Saddle Question

Depends on the tree size. I like 12'. 8 is too short for a lot of trees. Body size doesn't matter

Will do. Thanks sir

Selection will be better for a Ropeman for the 11mm. I have the 8 and wish I went bigger for this reason alone.

I generally like bigger rope for everything except a Prussik.

Saddle hunters are into shaving off weights on everything and the smaller 8mm ropes will weigh less. They’ll all work fine but like someone else said the ascender will be different. I use a 9mm and use the Kong ascender because wildman or ropeman won’t work for the smaller ropes.

I'm looking at a tethrd saddle

I tried out several and liked the Latitude Method 2 the best. That’s what I bought and it’s been on sale.

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I tried out several and liked the Latitude Method 2 the best. That’s what I bought and it’s been on sale

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Supposedly, latitude isn’t making them anymore. I ordered an arsenal infinity to try next season, and I ordered another method 2 also. I’ve had my current one for 3 seasons, and when I read about them discontinuing it, I ordered the new one. It’s the best saddle I’ve tried, for sure.

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Another disturbing trend I am seeing is guys using mechanical ascenders instead of prusik knots on their regular safety harnesses while hunting out of climbers and lock-on's.

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Oooof. Not good.

If you want a lighter rope (8 - 9 mm) because you only want to reduce weight, go with a CT Roll-n-Lock as an ascender. It can handle larger diameter ropes, but goes down to 8mm. One note, it does require an oval carabiner. The Kong Duck may also, but I think they had some issues, but I'm not 100% certain. If rappelling is the goal, the Madrock Safeguard is best for ascending because it is quiet and easy to operate, but is not rated for 8 mm ropes, so 9 mmm is your sweet spot (you do not want to haul in 30+ feet of 10+ mm rope). It can be jumpy when you begin to descend if you have it under tension for extended periods before doing so, but it'll get you out of the tree just fine. If you want the smoothest descent possible go with the Petzl GriGri Plus (8.9 mm+). Smooth as silk descent, but it can be loud when ascending. You can make it quieter with stealth strips or electrical tape on the connection points, but it's also bulky. It also has a fail safe that stops descent in case you panic and grab the handle.

If not rappelling or scared of a few more ounces, I like the JX3 tethers because the stopper ball holds the tether on the tree at height and they hold up to abuse well. They are also a little stiffer than Predator rope, which makes advancing the tether during ascent on pine trees easier. On the flip side, the stopper ball holds the girth hitch well on smooth hardwood trees. As far as length goes, 8 to 10 feet should be beaucoup unless you're hunting redwoods. If you set your tether lower on the tree at height, the tag end can get in the way, but you can always daisy chain it up a little.

The most important aspects to consider on a tether is the devices you'll want to utilize on it and the overall function:

Minimal weight tether only at height - Resc Tech 8mm + CTRNL
More durable tether only at height - Predator 11 mm/JX3 10 mm + Ropeman 1/CTRNL
Tether advanced as you climb (Especially Pines) - JX3 10 mm + Ropeman 1/CTRNL
Climb + Rappel (Pines) - Canyon IV 9mm + Madrock/GriGri Plus
Climb + Rappel (Mostly Hardwoods) - Canyon Elite 9mm + Madrock/GriGri Plus

Also remember that if you plan on using a friction hitch instead of a mechanical device, the hitch cord must be 60 to 80 percent the size of your tether. Smaller cord will tie easier, but may require more wraps and therefore be harder to break, while larger cord will usually grab better, depending on rope type. I like 7mm cord on a 9 mm tether.