As a newbie looking to start saddle hunting, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your work on videos. You speak well, and you go over everything factually, but also share opinions of what you like or maybe don't like. Thank you sir! I really like how versatile this one appears, and didn't seem as difficult as other 2 panels I've seen. I'll have to go check his website out!
Really enjoy your saddle reviews! They're fair and informative and your enthusiasm is great. Would love to see a comparison video between this saddle and the new Cruzer Archon.
I love ur in depth videos.. I literally just bought a Method...should have waited one week. This should make some people a great saddle. Keep the videos coming 😉
I had decided on a Method (first saddle purchase ever), but I'm just waiting for the XL size to come out in a month or so. The OP seems to like this one better. Assuming that you've now had time to try out the Method, would you re-buy the Method, or give this one a shot?
I think it’s more comfortable and easier to use. It obviously carries pouches far better and there’s no panel sag to worry about. That being said I’ll still hunt with the recon because I love how compact and lightweight it is.
Fantastic review. For my First saddle, out of this one and the recon, which one do you recommend from a all day sit comfort perspective? Which one is most newbie user friendly in terms of use wearing, adjustment for comfort, and construction. Any help is appreciated.
Sorry that I missed your question @Big Guy Outdoors. The transformer for me is slightly more comfortable than the recon, but its also $100 more. The construction of both is top notch, you won't find a better built saddle than these two. The Transformer is probably more newbie friendly because the panel sag is a pain when trying to wear pouches on the Recon. Both are good and I still have both. If you want a minimalist saddle, go recon. If you want all the bells and whistles and extreme comfort, go with the Transformer.
That’s one nice benefit for sure. Saddles “riding up” seems to be affected a lot by build. I’ve never had many issues with saddles riding up, the exception being the Mantis. But even that wasn’t terrible. I hear it mentioned a lot though.
Looking for advice. Watched a lot of your videos. Looking to get into saddle hunting next year. To be more versatile. Pretty sure I’ve got it narrowed down to the ESS or the Transformer. Which would you recommend to a first timer who doesn’t know if he likes to lean or sit?
Appreciate your videos! Keep them coming! My question about the transformer saddle is: "do you believe this saddle will work with a SRT climbing method?
13:31 ... that is the only thing I don’t love about this saddle from what I’ve seen. Love the design overall, but for me i think they need to at least offer a version without metal D-Rings. I know they have some functionality like you discussed for changing pressure points, but the potential noise factor is a deal breaker for me. Otherwise very impressive. Probably the most innovative design I’ve seen in a saddle in a long time.
You make a good point. I have been experimenting with some silencing options. I stretched bicycle inner tubing over each d ring and it does a great job of silencing them, while not restricting the movement of the bridge.
I think I'm in the minority, but I just couldn't easily find the comfort I was looking for with the method. It's great for leaning but I'm primarily a sitter and other saddles just sit more comfortably for me than the Method. For my style of hunting, I'd choose the Transformer.
Where do you get your jeggings from??? I wonder how much money your videos have cost me this year between the ESS, JX3, and F1 Mainframe, now this! Keep up the good work Spence!
Take my money ! I was wondering when someone would come up with a two panel saddle like this. Definitely selling my ESS, love everything about it except for the sagging/panels seperating when climbing a tree.
@@andrewoutdoors2856 I wouldn’t say there is much of a learning curve to either of them in my opinion. But with the panels of the recon/ESS not being clipped in permanently like the latitude/transformer it creates a lot of sag or panel separating which can be frustrating. I think this is the case because you are solely relying on the waist belt tension to keep the panels pinched against your body and most of the time your waist belt loosens as you make movement. But with this transformer both panels stay stationary with the clips/tabs in the back but you also have the versatility of the D-Rings which is awesome.
Very good video what is the advantages of a 2 panel saddle compared to tree that expands like a areo hunter kestrel flex or a cruzur xc tree saddle. What's the difference it looks a really good tree saddle. Very good review again
I am dropping a review of the Cruzr XC shortly. It is an excellent saddle as well. In my opinion the two panel saddles generally provide more rigid support and versatility in how they can be used.
Great job on your video, very in-depth review.saddle looks awesome, I'm just not sure of the small diameter ropes need to know the lb rating or kn rating on the bridge.the saddles came from the arborist industry and there all about kn rating.
Thanks for watching. The bridge is 8mm Teufelberger Resc Tech. It is a water resistant, abrasion resistant, static, rescue rope with a minimum breaking strength of 6,525 lbs or 29KN.
Looks nice. I'm a bigger guy, what's the measurement from tip to tip of the lines man rope loops? They look like they are right on your sides, but your IMO not a big guy. Thanks in advance...
