TX5 Yes or No? and other need guy questions

[nomad_archer]

New guy here. I've been contemplating jumping into saddle hunting and window shopping for the past two seasons. After spending 25 minutes or so at a local shop hanging out in a trophyline venatic, I'm finally convinced to get in the game.

I'm looking for some guidance on my gear selection before I start buying.

To start I've been looking hard at the TX5 Lonestar 2.0 can't seem to find anything negative about that saddle. It seems like a safe bet but not knowing too much what does the group think of the tx5?

Next I'm thinking of adding the tx5 accessory kit to get the 8mm resc tech lineman, tether, a medium dump pouch and back band. Are there better accessory kits out there?

Beyond that I'm planning on a seeker platform and 4 beast stick minis.

What am I missing or should be considering?

Thanks in advance

 

[Tknapp]

I don't think you'll hear much bad about TX5 other than the cost but it's well justified. That is a pretty solid setup that I think you'll enjoy.

 

[CP3]

I started with the Phantom the went to TX5. No regrets.

 

[enkriss]

The TX5 Lonestar 2.0 stretch is probably the best commercial saddle I sat it. The vanatic you sat in was also made by the same dude that owns TX5.

 

[Ckwilli]

welcome to the group……..

 

[jphillips97]

New guy here. I've been contemplating jumping into saddle hunting and window shopping for the past two seasons. After spending 25 minutes or so at a local shop hanging out in a trophyline venatic, I'm finally convinced to get in the game.

I'm looking for some guidance on my gear selection before I start buying.

To start I've been looking hard at the TX5 Lonestar 2.0 can't seem to find anything negative about that saddle. It seems like a safe bet but not knowing too much what does the group think of the tx5?

Next I'm thinking of adding the tx5 accessory kit to get the 8mm resc tech lineman, tether, a medium dump pouch and back band. Are there better accessory kits out there?

Beyond that I'm planning on a seeker platform and 4 beast stick minis.

What am I missing or should be considering?

Thanks in advance

I am not familiar with the Beast sticks personally, but after trying a lot of sticks, I am firmly in the camp of buy 2 featherlite sticks from EWO and build your one. I use two 2-step sticks. One have a 4 step sewn in aider and the other a 3 step sewn in aider. Only two sticks to carry but I do not have to move the stick on the tree like one sticking requires.

 

[Bigterp]

The lonestar is top notch, can’t see you being dissatisfied. That said saddles are wildly personal preference items. You could be uncomfortable in something everyone else loves. Most comfort issues are due to setup of variables ( tether ht & bridge length & saddle shape) get rolling & ask for help great group here. As for sticks I like beasts & am still using mine after trying out most others. I went from full length to minis & back to full length. I’m tall & didn’t like the how the minis rode on my pack, the step length was a non issue for me. No matter what route you choose you’ll likely switch it up, have fun stay safe.

 

[nomad_archer]

The lonestar is top notch, can’t see you being dissatisfied. That said saddles are wildly personal preference items. You could be uncomfortable in something everyone else loves. Most comfort issues are due to setup of variables ( tether ht & bridge length & saddle shape) get rolling & ask for help great group here. As for sticks I like beasts & am still using mine after trying out most others. I went from full length to minis & back to full length. I’m tall & didn’t like the how the minis rode on my pack, the step length was a non issue for me. No matter what route you choose you’ll likely switch it up, have fun stay safe.

Totally anticipating that I'll change things once I get started. I'm looking at the minis because I'm short and they're currently in stock. I do have concerns that the full length beast sticks could cause me issues when I have reduced mobility when I'm layered up.

 

[nomad_archer]

welcome to the group……..

Thank you. Very eager to learn and get out of my comfort zone of hunting the same tree and ladder stands

 

[bowhuntr09]

The new XOP sticks are getting good reviews. I've not tried them, but they certainly look like they would pack better than the Beast sticks and save some coin.

X2

Lightweight tree climbing tool The X2 climbing tool is designed for all your technical and ultralight hunting endeavors. Its large 10” step and increased stand-off ensure the performance required on your most epic missions. Featuring a minimalist design, X2 offers aider ready attachment holes...

xopoutdoors.com

 

[BTaylor]

To ease your mind a little, we already have a support group thread established.

 

[nomad_archer]

The new XOP sticks are getting good reviews. I've not tried them, but they certainly look like they would pack better than the Beast sticks and save some coin.

X2

Lightweight tree climbing tool The X2 climbing tool is designed for all your technical and ultralight hunting endeavors. Its large 10” step and increased stand-off ensure the performance required on your most epic missions. Featuring a minimalist design, X2 offers aider ready attachment holes...

xopoutdoors.com

Thank you for this recommendation. I'm going down the rabbit hole now looking at reviews.

 

[MattMan81]

Fyi. Long time member has these on the classifieds. If your interested in saving some on used.

Novix / Trophyline price drop

Set of 4 Novix climbing sticks. 3 have cable aiders, one has a 2 step Amsteel aider. 2 have stealth stripping. only used a handful of times. All sticks come with their straps. Pouch in picture not included in sale $280.00 Pay Pal only, you will pay insurance if you want it.

saddlehunter.com

 

[DroptineKrazy]

Most all of the name brand saddle companies sell great products (Except maybe Hawk) so no matter what you choose it will be a good product but that doesn't mean it will be right for you. If I were you, I would check the members map and find someone near you and see if they would be willing to let you check out their gear. Most everyone on this site started out not knowing which saddle and such to choose but most everyone here would help you out if asked. Good luck but remember that very few people here still use the exact set up they started with. Good luck.

 

[J.P.]

TX5 is at the top when it comes to saddle quality, comfort, features, and customer service. I also doubt that you will be dissatisfied with the platform and sticks you mentioned. They are both quality. You may find in time that you prefer something different, but that will be due to preference and not quality IMO.

 

[phatkaw]

TX5 is top notch no doubt!
I had a Reaper and loved it. I have a Lonestar and love it!!!

 

[Nyhunt79]

I just sold my TX5 due to trying out a Tethrd lockdown and liking it a lot more. But I don’t have much more experience than you other than setting up a few times so I’m learning as well. I have beast sticks and they are rock solid. And the platform I bought is the lone wolf fix and I like that as well

 

[LilBit]

I've used 2 different TX5's and love them.

 

[Bigterp]

@nomad_archer pm me & I can meet up & let you check in one out before you order. Don’t think your super far from me

 

[nomad_archer]

@nomad_archer pm me & I can meet up & let you check in one out before you order. Don’t think your super far from me

Thank you for the gracious offer. You are correct I am not too far. However I'm likely going to put the order before I leave tomorrow for vacation. I'm cutting it close to season and want to make sure I leave enough lead time for it to get here.

I've got everything picked out other than deciding which side the bridge adjustment goes on and if me being left handed is a factor I should consider.