I’m looking to buy my first saddle this year and these videos are very helpful, I appreciate all the insights!!! Just when I think I have my mind made up I watch another video and start changing my mind. Thank goodness I have time. Great video, thanks again.
I've been using the Tactisaddle for a couple of years now. One tip I suggest, is the bridge positioning. In this video you have them very very high on the bridge loops...what you should do, is move them down to the point where all straps are equalized...which is right in the middle of the bridge loops. This allows you to loosen the waist strap and slide that top strap down below your lower back and evenly space all three straps on the rump. Makes it very comfortable that way. Yes, when slack, the bridge will slide up and down the loops, but once weight is applied, it locks down tight and stays there until you manually break the tension to adjust it.
I have that and the Crüzr Archön as my 2 favorites. My bow shop reps Crüzr, so that will likely get my vote (small business support and all), but you’ve got a really good saddle. I read your comment with much interest. Hope you have a safe, enjoyable and successful season this year!
Curious? Watched your comparison video of the ESS saddle and the Recon, from a year or so ago. That video you seemed to prefer the Recon over the ESS. Then your video of about 5 months ago, you compared about 5 double panel saddles. In that video, you seemed to have preferred the ESS over the Recon. Your main beef with the Recon was with walking in and the saddle sagging. I myself will probably be carrying the saddle in a backpack walking in. So in that case, would the ESS still be your preference, or would you go with the Recon? PS I'm 74 y/o and just trying to get into saddle hunting. I presently am getting experience with an Aero Hunter Kite saddle, but thinking I'd like something more comfortable for sitting. Thanks, Ron
I just watched you demonstrate your method for sitting in the Overwatch Outdoors Transformer; and I’ve been sitting with the 2 panels widely separated. I’ll be back in the trees in February trying out sitting with your method. Mostly I lean; and this may make sitting more comfortable. Thanks!
I use the Eberhart saddle and I use my safety through my d-rings and tighten it up and wrap it around me and have no problem with the saddle. I also use the Clips in the back for the lower panel when I walk in and I seen a guy on Facebook that actually put magnets in his to keep it together when he walked in and to move it apart once he's to where he needs to be.
I bought the new version of the Transformer. All I can say is it's AWSOME!!! The stitching is flawless. I am 5'8" an weigh 230lbs and it was recommended I purchase the larger version which I did. I find myself switching back n forth between sitting n leaning out of boredom and this saddle is comfortable either way. I'm even thinking about buying a second one in case they go out of business. I don't see that happening provided people give it a try but ya never know.
I’ve enjoyed watching many of your videos, and they helped me pick the recon as my first (and only) saddle a year ago. After spending a season in it and fine tuning, I had no issue wearing it in on my walks up to 1.5 miles. If you slide both panels up above the waist and tighten the belt, they stay put
For reference I bought and used the Tethrd Mantis for 3 seasons. I could see the benefits of a saddle for the way I hunt so I jumped into the saddle game back in 2019. I cannot overstate how far the saddle game has come since I bought the Mantis. I've been able to borrow saddles from friends and I've known for some time an upgrade was in my future. I've gotten to use the Tethrd Phantom, Tethrd ESS, AeroHunter Kestrel, Dryad Drey, Cruzr XC & Cruzr Archon. I find myself liking the 2 panel options best. I bought a back band from Tethrd when I bought the Mantis and it helps but with the 2 panel options I find the back band obsolete. The Tethrd ESS is comfortable but I think its too complicated to keep the panels together when walking in/trying to step into the saddle and I don't like the webbing bridge material. I always hear good thrings about the Cruzr XC & I have nothing bad to say about it but when I used it side by side with the Cruzr Archon I thought the Archon was easily the winner. I purchased the Cruzr Archon for myself out of all those options. Those same friends who allowed me to borrow their saddles have since used my Archon and they all really like it. I'm a gear nut. I'd love to demo some others just because I'm always curious but I'm going to be happy hunting from the Archon for a good while.
The panel adjustments are easy to use when you’re in the tree and have weight in the saddle. How’d you get the removable leg straps? Mine didn’t come with that.
