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Question for the Big Guys

B

BigGuyFromOklahoma

New Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2019
Messages
2
Whats up guys, I am new to saddle hunting and I am kinda curious what equipment my other big guys are using for their saddle set up?
Are you using a platform or a ring-o-steps?
what Saddle are you using?
What climibing sticks?

I am 6'6 and weigh in about 290, So I just want to do some research on stuff before I spend my money
 
Welcome from NC. You are bigger than me, I'm 6'3" 250ish, but I use the Tethrd Mantis XL and Predator platform (Gen 1 no longer available, beefier Gen 2's are what you get now) and I can hunt all day comfortably...! I've got knee and back issues and the saddle has been the answer to keep in the woods and comfortable. Hope that helps
 
Tim W said:
Welcome from NC. You are bigger than me, I'm 6'3" 250ish, but I use the Tethrd Mantis XL and Predator platform (Gen 1 no longer available, beefier Gen 2's are what you get now) and I can hunt all day comfortably...! I've got knee and back issues and the saddle has been the answer to keep in the woods and comfortable. Hope that helps
Click to expand...
On the Tethrd websit did you just use one of their kits?
 
Man you’re gonna get a lot of different opinions, I’m your size & have a kite & Jx3, beast sticks & hand climber. Have tried/ owned most other available methods & settled on these. I can climb w/ cayg aider or one stick depending on situation, if I know about where I’m going & have a tree or 2 scouted out then LWHC is great (gotta put more time in this season with it). When you’re a big guy your probably not counting ounces , so you need to be comfortable & safe.
 
Forgot to add, a backband for regular saddle setup is a huge necessity for me, used to have a ton of lower back probs & it helps w/ support (stay awake....)
 
I'm 290pds and found drt works best for me. I'm in okla too so as you know finding straight trees in some parts of the state are are rare...
 
I am 6’2 and about 290 I have a JX3 that i really like Season starts here this weekend so i will really be getting it dialed in Have hunted out of an old Trophyline for years.As far as climbing i use screw ins,sticks and i have a handclimber i am gonna start playing with.Dont know about the hand climber yet but steps and sticks both work great.
 
Im 6’5” 245. I use 3 uncut heliums a cayg aider, diy xop platform and a Mammut RCH with fleece saddle. All of it is solid. I have a Flex saddle but I am not sure if I will use it or not.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Tag, because I’m a big guy and waiting for my saddle to come in. Like to see how other people are doing with there setups.

Dan
 
William74080 said:
I'm 290pds and found drt works best for me. I'm in okla too so as you know finding straight trees in some parts of the state are are rare...
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Im glad you posted this. I’m your size and was thinking DRT myself. My rope just came in the mail yesterday. Still have to wait on my saddle.

Dan
 
6'3 320# hope to be dropping the lbs. lower soon. LOL! I hunt with a Kestrel size 2, have WEI stepps, LW climbing sticks, and use Bullman ROS. I am going to try the cranford scaffold ROS & Grade 8 bolts, this season, if funds come available and I feel comfortable with them!
 
6'2" and 265#. I will be hunting tomorrow for the first time tomorrow afternoon (practicing in yard all summer) with my Kestrel (Size 2), cut-down LW sticks modded with double steps and a CAYG, have a Podium Platform with 2 SA steps on the strap, and also a ROS (6 squirrels on an OCB) that i have used, though more comfortable with the platform.
 
Madgrad02 said:
6'2" and 265#. I will be hunting tomorrow for the first time tomorrow afternoon (practicing in yard all summer) with my Kestrel (Size 2), cut-down LW sticks modded with double steps and a CAYG, have a Podium Platform with 2 SA steps on the strap, and also a ROS (6 squirrels on an OCB) that i have used, though more comfortable with the platform.
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How are the squirrel steps compared to the Bullman SA steps? Do the squirrels have any more give in side pressure than the Bullman SA?
 
I’m 6’1” and was 298 at the end of last season. I’m a ring of steps guy but that’s something you will figure out as you go. It’s not really size specific. Basically if you want to lean vs sit question. I’d rather sit most of the time. I do have a predator platform and lone wolf hand climber top and both served me well I just prefer ROS.
I have a Trophyline ambush saddle that is just too bulky. I have the kestrel and kite in size 2 and an xl mantis. They all are good saddles and it just depends on your body as to which you like better. The kestrel is my go to when it comes to trying some of the hey y’all hold my beer and watch this experimental climbs. It just feels solid.
I have the jx3 hybrid also. It’s super comfortable. I honestly haven’t spent much time in it but it will be my rifle rut hunt system.

I have spent a lot of time and money on climbing systems. I pretty much have at least one representation of every way up a tree. Sticks are probably my least used method but at 290 and new to mobile climbing systems I would recommend a set of sticks that have double steps. Sticks are user friendly and just work. It really doesn’t matter which manufacturer you use but you will want double steps. I’d recommend helium’s for the price, muddy pros for out of the box readiness, and doublesteps for just a great stick but it requires assembly.
 
redhawk said:
How are the squirrel steps compared to the Bullman SA steps? Do the squirrels have any more give in side pressure than the Bullman SA?
Click to expand...

I honestly haven't used the Bullman's as a true ROS where they are locked down on a rachet or OCB to compare to the squirrels. I just like having them to get around the tree a little easier - I have noticed that if I transfer my weight to just the SA steps, it can un-cam the platform. I can attest that I have not noticed much "give" in my squirrels when they are tightened up, they are solid even under my large American self!!:tearsofjoy:
 
I have been interested in the squirrel steps, but for the money I can not pass up the Bullman SA steps. I am sure I will upgrade at some point.
 
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