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Gravey

Gravey

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Jul 20, 2005
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Location
Christiana (Rutherford County)
I bought my Cruzr XC saddle 2 years ago I think and never tried it until this past weekend other than in the yard. Some things I like and some things I don't so looking for advice.

1. How do you carry sticks and platform up the tree?
2. I normally carry my coveralls in and then put them on once in the tree and cooled down. The way the bridge is I can't do that and zip them closed.
3. My sticks are tethrd skeletors. Is there a modification for a quicker way to lock them down to the tree? The way they are works fine just wondering if there's a way to make it quicker.
4. I move around more than when I'm in a climber or ladder stand. I sat with knees in the tree and then that gets uncomfortable so I stood for a bit. Doing this over and over creates more movement. Is this normal?
5. Back band is necessary. Didn't use it the first day but did the second day and it's worth it.
6. Do you stay connected not only by the bridge but also the lineman's rope at all times?

Maybe this isn't for me but don't want to throw the towel in just yet if there are tips that make sense to try.
 
1 I carry my sticks across my back with the bottom aider strap, I'd have to show you.
4 I do move more it seems but I just slow the movement down as much as I can.
6 I pull all the slack outta the linesman and throw an overhand knot around it with the tag end of the tether, completely outta the way and don't have to reconnect plus it's and insurance connection to the tree.
Gravey, keep at it, work out a system of every move and then it's a pcs of cake. I was hesitant and almost sold my setup but after really trying I wouldn't part with it for nothing now. It's the safest, lightest most versatile system for tree hunting out there.
 
Gravey said:
I bought my Cruzr XC saddle 2 years ago I think and never tried it until this past weekend other than in the yard. Some things I like and some things I don't so looking for advice.

1. How do you carry sticks and platform up the tree?
2. I normally carry my coveralls in and then put them on once in the tree and cooled down. The way the bridge is I can't do that and zip them closed.
3. My sticks are tethrd skeletors. Is there a modification for a quicker way to lock them down to the tree? The way they are works fine just wondering if there's a way to make it quicker.
4. I move around more than when I'm in a climber or ladder stand. I sat with knees in the tree and then that gets uncomfortable so I stood for a bit. Doing this over and over creates more movement. Is this normal?
5. Back band is necessary. Didn't use it the first day but did the second day and it's worth it.
6. Do you stay connected not only by the bridge but also the lineman's rope at all times?

Maybe this isn't for me but don't want to throw the towel in just yet if there are tips that make sense to try.
Click to expand...
1. Shock cord attached on the loops of my saddle in the rear. I too use Skeletors. Just loop em through and take em out as needed while climbing.
2. Yeah coveralls aren't going to work unless you hike in with em on. I leave my coat off and put it on once hooked up
3. Pretty quick for me with that amsteel. One quick loop and then seat.
4. Knee pads. I would actually double up. I'd wear volleyball knee pads under my pants and then hard knee pads on top. I found this to be the most comfortable for me with long sits since my knees are trash.
5. Love the back band. Makes a big difference when I'm knees against the tree. That said, pushing off from the platform and going straight legged for a time is a good stretch and can keep back pain at bay.
6. I don't keep the lineman's rope on once I'm hooked up.
 
Youtube is your friend for all questions concerning saddle hunting, there are some really good channels about it. You need hangers on your saddle for your sticks and platform, gonna have to layer up before going up tree , you will eventually work out a system that works for you to control your movements, i dont do knee pads, i sit sideways with my hip against tree instead of my knees, get a platform with some angle to it and you can lean/stand alot longer and stiller. Backband is awesome! Watch all the videos on saddle how to you can stand
 
Iglow said:
1 I carry my sticks across my back with the bottom aider strap, I'd have to show you.
4 I do move more it seems but I just slow the movement down as much as I can.
6 I pull all the slack outta the linesman and throw an overhand knot around it with the tag end of the tether, completely outta the way and don't have to reconnect plus it's and insurance connection to the tree.
Gravey, keep at it, work out a system of every move and then it's a pcs of cake. I was hesitant and almost sold my setup but after really trying I wouldn't part with it for nothing now. It's the safest, lightest most versatile system for tree hunting out there.
Click to expand...
Not sure about lightest. Lone Wolf has a new climber out that's 11.5 lbs but carries a $999 price tag. 😳
 
UCStandSitter said:
1. Shock cord attached on the loops of my saddle in the rear. I too use Skeletors. Just loop em through and take em out as needed while climbing.
2. Yeah coveralls aren't going to work unless you hike in with em on. I leave my coat off and put it on once hooked up
3. Pretty quick for me with that amsteel. One quick loop and then seat.
4. Knee pads. I would actually double up. I'd wear volleyball knee pads under my pants and then hard knee pads on top. I found this to be the most comfortable for me with long sits since my knees are trash.
5. Love the back band. Makes a big difference when I'm knees against the tree. That said, pushing off from the platform and going straight legged for a time is a good stretch and can keep back pain at bay.
6. I don't keep the lineman's rope on once I'm hooked up.
Click to expand...
Do you use any step aiders with the skeletors? I bought one to try but don't like how it attaches because of the spur that kicks of the bottom of the steps.
 