Is it just me or am i hearing that thing clinking just about everytime you move? Could just be your mic? Great concept though, I think i like it for a 2 panel but I think the cruzr 2 panel is gonna be a little nicer..You kick ass on your reviews tho!
It's not the mic, you are hearing the buckles contact the d-rings. Like I said some stealth strips are a necessity. Thanks for watching. I have a Cruzr two panel ordered.
Looks to me like this is the saddle, will have to invest in one and get out off my sit drag mod. Your channel on you tube in great for saddle hunting tips ? Thanks
Can the rear tag end webbing be tucked away? I hate having things hanging. Also is the plastic piece on the way when you sit on a tree stand for hybrid style? Btw they should make that modular how latitude did there's in the pre models they did. But I do like the d ring on there for better balance that I can see
I suppose you could tuck the tag ends into the bottom panel. I have not tried to sit on a stand with the saddle on but I don’t think you’d be sitting on the webbing adjust buckles.
How hard are those back adjusters going to be to reach once I run all my pouches around that top row of molle? I currently run a battle belt because I don't like to use a pack.
How many pouches do you run? You could fit four pouches on this saddle. I just put three loaded pouches on the saddle. One on each hip as far forward as possible and the other in the middle of my back. The adjusters were actually between and below the pouches, so they were easy to access and adjust. I think results will vary largely depending on how many pouches you use and what size they are. If you message me on facebook I can send you a video.
That's the one I've been waiting for , but no info on how to get one any place I've looked , I'm a big boy at 260 and the one size fits all won't cut it . What's the price on this thing and what comes with it . Any info will be much appreciated. Do you know wait time on one ?
The metal-on-metal seems like a tough one. I see that you moved the leg buckles "for the walk-in", but what about when you're climbing with your lineman's belt? Seems like they're gonna be constantly clanking, no???
I've since stealth stripped them and use a nite ize gear tie to hold the d-rings together and they don't make much noise at all. I've also tried an amsteel bridge and that holds them tight and quiets it down as well.
I mention how ordering works at the end of the video. He’ll make some every week and post them on the site. Then it’s first come first serve. Join his email list to know when they’ll be added to the site each week.
@@SaddleHunter yes you did. Is this tje ONE to buy? I tried aero hunter last yr sent back. And I've been a lone wolf guy but love mission platform from trophyline. I know its a small assault
As a newbie looking to start saddle hunting, I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your work on videos. You speak well, and you go over everything factually, but also share opinions of what you like or maybe don't like. Thank you sir! I really like how versatile this one appears, and didn't seem as difficult as other 2 panels I've seen. I'll have to go check his website out!
Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
Super review! Looks like I’m going to be going down another saddle rabbit hole. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.
Thanks for watching. I try to release a new video every week. Two more saddles and the Sh1kar with Monarch are coming this month.
@@SaddleHunter Would you be interested in selling this Transformer Saddle? Thank you.
I'm going to hold onto it for the time being. After I get the Archon, some saddles will be going up for sale for sure.
@@SaddleHunter You are switching the Transformer for the Archon?!
Man, your reviews are the best! Thanks and keep them coming! This is the best saddle I've seen yet!
Thanks Ken! I love the Transformer.
You make this look so awesome. Just what I need another saddle. LOL
I feel that...My daughter thinks every package that comes for me is a saddle.
Looks like a homerun ! Best of both worlds
For sure. Lots of flexibility for sure.
Really enjoy your saddle reviews! They're fair and informative and your enthusiasm is great. Would love to see a comparison video between this saddle and the new Cruzer Archon.
It’s on my short list. Thanks for the encouragement and thanks for watching!
Very interested in this comparison
I love ur in depth videos.. I literally just bought a Method...should have waited one week. This should make some people a great saddle. Keep the videos coming 😉
Thanks for watching. Some guys won’t like every feature of this saddle but it’ll be perfect for some guys.
I had decided on a Method (first saddle purchase ever), but I'm just waiting for the XL size to come out in a month or so. The OP seems to like this one better. Assuming that you've now had time to try out the Method, would you re-buy the Method, or give this one a shot?
Great review as always! Nobody does them better!
Thanks so much Glenn! I appreciate you taking the time to watch.
AWESOME VIDEO.... AGAIN! Really impressed with this saddle. How does it compare to the Treehopper- comfort and ease of use? Made in the USA! YES
I think it’s more comfortable and easier to use. It obviously carries pouches far better and there’s no panel sag to worry about. That being said I’ll still hunt with the recon because I love how compact and lightweight it is.
@@SaddleHunter thank you for always responding back. You're doing a heck of a job on the gear side and tips.
