I ordered a Tree Saddle

[Sticks2117]

I am wondering how long it will take me to get used to it. I should get it later this week I plan on spending next weekend and a few weeknights in the backyard shooting out of it, sitting in it, and just getting used to it.
For those of you that own them I am wondering if 20' is high enough or how high you hunt with yours, I don't do well after 20'.

[NoCams]

sticks,
I would think 20' would be plenty high, probably could hunt lower since the saddle helps break up your outline better than a regular stand. You can also keep the tree between you and the deer too, unlike a fixed stand. If you were 20' and the deer was less than 10yds you are taking a chance of hitting one lung due to the steep angle of the shot.

Here in TN we hunt deer that are extremely pressured and will look up sometimes. We typically hunt around 18' tops with a bow for better angles. I will climb 25 to 30 feet sometimes if needed and gun hunting.

A good friend has let me try his saddle and I do like it, but my brother just bought Guido's Web and I will compare the two this week. So far he loves his Guido's Web.

nocams

[wihill]

I have one and use it almost exclusively now.  I've made some changes to the way it comes (definately not something I'd recommend everyone do, but it works great for my needs and I accept all faults and responisbility for my modifications), and just love it.  My carry weight in is only 6#, depending on what I want to do I can climb any tree, and am dead silent going through the woods.  I don't think I'd have any problems stalking with it on.

That said, I'm a sucker for heights.  I don't know why, I usually end up over 25', which is usually way too high.  18-20' is best, and offers the greatest view vs angle of attack for deer.

Practice, practice, practice.  It's definately a bit different than your typical platform stand.

[Overspined]

I didn't like the way the tree sling made me face the tree. I began using the Sneaky Sak and think it is okay. I have not tried the Guido's Web. The Sneaky Sak allows you to face away from the tree and you can sit/stand on limbs. I will get some use out of it and used it the other night. I really had a tough time facing the tree and trying to shoot a trad bow...very difficult.

[dnovo]

I have had mine for a year now and am still learning little tricks every time I use it but i really like it. On my own property I still hang a number of fixed stands but anywhere else I use the saddle. I have been picked off a couple times due to being skylined or moving when I did not know there was a deer near me. Figuring out how to move around the tree to get the shot was the hardest part for me. I tend to go up about 16-18' which is about where I always hang my stands. Seems to be a good compomise between too high and too low. Just figure out how to use it and then get out in the woods and learn the small but important details. Shooting with a 64" longbow has not been a problem

[JSimon]

Originally posted by wihill:
I have one and use it almost exclusively now.  I've made some changes to the way it comes

Do you mind going over your changes to the saddle? I have one as well, and I've been contemplating getting rid of shoulder straps and possibly the leg loops, but if I cut them off there's no going back. I've also been thinking about a better line-man belt and maybe a different strap for the tree.

[wihill]

JSimon you pretty much nailed all the things I've adjusted.  

The only thing I've not done - yet - was get rid of those shoulder straps.  As much as I dislike them, I haven't quite found the piece that I want to use instead of them, so they stay on.  Wrestling with them in the dark is a good way to get my blood going for the walk.

I don't use the lineman's belt, I made my own which is significantly lighter and easier to adjust (for me anyway).  I changed the connection point also, and it works in tandum with my climbing foot platform.  I like mine better becuase the connection point is much lower, but still secure to the tree, so I can lift my GM (62AMO) over the point and still shoot easily on the other side.

It's still a work in progress, but like you said, the moment you start "changing" things, there's no going back.  So far I keep finding little things to adjust, but like any experiment, I only adjust one at a time until I find what works for me.

[trashwood]

I hunted with one two yrs ago.......25' high holy moly I'd have to be on oxygen and take a nose bleed kit     now that is high.

it took me several tries and test tries before I got the routine and technique down to a point that I could get on the stand (well not a stand but the bosen chair) in the dark and be quite enough.

use your safety rig getting up the tree and the saddle adjusted PLEASE.  there is a point when you are putting the attachment rope around the tree and the saddle adjusted to your butt that was scarey for me.  don't think I am a brave as wihill.

I have several double shelf bows.  I can shoot 45# left or right handed (got changed from left handed to right handed in school).  I have to close my doninate eye to shoot goofy handed.  I I use the double shelves with the tree saddle a lot.  if i locate the deer soon enough I can switch sides and shoot almost 360 degrees out the saddle.  ya have to have time to sort things out.  it is not a fast draw process switch hitting from the tree saddle for me but it is effective.

