@@djlouyang98 a budget saddle system should at least be safe and secure…. Anyone that knows how to tie a prusik loop knows that a prusik loops rope needs to be smaller than rope it’s attached to to bite properly? There’s no reason that they slide 6-8” that after you put weight on them . Now I have ropeman ascenders and it’s fine
Just wanted to give a 2nd opinion. I'm new to saddle hunting and just bought this same kit for $499. The comparable trophyline kit with sticks, platform, and pack is $1,089. The comparable latitude kit is $1,149. You kept mentioning your tetherd saddle, which no doubt is the industry standard. I couldn't find a complete tetherd kit so I priced buying the same components from their website. A tethered phantom saddle with amsteel bridge, (which doesn't come with a tether or linesman rope, so you buy each separately) their cheapest platform and sticks, 2 of their sys haulers, and their only pack (which alone costs $350) came to a total of $1,450. I agree with you completely. The prusick knots in this kit aren't very good and the 3rd rope used for a bridge doesn't work great either. When I bought this kit, I knew I would be adding on, but was ok with that for the budget price. I bought a hang free triad bridge for $33, and 2 ropeman ascenders for $90. I now have a full operational saddle kit for under $650, half the price of all the others. Just wanted to clarify that the $500 price tag you kept complaining about is cheap compared to all the others for what you get.
@@travisthompson9115 hey brother not to argue with you but the tethrd phantom kit I bought was definitely not 1450$ . The kit I’m talking about was just the saddle kit no sticks and no back pack. All I’m saying is they could have done a LITTLE more to that saddle to make it worth it and honestly to make it safer . The reason the prusik loops don’t work well on this kit is due to the ropes being the same size or close to the same size . For a prusik loop to work properly the diameter of the prusik rope has to be smaller that the rope it’s attached to to help it bite down .
Also I plan to do a part 2 to this review after we break her saddle in more . I just think personally they coulda done better . The sticks themselves are solid and so is the platform so no complaints there
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 I agree. The prusicks don't function properly and should be addressed. But you can buy 2 ascenders for the tether and linesman and still be way cheaper than the others. To anyone buying this, definitely plan on replacing the prusicks with ascenders.
@@travisthompson9115 no doubt I use ropemans on my saddle and it makes the ease of use to much nicer . Everything’s one handed lol I think XOP should know this stuff by now . And instead of making a cheaper saddle they should just make their entry level saddle a touch more expensive and make it a little easier to used and instead of 550$ sell it for 600 With some upgrades 🤷♂️.
If your prusick is that loose you’re not adding enough wraps or correctly dressing your knot. They should have enough friction to hold your body weight from a slack rope if properly tied and dressed. Operator error, not poor quality.
@@ThizzyThone operator error ? The loops came already attached to the tether , linesmen’s rope , and bridge so try again 🤣 . Unless your saying they screwed up from the factory which would be a them problem.
@@justinmanson1217 are you 120 lbs ? My guess is she’s so small maybe it takes a bit of back pressure to catch ? But the big problem is the prusik loop is suppose to be a smaller diameter than the rope it’s attached to in order to catch properly… we fixed that by buying ascenders
Cody does have a video stating to dress all knots before using. I do agree with you guys on changing the setup so the bridge is different from the others. Thanks for sharing .@doitforfunoutdoors2997
So… I don’t think I heard you say if this is a comfortable set up? You can replace those parts you speak of for relatively cheap… but is it comfortable? :)
@@petespencer5787 my ole lady said no it’s not . She’s tried everything to make it comfortable . But she’s small so maybe it’s to big for her but she said she doesn’t enjoy it . Next year we’re probably gunna get her something else or maybe a hang on
I’m trying to decide if I want to dip into hang on or saddle… I have plenty of stands I use, but trying to go mobil, but do t want to break the bank if it is something I do t end up enjoying
@@petespencer5787 honestly man idk if one or the other is more versatile… I think as far as picking trees goes saddle hunting is a little bit more forgiving . But you have to get a lot of reps in to make it comfortable . And you have to be comfortable enough with heights to get the full affect … I used to run a lone wolf assault 2 with lone wolf sticks with the XOP back pack system and the only reason I hated it was because it was bulky …. Not heavy but bulky . I love the saddle hunting stuff because it all fits inside or straps to my back pack .
