Sempertodd
Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2015
- Messages
- 58
Hello, I have noticed that there are questions around weight and size of saddle's for Big men, which are totally valid and a responsible hunter I expect would ask. So, I thought being a Heavy guy, might provide some of my experience's, as my concerns was like many of you. First, let me share with you my stats, as I am old, short, stocky, broad hipped (gals love that) guy.
AGE- 53 (mind 21) Height- 5'6.5" (1/2" means a lot) Weight- 300# (unless holidays), Manly pant Size- 50", Disabilities- Both knee's have been replaced, Weapon of choice- Longbow. Experience- Bowhunting 30 years/Saddle 3 years.
Now, there is one aspect that is not often talked about, that I feel come's into the equation. I am a former Marine (hence the name), I had the chance to do rappelling and rock climbing, in the Corps. Bottom line, I understand and comfortable with the rope and rigging. If you have not done any of these, let me assure you, everything that you will buy will more than support your weight. Mountaineers, Rock Climbers, Military have been using these methods for long time. One other big advantage of a saddle that is over looked is that it can and will support any guy who can safely climb a tree, unlike tree stands that have weight restrictions.
The way that you want to ascend a tree is personal preference of course. I have tried just about everything on the market, and since I only hunt public land, I love to use my Wildedge Stepps. I can get to 20" with 10 steps, as the designer intended, I can get both feet on them at same height which is imperative if have bad or new knees.
Currently I am using a Tactisaddle made for me by John Tucker, which I like. I have not had any issue with hip pinch (which by the way is combo of your waist and how you ride the saddle). I have not had any issue with being able to draw my longbow which is 66". I use a ring of steps (WEI), and have not issue with moving around, I do prefer a Ropeman 1 on Tether and lineman's belt, for easier adjustment. The longest I have sat in a Saddle hunting has only been 9 hours (yes you can pee out of a saddle). I have knee pads for sitting, which I prefer, though I have leaned for one hunt for 4 hours with no issue.
Comfort- As long as it "fits" you, you shall be fine. If in doubt if a saddle can be comfortable for long sit, do this. Go to a park or back yard, and sit in a swing, now as you sit there find an angle and play with transferring weight all to the swing then feet. It is even closer mimicked if you can find a swing that is suspended from one rope/chain as this is closer to the saddle feel. Next, if you can try a friend saddle, that is the best thing, but with the swing, you can get the idea a little.
I ordered a Treehopper Recon saddle from Mark, in large (shhh, wife don't know), I will try this one out as well, since it is designed for let's say "manly hip" guys.
Again, my intention is to easy the concern that Big/Broad/Heavy guys have, as I am one. If you have any questions that I can answer, I am more than willing. I plan on sliding in a Big guy review of the Recon after trying it.
Keep your String Waxed!
AGE- 53 (mind 21) Height- 5'6.5" (1/2" means a lot) Weight- 300# (unless holidays), Manly pant Size- 50", Disabilities- Both knee's have been replaced, Weapon of choice- Longbow. Experience- Bowhunting 30 years/Saddle 3 years.
Now, there is one aspect that is not often talked about, that I feel come's into the equation. I am a former Marine (hence the name), I had the chance to do rappelling and rock climbing, in the Corps. Bottom line, I understand and comfortable with the rope and rigging. If you have not done any of these, let me assure you, everything that you will buy will more than support your weight. Mountaineers, Rock Climbers, Military have been using these methods for long time. One other big advantage of a saddle that is over looked is that it can and will support any guy who can safely climb a tree, unlike tree stands that have weight restrictions.
The way that you want to ascend a tree is personal preference of course. I have tried just about everything on the market, and since I only hunt public land, I love to use my Wildedge Stepps. I can get to 20" with 10 steps, as the designer intended, I can get both feet on them at same height which is imperative if have bad or new knees.
Currently I am using a Tactisaddle made for me by John Tucker, which I like. I have not had any issue with hip pinch (which by the way is combo of your waist and how you ride the saddle). I have not had any issue with being able to draw my longbow which is 66". I use a ring of steps (WEI), and have not issue with moving around, I do prefer a Ropeman 1 on Tether and lineman's belt, for easier adjustment. The longest I have sat in a Saddle hunting has only been 9 hours (yes you can pee out of a saddle). I have knee pads for sitting, which I prefer, though I have leaned for one hunt for 4 hours with no issue.
Comfort- As long as it "fits" you, you shall be fine. If in doubt if a saddle can be comfortable for long sit, do this. Go to a park or back yard, and sit in a swing, now as you sit there find an angle and play with transferring weight all to the swing then feet. It is even closer mimicked if you can find a swing that is suspended from one rope/chain as this is closer to the saddle feel. Next, if you can try a friend saddle, that is the best thing, but with the swing, you can get the idea a little.
I ordered a Treehopper Recon saddle from Mark, in large (shhh, wife don't know), I will try this one out as well, since it is designed for let's say "manly hip" guys.
Again, my intention is to easy the concern that Big/Broad/Heavy guys have, as I am one. If you have any questions that I can answer, I am more than willing. I plan on sliding in a Big guy review of the Recon after trying it.
Keep your String Waxed!
