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Trophyline Ambush Lite

robertreed711 said:
Update - this evening I finally got to experience a saddle at hunting height. Thanks to some suggestions from @Nutterbuster concerning tether height and a few other things I was able to get a little more comfortable in the ambush, not that I thought it was uncomfortable before but it's much better now. I have ordered knee pads as of today, knees against the tree without them is a no go for me but I was definitely more comfortable then I would have been in one of my ladder stands after sitting for that amount of time.
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Sorry if I mess up my first post here, but @robertreed711 you need to tie a much better knot in the end of your tether. Google "climbing stopper knot" Real easy to do. They way your knot is right now, you'd slide right off the end if your prusik doesn't grab.
 
skyjacker said:
Mostly the bridge. The two inch bridge limits what carabiners you can use. Basically you can use an HMS/Pear shaped carabiner with a Ropeman or friction hitch. I was hoping I could use an oval carabiner but it just doesn't slide well. You can't switch out the bridge. You get what you get. Why add the adjuster on the bridge if there is a waist belt? I knew all this before I bought it, but I wanted hands on experience with it. It was comfortable, just seems like a silly design.
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Thanks for the response.
 
robertreed711 said:
First impressions from a new saddle hunter. Everything seems well made and pretty easy to get comfortable with the way they work. Using my DIY platform and a single helium stick I was able to get a feel for things. Overall I think I'm going to like it and saddle hunting in general. I did expect to feel a little more pressure on my thighs creating more of a seat but it seemed like no matter how many adjustments I made the majority of the pressure was on my lower back. Also felt like my feet were sliding forward in my boots if I chose to lean but I'm sure that's mostly due to the boots I was wearing. I do see that I'm going to need some knee pads if I'm going to try sitting.







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I noticed that slide buckle on the bridge, what is that for? Does that allow you to adjust your bridge length? If so, how??? Looks great!!!
 
Just got back in from my trial run w the TL in the yard at ground level. Here are a few takeaways.

Full disclaimer it's the first time I've ever been in a saddle

Setup was simple as can be. Experienced some hip pinch and now know what everyone is talking about lol, was able to reduce that by adjusting bridge length and tether height to where I don't think it will bother me. I'm a bit concerned about how my lower back will take a long sit. Found it to be considerably more comfortable if I loosen the belt once I'm hooked to the tether.

One issue that I will have to figure out without a doubt is how to keep my boys from feeling like they are in a juice press! No way I can handle that. If the leg straps were adjustable I believe you could tighten them in the correct spot and keep them there...much like a full blown safety harness. Initial thought is to just cut them off but I don't want to devalue the saddle in case I decide to sell...any thoughts?

Really want to make this work but until that issue is resolved it's not gonna happen.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
 
Page said:
Just got back in from my trial run w the TL in the yard at ground level. Here are a few takeaways.

Full disclaimer it's the first time I've ever been in a saddle

Setup was simple as can be. Experienced some hip pinch and now know what everyone is talking about lol, was able to reduce that by adjusting bridge length and tether height to where I don't think it will bother me. I'm a bit concerned about how my lower back will take a long sit. Found it to be considerably more comfortable if I loosen the belt once I'm hooked to the tether.

One issue that I will have to figure out without a doubt is how to keep my boys from feeling like they are in a juice press! No way I can handle that. If the leg straps were adjustable I believe you could tighten them in the correct spot and keep them there...much like a full blown safety harness. Initial thought is to just cut them off but I don't want to devalue the saddle in case I decide to sell...any thoughts?

Really want to make this work but until that issue is resolved it's not gonna happen.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk
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I couldn't resolve either issue. Keeping my Mantis for sure!

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk
 
A buddy of mine bought one and I sat in it today. Let's just say I have no plans on selling my Yarak or kite lol. Trophyline should definately re think that fixed position bridge, 2inch webbing, and leg straps. In my opinion it feels like an amateur DIY saddle at best. Maybe it'll work for some. I just wish I could buy those pouches lol.
 
ffastfzr said:
Sorry if I mess up my first post here, but @robertreed711 you need to tie a much better knot in the end of your tether. Google "climbing stopper knot" Real easy to do. They way your knot is right now, you'd slide right off the end if your prusik doesn't grab.
Click to expand...
You have a good point and that is how they came with the Trophyline.
 
Anyone try running a adjustable bridge thru lineman loops? I'm giving it a try Friday with lineman rope and ropeman at ground level not sure it will work but if it does I'll make a amsteel bridge if I find a sweet spot

Sent from my SM-J327V using Tapatalk
 
Using the original saddle ive never had any hip pinch or lower back pain. My bridge isint adjustable and has always been comfortable. But it is pretty big and isint tight. I am looking forward to getting the new one for early season when mine is too warm..
 
Daren Russell said:
Anyone try running a adjustable bridge thru lineman loops? I'm giving it a try Friday with lineman rope and ropeman at ground level not sure it will work but if it does I'll make a amsteel bridge if I find a sweet spot

Sent from my SM-J327V using Tapatalk
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The bridge is adjustable. Run both straps through the biner. To shorten, just pull up on the top strap on the left side. You can fold and clamp excess strap with an office binder clip.
 
Nutterbuster said:
The bridge is adjustable. Run both straps through the biner. To shorten, just pull up on the top strap on the left side. You can fold and clamp excess strap with an office binder clip.
Click to expand...
Wow!! It must be the same with the original as well!! I never even thought of shortening the bridge like you do when walking with it ( just not all the way) & the one i have has the elastic material band the would hold the loose strap.. Im going to try it here in alittle bit on my hunt today!!
Thank you
 
Well at this point I have had the chance to sit in both sizes, I ordered the lg/xl and once I received it determined I needed the md/lg once I got it I found it less comfortable than the larger one both pinch my love handles terrible despite trying different position on my waist, tether height,and bridge length. I had hunted out of a mantis all last year and found it pretty comfortable but then after season I tried an original Trophyline’s ambush at a saddle hunter get together It was so comfortable I decided to sell my mantis in anticipation of this new model only to find it did not fit me the same way as the old ambush..... Trophyline has had excellent customer service through out this and I’m glad some guys find it very comfortable I’m just not one of those guys, before getting it I had returned to my roots hunting from my sit drag which I’ve had since 2015 and to be completely honest it’s been the most comfortable of any saddle I’ve sat in short of a guidos web........the saddle has some features I really like and it will be interesting to see what designs they produce in the future...... and in case you haven’t figured out the modular vintage pouches are pretty slick I just ordered 3 more!


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Nutterbuster said:
The bridge is adjustable. Run both straps through the biner. To shorten, just pull up on the top strap on the left side. You can fold and clamp excess strap with an office binder clip.
Click to expand...
It feels to me that I need to add length .can u hook up to just 1 piece of webbing and let slack out?

Sent from my SM-J327V using Tapatalk
 
Settin in my ambush. Gonna half tinker with it. Not the most comfy to me. May have a bare saddle to sell lol

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk
 
Nutterbuster said:
The bridge is adjustable. Run both straps through the biner. To shorten, just pull up on the top strap on the left side. You can fold and clamp excess strap with an office binder clip.
Click to expand...
I adjusted my bridge during this evenings hunt for the first time in 13 seasons !! Lol thanx for the tip
I am just too used to it at full length but i did try it and it TOTTALY worked!!
 
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