Let's talk tree saddles

Trying out a Cruzr Archon and a predator xl platform. Not sure I'm gonna stick with it.

Tree Hopper Recon with modified Lone Wolf hand climber seat instead of sticks….. I hate sticks

Cruzr XC
Predator Platform
3 Beast sticks with amsteel aiders

Been my favorite setup thus far in my saddle hunting journey

I currently use a cruzr xc. I have a buzzard roost on the way to test out a 2 panel and see if it’s more comfortable. I also use a trophy line wingman to one stick with.

I'm currently using the Latitude Method. I like it a lot, but I haven't run anything else. I use the predator platform and 4 trophy line mini sticks sometimes with an aider and sometimes without.

Anyone compare the latitude method 2 to the tethrd phantom?

I'm running the Overwatch Transformer and it is lights out comfortable. Climbing method is 4-20" Hawk sticks with a 20" aider on each. That will get me to around 20' if needed. XOP platform is rock solid too. I actually feel way more solid when drawing and anchoring just because my weight is already on my tether and my body is not moving. It's my first year using a saddle (coming from climbers and lock-ons) and I don't think I'm going back. I'm hunting private and have preset 3-4 trees with climbing sticks and gear hangers. Super quiet and easy to get set up in the dark too.

Saddle: Overwatch Transformer - This is the best made saddle I have come across. It is extremely comfortable and functional. I have no desire to try anything else. Transformer Saddle

Sticks: 4, 30" Hawk Heliums. Two with double aiders, two with single aiders. Get my feet to 25' with out having to stretch out too much.


Platform: Hawk Apex + Ring of Tree Hopper Steps - I modded the platform a little. Cut teeth into the edge of it and added a couple U bolts to the tree bracket. I use an OCB for the platform. I have the ring of steps attached to the bottom of the platform via soft shackle and OCB buckle.

I keep forgetting to snap a pic of just the platform with the ring of steps. You can see one of the steps in this picture. It makes a world of difference in shot stability and opens up more angles. I killed a hog this year because of the them. I won't hunt without them.

Aiders: DIY 1/4" Chinese HMWPE

Tether/Linemen's Belts: 11mm Deep Woods by All Gear - Made these myself as well. I have a Ropeman 1 on both the belt and tether. 6" spliced eyes, properly lock stitched and tails whiplocked. I use Madrock Ultra Tech Tripple Lock carabiners.

Gear Hanger: Another DIY job - I made them out of .75" webbing and .5" x 1/8" aluminum rod. This video shows how to make the hangers: DIY Bow/Gear Hanger



Here is all my crap on my backpack, Alps Pursuit. I am no totally sold on how to carry everything. Sometimes I put my sticks on the sides and sometimes I attach everything to the platform and then to the pack: