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XOP Renegade saddle
- Thread starter Bdwilliams
- Start date
I have one for a few months now. New to saddle hunting, but imo it is great. I cut off the tree tether in the back, cut off the leg straps used for the safety harness, modified one of the three ropes supplied to make an adjustable bridge, and swapped out the steel carabiners for light aluminum ones. It is super comfy, light weight, and unlike what you all think ....no wedgies! Also left the shoulder straps on because it helps keep the saddle up in place while walking in and hip pinch to a minimum while hanging. And yes all the knots come loose from the factory however if you watch Cody's video on this he explains it and says it's loose so you can adjust the knots and tag ends to how you like. All told I'd say it is a great way to get in the game.
I did pretty much the exact same things but removed the suspenders too. All things aside if this thing had molle loops it would be 100% perfect for me.
I just ordered one. Since I still have ladder stands and hang-ons, and my full-body harness was getting a bit long in the tooth, I'll probably leave the upper part attached.
XOP missed the bus on the design of the shoulder tether. If they had made it a loop that the tether attached to (vs. an integrated piece), it would be a lot more attractive. I saw one review where the guy used the shoulder tether as a backband, which I'll have to play with.
I'll probably add an EWO linesman's belt at some point.
Bringing up an old thread here but does anyone have one of these and had it for awhile? I have a friend looking to buy one and would like to know opinions from you guys that have/had one.
I'll let him try my Cruzr XC, fleece, etc. and I've tried a variety of others I'll give him my opinion on.
The harness part for stand hunting and fully rigged for around $99 is a steal but I'm afraid probably too good to be true.
I'll let him try my Cruzr XC, fleece, etc. and I've tried a variety of others I'll give him my opinion on.
The harness part for stand hunting and fully rigged for around $99 is a steal but I'm afraid probably too good to be true.
I haven't spent as much time in mine as I had expected when I bought it.
It's not the most comfortable. The smaller your waist, the more comfortable it will feel. It doesn't have MOLLE or other provisions for adding pouches directly to it, so you'd have to use a separate battle belt or haversack or something for your gear. The shoulder harness makes getting into and out of it a bit of a puzzle compared to traditional saddles.
If you're looking for a saddle for under $200, look very closely at the Treehopper Recon.
That said, it's made well enough and seems to be no less safe than anything else on the market. If you're looking for a cheap backup or loaner it will fit the bill. It's absolutely not too good to be true, but is also absolutely a $99 (retail!) saddle.
Thanks! I have my own opinions on the Recon so if you're saying the Recon is better than this I'll know which direction to point him in
I made double adjustable bridges that I can snug down to use as a belt. Scaffold hitch one end onto one bridge loop; other bridge loop has a Michoacan hitch Prussiced onto the loop. Other bridge is the same, but reversed. Scaffold hitches are below the Prussics to keep them from sliding up. I didn't do it so it could be opened; I made the bridges a few feet longer so they can lay along the shoulder straps. Put it on like a vest, bring the bridges down in front of my face, and tighten.
Question did you find any info on the shoulder tether used as a back band ? Just got one and I’m interested in trying this
There was a video - I didn't bookmark it and watched it several months ago - where the reviewer brought the back tether around front and clipped it to his tether. Can't remember if he brought it under his armpit or over his shoulder. Not adjustable, but it would give some degree of support. I'd probably bring it across on my right side - being a right-handed shooter - so as not to interfere with my string. I wound up adding a Treehopper Recon and Dryad Drey to my collection and wound up putting all my time into those, instead of my XOP, which gave me a pretty terrible wedgie the first time I sat in it.
I’ve got 4 sits in mine so far, probably 20 hrs. I did the same as others, cut off all the junk etc. not having molle sucks as the dump pouch that comes with dangles bad, and not having a fixed bridge can be a pain. I took the supplied linesmens belt and made it a fixed one, but still gets sketchy unhooking and hooking up to bridge. I had an issue with my carabiners, I had both lock up on me while I was in the tree and I could not get them unlocked, so I had to cut my bridge line. Not sure if it happens to anyone else, but I didn’t crank them down hard at all and had to get a pair of channel locks to break them open. Just something to watch out for
I bought some proper Black Diamond 'biners at REI. Those steel units that are included are the cheapest "good enough to keep the lawyers happy" no-name options available, there are far superior products available at attractive price points. That said, I was taught to screw them finger tight, then unscrew 1/4 turn. I'll probably add a small pair of vice grips to my kit as well.
Yeah it was strange, I had only screwed them finger tight, but I am guessing the weight of me hanging or something locked them in tighter> I ended up replacing them anyway, but spooky non the less