So what you’re saying is you don’t know how to set a prusik. I have that saddle and platform and does not get any better for what I paid. I dressed the prusik knits how your supposed to and what are you expecting for all that for that price? Seriously I have not had one issue with it. Go spend a grand on a tethrd kit if you want to cry about it for real.
@@Verticalbowoutdoors they come preset and the same size rope at the tether bridge and linesman’s belt . A prusik is suppose to be a smaller diameter than the rope it’s attached to to lock down properly. I got rid of the prusiks and went with rope man ascenders and a different bridge
Thank you for the review! Wish I would have saw this before I bought this Kit. But now that I’ve seen it I’m going to invest in add-ons and customize my saddle setup! I’ve seen a couple review videos where they talk about the 3 ropes being too long and the Prusiks knot not biting. I guess I’ll buy a couple ascenders and tie a knot in my bridge and cut it to length. I like the dump bags you have on the harness
@@Mrmintman23 the dump pouches are great ! Keep stick straps in one with your tether and the other one keep your linesman’s rope . But yes definitely get two rope man’s and get rid of the prusiks they make it so much easier for one handed adjustment
nothing wrong with those carabiners and the ropes are in the description so you should have known they were all the same. I have some xop ropes and never had a problems with the prusiks on mine. Could be user error, if not contact XOP.
@@JCHOutside got rid of the prusiks and replaced them with ropeman ascenders and there might not be anything wrong with the carabiners but both me and my fiancé arnt a fan of them so we swapped them out to
@@bigjimar77 until your try to unlock it with one hand . I’m a bigger fan on the threaded guard on my carabiner . I have zero issue spinning it loose even with a glove on
That's the best type of carabiner too. It's safer quicker and easier to use, if you can't operate them you might have the motor skills of a small child jk jk, just practice manipulating them.
I agree about the prusik. It really should be amsteel and smaller in diameter so it grabs better. The rope should always have a knot on the end imo. Just in case of slipping. The carabiners are not bad considering the black diamond autolocking ones are more than the screw gate ones. Thats more of a personal preference though. The bridge just needs to be able to hold you. Amsteel is nice, i agree, but not required. Same as rope color. Its nice to have different color ones, but they can keep cost down by just needing one color. The new tethered grit series comes with a linesman belt and tether that are same color. The xop platform is 200 and the sticks are 180. The saddle is 120. The pack is 70. On the site. Pretty cheap considering tethrd stuff would cost close to 1200 bucks, but you get what you pay for. And its better than the hawk helium saddle.
@@crapatron17 that’s fair ! I’m doing another review with it fully set up . Running a ropeman ascender for the tether and the lineman’s belt and gunna add a couple aiders in for her two bottom sticks
@doitforfunoutdoors2997 I wish they would offer those very things as an upgrade at a small discount. Makes the setup much nicer. I want to get a set of those x2 sticks, and all their gear is rated at 350 lbs. Where most other companies rate their stuff at 300. I look forward to seeing the review with the upgrades.
@@stpaul0859 not bad at all for a full kit . The sticks and the platform are nice I just think that they coulda done a little better with the saddle for the price . I bought a saddle kit from the tethrd that was 400 and some change and it came set up beautifully. And I know that that’s more expensive that the one that comes with the XOP kit but kits are usually aimed at beginners … and being a beginner means you have little to no knowledge of what your getting into that’s why they need to simplify some stuff on this kit and make it a little more user friendly.
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 Yes, I have never saddle hunted and I am looking at the XOP kit. The thought of the lines slipping is concerning. But I could upgrade to amsteele bridge. And I already have a tether. So it still might be the move.
I recently bought their rubicon stand that came with that same lineman’s belt, I know exactly what you’re talking about. It has loops on both ends instead of a loop and a knot. And that carabiner is annoying and way too big for no reason.
