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Pre set saddle set ups

H

Hlzr

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2020
Messages
223
Location
Western Pa
This past season I decided to saddle hunt out of the locons I already had as pre sets, half way through I've decided to use saddle platforms specifically next season because I hate the cables and have no use for the seat. I have a number that will be set up on private land using steel steps and a saddle platform that will be left out the entire season, on the other hand I have some big woods public land that I need 2 or 3 semi mobile setups that I can hang for a week at a time and may need to relocate as circumstances dictate. I'll probably just keep eye on classified throughout the year for the cheapest platform I can find. In regards to sticks I was thinking maybe full size 3 step xop or similar steps, I can run a 3 step aider on the bottom stick and pull it, carry it with me and use it on whichever set I decide to use in the moment to facilitate a bit of security. Anyone else doing anything like this and what's your set ups look like. Thanks in advance.
 
Private presets are bolts & I pull them at the end of the year. I usually just take the platform in with me. Climbing is what takes the time, setting up a platform is quick especially if you know exactly how/where it’s going. For public , just having a tree in mind is enough for me. Depends on the scenario & public piece on which setup goes with me…
 
So with saddle setups, you CAN have your cake and eat it too. If you are thinking about setting up some semi-permanent location on public lands. You can have a setup for around $70-80 each location. I would buy a set of XOP LM04(3 sticks) pack, then 3 of their replacement hang on seats to replace the top step of each stick with, they usually have deals on Black Friday or other 10% off coupons all the time. Also free shipping.

1762346702305.png

So you're looking at $75ish per location which is not bad. The seat actually makes a really nice large platform at 14X12. I leave it at the height that you want to hunt at. Then the only thing you would need to carry to the location is 3-4 sticks of your choice. That would be my suggestion if you want some semi-permanent locations.

But for a good setup that is more flexible and mobile, I would just get the XOP X2 sticks and a seat to attach to one of the stick. I'm also comfortable with aiders so I would use some aiders for each sticks or removeable aider. 3 X2 sticks and the seat attached to one of the stick would be a 7.5lbs setup to get to 18 ft easy. That is really hard to beat for sticks/platform setup for under $200.
 
Black Titan said:
Have you considered learning SRT? That would be perfect for what you're wanting to do, and alot cheaper in the long run. All you would be leaving in the tree is a length of paracord. And I guess your platform if you want to leave that.

BT
Click to expand...
So I haven’t even used my hand ascender yet and I’m already going down this path.

I am fortunate to have a metal fab shop where I work and there’s always tons of scrap aluminum around and multiple welders to use.

I hunt a lot of planted pines without a suitable crotch to use, I also do a lot of 1.5-2 mile treks back, sometimes only hunting a spot once or twice a year.

While I love CGM and I know they need to keep the lights on, I needed a bunch of these and it didn’t make financial sense to buy that many when I can buy a pack of cinch straps on Amazon and use a mig gun to tack rings of scrap tubing onto some scrap flat bar and paint it with a $8 can of rustoleum.
 

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HuumanCreed said:
So with saddle setups, you CAN have your cake and eat it too. If you are thinking about setting up some semi-permanent location on public lands. You can have a setup for around $70-80 each location. I would buy a set of XOP LM04(3 sticks) pack, then 3 of their replacement hang on seats to replace the top step of each stick with, they usually have deals on Black Friday or other 10% off coupons all the time. Also free shipping.

View attachment 122541

So you're looking at $75ish per location which is not bad. The seat actually makes a really nice large platform at 14X12. I leave it at the height that you want to hunt at. Then the only thing you would need to carry to the location is 3-4 sticks of your choice. That would be my suggestion if you want some semi-permanent locations.

But for a good setup that is more flexible and mobile, I would just get the XOP X2 sticks and a seat to attach to one of the stick. I'm also comfortable with aiders so I would use some aiders for each sticks or removeable aider. 3 X2 sticks and the seat attached to one of the stick would be a 7.5lbs setup to get to 18 ft easy. That is really hard to beat for sticks/platform setup for under $200.
Click to expand...
That's an interesting option, it's not overly difficult to get onto the platform from the step? I'm fairly capable physically. How does that set up react under side pressure, after trying the saddle with a hang on I realized how often I take advantage of being able to get off the side of my platform to get another view of something or to conceal myself.
 
