Recon review

[Ontariofarmer]

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 have had all four of the saddles you mentioned. I am pretty sure the majority of people would prefer a recon or phantom or H 2. All three are an upgrade for most people.

Why? I am sure that comfort would be greater or equal, and they are nicer to wear to the tree and they are lighter. The recon has slight similarities to the evolution because it has two areas that move instead of one. With the recon those areas will move easier and to a greater degree than an evolution.
In the end it comes down to personal preferences



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[Blacksmith]

The only issue I've ever had with a sling is the outside sling sagging down my legs if worn into the tree. With a pouch it is aggravating. Even w/a bungee belt, it still hangs down. I want to order a new Recon but I'm afraid it will be the same issue.

 

[Vtbow]

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.

Thats exactly how mine feels and it works great with different cltothes on that I have tested so far. Nice thing is if I'm wearing my woold pants with thicker belt loops, I can just move the strap so its not laying across them and there arent any pressure points. I did find myself shifting in the kestrel because of this some times last year.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

The only issue I've ever had with a sling is the outside sling sagging down my legs if worn into the tree. With a pouch it is aggravating. Even w/a bungee belt, it still hangs down. I want to order a new Recon but I'm afraid it will be the same issue.

My flex was like that. I have not used the recon enough but I think it will be much better than my flex


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[Vtbow]

The only issue I've ever had with a sling is the outside sling sagging down my legs if worn into the tree. With a pouch it is aggravating. Even w/a bungee belt, it still hangs down. I want to order a new Recon but I'm afraid it will be the same issue.

I rarely wear mine in. I had an anderson and wore it walkign the farm a few times. I ended up just clipping the the two top belts together with a biner. I'm thining if I decide to wear my recon in, I'll just leave a mini wire gate biner in the center on the back molle webbing and clip the bottom senction into it when waling around. The nice think about the molle is then you dont have the biner running between the webbing and your body lik eI had been doing it on my modded anderson.

 

[predatorhunter]

Reading thru this thread I have seen discussions about bridge type and size options. When on the site to order, there is no size listed and no bridge option. What am I missing?

 

[Ontariofarmer]

Reading thru this thread I have seen discussions about bridge type and size options. When on the site to order, there is no size listed and no bridge option. What am I missing?

I noticed the same thing


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[Vtbow]

Reading thru this thread I have seen discussions about bridge type and size options. When on the site to order, there is no size listed and no bridge option. What am I missing?

Not sure their website has size/option capability. I would just email them through thecontact info. Mark will take care of you.

 

[Hawkeye Bowhunter]

Ditto @Vtbow. That’s what I did. He is quick to respond.

 

[mtsrunner]

I’m 6’3” 210ish. I now have a small and a medium. I think the small is slightly more comfortable, but I’m going to keep both and try them both out some more.

 

[Wirrex]

Flipping the buckles so the panels are reversed like Tom explains is a must for me. I’ll be doing a utilibridge mainly for shortening up to rappel.

Are you guys getting noise from the rubber coated buckles on the sides? Any solutions?

 

[Nugget]

Flipping the buckles so the panels are reversed like Tom explains is a must for me. I’ll be doing a utilibridge mainly for shortening up to rappel.

Are you guys getting noise from the rubber coated buckles on the sides? Any solutions?

I'm getting a little noise as well. Tom recommend hitting it with a little paraffin wax.

 

[Wirrex]

I'm getting a little noise as well. Tom recommend hitting it with a little paraffin wax.

Does anybody know what the plates look like without rubber? Steal? Sharp edges?

 

[Nugget]

Does anybody know what the plates look like without rubber? Steal? Sharp edges?

The rubber plates work well with the utillibridge. I wouldn't pull the rubber off! The wax solution should work. I'll pick some up today and give it a go sometime this week.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Does anybody know what the plates look like without rubber? Steal? Sharp edges?

I can give you a photo...I have a prototype without coated plates.
They are just plate aluminum. No sharp edges.
Most of the plate is covered by the webbing, so you can't really see 90% of it and there is not a big reason to coat it for "noise" prevention.
I have noticed the creak or the squeak, but mine has gone away. Not sure what the best cure is.. laundry? Use? A little paraffin wax?

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[Wirrex]

I can give you a photo...I have a prototype without coated plates.
They are just plate aluminum. No sharp edges.
Most of the plate is covered by the webbing, so you can't really see 90% of it and there is not a big reason to coat it for "noise" prevention.
I have noticed the creak or the squeak, but mine has gone away. Not sure what the best cure is.. laundry? Use? A little paraffin wax?

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Well that’s good news! Thanks Tom.

 

[DroptineKrazy]

Ditto @Vtbow. That’s what I did. He is quick to respond.

So what are the bridge options he offers? I'm thinking of upgrading from my TL. Just feels like it rides up on me no matter what I do with my bridge length or tether height/length. Been trying to order a Cruzr xc for 2 weeks with no luck. I did try my TL without the leg straps and it is more comfortable that way but the strap material is very slick and rides up on me. Anybody have any solutions for that issue?

 

[Nugget]

Tom's paraffin wax solution is the bomb. I hit the rubber with some steel wool then applied the wax. No more squeak! I'm going to use it like Red Hot! FYI - paraffin can be found at Walmart next to the Jello.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

So what are the bridge options he offers? I'm thinking of upgrading from my TL. Just feels like it rides up on me no matter what I do with my bridge length or tether height/length. Been trying to order a Cruzr xc for 2 weeks with no luck. I did try my TL without the leg straps and it is more comfortable that way but the strap material is very slick and rides up on me. Anybody have any solutions for that issue?

He has webbing or Amsteel.
I'm not sure exactly the configuration of the Amsteel version.
The plates come as a webbing plate or a rope plate, but IMO, I would get a webbing plate and if you want to run an Amsteel bridge with the webbing plate you can.
@Nugget made a pretty sweet utilibridge for his plate model of the Recon.
If you choose the rope plate model, you can only run a rope bridge. If you choose the webbing plate, then you can run whichever bridge you prefer. Seems like a no-brainer.

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[truebeliever]

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'll just say this.... If someone gets a picture of John Eberhart hunting in the Tethrd Eberhart signature saddle.... to quote David Allan Coe... I'll kiss your a$$!