The fact that you made a recommendation based on how comfortable it is to rest your head on the predator rope when you nap lets me know that you spend quality time in your saddle. That is exactly the type of inside info we need.
I archived your video 4 later viewing since I just got my new Predator Flex saddle yesterday that I ordered December 1st. I made a tube that u can carry a few paracord presets on. A nice product I picked up is by Nite Ize. Reusable rubber gear ties. I need more of these since they work great & they come in a neutral tan color. Wesspur had a January special promo where they gave u a free splice. I agree that it is better 2 have them splice the Samson Predator line. I bought 150' & they spliced both ends so I can cut it in 2. 1 will be 4 hunting & the other 4 home arborist work. I just fixed a bunch of fence last year @ this time & I have dead oaks I have 2 trim from up in the tree 2 preserve this fence on the perimeter of the property. It is a work in progress as far as my lines & what I will like 2 use on my new Kestrel. I'll keep u posted.
I agree that the Samson Predator rope works great with the prusik loops that the backband clips into. I had 2 remove mine since I will be using my Kestrel Flex 4 work @ home. Might order a New Tribe saddle if I feel I'm putting too much wear & tear on the Flex. Thanks again 4 your ideas & content .
I understand how to attach a dump pouch to a saddle using the Molle system (assuming they both have the correct parts of the Molle system). I did not understand what you were saying about using the zip ties to connect dump pouches.
I have been using a camo rope with a prussic knot 2 clip into a waist belt 4 years on my fixed stands & am planning on adding a saddle 2 my arsenal this year. I have 2 blocks that I put up in the spring in key spots so all I have 2 do is clip the stand into it but the stand is light but large & I think I could eliminate the stand altogether with the saddle
I used my ropeman (2) for the first time today!! OMG never again will I use a prussic... the ropeman on my tether worked so well !! I have another on the way along with 150ft of Poison Ivy 24strand double braided rope!! Can't wait!! I also have a sit-drag on the way, however my homemade saddle worked so well today (someone stole my hang on stand so I stood on top of my top stick( yeah the thief left the sticks🙄) after I relocated to another area( who knows what a thief may do to the old area...) and although I saw no deer I got 5hrs in my new saddle!!! Took a while to trust it at 25ft high and first couple hrs I left linemans belt on as backup... but after I felt like I trust my diy saddle I stowed my lineman belt and got comfy!! The prussic on the bridge sounds like a foot fit as the one on my belt fought me from bottom to top and back down(that's what the second ascender is for) and my tied on bridge seemed too short, great thinking thanks!!! Can't wait for rope to come and I can ditch the sticks and rope up and use small platform!! I also ordered a set of wild edge steps after seeing them on your vid..!! Thanks again!! I am an EX treestand user/carrier into woods and out again(80lbs stand and sticks/1000ft vertical/mile hike=sore body... 6lbs of steps and a couple pounds of rope and saddle, heck yeah I'm sold!!! Thanks brother.. you, G2outdoors and NYSaddle hunters have changed my life!!
nice set up look into a Purcell prussic for the adjustable teather I'm new to bow hunting but have been rock climbing for years would be a nice clean adjustable teather also look into the klemheist for friction hitches i prefer it to the prussic bc it tends not to have that blinding problem that the prussic has that me 2cents nice video tho!
Very interested in the prusik on the bridge as well. Thank you for all of the videos as they are helping me along the way as I get into saddle hunting.
I think it's something like this, but make sure the bridge loop is tied with the loop of the prusik. I am guessing, use at your own risk. ruclips.net/video/DJvk4GnNA74/видео.html
I just ordered an XOP Renegade saddle because it is so cheap ($99 for saddle and everything) and I have family members who want to hunt with me from saddles this season, so I/we needed another saddle. Unfortunately, the Renegade does not have any Molle loops on its belt, so I don't know how I am going to attach a dump pouch on that saddle. (I am hoping one of you DIY youtubes will give me the answer. ) I am considering learning how to manually sew so that I can add Molle loops to the saddle I have ordered. Or, the zip tie attachment solution you mentioned might help me, but I don't really understand how they help you. Any suggestions you have are appreciated.
Hey couple questions. 1 is the Prusik knot rope smaller than the main line rope? It looks like it probably is with it being a different color. 2. How did you attach the main line rope to the bridge loops?
Love watching your videos! Just bought my first saddle, the mantis, and can't wait to get it. My question is, for a first timer, is the amsteel bridge the mantis comes with going to be the right length? I see in many videos that a lot of people prefer a bridge that is adjustable for comfort.... Or is comfort more attributed to the tether length? My last question is how long is your typical lineman's rope? Thanks much!