There are some with the same style features and you say one is harder to adjust than the other. It was the last one with the lower panel clips and the other on with the same style clips. You said the earlier one was hard to adjust with one hand while that last was easy but they’re the same. Great video btw
I got the method 2 xl , when I sit I center my hip between the two straps on the bottom panel or maybe just up from there to keep the bottom strap from cutting too low, and bring the top panel up pretty high in my back. I don’t use the panel straps n let the top panel go up as high as needed, pretty comfortable for me
Have you tried the larger sizes in the models that offer it to see if it fixes the pinch issues. Also do you have any videos that show issues or lack of during cold Weather and fit.
Help. Can’t decide between the achron and the overwatch. I mostly like to sit and need good back support. ( also take naps). I value your opinion. Thanks
I wonder if the larger Latitude would improve sitting comfort. It seems like if would then it’d be a top contender. You’d be the right man for this test. Hint hint. You do great work. I hope you keep finding it rewarding enough to continue. Shine on.
i added a longer tether (almost six feet before all my knots, but it ended up being just shy of 4 feet bridge-loop to bridge-loop) using the smaller one and its amazing now for both leaning and sitting.
A few reasons: I find the ESS and the Transformer positioned like that to be more comfortable than any saddle I've used besides the Drey. Second, I like that the saddle is positioned completely under my butt giving me complete movement of my upper body. A single panel, especially one with a pleat, comes up higher into my back essentially locking my upper and lower sections together. Third, I like the flexibility I have to position the panels if I want to change it up. In order to do that with a single panel, I need a backband and I'm a minimalist so the less things I need to carry and set up the better.
@@SaddleHunter I understand. Thanks for the response. Just for clarification without having to go back to the video, the Transformer has auto adjusting panels (for lack of a better word) that even out the pressure between the two panels, like the ESS? And what was the cost of the Transformer? Also, will you be able to do a review of the Custom Gear Modifications "Cobra" two panel saddle soon?
Look everyone, I’m telling you, the Tree Hopper recon with a Tethrd suspenders kit is a game changer. No sag, no issues, even with multiple bags! No bungee mods! It’s amazing. It bow blows everything out of the water in my opinion.
do you sell all of these saddles after trying them? give em away on a platform like patreon? hold on to the ones you like? have a stack of em in a closet?
I currently have a stack of them because I was struggling to sell them. I typically sell them because I just can’t afford to keep them all or give them away. I’ll always keep my favorite 3-4 though. I’ve thought about patreon but I need to do more research on it. To be honest I don’t know much about it.
Outstanding video, thank you. I’m looking seriously at saddle hunting for next year and this video was very helpful. Thanks
I’m looking to buy my first saddle this year and these videos are very helpful, I appreciate all the insights!!! Just when I think I have my mind made up I watch another video and start changing my mind. Thank goodness I have time. Great video, thanks again.
Thanks for watching, I'm glad it was helpful.
Well it's about time you made this 😆. I really appreciate all the time you put into these reviews, it is priceless.
This was a very nice video, Spencer; well done!
This is an excellent review! I have found everything you have said to be true for myself when it comes to these saddles.
I've been using the Tactisaddle for a couple of years now. One tip I suggest, is the bridge positioning. In this video you have them very very high on the bridge loops...what you should do, is move them down to the point where all straps are equalized...which is right in the middle of the bridge loops. This allows you to loosen the waist strap and slide that top strap down below your lower back and evenly space all three straps on the rump. Makes it very comfortable that way. Yes, when slack, the bridge will slide up and down the loops, but once weight is applied, it locks down tight and stays there until you manually break the tension to adjust it.
Great video and explanation. I bought the ess and subscribed. I will have plenty of time for the learning curve I hope!
Dang I. Just looked you up like two days ago because I haven’t seen you in a while. Glad two see your back to putting out content.
Thanks for tuning in. I'm going to try to get back to a video a week now that season is over.
Enjoy your videos…. You do an outstanding job… from Ashville, Alabama keep up the great videos
I ended up going with the Overwatch Transformer last year. I am extremely happy with it. I wear it in and it makes zero noise.
