Saddle setup and Climbing method

[Doc8404]

I am looking at ordering my first saddle setup and just want to make sure I have everything I need.
Saddle: Cruzr XC
Ropes: Oplux tree tether and lineman combo and a Kong Duck rope clamp. Do I need more than one ascender?

I am thinking about going with a ridge runner platform because the predator platforms are backordered with no date to when they may be available again. For climbing I think I am going to go with helium sticks for now and hopefully find them in stock anywhere. I know I need a gear hanger so I am going to build an HYS strap but I need a line to haul my bow up the tree. Where could I find one? Also if there is something I am missing please let me know or if there is something that will make life easier that would be good too. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[JPS]

I am looking at ordering my first saddle setup and just want to make sure I have everything I need.
Saddle: Cruzr XC
Ropes: Oplux tree tether and lineman combo and a Kong Duck rope clamp. Do I need more than one ascender?

I am thinking about going with a ridge runner platform because the predator platforms are backordered with no date to when they may be available again. For climbing I think I am going to go with helium sticks for now and hopefully find them in stock anywhere. I know I need a gear hanger so I am going to build an HYS strap but I need a line to haul my bow up the tree. Where could I find one? Also if there is something I am missing please let me know or if there is something that will make life easier that would be good too. Thanks in advance for any help.

For a pull rope. I use this: https://www.dollartree.com/tool-bench-hardwarediamond-braided-rope-40ft-strands/295406

Hard to beat for $1.06. This rope is stiffer than paracord and it is almost tangle free. Keep it in the bulky plastic H frame or wrap it onto itself.

For a HIS strap, you can buy 2 "climbing" daisy chains for $13 or 2 hammock straps for $10 from Amazon.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Bowhanger: Heroclips are awesome. OR you can get a mega-carbiner from "five below" at $5.30
like these ones (but at 1/2) the price

Amazon.com: Tool Bench Hardware Mega Carabiner Clips Set of 3 (Red, Green, & Blue) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Tool Bench Hardware Mega Carabiner Clips Set of 3 (Red, Green, & Blue) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

I use this at the end of the pull rope and once the bow is up, I put the clip in the daisy chain and I have a piece of twist wire to keep it open as a bow hanger.

So, strap, hanger and pull rope for $17to $20 is not bad...

 

[Doc8404]

For a pull rope. I use this: https://www.dollartree.com/tool-bench-hardwarediamond-braided-rope-40ft-strands/295406

Hard to beat for $1.06. This rope is stiffer than paracord and it is almost tangle free. Keep it in the bulky plastic H frame or wrap it onto itself.

For a HIS strap, you can buy 2 "climbing" daisy chains for $13 or 2 hammock straps for $10 from Amazon.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

Bowhanger: Heroclips are awesome. OR you can get a mega-carbiner from "five below" at $5.30
like these ones (but at 1/2) the price

Amazon.com: Tool Bench Hardware Mega Carabiner Clips Set of 3 (Red, Green, & Blue) : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Tool Bench Hardware Mega Carabiner Clips Set of 3 (Red, Green, & Blue) : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

I use this at the end of the pull rope and once the bow is up, I put the clip in the daisy chain and I have a piece of twist wire to keep it open as a bow hanger.

So, strap, hanger and pull rope for $17to $20 is not bad...

Thanks for the suggestions. Quick question for the hammock strap, do you just put it around the tree and loop it through like you would for a normal hys strap or do I need another clip or buckle to keep it in place?

 

[HuumanCreed]

Are you using only one Kong Duck? if so is it for the tether or lineman rope? I would suggest having an extra prussik knot on each rope, you never know when an extra might come in handy, google prussik's tender. Same with carabriners. Knee pads are a must. Some kind of backup descender strap/rope incase your sticks kick off and fall while you're on the tree.

 

[Doc8404]

Are you using only one Kong Duck? if so is it for the tether or lineman rope? I would suggest having an extra prussik knot on each rope, you never know when an extra might come in handy, google prussik's tender. Same with carabriners. Knee pads are a must. Some kind of backup descender strap/rope incase your sticks kick off and fall while you're on the tree.

Initially that was the plan because I can't find like a checklist to what you should have because this is a very DIY way of hunting I guess. I can always get another ascender, that not an issue. I am meeting up with a member on Wednesday to see his setup. I'm a visual hands on learner. I can only watch videos and read so much you know?

 

[HuumanCreed]

Initially that was the plan because I can't find like a checklist to what you should have because this is a very DIY way of hunting I guess. I can always get another ascender, that not an issue. I am meeting up with a member on Wednesday to see his setup. I'm a visual hands on learner. I can only watch videos and read so much you know?

That's great, people are really helpful here and are always willing to help out. I'm new too, but I'm 100% correct about knee pad! unless you're using JX3 or like Eberhart and hug the tree the whole time.

 

[Doc8404]

That's great, people are really helpful here and are always willing to help out. I'm new too, but I'm 100% correct about knee pad! unless you're using JX3 or like Eberhart and hug the tree the whole time.

Yeah, I have some old knee pads so I'll give those a try before I decide if I need a new pair.

 

[Arkansas Deer Wacker]

I am looking at ordering my first saddle setup and just want to make sure I have everything I need.
Saddle: Cruzr XC
Ropes: Oplux tree tether and lineman combo and a Kong Duck rope clamp. Do I need more than one ascender?

I am thinking about going with a ridge runner platform because the predator platforms are backordered with no date to when they may be available again. For climbing I think I am going to go with helium sticks for now and hopefully find them in stock anywhere. I know I need a gear hanger so I am going to build an HYS strap but I need a line to haul my bow up the tree. Where could I find one? Also if there is something I am missing please let me know or if there is something that will make life easier that would be good too. Thanks in advance for any help.

Look at the new Trophy Ridge platform too, I have the Predator and still wanted a larger platform for all day sits. They are priced nicely also.
Good luck.

 

[Doc8404]

Look at the new Trophy Ridge platform too, I have the Predator and still wanted a larger platform for all day sits. They are priced nicely also.
Good luck.

I actually ordered a ridge runner last week.

 

[JPS]

Thanks for the suggestions. Quick question for the hammock strap, do you just put it around the tree and loop it through like you would for a normal hys strap or do I need another clip or buckle to keep it in place?

Yes, loop it through and tie it or you
can use some kind of wire hook or a carbiner or sbinner to lock it in place. They do not have to be a climbing rated. Any el cheapo metal piece or simple knot will hold the strap with your pack on one side and you bow on the other. I recomend you practice locking it at ground level to find what is easier to do with yout strap and hanging hooks.

 

[Doc8404]

Yes, loop it through and tie it or you
can use some kind of wire hook or a carbiner or sbinner to lock it in place. They do not have to be a climbing rated. Any el cheapo metal piece or simple knot will hold the strap with your pack on one side and you bow on the other. I recomend you practice locking it at ground level to find what is easier to do with yout strap and hanging hooks.

That was the plan. Going to make sure everything works for me at ground level before I do anything else.