Predator First Impression

[Nutterbuster]

Legit question guys not something to argue. I've seen push it down with one hand,cam it over with your hands,no toe hooking, the question is how much pressure are you allowed to apply. I mean it's not just a question of common sense only, but wouldn't an individuals strength come into play here also? For example your wife hands you a jar she can't come close to opening and you open it with 2 fingers.

I would

I’m pretty familiar with the instructions, but I don’t think they state that anywhere. I don’t know how anyone could accurately gauge applying 50lbs of force with their arms, hands, or legs.


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I can confirm it doesn't say that.

 

[GCTerpfan]

Legit question guys not something to argue. I've seen push it down with one hand,cam it over with your hands,no toe hooking, the question is how much pressure are you allowed to apply. I mean it's not just a question of common sense only, but wouldn't an individuals strength come into play here also? For example your wife hands you a jar she can't come close to opening and you open it with 2 fingers.

I think the 50lb comment was a hypothetical. I have cammed mine over pretty hard, basically as hard as I could push down standing on my sticks with the platform at waist level, I would say the majority of my 190lb body weight and I haven't broken mine. I would just say play around with it, there have been two that have broke but, I wouldn't call them 'fragile'. I think you can pretty quickly figure out how hard you need to cam it to make it tight.

Edit: And I can't confirm the instructions don't say 50lbs because I don't think I read them.

 

[tam9492]

I'm sure someone has already thought of this, but I just added an old strap on step to a lone Wolf strap I had (It is a little thinner so I figured it was easier to get back through the buckle) to put on the back of the tree. I think it will work great to get farther around the tree. Haven't gotten my bow out yet but it feels like I will be able to rotate to my strong side and shoot around the tree to almost the 10 o'clock position (I am a lefty).

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I tried this on the amsteel of my XOP platform. Didn't really like how it gripped the rope, but I may have to look into it again...

 

[Tapeworm]

I think the 50lb comment was a hypothetical. I have cammed mine over pretty hard, basically as hard as I could push down standing on my sticks with the platform at waist level, I would say the majority of my 190lb body weight and I haven't broken mine. I would just say play around with it, there have been two that have broke but, I wouldn't call them 'fragile'. I think you can pretty quickly figure out how hard you need to cam it to make it tight.

Edit: And I can't confirm the instructions don't say 50lbs because I don't think I read them.

It very well could’ve been hypothetical.
The overall number doesn’t really matter because I still probably won’t stop in time. I know that my “internal torque wrench” is faulty & I often break things


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[kyler1945]

Exhibits A,B,C, and D of why I brought up what I brought up. I don't think someone will die - if they do they weren't climbing properly to begin with. But if you can't understand why overbuilding things, and providing clear instructions on how to use things, and to consider generally accepted or practiced "wrong" ways to use things, you're missing the mark in my opinion.

We've got: Admittedly not reading instructions, I break things no matter what if they aren't overbuilt, how much pressure can you apply?, someone thinking the instructions said pull with 50lbs.

And this is on a forum dedicated to this sport...

I think the 50lb comment was a hypothetical. I have cammed mine over pretty hard, basically as hard as I could push down standing on my sticks with the platform at waist level, I would say the majority of my 190lb body weight and I haven't broken mine. I would just say play around with it, there have been two that have broke but, I wouldn't call them 'fragile'. I think you can pretty quickly figure out how hard you need to cam it to make it tight.

Edit: And I can't confirm the instructions don't say 50lbs because I don't think I read them.

It very well could’ve been hypothetical.
The overall number doesn’t really matter because I still probably won’t stop in time. I know that my “internal torque wrench” is faulty & I often break things

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Legit question guys not something to argue. I've seen push it down with one hand,cam it over with your hands,no toe hooking, the question is how much pressure are you allowed to apply. I mean it's not just a question of common sense only, but wouldn't an individuals strength come into play here also? For example your wife hands you a jar she can't come close to opening and you open it with 2 fingers.

Someone said that the instructions stated no more than 50lb pressure when camming over.

I don’t know how to accurately judge the pressure. I’ll have to hope that my “stop before breaking” gut feeling is less than 50lb.


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[Tapeworm]

I’m in the fire service and everything we use is overbuilt for life safety use. Equipment needs to be firefighter-proof so is usually fairly heavy.

I haven’t received my Predator yet. Once received I’ll read instructions, rewatch G2 video & use forum input to help me with set up.

I agree that specific instructions & a slightly overbuilt design leads to overall less problems although at a slight weight penalty.




