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Predator platform review

Docwaters

Docwaters

New Member
Joined
May 18, 2018
Messages
38
Location
Kentucky
Like everyone, it seemed, I was juiced to receive the new platform. Having to wait an extended time only heightened my desire to have it. I had received my Kestrel and was waiting to be able to use this "game changing" piece of my new saddle hunting obsession for this season.

I felt the price was maybe a bit high but this was made for and by people that are promoting this style of hunting and the wait made me confident that they would get it right.

Part of the fun of this style of hunting, run and gun, is improving on items you use. My Lone Wolf stand and sticks are all tricked out with stealth strips, paracord, molle straps, and talons. I get improving your gear. However, I could hunt quietly out of my LW stand straight out of the box.

The Predator is ridiculously squeaky. It's not close to being usable as delivered. Now I'll go through the processes outlined by others to make it usable in the woods.

I'll be honest and say I'm more than a little disappointed. One would hope that given all the delays the minimum QC would have been in place to ensure it was delivered ready to hunt. These guys know better.

Still jacked about saddle hunting, hold no ill will, and look forward to years of using the platform after I quiet it down.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 
Got mine a while ago and did camo it. Finally got to put it on a tree and Greg wasn't lying it was work solid and worked great. I put the strap on the right side so the spring wouldn't fray the strap and that worked. Now I just have to figure out how to justify to the wife why I need a Mantis saddle. I guess a man needs at least 4 saddles.
 
I don't think that I am sold on the platform yet, don't get me wrong the Predator platform looks awesome and they did a great job but after playing with it in my yard I think I like Ring of steps better than the platform.

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Steve said:
I don't think that I am sold on the platform yet, don't get me wrong the Predator platform looks awesome and they did a great job but after playing with it in my yard I think I like Ring of steps better than the platform.

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It's true, some of us are just rin gnc of steps people! I've tried like 3 different platforms...
 
:(
Steve said:
I don't think that I am sold on the platform yet, don't get me wrong the Predator platform looks awesome and they did a great job but after playing with it in my yard I think I like Ring of steps better than the platform.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
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I used ameristep on a ratchet strap for years and never tried a platform until now but I have to say I do like the platform. I will give it a good honest try while hunting and that's how I know if it's as good as my ameristep.
 
I feel like I loose the mobility of the steps, when I use the platform

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I'm going to give the predator a honest try but I have a feeling that it will be for sale

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redsquirrel said:
You're not alone. The only one who loves steps as much as me is probably John Eberhart lol.
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I'm with all of you...and with a decent pair of stiff soled hiking boots even a leaner can love them!
 
redsquirrel said:
You're not alone. The only one who loves steps as much as me is probably John Eberhart lol.
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When I first heard of saddle hunting, Ameristeps we're the only platform example I saw. They look like they'd be pretty cool, but I don't want to use a ratchet straps because of noise and I can imagine getting a boat buckle tight enough.
 
Country said:
When I first heard of saddle hunting, Ameristeps we're the only platform example I saw. They look like they'd be pretty cool, but I don't want to use a ratchet straps because of noise and I can imagine getting a boat buckle tight enough.
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You can get a boat buckle plenty tight. Takes a little tooth-gritting and vein-popping sometimes, but it will happen. Really, I don't think it's any harder to set a ring of steps tight than it is to cam over the predator.
 
Nutterbuster said:
You can get a boat buckle plenty tight. Takes a little tooth-gritting and vein-popping sometimes, but it will happen. Really, I don't think it's any harder to set a ring of steps tight than it is to cam over the predator.
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It's very tempting. Maybe I'll give the Predator a season and try Ameristeps next season to compare.
 
Jonny said:
A tad off topic, has anybody taken apart their predator yet? Want to make sure I can do it safely before wrecking something
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It would be extremely impressive if you wrecked it. It's held together with 2 bolts and locking nuts. ;)

I dissassembled mine to paint it. Went back together eaay-peasy.
 
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Stealth strips, camo spray paint and a sharpie. Short and sweet. I will say this thing is freaking awesome to hang on crooked trees.


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Jonny said:
7521492892edfe6c6bffc565014100e2.jpg


8741bb823ca3a81838a7e66fd9279455.jpg


cd2adee67866e184ee7009ebc5e5fa8f.jpg


Stealth strips, camo spray paint and a sharpie. Short and sweet. I will say this thing is freaking awesome to hang on crooked trees.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Sexy!

I will say that I believe the set bolt on the bottom will tear up your stealth strips. I epoxied a piece of 1" webbing to silence that bolt. I had electrical tape wrapped around that area, but it wore through after the first hunt.
 
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