Used Saddle for First Setup?

[postoakpat]

Planning to try my hand at saddle hunting for the first time this season. Has anyone had a bad experience inheriting a used saddle? I've seen some good deals in the classifieds, but part of me worries about staking my safety on something I bought used from a stranger on the internet. I'm seeing some that (allegedly) haven't been used aside from a test run, but should I consider a saddle that's been used for a season? Or do I just need to quit being cheap and buy new?

 

[JASmith]

I recommend reaching out and see if any members are close enough to try anything out. This is a great community of hunters, reach out. Where you located?

 

[postoakpat]

I recommend reaching out and see if any members are close enough to try anything out. This is a great community of hunters, reach out. Where you located?

I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I've tested a buddy's Phantom and a cousin's Cruzr XC. Both were quick backyard setups just off the ground, but I was comfortable in both. I wouldn't mind trying some others, but I'm interested in buying either of those lightly used.

 

[katmandew]

This will be my first season in a saddle as well. Those were my concerns as I was looking for a setup. I broke down and bought everything new from Tethrd. It’s a hard hit on the wallet but my thoughts are, I know what I’m getting, no worries about prior use/wear. Just peace of mind for me that the stuff I’m hanging on is top notch and new.


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[sweats]

I know that buying and selling gear is really popular here, but it's not really my thing. People make modifications and I prefer to know exactly how things were stored, what cord was used, etc. Also, a lot of the used stuff isn't that much cheaper than buying new in many cases. I am also selective about where I buy new stuff from too. I've seen a lot of off brand climbing gear online that looks very suspect to me.

I wouldn't think twice about attending a meet up to get a chance to sit in different saddles at ground level to see what I find comfortable though.

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[phatkaw]

I've bought 6 used saddles from guys on here since spring.
I feel much safer doing that than buying something new that's made in China! (Tethrd)

 

[katmandew]

I've bought 6 used saddles from guys on here since spring.
I feel much safer doing that than buying something new that's made in China! (Tethrd)

Well, according to Tethrd, the Phantom and the Predator Platform are made in USA. Seems like buying one new one would still be a lot cheaper than buying 6 used ones regardless of the brand.


Source: Tethrd site -> Customer Support -> F.A.Q.'s
How are you making your saddles?
We’ve partnered with several US manufacturers and overseas factories to build our products. The Phantom saddle, and both Predator platforms are designed, engineered, manufactured, tested, and inspected on American soil. Other products and accessories are designed, engineered, and tested in America. The manufacturing is done with our overseas partners. We only work with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure first class construction methods and quality control.

 

[HuumanCreed]

I personally would not have an issue buying a used saddle, especially from this forum because of my experience here. For one thing, I have yet to see an example of a production saddle actually failing, John Eberhart has been using the same saddle for 40+ years. Cant say the same thing with treestands. But I say buy production if it ease your mind. Fact is saddle has a pretty high re-sale value so most are still selling for 75% at least. So if you are really concerned about it, the saving is not that much for ease of mind. A Treehopper Recon is around $160 or the CGM Sidewinder is $175. Those are smaller companies completely based in US if you are concerned.

Well, according to Tethrd, the Phantom and the Predator Platform are made in USA. Seems like buying one new one would still be a lot cheaper than buying 6 used ones regardless of the brand.


Source: Tethrd site -> Customer Support -> F.A.Q.'s
How are you making your saddles?
We’ve partnered with several US manufacturers and overseas factories to build our products. The Phantom saddle, and both Predator platforms are designed, engineered, manufactured, tested, and inspected on American soil. Other products and accessories are designed, engineered, and tested in America. The manufacturing is done with our overseas partners. We only work with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure first class construction methods and quality control.

I'm confused, doesn't the 2nd sentence after that stated that manufacturing is done overseas? So sound like it is assembled in the US. If something failed, I really dont care if it is because the material failed or the assembly failed. But each their own and we can all respectfully agree to disagree.

Treehopper Recon are made by same company that make parachutes for the US military if it interest you. CGM are a good group too, great small business with outstanding customer services.

 

[katmandew]

I'm confused, doesn't the 2nd sentence after that stated that manufacturing is done overseas? So sound like it is assembled in the US. If something failed, I really dont care if it is because the material failed or the assembly failed. But each their own and we can all respectfully agree to disagree.

This is what I took from it. Their flagship saddle and the platform they say is made, tested and inspected in the US. The syshaulers are made in China. Says so on package. I'm sure thats not the only accessory made offshore. But the two main pieces according to their website are not. They could be lying, its up to the individual as to whether you believe them or not, I guess.

The Phantom saddle, and both Predator platforms are designed, engineered, manufactured, tested, and inspected on American soil.

While they may have factories overseas that do parts of their manufacturing, i read that as those two pieces, at least, are 100% made in USA.