the hood. I'd be comfortable hauling 2.5 on the back of a pack, when typically my platform/stand is the closest thing to my back.

Although a well made 2.5lb platform of this dimension would be great in many systems, it would be a luxurious "minimalist" setup paired with a low bulk climbing method like 2TC. Usually I have a destination in mind, so dragging a stand/XL platform in is fine. But, with reduced weight, I might be more apt to scout-and-hunt more. Current platforms of similar weight, 2-3lbs, don't offer enough real estate in certain scenarios. This dimension hits a sweet spot.

I think 15"x15" is money.
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They list the RR XL on the web site as 14" deep. Yours looks so much bigger???

What does it weigh?
 
Would a CF platform be able to cam well?
 
elk yinzer said:
It's all give and take. I prefer compact over saving a pound or two generally speaking.

So far nothing I've tried matches my .5 or even comes particularly close. As I've professed in my love for it from the start, it just doesn't make sense to me if you use any sort of backpack arrangement, not to use your stand as a pack frame. Make you gear pull double duty where it makes overwhelming sense to.

I am starting to see your way of thinking. My Kifaru set up with my EDP weight is 12lbs 10oz. And my .75 ready to hunt with my Fanatic pack weight is 10lbs 13oz.
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I don’t measure or weigh stuff anymore and I don’t really care about thickness (in a platform) because my platform is attached to stick and strapped to the outside of my pack.

I use a LW seat and an XOP seat. They’re probably really close in size, but the XOP seems huge and the LW seems smaller because it has more flex which makes me stand deeper into the platform if that makes sense.
 
raisins said:
Do you consider the predator a cam style or something like the original ridge runner?
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I really don't know the difference off the top of my head....if it's got a post and a pivot standing surface like every other platform it's really difficult to get excited about that imo
 
Weldabeast said:
I really don't know the difference off the top of my head....if it's got a post and a pivot standing surface like every other platform it's really difficult to get excited about that imo
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Yeah, you've got an awesome style platform already!
 
Samcirrus said:
Just for alternative opinions, what thickness would be a "too fat to pack" for you?
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Again, I'm not sure I'm a "representative" user but the EDP (about 3.5 inches folded) is about as thick as I can deal with. The Predator was only 3" folded and was a lot easier to deploy and restow. My major issue with width is that I pack both my upper outer layers and the platform in the vest pouch for the climb and getting the thicker platform out while leaving the jackets in there once at height is an issue. After the hunt it can be difficult to feed the wider platform back in there behind my back even without the outer layers back there. Personally I'm not concerned as much about weight as I am about footprint. Just my outlook on it . . . .
 
Plebe said:
Why? Does a post and pivot not work?
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It does work! Just that beefing up the pivot and brace point is challenging when you're trying to be lightweight, strong, and stiff at the same time.
You also lose that back 3 or 4" of foot space too.... but so far it's been proven to be a popular simple attach point so .... time for something different!!!
 
Plebe said:
why?
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Because I'm difficult....hehehe

Cons outnumber the pros for me and the way I hunt....I don't hate on peeps who use them or the folks that produce them....but u gotta admit they all just copies of each other and the "improvements" between the different brands are marginal at best so far...and the only saddle gear that has damaged any of the trees at my house has been from other people coming over and showing me their metal pivoting style platforms...my poor turkey oak practice tree has some platform scars and it and I are both traumatized
 
Weldabeast said:
Because I'm difficult....hehehe

Cons outnumber the pros for me and the way I hunt....I don't hate on peeps who use them or the folks that produce them....but u gotta admit they all just copies of each other and the "improvements" between the different brands are marginal at best so far...and the only saddle gear that has damaged any of the trees at my house has been from other people coming over and showing me their metal pivoting style platforms...my poor turkey oak practice tree has some platform scars and it and I are both traumatized
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Sounds like the issue is the teeth more than the pivot?? I can think of 2 ways to fix that. Still would most likely get a little bark scuff were the platform is set, depending on the tree, but no digging into the tree.
 
Samcirrus said:
It does work! Just that beefing up the pivot and brace point is challenging when you're trying to be lightweight, strong, and stiff at the same time.
You also lose that back 3 or 4" of foot space too.... but so far it's been proven to be a popular simple attach point so .... time for something different!!!
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I agree with you it is time for something different. You need to field test any new designs. I recommend you use a diverse group of hunters. Do not leave out old big guys. By the way I am available, 69 and 240lbs, LOL.
 
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