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[Bruce G]

I’ll jump in here. Let me start by saying I am new to saddle hunting. Today was my first time in a saddle and standing on a small platform. I have been a tree stand hunter for many years and I went down this rabbit hole a few months ago. Initial thoughts, super lightweight, compact, and great design. Only problem I saw was with fit and finish. Edges are rough. Like cut your hand rough. I will have to take a file to most of the platform edges. My post was off center. After talking to Ernie I realized I needed to rotate the washers to get the post centered. Today on my lunch break I grabbed 2 sticks and got to use my system. I am waiting on my mantis so I used a modified sit drag/rock climbing harness. I hunt from lone wolf stands so I know how to cam lock a stand. I did not treat this like a tree stand I used it as instructed. I did what Greg said to do and pushed down on the post then lowered the platform by hand. Seemed tight but when I stepped on the platform the tree bracket moved slightly away from the tree. I stepped off the platform, lifted it up and pushed down the post again just a little further and then pushed the platform down by hand and it was solid. Not rock solid like a heavily camed tree stand but solid like a saddle hunting platform. For something that weighs what it does and is as small as it is it was “solid”. I walked all over the platform. Not much flex. I’m 165lbs so take it for what it is. I walked the edges, pushed off the sides I really put it through it’s paces and it did everything I need it to do. It didn’t budge from the tree and I felt safe and comfortable. The one problem I had was a cracking noise. That may be remedied by adjusting the washers but it was pretty bad. I would hunt with it the way it is. I agree with you guys. I would rather have a platform that weighted 5lbs that was beefier. One that I can truely cam lock. I see the predator as a specialized piece of gear. It’s the lightest platform made. That comes at a cost. It’s needs to be used with caution. I put it on 4 trees each time it was different. Each time I got more comfortable with knowing where that sweet spot was. I did push it too far down at one point and if I wanted to break it I’m sure I could easily have done that by stepping on the platform. If I was over 250lbs I wouldn’t use this. Just putting that out there. That being said safery is a huge concern for me and I didnt feel at risk. One other thing. I can see where my strap will get frayed like others have stated. I’ll try to get that resolved before it’s too far gone. I’m still undecided if I will keep it or not. I would rather a platform that I didn’t have to be as careful with. I would like to toe hook and cam it but maybe that’s not as important as I think. I’m just so used to doing that. I have to ask myself. Do I want an ultra light specialized platform that I will have to use with some caution Or spend double and carry something larger and heavier so I can am lock it. Time will tell. I know this is about the predator but I’ll just throw this out there. My tether and linesman ropes from Tethrd are awesome. Love love love the ropeman and the carabiners are awesome as well. All around top notch stuff. I do believe that there will be a second generation platform that will address everyone’s concerns. Just a hunch. Then we can all fight for the light weight originals. Ive learned a lot from this forum. If it wasn’t for saddlehunter I probably wouldn’t have took the leap. I hope my thoughts on the predator are helpful to you guys.

 

[Live2huntt]

I’ll jump in here. Let me start by saying I am new to saddle hunting. Today was my first time in a saddle and standing on a small platform. I have been a tree stand hunter for many years and I went down this rabbit hole a few months ago. Initial thoughts, super lightweight, compact, and great design. Only problem I saw was with fit and finish. Edges are rough. Like cut your hand rough. I will have to take a file to most of the platform edges. My post was off center. After talking to Ernie I realized I needed to rotate the washers to get the post centered. Today on my lunch break I grabbed 2 sticks and got to use my system. I am waiting on my mantis so I used a modified sit drag/rock climbing harness. I hunt from lone wolf stands so I know how to cam lock a stand. I did not treat this like a tree stand I used it as instructed. I did what Greg said to do and pushed down on the post then lowered the platform by hand. Seemed tight but when I stepped on the platform the tree bracket moved slightly away from the tree. I stepped off the platform, lifted it up and pushed down the post again just a little further and then pushed the platform down by hand and it was solid. Not rock solid like a heavily camed tree stand but solid like a saddle hunting platform. For something that weighs what it does and is as small as it is it was “solid”. I walked all over the platform. Not much flex. I’m 165lbs so take it for what it is. I walked the edges, pushed off the sides I really put it through it’s paces and it did everything I need it to do. It didn’t budge from the tree and I felt safe and comfortable. The one problem I had was a cracking noise. That may be remedied by adjusting the washers but it was pretty bad. I would hunt with it the way it is. I agree with you guys. I would rather have a platform that weighted 5lbs that was beefier. One that I can truely cam lock. I see the predator as a specialized piece of gear. It’s the lightest platform made. That comes at a cost. It’s needs to be used with caution. I put it on 4 trees each time it was different. Each time I got more comfortable with knowing where that sweet spot was. I did push it too far down at one point and if I wanted to break it I’m sure I could easily have done that by stepping on the platform. If I was over 250lbs I wouldn’t use this. Just putting that out there. That being said safery is a huge concern for me and I didnt feel at risk. One other thing. I can see where my strap will get frayed like others have stated. I’ll try to get that resolved before it’s too far gone. I’m still undecided if I will keep it or not. I would rather a platform that I didn’t have to be as careful with. I would like to toe hook and cam it but maybe that’s not as important as I think. I’m just so used to doing that. I have to ask myself. Do I want an ultra light specialized platform that I will have to use with some caution Or spend double and carry something larger and heavier so I can am lock it. Time will tell. I know this is about the predator but I’ll just throw this out there. My tether and linesman ropes from Tethrd are awesome. Love love love the ropeman and the carabiners are awesome as well. All around top notch stuff. I do believe that there will be a second generation platform that will address everyone’s concerns. Just a hunch. Then we can all fight for the light weight originals. Ive learned a lot from this forum. If it wasn’t for saddlehunter I probably wouldn’t have took the leap. I hope my thoughts on the predator are helpful to you guys.

