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Spend the money of sticks or the saddle.

I would spend the money on a saddle and buy you an Aerohunter Flex it is absolutely awesome cant go wrong buying one!
 
I would spend the money on a saddle and get the Heliums. I have not heard to many people say they were upset the bought helium sticks. They are very customizable, stack well, double step and still fairly light. Spend the money on a Flex, phantom, JX3 or what ever saddle you settle on.
 
In my experience, I have spent way more money on climbing methods than saddles. I've owned and used four different makes of saddles over the years and for me there's not a lot of difference in comfort between any of them. There's small nuances of some I like better than others but there's not a bunch of difference unless you move toward a hybrid like the JX3.

Climbing methods are another story. There's a bunch of very different methods available. Before making a decision ask yourself what you're looking for out of a saddle system. For example, for me personally, I was primarily seeking a reduction of bulk and quieter access to my hunting spots. My climber rattled off of every waist high sapling in the forest. I felt a stack of sticks wouldn't necessarily solve that issue for me. Because of that I eventually wound up with a one stick climbing method because I can carry everything in my pack with no exposed metal to clank off of brush.

I have to admit though I tried (and spent a bunch doing so) many climbing methods before I found what worked for me. We're all looking for something slightly different and identifying those wants early could help save you some money in the long run.

That said, I have to admit I've fully enjoyed all the trial and error of seeking the next best thing and probably will still try new approaches. It keeps things interesting. :) Good luck in your choices!

What he said. I went down the climbing method road. After walking in with a set of sticks I was like this isn’t much different that the climber or lock on set up. Used WE Stepps for a bit and finally landed on squirrel steps. 5 for climbing and 5 on a ROS. Decreased my weight and bulk which was the initial goal of switching to a saddle.

I do have a single muddy pro I’m still on the 1 stick fence.

My comfort level never varied much on saddles. Expected to be blown away going from sit drag to a commercial saddle, but it was anti-climactic at best. Just pick an affordable saddle option and try it out. Most have 30 day return policies.

Verdict: climbing method. Assess what you can tolerate in terms of weight, bulk, price and height and go with it. And don’t think the grass is greener with another stick because it isn’t.


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I started my saddle journey this time last year. In that time I've tried 4 climbing methods, 3 platforms, 4 packs, 2 sets of ropes, multiple mechanical devices and hitches, and 1 old evo saddle. I literally changed everything I carry into the woods except my saddle. I think any commercially produced saddle will comfortable enough.
 
I started my saddle journey this time last year. In that time I've tried 4 climbing methods, 3 platforms, 4 packs, 2 sets of ropes, multiple mechanical devices and hitches, and 1 old evo saddle. I literally changed everything I carry into the woods except my saddle. I think any commercially produced saddle will comfortable enough.

Just curious what all gear you went through to get to the stuff you use now. And what stuff did you settle with?


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I have wild edge steps, lone wolf sticks, helium sticks, muddy sticks, strap on steps, screw in steps, titanium bolts, lone wolf hand climber, climb rite spurs, srt gear, various stick ladders and I’m sure that I’m forgetting something. There isn’t one of them that at some point I didn’t tell myself that they suck. I’d buy the helium’s and spend money on a saddle also. Figure out what you want in a climbing system and then if you do choose to drop 300 on a set of sticks so be it. Presets are awesome. Everything thing else is better or worse depending on the conditions and personal preference.
 
Do you even know that you'll like sticks? (Or a saddle I guess, but sticks with non-hybrid saddles are a perpetually awkward combo). The climbing method forum is quite active for a reason. Sticks instantly become the biggest, bulkiest, snaggiest thing you're hauling through the woods. Depending on your situation that may matter a lot or not really.
 
Just curious what all gear you went through to get to the stuff you use now. And what stuff did you settle with?


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It's still work in progress. I've tried WE steps, w/ & w/o knaider/swaider, multi sticks, ameristeps, ROS, predator platform, DIY platform... Still trying to find the right pack but I've settled into 1 muddy pro, predator platform and oplux rope to rappel down.
 
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