tree saddle ? pros/cons

[larry]

who has used one and what do you think?

thanks, larry

[NoCams]

Heh Larry,
Tons of old threads on this subject. I have tried both the TreeSaddle and the Guido's Web. For me the Guido's works better. So much more comfortable and allows me to stay still. However, love the shot options and ease out of a TreeSaddle. Most comfortable thing I have ever shot a bow out of and allows your upper body to stay in the proper, " T " form.

Here are my rules.... If it is over 3/4 mile walk in to my spot on public land then I am hunting the Guidos Web. If it is less and a  evening hunt where I can hunt the following morning too then it is my Summit Viper climber. Only have to carry it in once and get two hunts out of it, one evening, one morning and do not worry about it being stolen overnight.

The Saddle and Web do allow more options for hiding from the deer too. If you get the drop on them and see them coming you can hide behind the tree and get in perfect shooting position before they get to the tree. I use the Woodpecker drill and 16-18 bolts to climb with. Others use Lone Wolf sticks. If I had to carry the sticks and the Web it is more weight than my Summit Viper and I would simply use it instead. JHMO

[wulf]

I have a TreeSaddle as well as a Treesuit which is similar in that it hangs from a tree.  The Saddle is easy to set up and manuever around in once in place.  I have found however that regardless of position, I have to move to stay comfortable which means I "squirm" around a bit to relieve pressure off the sides of my legs.  If I do try just standing on tree steps with the Saddle supporting me against the tree, I find my feet eventually tire and once again I start "squirming".

The Treesuit has a firm seat which I found to be much more comfortable but the way it's attached to the tree makes noise as you position for a shot.  I realize you only asked about the TreeSaddle but comparisons are inevitable and it seems "most" people find the systems that provide a solid seat to be more comfortable sitting for long periods of time.  I do believe that the Treesuit is no longer in production.

I would agree with NoCams that the TreeSaddle is very easy to shoot a bow from and with absolutely no fear of falling whatsoever.  Because of my tendency to have to "move" around to be comfotable hanging with the Saddle, I feel I would need to hunt from considerably higher than I would otherwise to avoid being "picked off".

[SuperK]

I use the TreeSaddle and love it.  It does take some time to "find" the most comfortable "position" for you.  Don't forget knee pads.  They are a must.  I find that if I am real "fidgety" I normally have too much weight on my feet and need to go more in a seated position and let my knees support more weight.  I have actually got some pretty good naps in mine.

[NoCams]

That is the other reason I like the Guido's Web over the TreeSaddle.... no knee pads required ! With the TreeSaddle you are constantly being forced into the tree, with the Web the V bar holds you off the tree in total comfort.

Wulf is correct about the, "squirming", too. I simply could not be still for more than 10-15 minutes in the TreeSaddle and man I tried everything. I wanted to make it work and have a good friend who likes his but just not for me. I tried the Saddle on three hunts in early season and like wulf said, " had to squirm to relieve the pressure off the side of my legs. " Remember this was in early season with nothing on but thin cotton pants and a long sleeve T shirt. Cannot imagine what it feels like in mid to late season with heavy clothes on.

To me the Guido's Web is the best there is. It truly feels like you are sitting in a nice comfy chair that is hanging from a rope. Also the Guido's Web allows you to sit up straight with great back support or recline simply by letting out the side strap, just pull or loosen. Also I have always hunted higher than most but with the Web you can hunt lower and hide behind the tree. No side pressure on your legs and lower torso in a Web either, plenty of room. JMHO

[dennis502]

I used a TreeSaddle on and off 2 season's ago. I love the idea of these types of systems but I just couldn't get comfortable. I tried every variation of position and used knee pads, but try as I might I couldn't get comfortable.

More than once I climbed out of the tree after less than an hour and sat in a makeshift ground blind.

The Guido's Web looks to me like a better mousetrap, though I've not tried one. The price and weight, however, make me think a lightweight hang-on stand is probably a better option, at least for me.