I don't know man; you may be over asking from the cheap option to get you hunting. I just ordered that whole kit for 382 and change, 50 to 100 dollars more and some time making it right sounds a lot better than 800 to 1000 to enter the game. Let the people keep wasting their money on the $400 saddles and Ill DIY my hunts any day to kit cost per pound down.
@@NorthAmericanPrimate I’ll admit that with a couple rope man ascenders , dump pouches , and working of establishing a designated bridge ,tether ,and linesman’s rope it helps big time with the ease of use . I’ve been saddle hunting for a couple years now and my phantom kit from tethrd wasn’t much more expensive and I felt like it was a lot more user friendly
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997for what you pay you get your moneys worth. It’s a budget set up. As far as the ropes and the prusik knot it seems like user error on your part. You want the carabiners to lock like that as well. Seems like you are just wanting to complain. Never had any issues with the prusik knot slipping at all.
@ pretty hard to have user error on a pre-tied prusik lol and you can still have a locking carabiner that doesn’t lock like that boss . They can make a decent saddle for that same price and fix a couple things and it would actually be worth it . Otherwise all your really paying for are the sticks and platform lmfao
Smaller diameter prusik but all caribeanears should be locking either screw or twist lock
@@cpaoutdoors9926 we switched to ropeman 1s and tethrd screw locking caribeaners
This is a budget saddle package. What more did you want? If you wanted all that stuff then go with another teather saddle system.
@@djlouyang98 a budget saddle system should at least be safe and secure…. Anyone that knows how to tie a prusik loop knows that a prusik loops rope needs to be smaller than rope it’s attached to to bite properly? There’s no reason that they slide 6-8” that after you put weight on them . Now I have ropeman ascenders and it’s fine
Just wanted to give a 2nd opinion. I'm new to saddle hunting and just bought this same kit for $499. The comparable trophyline kit with sticks, platform, and pack is $1,089. The comparable latitude kit is $1,149. You kept mentioning your tetherd saddle, which no doubt is the industry standard. I couldn't find a complete tetherd kit so I priced buying the same components from their website. A tethered phantom saddle with amsteel bridge, (which doesn't come with a tether or linesman rope, so you buy each separately) their cheapest platform and sticks, 2 of their sys haulers, and their only pack (which alone costs $350) came to a total of $1,450. I agree with you completely. The prusick knots in this kit aren't very good and the 3rd rope used for a bridge doesn't work great either. When I bought this kit, I knew I would be adding on, but was ok with that for the budget price. I bought a hang free triad bridge for $33, and 2 ropeman ascenders for $90. I now have a full operational saddle kit for under $650, half the price of all the others. Just wanted to clarify that the $500 price tag you kept complaining about is cheap compared to all the others for what you get.
I forgot to mention, I also bought 2 of those same amazon bags you have for $11. Which still keeps me under $650.
@@travisthompson9115 hey brother not to argue with you but the tethrd phantom kit I bought was definitely not 1450$ . The kit I’m talking about was just the saddle kit no sticks and no back pack. All I’m saying is they could have done a LITTLE more to that saddle to make it worth it and honestly to make it safer . The reason the prusik loops don’t work well on this kit is due to the ropes being the same size or close to the same size . For a prusik loop to work properly the diameter of the prusik rope has to be smaller that the rope it’s attached to to help it bite down .
Also I plan to do a part 2 to this review after we break her saddle in more . I just think personally they coulda done better . The sticks themselves are solid and so is the platform so no complaints there
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 I agree. The prusicks don't function properly and should be addressed. But you can buy 2 ascenders for the tether and linesman and still be way cheaper than the others. To anyone buying this, definitely plan on replacing the prusicks with ascenders.
@@travisthompson9115 no doubt I use ropemans on my saddle and it makes the ease of use to much nicer . Everything’s one handed lol I think XOP should know this stuff by now . And instead of making a cheaper saddle they should just make their entry level saddle a touch more expensive and make it a little easier to used and instead of 550$ sell it for 600
With some upgrades 🤷♂️.
If your prusick is that loose you’re not adding enough wraps or correctly dressing your knot. They should have enough friction to hold your body weight from a slack rope if properly tied and dressed. Operator error, not poor quality.
