Just wanted to post my opinion here on the plus and minus of each of these systems. Again, JMHO after hunting out of all three. I have hunted out of a Summit Viper for years and dearly love it. However, I have to hunt public land and the carry in for the Viper was starting to wear on me so I was looking for something different....
A good friend let me borrow his treesaddle and after hunting in it here is what I like and dislike...
1) Very light and easy to put on.
2) Absolutley love the shooting posistions you can get in. Easiest shot there is is directly behind you right close to the tree, just turn around and pivot.
3) Hate the tether hookup to the tree ! Hate trying to tie the tight tight enough to keep it in place. Just cannot seem to make it stay up on the tree high enough and well enough once you put your weight on it always seems to wind up too low. My arms run out of blood trying to tie it good enough.
4) Do not like the way the saddle conforms, or should I say bites into your sides, even this afternoon hunting out of a t shirt. Can only imagine how cramped you would feel with a heavy coat on. It seems to dig in about halfway up your ribcage. Reminds me of my brothers complaints about climbing small trees with his Ol Man climber before they put the spreader bars on them to keep it from pinching in on the hunter. My shirt kept riding up too.
5) Have to wear knee pads, just something else to take to the woods and try to keep up with. You would be in real trouble without them. You are constantly being forced into the tree.
6) Just could not stay still for more than a few minutes while trying to stay in the seated position, cannot lean back, have to sorta hug the tree with your arms or put them up on the tether belt which is not that comfy. Also felt like I was constantly fighting off a, " wedgie " !!!
My brother bought a Guido's Web a few weeks back and I hunted out of it first. In my humble opinion the Guido's Web is far superior to the TreeSaddle. I feel the only thing the Web gives up to the TreeSaddle is true 360 degree shooting, as well as being able to shoot almost straight down out of the TreeSaddle. I know that is a iffy shot, most likely a one lunger and may not get a pass thru, however some take that shot. Here are my likes and dislikes of Guido's Web.
1) Easy to carry since it is a backpack. Fast to deploy once you reach your tree.
2) LOVE the tree tether, once you reach your hunting height you simply yank the tag end of the tether tight to the tree, NO KNOT to fight !
3) Much more comfy, truly feels like you are sitting in a chair handing from a rope. The webbing does not pinch in on you, it is several inches wider than you are.
4) The metal V bar standoff is DA BOMB ! This is what really makes the web so comfy. You do not feel you are constantly fighting to stay off the tree. I was in it for 4 hrs and did not want to get down, but it was dark !
5) The full backrest with adjustable angle is awesome. You can change positions with a simple push / pull adjustment right at your side. I was laid completely back like I was in a recliner for a while, then I would cinch it up tight where I was sitting straight up.
6) Guido's Web is self contained, no extras like knee pads needed. The large game bag on the back holds my woodpecker drill and 18 bolts for climbing, no problem. Easy to access my bolts as I ascend the tree, drilling my holes as I go up.
With all this being said, I do think both make a quality product, just different. That is why we have chocolate, vanilla, and 37 other flavors, right ! I will still take my Summit Viper hands down if the walk is not too far, but if it is over 3/4 mile it will be Guidos Web for me ! With the woodpecker drill and bolt system it is even easier the second time you hunt the tree. No holes to drill, just slip your bolts in as you go up and take them out when you leave.
I hope this helps others that have been thinking about these systems. I know I had lots of questions before I was able to try both. Love tradgang and all the good advice and folks on here !
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