tree saddles,slings,hangy dangly things

[turkeyslayer]

does anybody use these instead of stands?would like some info/pro's & con's.also need a list of some different brand names,& do you have a problem shootin a longbow out them.
thanks keith

[Mark Baker]

Twenty five years ago, I bought an Anderson tree sling, and used it a bunch for many years.  Not so much  now, as I enjoy more comfortable perches...but I will still dig it out for "aggressive" hunting at times.   I think many of the newer sling style products are somewhat of an improvement in comfort.  Still, I could spend 4 hours easily with one.  Some keys to success  using them are having good footsteps, footholds  to afford  you some  movement around  the tree.    You will not have problems shooting with them, and really,  you will feel "safer" at times contorting your body  for shots.  They work well for  those who learn to use them properly.  I still use mine  a  lot as  a safety harness,  too, and it  works  great as a deer drag.     I  consider it one  of  the  best  purchases I  ever made in hunting gear.

[turkeyslayer]

thanks mark, i was thinking of using one mainly when im power scouting for fresh rut sign,rather than walking all the way back to the truck to get a stand,or rather than building a ground blind.i dont like to scout with my stand on my back & i am more successful hunting whitetails out of a tree.

[Mark Baker]

My Anderson tree sling rolls  into  a softball sized package and easily slips  into  a fanny pack.   Also, getting into  trees you would never get  a  stand  into is a big plus.   There really are many advantages at times  to them.    Good luck.

[joebuck]

I use Guido's Web below made in Leland Ms.I am a total convert to this style hunting for 3 years now.
Pro:  Deer can't see you in the tree
      Comfortable for all day long sitting
      Lumbar support
      Can Not fall out. I sleep in mine
      360 degree shooting(with a little practice)
      lightweight

Con:  It takes a little practice to figure out how to walk around the tree and shoot

PM ..me if you need additional info about QuidosWeb. I have NO $ with this compnay just a customer

 http://www.guidosoutdoors.com

 

[turkeyslayer]

thanks guys,keep em coming,im learning some new things  here.

[East Coast archer]

Like Mark, I have an anderson tree sling I got years ago.  I also just got a tree saddle this past year at a good price used. I like both, but still use regular stands too.  I use the treesling during the early season since the tree saddle I got is the one with the neoprene or if I am walking far like out west.  The tree saddle is more comfortable, a little safer to set up in and turns better.  I have several hang on and ladder stands set up year round in trees with good back cover and use the treesling or tree saddle when I set up that day and hunt or in trees that are more open.  I can say by experience  that deer (both mule and whitetail) have a harder time making you out in one then a regular stand.  I've had both look at me while I was moving and either come closer and/or stop paying attention when I stopped moving.  I guess they think I'm part of the tree.  If you are interested in the tree saddle I suggest you check their website.  One bit of advice that hasn't been said all ready, a cheap pair of gray rubber knee pads from home depot help a lot while using the tree saddle.

[heydeerman]

I have used a Treesuit for years. I agree with Mark up there. Good steps are a must. The Guidos web looks interesting.

[Legolas]

Please go to the product review forum and read the one I did on the  TREESUIT.
 I love it.

Believe it or not I feel that being in one 6 hours plus feels better than a conventional stand cause you can stretch and find a whole bunch of positions to get into.

Also when game is approaching I can rest my bow arm over the strap and hold the position easily. Many times in a conventional treestand you can get made when you try to hold the bow out as game is approaching.

Paul

[One eye]

I too have the Tree Saddle.  I got it late last season, so I am just learning it though.  I am really excited about it, as I like the mobility and light weight it offers.

I will most likely give up conventional stands and simply use my Tree Saddle when I am not hunting off the ground.

Dan

[frank the hunter]

i am new to trad gear & have not tried my long bow out of my tree saddle yet but alot of time in it with my compound & love it. it is one of the best hunting tools i got. very safe, set up in trees very fast you well be glad you bought it. have a great & hunt safe.

[GreenJeans]

I have the Guido's Web.  I love mine.  It has a comfortable seat with a spreader bar that keeps you away from the tree when seated.  Good back support as well.  I haven't used a conventional stand in 2 years.  You do need to practice shooting out of it just as any stand.  I typically use lone wolf sticks to get up the tree and have multiple steps on one strap for standing on and walking the tree.

[b.glass]

I don't have anyone to help me put up stands for the most part. And getting safely (at least feeling safe) in and out of a regular treestand is difficulty for me. I'm a fifty year old woman and don't want limitations. So, that being said, I really liked the treesaddle I used last year. I can prep and hunt out of a tree without any help if necessary. And I can set up pretty high if I want to.

[Legolas]

I also use a woodpecker drill and bolts to get up the tree (from Simmons Archery). I can hold the drill and enough bolts to get me up 18-20 feet in one hand. The treesuit is on my lowback like a fanny pack,very light.

The 3rd rope harness on the Treesuit lets me climb the tree with both hands free to drill and put the bolts in. The Berries.

 
Paul

[turkeyslayer]

thanks guys & girls,keep em coming.

[Dave Lay]

9:00 Monday.. Keith, shouldnt you be workin?? LOL!! yea, me to.. intreasted in this thread from our talk..  Dave

[Yohon]

Here is a good thread that Joebuck started thats got alot of good info

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=051826

[turkeyslayer]

ttt

[Squirrel Bait]

I use the Deluxe Tree Saddle( leather version) with Rapid Rails and 4 strap-on steps on one strap for footing around tree. Well I did until some sorry no good for nothing , mangey, nappy headed , worthless sack of monkey dung, Stole my Rails and steps. But he was nice enough to leave my hook-up strap 20' up the tree.  

[Arrow Slinga]

I used the tree saddle this past season and love it. I have quite a few spots ready to go so I can move around alot with just one stand. I don't have to worry about somebody spoting my stand and using it when I am not there or it not being there when I get to my stand.I also like people very rarly see the spot you are hunting and move in on you. Like sombody already said above make sure to get some knee pads!