@@ThizzyThone operator error ? The loops came already attached to the tether , linesmen’s rope , and bridge so try again 🤣 . Unless your saying they screwed up from the factory which would be a them problem.
I have the same harness I've never had a problem with the pursing knots sliping.
@@justinmanson1217 are you 120 lbs ? My guess is she’s so small maybe it takes a bit of back pressure to catch ? But the big problem is the prusik loop is suppose to be a smaller diameter than the rope it’s attached to in order to catch properly… we fixed that by buying ascenders
Cody does have a video stating to dress all knots before using. I do agree with you guys on changing the setup so the bridge is different from the others. Thanks for sharing .@doitforfunoutdoors2997
@@justinmanson1217i just got the kit they slip unless I hold them until I put weight on it if I start leaning they just start slipping
Link to the dump pouches?
So… I don’t think I heard you say if this is a comfortable set up? You can replace those parts you speak of for relatively cheap… but is it comfortable? :)
@@petespencer5787 my ole lady said no it’s not . She’s tried everything to make it comfortable . But she’s small so maybe it’s to big for her but she said she doesn’t enjoy it . Next year we’re probably gunna get her something else or maybe a hang on
I’m trying to decide if I want to dip into hang on or saddle… I have plenty of stands I use, but trying to go mobil, but do t want to break the bank if it is something I do t end up enjoying
@@petespencer5787 honestly man idk if one or the other is more versatile… I think as far as picking trees goes saddle hunting is a little bit more forgiving . But you have to get a lot of reps in to make it comfortable . And you have to be comfortable enough with heights to get the full affect … I used to run a lone wolf assault 2 with lone wolf sticks with the XOP back pack system and the only reason I hated it was because it was bulky …. Not heavy but bulky . I love the saddle hunting stuff because it all fits inside or straps to my back pack .
Got one, yes they are! Just as good as any saddle your gonna buy.
So what you’re saying is you don’t know how to set a prusik. I have that saddle and platform and does not get any better for what I paid. I dressed the prusik knits how your supposed to and what are you expecting for all that for that price? Seriously I have not had one issue with it. Go spend a grand on a tethrd kit if you want to cry about it for real.
@@Verticalbowoutdoors they come preset and the same size rope at the tether bridge and linesman’s belt . A prusik is suppose to be a smaller diameter than the rope it’s attached to to lock down properly. I got rid of the prusiks and went with rope man ascenders and a different bridge
Thank you for the review! Wish I would have saw this before I bought this Kit. But now that I’ve seen it I’m going to invest in add-ons and customize my saddle setup! I’ve seen a couple review videos where they talk about the 3 ropes being too long and the Prusiks knot not biting. I guess I’ll buy a couple ascenders and tie a knot in my bridge and cut it to length. I like the dump bags you have on the harness
@@Mrmintman23 the dump pouches are great ! Keep stick straps in one with your tether and the other one keep your linesman’s rope . But yes definitely get two rope man’s and get rid of the prusiks they make it so much easier for one handed adjustment
nothing wrong with those carabiners and the ropes are in the description so you should have known they were all the same. I have some xop ropes and never had a problems with the prusiks on mine. Could be user error, if not contact XOP.
@@JCHOutside got rid of the prusiks and replaced them with ropeman ascenders and there might not be anything wrong with the carabiners but both me and my fiancé arnt a fan of them so we swapped them out to
Nothing wrong with that carabiner.
@@bigjimar77 until your try to unlock it with one hand . I’m a bigger fan on the threaded guard on my carabiner . I have zero issue spinning it loose even with a glove on
That's the best type of carabiner too. It's safer quicker and easier to use, if you can't operate them you might have the motor skills of a small child jk jk, just practice manipulating them.
I agree about the prusik. It really should be amsteel and smaller in diameter so it grabs better. The rope should always have a knot on the end imo. Just in case of slipping.
The carabiners are not bad considering the black diamond autolocking ones are more than the screw gate ones. Thats more of a personal preference though.