knightrider said:
Youtube is your friend for all questions concerning saddle hunting, there are some really good channels about it. You need hangers on your saddle for your sticks and platform, gonna have to layer up before going up tree , you will eventually work out a system that works for you to control your movements, i dont do knee pads, i sit sideways with my hip against tree instead of my knees, get a platform with some angle to it and you can lean/stand alot longer and stiller. Backband is awesome! Watch all the videos on saddle how to you can stand
Click to expand...
Got any pics of hangers?
I tried to sit sideways with my side up against the tree and maybe I didn't have everything adjusted right but it squeezed me tight.
My platform is a trophyline mission and you can adjust the angle. I assume by putting it at an angle you mean the front part away from the tree down?
 
Gravey said:
Do you use any step aiders with the skeletors? I bought one to try but don't like how it attaches because of the spur that kicks of the bottom of the steps.
Click to expand...
I bought one from the amsteel guy. Never was comfortable with it frankly. I killed plenty of deer with the height I got without em so I decided to err on the side of caution. Aiders always felt VERY unsteady to me. Now I will say, I felt ok using that on the first step and incorporated one for a time on that but nothing above the first step.
 
UCStandSitter said:
I bought one from the amsteel guy. Never was comfortable with it frankly. I killed plenty of deer with the height I got without em so I decided to err on the side of caution. Aiders always felt VERY unsteady to me. Now I will say, I felt ok using that on the first step and incorporated one for a time on that but nothing above the first step.
Click to expand...
I've got a 3 step aider on the bottom stick, I don't use aiders above that.
 
Gravey said:
Got any pics of hangers?
I tried to sit sideways with my side up against the tree and maybe I didn't have everything adjusted right but it squeezed me tight.
My platform is a trophyline mission and you can adjust the angle. I assume by putting it at an angle you mean the front part away from the tree down?
Click to expand...
Yes on angling down to lean on, when i used sticks and platform here is what i used,https://hangfree.co/products/quick-molle-webbing-clip-with-continuous-loop
 
Gravey said:
One more question…what pack are y'all using to transport sticks and platform?
Click to expand...
My favorite subject. I've used em all I think. The one I was happiest with was the Sitka Tool Bucket. Easy to strap up my sticks and platform to the outside and loads of room inside. On the larger side obviously but I am someone who doesn't mind the weight and prepares for every scenario.

I used the tool belt for a time and while it worked, it wasn't ideal. Also used the Mystery Ranch Tree House. That was a great pack but a lil too big/bulky. I actually think I still have that one somewhere. Throw in about 10 others over a 5 yr period that I tried and sold. I'm a bit of a bag person though even outside of hunting.

Packs are very subjective. It depends on what your primary goal is. For me it was "bring it all" without issue. For others it's "bare minimum weight".
 
I also had one of those cheap totes in my truck where I kept my saddle with ropes in all pouches. My boots. Some stuff to wipe it all down if it got muddy, etc. Kept my truck clean and was handy about transport. I would try and hunt about 4 days per week at least so it was handy to have it all in there whenever I could break away. However, I had to be able to get it all out quick if the fam needed to ride with me. I think I paid $5 for the thing at walmart. Basically a fabric collapsable bin with handles.
 
knightrider said:
Youtube is your friend for all questions concerning saddle hunting, there are some really good channels about it. You need hangers on your saddle for your sticks and platform, gonna have to layer up before going up tree , you will eventually work out a system that works for you to control your movements, i dont do knee pads, i sit sideways with my hip against tree instead of my knees, get a platform with some angle to it and you can lean/stand alot longer and stiller. Backband is awesome! Watch all the videos on saddle how to you can stand
Click to expand...
Happy to see this thread; I've been seriously considering getting a saddle but have zero experience. What YouTube channels do you recommend for saddle hunting?
 
I one stick so a lot of these questions I will have no help with.

4. I move around more than when I'm in a climber or ladder stand. I sat with knees in the tree and then that gets uncomfortable so I stood for a bit. Doing this over and over creates more movement. Is this normal?- one tip I will give for this is try to find a tree that is SLIGHTL leaning away from you. I dont wear knee pads, but I like to be able to stand up fully on my stand without the support of the saddle sometimes throughout the hunt.


5. Back band is necessary. Didn't use it the first day but did the second day and it's worth it. - This was a huge selling point for me to get a Lattitude Method 2. I dont' always use the back band, but I do a pretty fair amount.


6. Do you stay connected not only by the bridge but also the lineman's rope at all times?- I do not keep a lineman's belt attached ever.
 

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