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Saddle Advice

C

chismgoodrich

New Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2021
Messages
14
Im the type of guy who starts hunting when season opens the last weekend in September to when season close February 1st. I useably put in about 50-60 sits with couple of those being all day sits. I am trying to decide what kind of saddle to get. I kinda torn between tetherd and curzr. Also what the difference between Cruz's one panel and two. what do yall recommend for me
TIA
 
I have no experience with a tethrd saddle myself. I hear if you're going to go with one of theirs, definitely get the XL version as its far more comfortable.

That said, I bought a Cruzr XC saddle and I can't imagine a saddle being anymore comfortable. I'm very happy with my decision. I have two friends who opted for the Archon and they're both happy with them. I think you have to ask what type of hunter you are, leaner or sitter. The fiddle factor of two panels is something to consider as when you sit or stand, you'll probably be fiddling with the saddle a bit. I found the Cruzr XC comfortable doing both with little to no fiddling. The saddle should feel part of you and move with you.

One word of advise and something I learned sort of the hard way. Make sure the saddle fits you well. When I initially ordered mine, I went with their size 3, their largest, because I assumed extra layers, etc would require a bit bigger saddle. Cruzr's size three is huge and was way more saddle than I needed. To the point that it was a bit of a torture device in the tree. I was constantly messing with the material under me. Cruzr's CS is second to none and they fixed me right up and put me in a size two and its night and day.

Good luck!
 
Other than when I 1st started with useless Hawk saddle I’ve only used CruzerXC. I’d ditto above comment about not imagining a more comfortable saddle. Absolutely zero hip or and discomfort even during all day sits.
 
I have not used the XC but do have the phantom. Although I think the phantom is a good saddle, it is narrow. I always find myself pulling the saddle down lower on my legs. The XC seems like it would cover more area if that is what you like. I now use an Overwatch for the majority of hunting. So my best advice is try them if you can and buy whatever works best you.
 
It sounds like you and I are a lot alike as far as days hunted. I usually try for 40 to 45 days per season, usually two sits per day, 4 to 5 hours per sit. I have been doing some all-day sits more this season just because of how far I go in it just doesn't make sense to walk out for a few hours. So, I'm doing about 80 sits per season, give or take.

I can tell you what I use and am happy with. I have a Recon 2 panel sling style saddle. I am about 155 pounds, 6 feet tall. I'm in good shape and I climb 2TC mainly. I use a ring of steps exclusively. I am a sitter and sit 95% of the time only leaning to reposition or stretch my legs. I have no issue doing all day sits in the Recon.

When I first started saddle hunting a few years ago the first saddle I bought was a Cruzr XC, small. I liked it but I eventually gravitated to a 2 panel saddle and sold the Cruzr. It's not that it wasn't a great saddle but I just wasn't using it.

There are a lot of factors that will go into which saddle you end up with a few years from now. If you are brand new to saddle hunting, the Cruzr XC would likely be a pretty safe bet. Do try a 2 panel saddle, though. You just might find out you love it.
 
Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, no fidgeting, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches, you can shoot 360° around the tree with any weapon, bow or gun, no weak side shot.
No platform required, only a ROS, no sore feet, no knee pads required, no sore knees, no tired legs from leaning as you can sit all day, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs. No getting into “saddle shape” as your Lazy Boy at home does it for you. Buy once, cry once.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........
 
I'll throw in love for the Archon. There was some fiddle factor early on but after a sit or two it's dialed in to where I can sit, with back and butt support, or lean without having to touch anything. I'll pull it up or push down a bit sometimes but I think that'll happen with any saddle. I'm probably a 70-30 sitter to leaner. Also on the archon the lower molle loop is on the top of the lower panel so it's more towards your butt than your waist. This is a very minor detail but it is a little nicer for carrying a platform up while climbing. It kinda keeps it at a different level than the sticks and pouches and bottom of my backpack. Another plus of two panels is that, since the upper panel sits higher than a single (I imagine), I can get the back of my jacket good and stuff in there without any draft action.

I don't have the XC, I'm sure it's fantastic and everybody's love for it is the reason I went Cruzr. I chose the Archon because I wanted back support and that thing keeps me in perfect posture all the time. It's a bit bulky in the hands with all the stuff I have stuffed in my pouches, but I genuinely forget I have it on sometimes, especially with a pair of suspenders. This was my first season in any saddle; and before the season I couldn't wait to figure out which saddle I'd try next but now that I've gotten it broken in a really don't need to.
 
Cruzr XC was a dream…. Untik i discovered overwatch orion. By far best made saddle ive ever seen and custom also. @JCLINE84 is a beast in this game. I dont hold anything against tethrd but i think most go with them first bc they do ALOT of advertising but most figure out quickly they arent the end all be all.
 
I think you should see if any saddle hunters are around your area. Try out at many as possible. Crazy how these things fit everyone different! Just my opinion. Stay safe
 
I agree. Check the saddle hunter map and see if anyone is near you. Right now I’m sitting in my basement in a cruzer XC. I also have a new cruzer archon here as well. I bought both with the intention of returning the one I like least. Don’t tell my wife… but I might keep both. I truly can’t decide. But if I could only have one saddle it would be any 2 panel on the market. I love back support!!!!
 
JASmith said:
I think you should see if any saddle hunters are around your area. Try out at many as possible. Crazy how these things fit everyone different! Just my opinion. Stay safe
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I wish there was some close to me but everyone is 1.5+ away and very spread out
 
I use the tethrd ESS and can’t imagine anything more comfortable. :tearsofjoy:

Seriously though, I think there are multiple “all day comfortable” saddles out there. But you’ll need to find the right platform to combo that with to be truly comfortable all day.
 
pesqimon said:
Hmm I have been overlooking the Cruzr XC.... can anyone compare it to a Kite?
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The shape is different and the feel is different. The kite has a lot of stretch in the mesh and is a fixed size, the XC has very little stretch and has a pleat. I love the kite. In it’s time it was the best mesh saddle option on the market, but the XC is more comfortable in my opinion. They are very similar in weight and size though.
 
I started with Tethrd saddles, started with the mantis, upgraded to the Phatom, and tried the ESS. Wasn't comfortable in any of them and sold them all.

Ended up going with the cruzr XC and have been really happy with it. Tried an Archon but kept going back to the XC. Currently running the XC and a Tuebor saddle which i really like too. Haven't had issues doing all day sits in either.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk
 
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