The bridge just needs to be able to hold you. Amsteel is nice, i agree, but not required. Same as rope color. Its nice to have different color ones, but they can keep cost down by just needing one color. The new tethered grit series comes with a linesman belt and tether that are same color. The xop platform is 200 and the sticks are 180. The saddle is 120. The pack is 70. On the site. Pretty cheap considering tethrd stuff would cost close to 1200 bucks, but you get what you pay for. And its better than the hawk helium saddle.
@@crapatron17 that’s fair ! I’m doing another review with it fully set up . Running a ropeman ascender for the tether and the lineman’s belt and gunna add a couple aiders in for her two bottom sticks
@doitforfunoutdoors2997 I wish they would offer those very things as an upgrade at a small discount. Makes the setup much nicer.
I want to get a set of those x2 sticks, and all their gear is rated at 350 lbs. Where most other companies rate their stuff at 300. I look forward to seeing the review with the upgrades.
$500 is pretty cheap tho for a full kit right?
fantastic review though and def has me thinking
@@stpaul0859 not bad at all for a full kit . The sticks and the platform are nice I just think that they coulda done a little better with the saddle for the price . I bought a saddle kit from the tethrd that was 400 and some change and it came set up beautifully. And I know that that’s more expensive that the one that comes with the XOP kit but kits are usually aimed at beginners … and being a beginner means you have little to no knowledge of what your getting into that’s why they need to simplify some stuff on this kit and make it a little more user friendly.
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 Yes, I have never saddle hunted and I am looking at the XOP kit. The thought of the lines slipping is concerning. But I could upgrade to amsteele bridge. And I already have a tether. So it still might be the move.
@@stpaul0859 might not bad bad if you plan on upgrading a few things forsure
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997ya that’s why they put the mutant out for same price mondo is the hybrid and change to ascenders lol
Not everyone can afford 1200 dollar saddle kit that doesn’t even include half the stuff the xop kit does
I recently bought their rubicon stand that came with that same lineman’s belt, I know exactly what you’re talking about. It has loops on both ends instead of a loop and a knot. And that carabiner is annoying and way too big for no reason.
@@bryanmoring4298 absolutely! We’re gunna get her a amsteel bridge and a ropeman 2 for the linesmen’s and tether
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 looks like they have a new saddle out now called the mutant. It looks like it’s way better quality
I don't know man; you may be over asking from the cheap option to get you hunting. I just ordered that whole kit for 382 and change, 50 to 100 dollars more and some time making it right sounds a lot better than 800 to 1000 to enter the game. Let the people keep wasting their money on the $400 saddles and Ill DIY my hunts any day to kit cost per pound down.
@@NorthAmericanPrimate I’ll admit that with a couple rope man ascenders , dump pouches , and working of establishing a designated bridge ,tether ,and linesman’s rope it helps big time with the ease of use . I’ve been saddle hunting for a couple years now and my phantom kit from tethrd wasn’t much more expensive and I felt like it was a lot more user friendly
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 but did it come with 4 sticks and a platform?
Hershel Mount
Nice review bud. Never used one of those saddles but dang why they selling something that’s is junk?
@@whitetailwarriorsdeercamp88 the whole kit isn’t garbage I just think they can do better for the price .
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997for what you pay you get your moneys worth. It’s a budget set up. As far as the ropes and the prusik knot it seems like user error on your part. You want the carabiners to lock like that as well. Seems like you are just wanting to complain. Never had any issues with the prusik knot slipping at all.
@ pretty hard to have user error on a pre-tied prusik lol and you can still have a locking carabiner that doesn’t lock like that boss . They can make a decent saddle for that same price and fix a couple things and it would actually be worth it . Otherwise all your really paying for are the sticks and platform lmfao
Swift Canyon
Lindgren Mall
Grady Branch
You lost me at f'n ...... mine functions properly.
@@Andy-sy1ko glad it works for you 👍 everything else is nice about the kit . The saddle could use a few things imo
Virgie Hill
Okuneva Point
Frami Mountains
Link to the dump pouches?
@@jessebuck90 a.co/d/ejpbNuv
There you go boss
@@doitforfunoutdoors2997 thank you much!
@@jessebuck90 no problem buddy
Link to the dump pouches?