Saddle Platform/Climber...Next Big Secret...?

[Krem]

I was actually daydreaming about a setup like this the other day and thought well there must be something I'm overlooking because I haven't heard of anyone doing it. A platform that can climb or be used with sticks I'd buy that in a heartbeat

 

[robstewart]

can you make that bracket and arm detachable? or atleast make the base piece a bolt in piece(U-Bolts or a bracket) and then utilize a pin for the hinge bolt rather than an actual bolt? This way if you don't need to cam it down you wouldn't have to and if you decided too you could just carry the post and pin in your backpack.

I'd just remove the strap and rotate the bracket forward.

 

[Dylan9862003]

I'd just remove the strap and rotate the bracket forward.

Just seems more hassle free to have it out of my way while climbing. plus less chance of making noise while climbing.

 

[robstewart]

The orginal post is a great question/request for saddle hunting..I've been a summit treestand climber for 20 years.....I tired just using the bottom of my summit last week in a practice climb but without success.....to difficult...the Lone Wolf hand climber looks good but I hope someone comes up with a climber...that with my treesaddle would winner for me...loving my saddle...first time using a saddle this year...very comfortable and versatile...this is a great forum!!!!
Turk

I used my hawk base yesterday. I had to move my straps as far forward as they would go and then I connected a rope to the cross bar at the front closest to the tree and pull it up with that instead of my feet. Went well. Getting down I hooked my feet in, disengaged it from the tree and rappeled down in one motion without stopping.

 

[robstewart]

Just seems more hassle free to have it out of my way while climbing. plus less chance of making noise while climbing.

I was just thinking, if the strap is sized right you could rotate it forward so it is flat with the platform and tie it so it doesn't flop around.

 

[elk yinzer]

Bump for a good idea that to my surprise still hasn't congealed in a meaningful way.

 

[Plebe]

Bump for a good idea that to my surprise still hasn't congealed in a meaningful way.

@Punkin78 has the right idea, imo.

At the time I made my cut down LW Sit and Climb platform with a short post and versa button, I was unaware of that build. When I posted my diy climbing platform, there was some good discussion with folks who were really experienced with climbing platforms (like @mtsrunner and @Bwhana). They expressed a strong preference to walk the tree with the platform and therefore prefer it not secured with a strap.

After using mine, I still stand by my own preference for securing the stand to the tree. Probably because my platform is quite a bit bigger at like 22” x 18” so it hunts more like a stand. But even in the case of a smaller platform, I’d just add a ROS to walk the tree.

Problems with the LW Hand Climber seat are well known…platform breakage, arm breakage, insufficient angle. All easily solvable with a new but not much different design. Better aluminum, machined, arm bracing/support. Personally, I’d integrate a system for securing the platform solidly to the tree.

Either way, it’s the darnest thing that nobody has plucked this fruit.

I have an DIY Ambush platform that I’ve planned to mod into a climbing platform, but rumor that something production is coming have given me pause.

And here we are, waiting still.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Either way, it’s the darnest thing that nobody has plucked this fruit.

And here we are, waiting still.

Agreed. 27 varieties of pivot platforms and nobody, besides Barren Ridge, will come out with a climber.

Seems like a lot of money left on the table...but then again I'm no entrepreneur.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[Chandler96]

sounds like a one stick. you just dont have to reach down and move the stick which is the easiest part of one sticking. plus you dont have to worry about kick out.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

sounds like a one stick. you just dont have to reach down and move the stick which is the easiest part of one sticking. plus you dont have to worry about kick out.

Forgive me if this seems argumentative. I like 1-sticking, but I think reaching down is the hardest part of it.

Platform climbing like we are envisioning keeps you above the platform, rather than dangling below it on an aider. Keeps you from climbing above your tether also.

When I used my LWHC I never experienced kickout. Doesn't mean it's not possible.

Regardless, the point repeatedly made by many is that this seems like an easy market to hit given all the attention and innovation in saddle-related hunting equipment. There's all kinds of 1-sticks, but none of them actually hit the perceived market target of a climbing platform.

The fact that it hasn't happened yet might mean that all of us who are surprised are missing something about the situation.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[Chandler96]

Forgive me if this seems argumentative. I like 1-sticking, but I think reaching down is the hardest part of it.