I didn't realize the washers were shimmed before I took them off to lube them. How are they supposed to be facing? I have them back on the platform but want to make sure they are on there correctly.

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[Bruce G]

There is a small mark on the top of the washer. It’s a small circle. They should both be at the top. I’ll try to get a picture up.

 

[Bruce G]

Trying to upload a photo. File it too large. Not sure how to get it uploaded.

 

[EricS]

Trying to upload a photo. File it too large. Not sure how to get it uploaded.

I use a app called image size on my phone. I usually just use paint on a desktop to resize.

 

[Boogieman1]

I see you guys are curious of reviews, so I will offer mine. First off I hold no punches, I'm not buddies with anyone nor care what anyone thinks.

To say common sense is the problem is just not the case. I've been at this game long enough to know in hunting u leave nothing to chance. How many folks have had a buck inside of ten yards for a give me shot and instead sail an arrow off into the obyss. There are emotions involved in hunting even with excitement of arriving to a stand in the dark. I don't like the term idiot proof I prefer a product that's bomb proof that u just don't have to worry about. I don't need a long list of must follow instructions. One member of the team says do it by hand another says stand on the post. Countless sneak peaks say unbreakable. Then a guy breaks one and he's called a knuckle head.

Now the positive. I've played with mine for over a week daily. Several diff trees and acouple hundred shots and have had no issues. I'm not trying to break it but I'm not tippy toeing either. If somethings gonna happen I prefer it to be now and not ruin a hunt. But I see no issue. Camming it by hand don't work for me, I stand on post.

Every product has a few bad apples chit happens. I have had well regarded tree steps snap off. After reading Ernies comment about making it right if it does brake, I have no concerns.

I'm not a weight conscious guy so I would prefer something beefier down the road. Maybe a predator xl that like the old assassin. Heavy duty, bigger platform that is bombproof. In the mean time I enjoy the heck out of this thing and look forward to the upcoming season.

Cheers!

 

[Bruce G]

EricS Thank you the app worked. You can see my washers are not lined up correctly. Hope this helps.

 

[Erniepower]

I didn't realize the washers were shimmed before I took them off to lube them. How are they supposed to be facing? I have them back on the platform but want to make sure they are on there correctly.

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The "smooth side" goes to the middle with the widest part up. There are three ejection too marks on the other side. Those should face out. You will see a defect in the side of the plastic washer that identifies top dead center.

Also if you are taking it apart, if you take a real fine flat file and smooth the surface of the post where the washer touches the post and add just a touch of lubrication there it will rotate easier without rotating the washers. You want the surface of the seat to stay rough so it grabs the washer. When you fold the base up and down, the washers should rotate with the base and, stay in the right position.

You will have to play with the tension in the bolt. To loose and the washers don't stay where they are supposed to, and to tight and you can't open and close it.

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[Dakotablues]

The "smooth side" goes to the middle with the widest part up. There are three ejection too marks on the other side. Those should face out. You will see a defect in the side of the plastic washer that identifies top dead center.

Also if you are taking it apart, if you take a real fine flat file and smooth the surface of the post where the washer touches the post and add just a touch of lubrication there it will rotate easier without rotating the washers. You want the surface of the seat to stay rough so it grabs the washer. When you fold the base up and down, the washers should rotate with the base and, stay in the right position.

You will have to play with the tension in the bolt. To loose and the washers don't stay where they are supposed to, and to tight and you can't open and close it.

