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Recon review

I'VE had an evo, and a more "modern" kestrel. I would say they recon is more like the evo in that is is adjustable by section. That is what i loved about the evo. What I didn't was the bulk. Im not sure you'll find it more comfortable than the evo, but I do think you will find it comparable, and more comfortable than single section saddles. Just my $.02.
You're speaking what I was thinking...Comfort, adjustablility, and less bulk has just about sold me on the Recon. If the evo wasn't so bulky I'd have no reason to buy a new saddle/sling, but I mainly hunt miles back on a mountain so I try to limit what I bring in. Like someone mentioned, I might sew in a mesh bottom on the Recon to add more comfort like people say is nice with the Wrap2r.
 
Has anyone one sticked or rappelled with the recon or other sling? I’d like to hear what that was like.
 
I would not be shocked if someone starts selling a wrapter 2R mesh or maybe fleece type thing soon . If they do I will try it. I cannot sew.


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I would not be shocked if someone starts selling a wrapter 2R mesh or maybe fleece type thing soon . If they do I will try it. I cannot sew.
Ya my sewing leaves a lot to be desired...it would be nice to be able to buy it professionally done.
 
Has anyone one sticked or rappelled with the recon or other sling? I’d like to hear what that was like.

I have rappelled at least 25 times with the Recon without leg loops with no issue. I do shorten the bridge a lot (approximately 6”-10” total length).
 
Has anyone one sticked or rappelled with the recon or other sling? I’d like to hear what that was like.
I have, no complaints but I haven't done it out of a saddle so I cant compare. Putting one pleat under your legs and but and the other above the but crack makes it like sitting in a lounge chair while moving the stick
 
I'm tall and narrow(32 waist) I was swimming in the jx3, but loved the features and quality. The guidos is just more streamlined to my body.

Me too what size recon did you get? I won a medium but I’m feeling like a small might be the ticket for me


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Me too what size recon did you get? I won a medium but I’m feeling like a small might be the ticket for me


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I have the original before he had different sizes(medium I guess?) with the "speed buckle" belt. I have no butt and no hips, and I like it as is. Hunting up north, I generally have wool pants on or at least chamois pants and I can get the waist belt tight enought without issue. I used it to take all my presets down this year, and it did sag a little as I walked through the woods a bunch, but I just left a biner on the bridge, twisted it a few times to tighen everthing up, then clipped it around my right side to one of the molle loops. Worked great. IT feels just like the old anderson sizing which is exactly what I liked and wanted-- I wouldnt want my bridge attachment parts to be any futerh "back" on/towards my hips when I"m hanging. Right onw the positions is perfect for me.
 
So for a 34” waist the small is recommended?


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The small works for me, but i got no junk in the trunk or hips to pinch.
How is it with warmer/thicker clothes? I'm about a 34 inch waist and relatively thin too, but I'm often wearing bibs in the late season.

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So for a 34” waist the small is recommended?


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I'm around 35" and my small fits me fine. But individual body shape will be a factor.
I spoke with Mark the other day about devising a method of measuring a person's body in order to determine size.
IMO, for saddles and slings, the waist isn't what we should measure. Its out butt that needs to fit, not our waist.
I measured around my butt to my hip pointers...basically square with the front of my hips. That measures 32" on me. My small Recon fits my size ass.

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How is it with warmer/thicker clothes? I'm about a 34 inch waist and relatively thin too, but I'm often wearing bibs in the late season.

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I have not tried the small with heavy clothes yet. But like I said in the last post, I don't think the size of a persons waist is where we should determine size.

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I'm around 35" and my small fits me fine. But individual body shape will be a factor.
I spoke with Mark the other day about devising a method of measuring a person's body in order to determine size.
IMO, for saddles and slings, the waist isn't what we should measure. Its out butt that needs to fit, not our waist.
I measured around my butt to my hip pointers...basically square with the front of my hips. That measures 32" on me. My small Recon fits my size ass.

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I'm also a 35" waist, and my build is "average to trim". For what it's worth, my woman says that I have an "average" size butt. Sizing was a concern for me. I was concerned that in New England, I go from very lightweight early-season clothes to very heavyweight late-season clothes, so I asked Mark Cama at Treehopper what he recommended for me. He recommended the "Regular" size RECON sling, which I suppose is the "medium" now that he's making small and large sizes too.

"At a 35 inch waist you’ll be good to go with the regular size...with or without heavy hunting clothes". - Mark Cama

He's right. I find that it's slightly on the loose side with just a pair of jeans, but when I have long johns, pants, and bibs on, the fit isn't loose, nor is it tight.

@Allegheny Tom is right ... the best size is going to be very dependent on body type, size, and shape. If you're not sure about sizing, just ask Mark Cama for his recommendation. If you're not happy with the fit, you can always return it for an exchange or a refund. As his website says: "Give it a try and if you’re not completely satisfied, ship it back for a full refund of the purchase price."

BTW, I agree with all of the comments in this thread that tout the advantages of the RECON sling. The ability to shift the two panels independently to get good support for your butt as well as for your lower back (simultaneously), gives me the initial impression that I will like it better than my new Tethrd Phantom, but hang-time will tell. @Ontariofarmer is right that the comfort, quality, and price make the RECON a no brainer decision for the price conscious saddle buyer.

I too await Tethrd's release of the Eberhart Signature Saddle (ESS) ... they may offer some slick new features in the ESS design, and I may give it a try if they do. (Depends how pricey it is!) The last email I got from John Eberhart indicated that the product release of the ESS would be in June, but that was before this whole pandemic disruption happened to the economy, so I wouldn't be surprised if the release date changes. One thing is for sure, though - it will be difficult to match the combination of build quality and price offered by the Treehopper RECON.
 
I doubt there is anyone on here that owns all of them AND falls into the same body type and hunting systems as you.
This is all so individual.
One thing is for sure is that slings are not like saddles. I'm not saying one style is better than the other style but they aren't the same.
I still think a sling is more comfortable than a saddle, but that's just what I like for me. You may feel differently.

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2x


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I've never moved on from my Evolution (comfortable once I got it set for me). This year I think I may move on and am leaning towards the Recon (I like its packability). Although I am being indecisive with the Phantom or H2 also. I am kind of waiting to see what Tethrd comes out with for the Eberhart sling before I pull the trigger. Would you suggest the Recon over the options listed above? (Evolution vs Recon vs Phantom vs H2)
I don't own a Recon but use an Anderson. Did buy a H2 and it was really nice but not the comfort of the Anderson, the same as a Recon.
 
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