Platform climbing like we are envisioning keeps you above the platform, rather than dangling below it on an aider. Keeps you from climbing above your tether also.

When I used my LWHC I never experienced kickout. Doesn't mean it's not possible.

Regardless, the point repeatedly made by many is that this seems like an easy market to hit given all the attention and innovation in saddle-related hunting equipment. There's all kinds of 1-sticks, but none of them actually hit the perceived market target of a climbing platform.

The fact that it hasn't happened yet might mean that all of us who are surprised are missing something about the situation.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

yeah if there is a market for it, you gotta jump on it!

 

[Plebe]

sounds like a one stick. you just dont have to reach down and move the stick which is the easiest part of one sticking. plus you dont have to worry about kick out.

A couple advantages to a climbing platform:

1. tether management is much easier
2. larger platforms are possible

You still have to do minor acrobatics to adjust cable length or pass a branch.

 

[Chandler96]

A couple advantages to a climbing platform:

1. tether management is much easier
2. larger platforms are possible

You still have to do minor acrobatics to adjust cable length or pass a branch.

have you guys came up with a way around branches?

 

[Plebe]

have you guys came up with a way around branches?

Yes, I'll navigate a few branches. For a very branchy tree, I'd choose a different climbing method. But where I bring my climbing platform I can get in about all the trees except ones that are too big around.

 

[woodsdog2]

@Punkin78 has the right idea, imo.

At the time I made my cut down LW Sit and Climb platform with a short post and versa button, I was unaware of that build. When I posted my diy climbing platform, there was some good discussion with folks who were really experienced with climbing platforms (like @mtsrunner and @Bwhana). They expressed a strong preference to walk the tree with the platform and therefore prefer it not secured with a strap.

After using mine, I still stand by my own preference for securing the stand to the tree. Probably because my platform is quite a bit bigger at like 22” x 18” so it hunts more like a stand. But even in the case of a smaller platform, I’d just add a ROS to walk the tree.

Problems with the LW Hand Climber seat are well known…platform breakage, arm breakage, insufficient angle. All easily solvable with a new but not much different design. Better aluminum, machined, arm bracing/support. Personally, I’d integrate a system for securing the platform solidly to the tree.

Either way, it’s the darnest thing that nobody has plucked this fruit.

I have an DIY Ambush platform that I’ve planned to mod into a climbing platform, but rumor that something production is coming have given me pause.

And here we are, waiting still.

The OG Treesuit back in the late 90’s came out with a climbing platform. I know because I have one. The platform was all steel and the same shape and close dimensions as the Treehopper Treesuit available nowadays. The OG Treesuit platform climber came with a steel bracket, aircraft cable with crimped cable swages in increments on the cable to adjust for tree diameter similar to the Summit climber cables concept. It also had an adjustable rope/foot loop to prevent the platform from falling to the ground when climbing. I could never get it to climb quietly enough though. I’ll attach pics if I find it. I took the climbing cable off of it and have used and still use the platform.

 

[Plebe]

The OG Treesuit back in the late 90’s came out with a climbing platform. I know because I have one. The platform was all steel and the same shape and close dimensions as the Treehopper Treesuit available nowadays. The OG Treesuit platform climber came with a steel bracket, aircraft cable with crimped cable swages in increments on the cable to adjust for tree diameter similar to the Summit climber cables concept. It also had an adjustable rope/foot loop to prevent the platform from falling to the ground when climbing. I could never get it to climb quietly enough though. I’ll attach pics if I find it. I took the climbing cable off of it and have used and still use the platform.

@Vtbow still has one I think. There's this version too.

 

[woodsdog2]

@Vtbow still has one I think.

No I thought he sold the platform to @Nutterbuster.

 

[Plebe]

No I thought he sold the platform to @Nutterbuster.

I see he sold and thought about buying again, it's thisone:

 

[Plebe]

Another style climbing platform is based on a climbing aid.

DIY climbing aid

Here is a easy DIY climbing aid if you can half way weld. It's 1" square thin tubing 1/16 wall. 28" tall and 20" wide. Removable bar on the back with welded on 1/4" x 2.5" bolts to adjust for tree diameter. Weighs less than 9 lbs.

saddlehunter.com

 

[woodsdog2]

I see he sold and thought about buying again, it's thisone:

View attachment 92909

Yep, this the same one I have. Used to have the actual Treesuit saddle as well.