Fantastic review. For my
First saddle, out of this one and the recon, which one do you recommend from a all day sit comfort perspective? Which one is most newbie user friendly in terms of use wearing, adjustment for comfort, and construction. Any help is appreciated.
Michael, which one will you go with?
Sorry that I missed your question @Big Guy Outdoors. The transformer for me is slightly more comfortable than the recon, but its also $100 more. The construction of both is top notch, you won't find a better built saddle than these two. The Transformer is probably more newbie friendly because the panel sag is a pain when trying to wear pouches on the Recon. Both are good and I still have both. If you want a minimalist saddle, go recon. If you want all the bells and whistles and extreme comfort, go with the Transformer.
I'll have to give them a try. I prefer a two panel saddle because it doesn't rid up
That’s one nice benefit for sure. Saddles “riding up” seems to be affected a lot by build. I’ve never had many issues with saddles riding up, the exception being the Mantis. But even that wasn’t terrible. I hear it mentioned a lot though.
Looking for advice. Watched a lot of your videos. Looking to get into saddle hunting next year. To be more versatile. Pretty sure I’ve got it narrowed down to the ESS or the Transformer. Which would you recommend to a first timer who doesn’t know if he likes to lean or sit?
Another great video
Appreciate your videos! Keep them coming! My question about the transformer saddle is: "do you believe this saddle will work with a SRT climbing method?
Oh absolutely.
Aero Hunter actually made a saddle Called the Evolution that was a lot like this. You can find pictures on google of it.
I like it !
I’ve actually used an Evolution a decent amount. Almost bought one too.
13:31 ... that is the only thing I don’t love about this saddle from what I’ve seen. Love the design overall, but for me i think they need to at least offer a version without metal D-Rings. I know they have some functionality like you discussed for changing pressure points, but the potential noise factor is a deal breaker for me. Otherwise very impressive. Probably the most innovative design I’ve seen in a saddle in a long time.
You make a good point. I have been experimenting with some silencing options. I stretched bicycle inner tubing over each d ring and it does a great job of silencing them, while not restricting the movement of the bridge.
From what I understand they engineered this out of the saddle.
I am torn between the Method and this saddle. Can you do a VS video please.
Unfortunately, I sold the Method and lost my tail on it so I won't be buying another lol.
@@SaddleHunter ok thanks anyway. Is there a overwhelming winner between the two in your opinion.
I think I'm in the minority, but I just couldn't easily find the comfort I was looking for with the method. It's great for leaning but I'm primarily a sitter and other saddles just sit more comfortably for me than the Method. For my style of hunting, I'd choose the Transformer.
Did overwatch and Treehopper work together to manufacture this? I’m looking at the two and they look identical
Same saddle, they work together.
Good review man.
Thanks!
Where do you get your jeggings from??? I wonder how much money your videos have cost me this year between the ESS, JX3, and F1 Mainframe, now this! Keep up the good work Spence!
Hollister. You want a signed pair? I’ll mail them to you 😂 Wait til you see the Sh1kar and Monarch video 😉
@@SaddleHunter come on preacher, you're putting strain on my marriage! 😂
It looks like Cruzr also will be releasing the same saddle with the same straps tomorrow lol.
It'll be interesting to see how they compare because they certainly have some design differences.
Take my money ! I was wondering when someone would come up with a two panel saddle like this. Definitely selling my ESS, love everything about it except for the sagging/panels seperating when climbing a tree.
The ESS is a great saddle with a big learning curve. I still love how minimalistic it is while at the same time being extremely comfortable.
What’s the learning curve of the transformer vs the recon???
@@andrewoutdoors2856 I wouldn’t say there is much of a learning curve to either of them in my opinion. But with the panels of the recon/ESS not being clipped in permanently like the latitude/transformer it creates a lot of sag or panel separating which can be frustrating. I think this is the case because you are solely relying on the waist belt tension to keep the panels pinched against your body and most of the time your waist belt loosens as you make movement. But with this transformer both panels stay stationary with the clips/tabs in the back but you also have the versatility of the D-Rings which is awesome.
Very good video what is the advantages of a 2 panel saddle compared to tree that expands
like a areo hunter kestrel flex or a cruzur xc tree saddle. What's the difference it looks a really good tree saddle. Very good review again
I am dropping a review of the Cruzr XC shortly. It is an excellent saddle as well. In my opinion the two panel saddles generally provide more rigid support and versatility in how they can be used.
Great job on your video, very in-depth review.saddle looks awesome, I'm just not sure of the small diameter ropes need to know the lb rating or kn rating on the bridge.the saddles came from the arborist industry and there all about kn rating.