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Really??

Is this thing turning into Baby Bear's bed or what? I'm just not sure I've ever been warned to think about so much on a product before that should be pretty simple. I don't need to stand on a platform aid to cam it over, so I'm passed that - but now I need to think about the washer maintaining perfect positioning? Hunters just won't do that type of thing. This gear is to be used often on out of town, public land hunts. Sometimes hunting dark to dark - there isn't a lot of time to continually give all equipment a once over.

Don't mean to blow things out of proportion and probably am, but maybe you want to elaborate on this Ernie. I can't imagine this would be a big deal? Does it just get noisy, or off-center, or what? Thanks.

 

[Erniepower]

He asked if there was a particular way to put it back together if he took it apart, so I answered. Like any product out there, there's always a way that consumers, can modify and make it better. The guys on here are kings of mods and customizations. I figured if there was a tip or two I could offer I would.

As far as the reasoning for the tapered washers. The platform has an angled surface to it. That draft is required in order to pull it from the mold. The post on the other hand is flat with no draft on that surface. So in order to mate these two surfaces we needed a tapered washer.



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[Dakotablues]

He asked if there was a particular way to put it back together if he took it apart, so I answered. Like any product out there, there's always a way that consumers, can modify and make it better. The guys on here are kings of mods and customizations. I figured if there was a tip or two I could offer I would.

As far as the reasoning for the tapered washers. The platform has an angled surface to it. That draft is required in order to pull it from the mold. The post on the other hand is flat with no draft on that surface. So in order to mate these two surfaces we needed a tapered washer.



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Thanks Ernie. I just wasn't sure if it's something we should watch over time with use given that you suggested the bolt tension was a factor in keeping the washers in optimal placement. Wasn't sure if that bolt naturally loosens over time with use.

I love what you guys are doing and want NOTHING but success for Tethrd. I will also be one of the first in line to buy the Gen 2 platforms whenever they come out - all products evolve right?! Have a great Friday and a super weekend.

 

[Erniepower]

Thanks Ernie. I just wasn't sure if it's something we should watch over time with use given that you suggested the bolt tension was a factor in keeping the washers in optimal placement. Wasn't sure if that bolt naturally loosens over time with use.

I love what you guys are doing and want NOTHING but success for Tethrd. I will also be one of the first in line to buy the Gen 2 platforms whenever they come out - all products evolve right?! Have a great Friday and a super weekend.

Lol no worries. If you don't take it apart, there should be nothing to worry about.




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[Babshaft]

I see you guys are curious of reviews, so I will offer mine. First off I hold no punches, I'm not buddies with anyone nor care what anyone thinks.

To say common sense is the problem is just not the case. I've been at this game long enough to know in hunting u leave nothing to chance. How many folks have had a buck inside of ten yards for a give me shot and instead sail an arrow off into the obyss. There are emotions involved in hunting even with excitement of arriving to a stand in the dark. I don't like the term idiot proof I prefer a product that's bomb proof that u just don't have to worry about. I don't need a long list of must follow instructions. One member of the team says do it by hand another says stand on the post. Countless sneak peaks say unbreakable. Then a guy breaks one and he's called a knuckle head.

Now the positive. I've played with mine for over a week daily. Several diff trees and acouple hundred shots and have had no issues. I'm not trying to break it but I'm not tippy toeing either. If somethings gonna happen I prefer it to be now and not ruin a hunt. But I see no issue. Camming it by hand don't work for me, I stand on post.

Every product has a few bad apples chit happens. I have had well regarded tree steps snap off. After reading Ernies comment about making it right if it does brake, I have no concerns.

I'm not a weight conscious guy so I would prefer something beefier down the road. Maybe a predator xl that like the old assassin. Heavy duty, bigger platform that is bombproof. In the mean time I enjoy the heck out of this thing and look forward to the upcoming season.

Cheers!

Good to see you on here buddy! I'm echoing Boogie's sentiments in terms of my experience. I've been playing with it for almost a full week and am trying to remember what I did before this. I think I'm suppressing memories of how things were before the predator. I've never had this much ease shooting out of a tree before! Beyond impressed. I'm actually really enjoying standing on it and leaning my back against the tree. I'll keep an eye on it to make sure my fat arse doesn't break it, but so far so good!

 

[DaveT1963]

Guys this is not rocket science -please don't over complicate this. Put the platform on the tree, lift the belt up until it is parallel, tighten it as tight as you can, lift up the platform, retighten it, push down on the post, then push down on the platform while ensuring the post don't rise up. That's all there is to it. it really is not hard to do.