Black Titan said:
Have you considered learning SRT? That would be perfect for what you're wanting to do, and alot cheaper in the long run. All you would be leaving in the tree is a length of paracord. And I guess your platform if you want to leave that.

BT
Click to expand...
What's SRT? Hard to keep track, maybe the forum should have a thread dedicated to the abbreviations lol
 
Hlzr said:
What's SRT? Hard to keep track, maybe the forum should have a thread dedicated to the abbreviations lol
Click to expand...

SRT is the bees knees in climbing techniques!

Here's a good video on both setting presets and climbing.


This one goes into more detail. You don't need to buy his package though.


He starts climbing around the 17 minute mark or so.

His channel has quite a few videos on setting presets, false crotch presets, srt climbing, etc. Worth a few minutes to check out.

BT
 
mschultz373 said:
SRT rules. you can do it with a garda footloop and longhorn agile hitch without the mechanical devices (=cheaper). I wanna preset more trees, just need to get out and do it!
Click to expand...

Yup! Im waiting to try it with a figure 8 in canyoneering mode to see if i can ditch the belay device.

I think the hardest part with SRT is learning the throw ball, but its not required if you're willing to climb with sticks, one stick, 2tc, whatever to set your presets.

I personally find throwball to be kinda of a fun challenge though.


BT
 
Hlzr said:
That's an interesting option, it's not overly difficult to get onto the platform from the step? I'm fairly capable physically. How does that set up react under side pressure, after trying the saddle with a hang on I realized how often I take advantage of being able to get off the side of my platform to get another view of something or to conceal myself.
Click to expand...
Its not hard at all because you can flip the platform up then down when you need it. 14X12 is not so big that you have to extend your leg to an extreme angle. Guys get around a fixed one stick platform all the time. Side pressure is fine. Look at the Trophyline Wingman stick, its the same concept. But if you're that worried, just add another strap lower and its rock solid. Look at this option too.



Or honestly....just buy a bunch of theses if you want less hassle. They are not high end and HEAVY but for preset they would be fine and are really solid. $45ish with discounts from sportman or $50 with Amazon with free shipping and less hassle.

www.sportsmansguide.com

Guide Gear Saddle Hunting Platform

Sportsman's Guide carries top-quality discount Outdoor and Hunting Gear, Guns, Ammo, Fishing Supplies and more - all at great low prices!
www.sportsmansguide.com
 
I hunt a lot of presets during the season. Some lockon's, some platforms.

If you leave a safety rope on the tree, there's a very efficient and easy way to climb. After initial hang, you'll need the following that you'll carry in:
1. Ascender that will work with the safety rope diameter.
2. Rock climbing ladder aider. Example: https://hownot2.com/products/h-step-ladder

The method:
1. Attach ascender to safety rope and ladder aider to ascender.
2. Attach prussik to safety rope - above the ascender. Connect bridge to prussic.
3. Lineman's around tree.
4. Climb ladder aider to top rung (raise prussik as needed while climbing).
5. Raise prussik as high as possible, hang in saddle, pull rope up a little to reach the ascender, raise the ascender. Repeat until you step on the platform/stand.

Once in the stand/platform, remove the ladder aider/ascender, store it, roll up excess safety line, and hunt. You're connected all the way up. The reverse can be done to descend but I prefer to repel.

You can use 2 prussiks or 2 ascenders or mix/match. You don't have to use a lineman's while climbing if it's a straight tree and you use your hands on the back of the tree...but if it's a leaner and you're on the low side you want the lineman's.
 
I've done it with the sladder a couple of times using the method I listed above with a prehung safety rope and linemans. It works well but isn't as quick as the ladder aider.

I also did it without a prehung rope...which was a bit tricky. With a lock on, I had to stop at a point where I could attach my tether end above the stand because I couldn't get the lineman's over the stand. Following that I could switch Not a big deal, but not nearly as smooth as with a prehung safety rope.

I also tried a sladder attached to the ascender on a prehung rope, but it doesn't work nearly as well as a ladder aider because the ladder aider has a spreader bar at the top that keeps the loops from compressing when you add weight.
 
I found a good deal on Hawk Helium sticks for my private land presets and have hung the Tetherd Workhorse platforms in those locations. I have short trees in the western Texas Hill Country and figure I am running about $150 per set. Works for me and the straps seem to be holding up fine. They will all come down in January.
 
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