Im an arm amputee and saddle hunt. The ascender was the best upgrade for me. Im also a rock climber so i have a lot of experience with them which made it a much easier to adjust quickly.
My Friday night's pre drinks are boring now without pinch point and this is coming from an Irish guy who's from a country that doesn't allow bow hunting. I've got to live me life vicariously through you guys.
Bring it back!!!
I’m with you on the prussic knots. The Ropeman is a must have!!
I sent my Ropeman's back for the recall waiting for them to replace and put the Prusics back on in the meantime, I can confirm, They Suck!! even with tenders on them.
Gear tie.... Attach it to the top of your platform and when at the height you want to hunt have your lineman's line above where you want to hang your platform, twist the gear tie that is attached to the top of your platform to the lineman's rope. Now you don't have to hold on to the platform while you run the strap around the tree. List was spot on JZ. I agree Stealth Strips could be #1. Also the Latitude gear strap is great for putting your backpack at the heights you mention but in an easier fashion.
All you need is Prussic tender you can diy with .50 worth of paracord to have one hand operation.
Those Ascenders are Metal on Metal and has a potential to make more noise in the quiet woods. Using a Tender with your Prusik Knot is a One Hand operation
Ascenders are good, but in combination with the necessary carabiner can be noisy, prusik are not that difficult to handle.
Converting a 20” hawk helium (with 3 step aider) to a one stick has been my favorite saddle hunting upgrade so far. Less bulk to carry in and out, or up and down the tree. Shaves pounds of weight off your kit.
Ascender, stealth strips, and knee pads👍👍👍 I also really like 2-3 bullman steps, these will help eliminate the "weak side" shots>
Thanks that's what I have just finished getting so far. Have not yet used my saddle .
The ascender on your tree tether is much needed but you can save a few bucks and make your linemen’s rope have a built in ascender.
Feed the end of your linemen’s rope through the carabiner and it becomes a prusik tender. Allows you to operate it with one hand, it’s silent because no more metal is introduced to the set, and it’s free!
I've tried the rope tenders and never had much luck with them. Still prefer the ascender.
I have everything it takes to saddle hunt but I haven't done it much because I don't like fooling with the climbing sticks. BUT in about another month there is going to be a self-climbing platform coming out that was invented for saddle hunting. It is called the Panther platform and is due to debut in July. IMHO it is the one thing that is really the final piece of the puzzle for saddle hunting. It will only weigh six pounds and completely eliminates the need for sticks. I can't wait!
I’m one stick too. No need to risk clicking stuff together. One stick platform is the way to go. Been happy for years.
That's awesome! We'll be sure to check it out. The only issue is getting around tree branches, which we have a lot of. That's where climbing sticks really come in handy.
There are already climbing platforms out. Or you could just use the bottom piece of a climber and have a bigger platform. But like already stated you have to get around the branches still. 🤷♂️
Great video for anyone starting out.
Might be personal preference. I also wouldn't want to go without my Doyle's gear hoist.
Not gonna lie - I was kicking myself for forgetting to include my Doyle's in this list!
What platform is this thing looks huge?
sry the prussic is a non issue with a tender I use an ascender on my tether but not on my linesman the prussic works great with a tender
Those knots are the simplest things in the world one hand operation no problem self tendering and everything 2 finger releasing.
You need The hip pinch eliminator total game changer.
I got one but haven't used it yet! Hopefully I'll like it as much as everyone says.
“Must have saddle gear” also this guy “these aren’t really necessary”
I have to give my two or three friends who have gotten me into saddle hunting for this coming season all the credit in the world because I’ve basically learned nothing from this video. Good information on the last but thank you to Taylor and Austin-lane and Ben.