I like to use the saddle a lot but it still kinda scares me  

rusty

[trashwood]

btw I order another thingy also to use with the tree saddle.  it is drill to use on and electric drill motor (and a hand cranked one too).  the thing came with the proper sized bolts to go in the tree for the holes drilled.  of course I use it to put in the foot braces (steps) for the tree saddle.  I never figured out a good way to use my climbing latter top steps comfortable for a long stay.  it was much better for me to put serious steps in esp since I wanted to go both ways.

rusty

[KSdan]

Saddle here.  

I am trying to figure how some think this is scarey.  Been using one this year and it is IMPOSSIBLE to fall out.  Safest system I have ever seen.  I get to the top of my lone wolf sticks- make sure lineman belt is in place.  Tie on the long hang strap then attach it to the saddle.  Once attached I remove the lineman strap.  How can you possibly fall out?  

I have the removed shoulder straps as they are just  cumbersome and serve no purpose other than keep it up- tightening the belt does the same thing until it is attached. I am not sure why you would remove the leg straps as that is what keeps you in, keeps you from falling, and gives you the maneuverability.

I am still learning how to manuever.  The portability is just slightly better than my older lone wolf stand-which I take in and out at every sit. On the other hand- I am not sure the extra tree steps needed to establish the platform around the trunk along with the actual saddle wt. is much less than my lone wolf stand.  I still carry in the sticks on a packboard so. . .wt. may turn out to be negligible.

I am not quite convinced yet that you really get that much more shooting capacity/options with the saddle/trad. combo.  The compounds may be better though.  The only way you could get more for trad is trim all the limbs around the tree giving you a telephone pole.  You also do have to move around more to get into position.

I would rather sit amongst a few limbs- that is where the standard treestand still seems a bit better.  And the standard tree stand moves you away from the trunk which also aids in bow/shooting maneuverability.

I am committed to the learning curve this fall however.  Time will tell.  I hope it works out, but I may just stay portable with my lone wolf and sticks.    

I hope this comes up later/after the season.  It will be a better evaluation then.

Good luck.

Dan in KS

[Sticks2117]

Thank You all for your advise and knowledge. I am really excited about this new toy. I have read good reviews and bad mostly good. So well see. Thanks everyone!!

[trashwood]

Dan - I admire your attitude but let me assure you it is easy for some of us to be scared when we get our old butts higher than our lounger chair    .  if you we gave me the 700 billion dallor bank bail out I would consider climbing one of those tall skinner tower for a few minutes before I turned it down    .

rusty -happily grounded- Craine

[Dave Bulla]

I'm looking real hard at these also.  I even started about "comparing tree suit, saddle, sak & guido's web" to try to get more info.  Of all the comercially available models the tree suit seems to be the winner in quality, comfort and safety.  They ain't cheap though...

[KSdan]

Sure Rusty- no ill or attitude intended on my part. . . sorry if it sounded that way.  

I do have a vertigo disease, so off balance and violent falling is a reality for me.  That saddle is just plain secure and safe feeling.  I HATE heights!!  

Dave- mine is the mesh saddle instead of the leather.  Sure like it.  I would think the leather would be heavier and hold scent. If you want to check mine out, perhaps we could meet up somewhere some time. . . I live near Lawrence, KS.

Dan

[ChetterB]

Hello Sticks 2117, You will need to practice the hook up a few times and then you should be able to take it to the field and put it to use. 20 feet is plenty high enough with the right set up you can let the deer walk right on by and take a quartering away shot while using the tree as a shield. Best thing about this set up is 360 shooting and not having to worry about the length of your bow being a handicap!!! good luck.

[Sticks2117]

I got it today I will pratice a few times on the ground and I should be able to go up the tree I think it is almost impossible to fall with this thing, if I treat it with respect. I like it so far on the ground it really seems safe. Wish me luck and safety I'll keep ya'll posted!!

Brian

[Dave Bulla]

Which model did you get?  I just bought a used leather one from the classifieds here.  Can't wait to get it.

[Sticks2117]

Hi Dave I bought a Stealth on **** for a steal. It will take some pratice to get used to but I think it'll be worth it. I got a few tree steps I am going to the club to practice with it today, lots of trees there. let me kow what you think when you gat yours. Mine didn't come with the dvd I called the company and the lady told me that the on video on there web site is the same as the dvd. if you have any questions call them they are very helpful.

shoot straight! Brian

[EIGHTWGT]

Anyone have pictures of a sneaky sak ??

[Sticks2117]

I looked couldn't find any