I have that and the Crüzr Archön as my 2 favorites. My bow shop reps Crüzr, so that will likely get my vote (small business support and all), but you’ve got a really good saddle. I read your comment with much interest.
Hope you have a safe, enjoyable and successful season this year!
Curious? Watched your comparison video of the ESS saddle and the Recon, from a year or so ago. That video you seemed to prefer the Recon over the ESS. Then your video of about 5 months ago, you compared about 5 double panel saddles. In that video, you seemed to have preferred the ESS over the Recon. Your main beef with the Recon was with walking in and the saddle sagging. I myself will probably be carrying the saddle in a backpack walking in. So in that case, would the ESS still be your preference, or would you go with the Recon? PS I'm 74 y/o and just trying to get into saddle hunting. I presently am getting experience with an Aero Hunter Kite saddle, but thinking I'd like something more comfortable for sitting. Thanks, Ron
I just watched you demonstrate your method for sitting in the Overwatch Outdoors Transformer; and I’ve been sitting with the 2 panels widely separated. I’ll be back in the trees in February trying out sitting with your method. Mostly I lean; and this may make sitting more comfortable. Thanks!
That's the nice thing about that saddle, there's a lot of ways to position it.
I use the Eberhart saddle and I use my safety through my d-rings and tighten it up and wrap it around me and have no problem with the saddle. I also use the Clips in the back for the lower panel when I walk in and I seen a guy on Facebook that actually put magnets in his to keep it together when he walked in and to move it apart once he's to where he needs to be.
Excellent and very informative video!!!!
I bought the new version of the Transformer. All I can say is it's AWSOME!!! The stitching is flawless. I am 5'8" an weigh 230lbs and it was recommended I purchase the larger version which I did. I find myself switching back n forth between sitting n leaning out of boredom and this saddle is comfortable either way. I'm even thinking about buying a second one in case they go out of business. I don't see that happening provided people give it a try but ya never know.
I am about your size and do the same. I love my transformer.
I’ve enjoyed watching many of your videos, and they helped me pick the recon as my first (and only) saddle a year ago. After spending a season in it and fine tuning, I had no issue wearing it in on my walks up to 1.5 miles. If you slide both panels up above the waist and tighten the belt, they stay put
Are you putting pouches on it? I can get it to ride just fine while walking but only without pouches?
@@SaddleHunter No, I don’t use pouches
For reference I bought and used the Tethrd Mantis for 3 seasons. I could see the benefits of a saddle for the way I hunt so I jumped into the saddle game back in 2019. I cannot overstate how far the saddle game has come since I bought the Mantis. I've been able to borrow saddles from friends and I've known for some time an upgrade was in my future. I've gotten to use the Tethrd Phantom, Tethrd ESS, AeroHunter Kestrel, Dryad Drey, Cruzr XC & Cruzr Archon. I find myself liking the 2 panel options best. I bought a back band from Tethrd when I bought the Mantis and it helps but with the 2 panel options I find the back band obsolete. The Tethrd ESS is comfortable but I think its too complicated to keep the panels together when walking in/trying to step into the saddle and I don't like the webbing bridge material. I always hear good thrings about the Cruzr XC & I have nothing bad to say about it but when I used it side by side with the Cruzr Archon I thought the Archon was easily the winner. I purchased the Cruzr Archon for myself out of all those options. Those same friends who allowed me to borrow their saddles have since used my Archon and they all really like it. I'm a gear nut. I'd love to demo some others just because I'm always curious but I'm going to be happy hunting from the Archon for a good while.
Lot’s of great options out there!
Question I was told that for one sticking a single panel Saddle is easier to climb then with the double panel do you find that true?
Great reviews. 👍
great video!
I have a cobra belt that I use when working and I always have to tighten it as it will come loose.
The panel adjustments are easy to use when you’re in the tree and have weight in the saddle. How’d you get the removable leg straps? Mine didn’t come with that.
On which saddle?
@@SaddleHuntercruzr archon
There are some with the same style features and you say one is harder to adjust than the other. It was the last one with the lower panel clips and the other on with the same style clips. You said the earlier one was hard to adjust with one hand while that last was easy but they’re the same. Great video btw
Same style but with different webbing. The webbing makes all the difference.
