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Which saddle?

C

CoryT

New Member
Joined
Dec 27, 2021
Messages
19
I know this is probably an impossible question to answer, but I am going to be purchasing my first saddle in the near future. I want to have plenty of time to use it and get comfortable shooting prior to next season.

The main reason I am switching from a tree stand to a saddle is I have developed some lower back pain mainly from sitting in my lone wolf assault hang on. I have read that a saddle can really help people with back issues. I've read and watched tons of articles and videos of different saddles and I am mainly concerned with comfort.

I reached out to John from Tactisaddle and he suggested his adapt DBDS model. He said the extra back band would really help the lower back pain. I was also reading alot about the Cruiser XC and how comfortable it is.

Can you guys steer me in the right direction? Are there other models I should be looking at as well?

Thanks in advance!
 
I never sat in a tactisaddle but I do enjoy the XC a lot. I would suggest buying a backband from @Treehopper2 for added support. He makes a great product at a good price

I bet someone will tell you to come to the light. The JX3 that is. They look super comfy
 
Your right it's an impossible question to answer for you. If your season is over and your setting up for next year I'd find a get together near you to try a bunch for free. If you don't have a get together near you think about setting one up. If I've learned anything about saddle hunters is they are a generous and helpful bunch and they love to get together to talk about gear and climbing setups.
 
Kurt said:
Your right it's an impossible question to answer for you. If your season is over and your setting up for next year I'd find a get together near you to try a bunch for free. If you don't have a get together near you think about setting one up. If I've learned anything about saddle hunters is they are a generous and helpful bunch and they love to get together to talk about gear and climbing setups.
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This is the only answer.
 
As others have said, the question is akin to asking which vehicle should you drive.

That being said, I have low back problems with a bulged disk and saddle hunting is the only way I can get into a tree. I couldn't spend more than 30 minutes in a stand but had several 6+ hour hangs this season. For me, a 2-panel was the most comfortable. I wore the upper panel high just below where you'd wear a back brace and "sat" in the lower panel. This gave my back plenty of support while allowing me to switch from sitting to leaning.
 
Same reason I got into the saddle. My hang on was killing me and I hated the noise and bulk of my Summit climber. A saddle and stick(s) and ROS/platform are less weight and a significantly smaller profile. I find I can switch positions from leaning to sitting, to standing back to tree for longer periods, with a happier back and knees. I don't fidget so much, but I do switch positions a lot--I just do it slowly. I have a Cruzr XC and love it. I don't feel the need to keep looking but I would love to try a 2-panel eventually. For long sits, you will appreciate a back band. I got one with the Cruzr bundle but several brands exist.
 
I’d get something with a lot of back support,(hammock style)before adding a back band. I use a Hawk and it’s not it. When sitting I needed a back band pretty quick, but leaning I’m too lazy to get it out and have little discomfort if any. Mines great but I don’t have back issues. Those 2 or 3 panels you can spread out to increase the seat look like an idea. OR, you could go to that chair thing that’s like a recliner saddle. Looks stupid comfy! Be careful though I think they are bright …..something to do with lights
 
CoryT said:
I know this is probably an impossible question to answer, but I am going to be purchasing my first saddle in the near future. I want to have plenty of time to use it and get comfortable shooting prior to next season.

The main reason I am switching from a tree stand to a saddle is I have developed some lower back pain mainly from sitting in my lone wolf assault hang on. I have read that a saddle can really help people with back issues. I've read and watched tons of articles and videos of different saddles and I am mainly concerned with comfort.

I reached out to John from Tactisaddle and he suggested his adapt DBDS model. He said the extra back band would really help the lower back pain. I was also reading alot about the Cruiser XC and how comfortable it is.

Can you guys steer me in the right direction? Are there other models I should be looking at as well?

Thanks in advance!
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I had a bad accident at work and burst fractures in my back. I'm in pain most of the time and I have a hard time sitting in a chair let alone a treestand. The Eberhart Signature Series saddle is the only one that has let me sit comfortable with little pain.
 
Kurt said:
Your right it's an impossible question to answer for you. If your season is over and your setting up for next year I'd find a get together near you to try a bunch for free. If you don't have a get together near you think about setting one up. If I've learned anything about saddle hunters is they are a generous and helpful bunch and they love to get together to talk about gear and climbing setups.
Click to expand...
Is there a common place to check and see where local get together are located? I'm also fortunate to be very close to the eastern sports and outdoors show coming up. I might check a few out there.
 
If you can't find a meeting just look at all of them, all the reviews and youtube videos and pick one. They aren't that different. I just went through the process and ultimately what I found is that there are many good saddles out there that most people will be happy with. The recurring point that led to my decision was how many people liked their saddle, got a cruzr and liked it more. Not many instances where people liked their cruzr, got something different and liked that more. I got the Archon thinking it had a higher upside than the xc with the ability to adjust the upper panel to act in unison with the lower or separate it to provide lower lumbar support when hanging. The buckles aren't as easy to adjust as I'd hoped and I haven't really discovered the upside yet, but I've had very limited time in it so far. It's a nice saddle, nonetheless. Very comfortable and I'm sure with more time in it I'll get the adjustments right. Point being I would probably be just as satisfied with the XC.
 
The most comfortable saddle I've used is the dryad drey. It has the best back support without going to a hybrid like the jx3 IMHO.
 
CoryT said:
Is there a common place to check and see where local get together are located? I'm also fortunate to be very close to the eastern sports and outdoors show coming up. I might check a few out there.
Click to expand...
If you can wait until the off season your not that far from me we could meet 1/2 way somewhere, I have plenty of saddles you could test out before you buy one.
 
Definitely check out the drey. It’s a hammock and has a ton of back support. You could even add one to the back of another saddle if you find that the one you choose doesn’t have enough back support for you.
 
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