Saddle vs. Lock-on

[bfriendly]

Anyone use both and have thoughts? Went to go hang a lock-on yesterday after using my saddle exclusively for a while now. Got it installed, sat on it, lowered it back down. I found myself liking the top step (platform) and my saddle better than sitting there in the lock on, not to mention the work getting it up. I feel safer in my saddle as well.

Absolutely feel safer in my saddle, but it’s pretty much bow only. I’ll be in a leaner or on the ground for gun season. The Buzzard’s roost is my first 2 panel and it’s pretty sweet! I just find a saddle is way more comfortable as well as much more conducive for bow hunting, versus any leaner……no climbers for me!

 

[Kris87]

I think what people use is more actually dictated by what it cool on hunting shows at the time.

That's why I do it. I just kill big deer as a side product.

 

[uturn]

I’m a lock-on guy and just love them..but have come up with a modified version of a saddle with my LW Handclimber, some sticks, my Black Diamond, Linemen’s and a Lanyard. And, it‘s still a climber as well..when accompanied by the seat.

I don’t consider it any thing other than a throw caution to the wind set-up if that makes any sense at all…I seriously do not believe anything will ever replace lock-on‘s for me!

Good luck this season folks!!

 

[deast1988]

Tried both multiple brands, I’ve gone to Dryad harnesss with a loc on.

My brother uses, a saddle with a loc on (Hybrid). But has the ability to do a true saddle platform if he wishes.

 

[James12]

I think what people use is more actually dictated by what it cool on hunting shows at the time.

This is why I use a saddle. Was borderline on-board with The Hunting Public using them, but when the other influencers jumped in the saddle, so did I. And I’ll be in mine until they change theirs.

 

[bfriendly]

This is why I use a saddle. Was borderline on-board with The Hunting Public using them, but when the other influencers jumped in the saddle, so did I. And I’ll be in mine until they change theirs.

Absolutely it’s the Fun Factor! I’ll say the safety part is a bonus Though and I like it a lot! I’m a big fan of THP too! I think they show and tell their experiences like they Want you to succeed!

 

[Sargent]

Still hunting out of an original Tree Saddle.. going to upgrade the tether to Amsteel though.

 

[BamaGeorgialine]

This is why I use a saddle. Was borderline on-board with The Hunting Public using them, but when the other influencers jumped in the saddle, so did I. And I’ll be in mine until they change theirs.

I agree! Whatever Levi Morgan does, I'm doing exactly the same thing. My draw length is 28.5 inches, but I shoot at 30 inches just because he does! If he starts shooting a crossbow, then I'll find a new hero

 

[drhunter1]

I’ve been trying a saddle for a couple of years now. I’m still trying to get used to it but I think I have done it enough where I am starting to feel comfortable with it. Trying to make my set up as lightweight as possible and have some amsteel rope mods coming for my XOP X2 sticks from Hang Free.com.

 

[drhunter1]

I have a JX3 with the JX3 climbing sticks. Anyone else have one and what do you think of it if you do.

 

[Ihunt]

Loc on guy here.
All the ones I buy now are aluminum with the seats that are like a recliner.
Very comfortable and light enough that I can still hang them. Hang about 20 a year.

 

[tree cutter 08]

I really don't like hunting out of a tree but if I have to I like a saddle. Been using one for 20 years. Just changed my climbing method from climbing spurs to the one stick. Saddle is no doubt the safest way to be in a tree.

 

[James12]

I really don't like hunting out of a tree but if I have to I like a saddle. Been using one for 20 years. Just changed my climbing method from climbing spurs to the one stick. Saddle is no doubt the safest way to be in a tree.

Most definitely the safest.

 

[drhunter1]

I like a saddle because it’s compact and a little lighter and can get in smaller trees overall. Admittedly this will be my first full year saddle hunting but I have grown to like it.

 

[jbogg]

I have a JX3 with the JX3 climbing sticks. Anyone else have one and what do you think of it if you do.

I’ve used the JX 3 hybrid exclusively for five years. I modified it by adding a Molle padded hip belt, and load lifters. I sandwich a large camo bag in between the backrest and seat when it’s in the carrying position, and it will carry heavy weight just as comfortably as my mystery ranch, or Horn Hunter meat packs.

I really enjoy the safety aspect, comfort for all day sits, and ability to shoot a bow 360° around the tree. The pic below was from my seven hour sit yesterday afternoon until dark while looking for bears.

 

[drhunter1]

I’ve used the JX 3 hybrid exclusively for five years. I modified it by adding a Molle padded hip belt, and load lifters. I sandwich a large camo bag in between the backrest and seat when it’s in the carrying position, and it will carry heavy weight just as comfortably as my mystery ranch, or Horn Hunter meat packs.

I really enjoy the safety aspect, comfort for all day sits, and ability to shoot a bow 360° around the tree. The pic below was from my seven hour sit yesterday afternoon until dark while looking for bears.
View attachment 1331573View attachment 1331574

I sold my JX3 and the sticks. Not because It wasn’t great because it was. I went with a conventional saddle because it is lighter. The JX3 is an awesome piece of equipment. Nothing is more comfortable once up in the tree.

 

[jimdickson]

Cruzr saddle and ultimate one stick - rappelling out of the tree after the hunt. I use it for bow and rifle, but I think it’s better for rifle hunting.

 

[feathersnantlers]

I use Cruzr saddle, Skeletor sticks and 3 -4 ring of steps. I wear USAF knee pads. I stay up at least half a day

 

[HardlyHangin]

I’ve used the JX 3 hybrid exclusively for five years. I modified it by adding a Molle padded hip belt, and load lifters. I sandwich a large camo bag in between the backrest and seat when it’s in the carrying position, and it will carry heavy weight just as comfortably as my mystery ranch, or Horn Hunter meat packs.

I really enjoy the safety aspect, comfort for all day sits, and ability to shoot a bow 360° around the tree. The pic below was from my seven hour sit yesterday afternoon until dark while looking for bears.
View attachment 1331573

Preach

 

[HardlyHangin]

I killed a decent buck out of a climber back in 2018, no problem. Then I got sucked into the saddles years ago, regrettably selling my climber. My issues were always: long term comfort, i could never be still, and was always repositioning to releive pressure. my feet always fatigued from leaning. every shot i attempt felt awkward and i missed a lot. Never found a climbing method i liked.

Got to the point i hated climbing and spent a year or so ground hunting exclusively. I still do some, but for rifle rut hunting i think being elevated gives more/longer windows of shot opportunities. It is safer and less hassle.

I killed my buck last year from my late grandpa's windwalker locon. I used my saddle as a harness. It was so nice just sutting down and not staring at a tree in my face. i still wouldnt want to sit in it all day, but certainly for all morning or evening. Heavier than a saddle platform but the weight is well worth comfort gain.

Ive modded my jx3 similarly to jbogg. Although i still have some testing to do, i think it might be the end all beat all for mountain hunting.

PM me if anyone wants to buy/trade for a one stick climbing setup or a recon sling 2 panel saddle.