Definitely missing the Buzzard roost in that mix.
Love me some buzzard roost!
I got the method 2 xl , when I sit I center my hip between the two straps on the bottom panel or maybe just up from there to keep the bottom strap from cutting too low, and bring the top panel up pretty high in my back. I don’t use the panel straps n let the top panel go up as high as needed, pretty comfortable for me
The arcon looks pretty comfy tho, are the panel straps removable?
Have you tried the larger sizes in the models that offer it to see if it fixes the pinch issues. Also do you have any videos that show issues or lack of during cold Weather and fit.
Tell us more about the Cruzr bridge install. The videos out there aren’t from start to finish.
Help. Can’t decide between the achron and the overwatch. I mostly like to sit and need good back support. ( also take naps). I value your opinion. Thanks
Useful video 👌🏽
I’m down to the ESS or Recon for my next purchase, is the ESS worth the additional $ or go with Recon
If you change the bridge on the recon to a rope bridge that you can tighten it'll wear very good on the walk.
Good stuff, thanks!
In your opinion, how do CGM’s saddles match up to these two-panels?
I wonder if the larger Latitude would improve sitting comfort. It seems like if would then it’d be a top contender. You’d be the right man for this test. Hint hint. You do great work. I hope you keep finding it rewarding enough to continue. Shine on.
i added a longer tether (almost six feet before all my knots, but it ended up being just shy of 4 feet bridge-loop to bridge-loop) using the smaller one and its amazing now for both leaning and sitting.
Awesome info thanks
I like the latitude features . But no big with a rope wast belt to hold to saddle pouches that have wight
I can save you all a bunch of worry and research...The ESS should be your number 1 pick closely followed by the Recon. End of the story!
ESS with a ring of steps is pretty dope
Thank you.
If you had to design a new saddle with your favorite features from the ones that you showed, what would it be like ?
I had the same impression of the Latitude saddle. I sent it back.
A ton of people love it, but I don't think its for everyone.
First person iv ever heard say that about the method!
@@chrispeterson1247 make that two of us.
Make it 3 method saddle sucks
So, you’re wearing the ESS and the Transformer like a single panel saddle. Why not just use a single panel saddle?
A few reasons: I find the ESS and the Transformer positioned like that to be more comfortable than any saddle I've used besides the Drey. Second, I like that the saddle is positioned completely under my butt giving me complete movement of my upper body. A single panel, especially one with a pleat, comes up higher into my back essentially locking my upper and lower sections together. Third, I like the flexibility I have to position the panels if I want to change it up. In order to do that with a single panel, I need a backband and I'm a minimalist so the less things I need to carry and set up the better.
@@SaddleHunter I understand. Thanks for the response. Just for clarification without having to go back to the video, the Transformer has auto adjusting panels (for lack of a better word) that even out the pressure between the two panels, like the ESS? And what was the cost of the Transformer?
Also, will you be able to do a review of the Custom Gear Modifications "Cobra" two panel saddle soon?
Do you even know what a single panel is?? Evidently, no.
@@coewhat who are you talking to?
Love my E.S.S
Sefty yang bagus 👍
Look everyone, I’m telling you, the Tree Hopper recon with a Tethrd suspenders kit is a game changer. No sag, no issues, even with multiple bags! No bungee mods! It’s amazing. It bow blows everything out of the water in my opinion.
That sounds like a good combo, suspenders would fix most of the issues with the Recon.
Im not wearing suspenders ...lol
This saddle is $347 now!
Where is buzzard roost
do you sell all of these saddles after trying them? give em away on a platform like patreon? hold on to the ones you like? have a stack of em in a closet?
I currently have a stack of them because I was struggling to sell them. I typically sell them because I just can’t afford to keep them all or give them away. I’ll always keep my favorite 3-4 though. I’ve thought about patreon but I need to do more research on it. To be honest I don’t know much about it.
Let's just get real the method 2 is the best period
Tried the Eberhart saddle 3 times. Throwing it out. Waste of money.