Thanks for watching. The bridge is 8mm Teufelberger Resc Tech. It is a water resistant, abrasion resistant, static, rescue rope with a minimum breaking strength of 6,525 lbs or 29KN.
@@SaddleHunter wow that's a great rope rating.
I was thinking about getting the JX-3 hybrid, but would this be a lighter option and have the same functionality? As always, love your reviews.
Thanks for watching Scott. In my experience it doesn’t lack in comfort.
Looks nice. I'm a bigger guy, what's the measurement from tip to tip of the lines man rope loops? They look like they are right on your sides, but your IMO not a big guy. Thanks in advance...
Haha no doubt about it, I'm not a big guy. The lineman loops from tip to tip are 27".
Is it just me or am i hearing that thing clinking just about everytime you move? Could just be your mic? Great concept though, I think i like it for a 2 panel but I think the cruzr 2 panel is gonna be a little nicer..You kick ass on your reviews tho!
It's not the mic, you are hearing the buckles contact the d-rings. Like I said some stealth strips are a necessity. Thanks for watching. I have a Cruzr two panel ordered.
Looks to me like this is the saddle, will have to invest in one and get out off my sit drag mod. Your channel on you tube in great for saddle hunting tips ? Thanks
No problem. Thanks for watching. Call Jamie if you have any questions, he’s great to work with.
Can the rear tag end webbing be tucked away? I hate having things hanging. Also is the plastic piece on the way when you sit on a tree stand for hybrid style? Btw they should make that modular how latitude did there's in the pre models they did. But I do like the d ring on there for better balance that I can see
I suppose you could tuck the tag ends into the bottom panel. I have not tried to sit on a stand with the saddle on but I don’t think you’d be sitting on the webbing adjust buckles.
So, newbie saddle hunter here--in fact I have never even sat in a hunting saddle before. Would you recommend the Transformer or the Cruzr XC?
I don't think you'll be disappointed with either, two of the best I've ever tried.
How hard are those back adjusters going to be to reach once I run all my pouches around that top row of molle? I currently run a battle belt because I don't like to use a pack.
How many pouches do you run? You could fit four pouches on this saddle. I just put three loaded pouches on the saddle. One on each hip as far forward as possible and the other in the middle of my back. The adjusters were actually between and below the pouches, so they were easy to access and adjust. I think results will vary largely depending on how many pouches you use and what size they are. If you message me on facebook I can send you a video.
Your killing it .Great video again how much for that saddle.
Thanks man. It’s $255.
@@SaddleHunter who do I contact for some general info and pricing?
It’s $255 and can be ordered from Overwatchoutdoors.net. You can contact Jamie for more information through the web page b
That's the one I've been waiting for , but no info on how to get one any place I've looked , I'm a big boy at 260 and the one size fits all won't cut it . What's the price on this thing and what comes with it . Any info will be much appreciated. Do you know wait time on one ?
$255. You can find more info about the saddle and message Jamie directly through overwatchoutdoors.net.
@@SaddleHunter thanks !
this mis your number 1, 2 parts saddle ? hesitated to change my phantom for this one...
Both are good options. This is heavier and bulkier but easier to find comfort in.
The metal-on-metal seems like a tough one. I see that you moved the leg buckles "for the walk-in", but what about when you're climbing with your lineman's belt? Seems like they're gonna be constantly clanking, no???
I've since stealth stripped them and use a nite ize gear tie to hold the d-rings together and they don't make much noise at all. I've also tried an amsteel bridge and that holds them tight and quiets it down as well.
Nice review. Cost? Web site? Overwatch outdoors?
Thanks. They are $255
@@SaddleHunter no place to order sir
I mention how ordering works at the end of the video. He’ll make some every week and post them on the site. Then it’s first come first serve. Join his email list to know when they’ll be added to the site each week.
@@SaddleHunter yes you did. Is this tje ONE to buy? I tried aero hunter last yr sent back. And I've been a lone wolf guy but love mission platform from trophyline. I know its a small assault
If I were in the market I'd wait a few more months. Other companies are sure to drop new saddles.
Son...there is no web site under overwatch outdoors or query transformer saddle. Nothing
www.overwatchoutdoors.net
Thanks. Says sold out. Lol
COOL video, man! And what an amazing nature! Welcome to my channel-Survival in Russia! Regards, Yury!
Thanks for watching.
Are the D rings steel or aluminum ?
Aluminum
Where can you get one?
overwatchoutdoors.net
I bought. One but my horse d didn't like it
Probably a bit awkward for him to wear.
Horse ds are picky in general.
$$$
How does the cruzr double panel compare
Not sure, it hasn’t been for sale yet. They are definitely different saddles.