What would cause your bridge length to change? Or do you only use the adjustable bridge for easier transport and an additional safety rope for getting around limbs?
modifications i have done so far which are not in this video: - painted the inside of my ring-of-steps-belt (that i always know which side is facing the tree) - painted on my retrieval line every meter one small black mark and every 5meter two black marks, this way i can check how high i climbed very easily (just put a carabiner on it and let it down for example) - bought an S-shaped metal hook and than bent it onto the back of my saddle so now it wont come of from my saddle and i can hang on it very easy my platform (it is way easier to get that platform from a hook than if it is on your saddle with a carabiner - another S-shaped metal hook, also bent a bit that it stays more safe on my daisy chain, for my rifle. it is quick and easy to get that rifle from the hook, however i am still searching for a solution to have the rifle in a horizontal position. (right now it is facing the ground) - added a small carabiner onto my retrieval line, which was the only modification which i really regret, it broke and i was on the ground and my repellrope stll in the tree. So i am using knots again. :D - added tape around the metal parts... - modified my pillow which i usualy use on a treestand to sit on, that i can strap it around the tree with my alignments belt (which i don't need anymore at this moment, since i have reached the position). That is extremely more comfortable to sit against with your knees. Not a modification but something which was a game changer for me: - JRB Knot. I repell after hunting, because in my opinion to climb down in the dark is just to dangerous and repelling is fun. However, to get that repellrope down can be a pain. The JRB Knot solved that problem and also eliminated one piece of metal. - invested into a descender (grigri) which was amazing, i just have to pull on it a bit and it lowers me down very comfortable and in adjustable speed, feels super safe in the dark. Currently i am sowing a minihammok to make sitting even more comfortable, which is just a comfort thing, and wont add or take away any safety gear.
It's a prusik with a double fisherman's knot. You just have to wrap the cord around the rope first, then tie the double fisherman's around the Kestrel loop, so sort of reverse order of how a prusik would be done with a carabiner.
This video does a pretty good job. You just have to tie the double fisherman's portion onto the saddle after you do the wraps on the Predator rope: ruclips.net/video/DJvk4GnNA74/видео.html
You have a very well sorted out system. Are you at all concerned about creating a human odor "scent wick" by draping your bridge and safety tether around your neck? Do you treat the lines as often as you do your clothes? Do you have any recommendations for keeping the Kestral as scent free as possible?
The way I look at it, if a deer can smell the things I'm wearing, it can probably smell me as well. I occasionally treat all my gear but I definitely don't follow a very strict scent regimen. One of the guys on saddle hunter Ozone treated his saddle for a very high number of cycles (can't remember the exact number) as sort of safety test to see how the materials held up and they seemed to do alright. I wouldn't go overboard on it though just to be on the safe side, though periodic ozone treatment in a container is likely the most effective for scent reduction overall.
I do both. I fuss about scent and play the wind. I am also an avid ozone user but I'm not sure I'll expose my saddle to it. I don't want to be on the wrong side of a "live" long term study! Once I left my doe call in my vest while treating with ozone and the diaphragm disintegrated with one exposure. I'm fussy but not that much. Good luck to you this season.
Thanks for your video! Couple questions... what size spliced eye do you think would be sufficient? How long of predator rope with the spliced eye would be sufficient? Thanks again
Same question... I am looking to get into saddle hunting... Thanks for your input that would be greatly appreciated... A newer subscriber... Thanks again
I have a few questions. How did this work for you this year ? Did you stay with this modification with the friction hitch? I just got a kestrel and the bridge is long , so for now I just reduced the size of the figure 8 knot. I have a few things I'm looking to do and Id like to order a predator rope spliced on one end and order camo prusik from Everson which will eliminate the knot on the bridge and the carabiner. Then add the friction hitch like you did here ,Im really not worried about the removable bridge. Im just interested in knowing how this worked out for you this year.
It worked fine. At one point I switched back to a shorter, tied fixed bridge of Samson predator. The only thing about that is you just need to tuck it into the waistband when walking as opposed to putting it over your shoulders.
@@DIYSportsman I was using the mantis. I was super uncomfortable. So I decided to get the kestrel. I love it anyway I'm not concerned about having to tuck that into my waistband or my belt whatever you want to call it I was more concerned about the adjustability of being able to bring myself and change my position via hip pinch which I don't think is is there as much as with the Mantis.I think it's just a shape of the saddle and certain materials that they use like wider belt and whatnot that helps create less discomfort. I had just wondered it being able to have that adjustable bridge help change comfort levels for you.
Yea, I think it's more about finding the right length. Once you have the shortest length that doesn't give hip pinch, you shouldn't really need to adjust it.
@@DIYSportsman I think that's the major issue possibly with the Mantis is that you're getting a preset bridge. Which is all cool that it's amsteel but the the length is important because each person is different. I got the kestrel and where they had set the bridge was super long so I had to shorten that I think that's the key is trying to find that right spot I don't think you're not really matter either though it makes it cleaner in a way less stuff to get in your way maybe if that makes sense
I like the Ropeman 1 better but it isn't recommended for smaller ropes like the 8mm on that linemans. So I used the ropeman 2 for that one. I have another linemans rope made from the same Samson Predator which I use a ropeman 1 for as well.
I've never tried the original tree saddle. This one has a little greater range of adjustment with the tensioning straps on the side and the ability to adjust bridge length. Often, fine tuning small things like that can make a difference in overall comfort from one individual to the next.
Mine is 7' which is longer than it needs to be, though it doesn't hurt to have a little extra. I think I started with like 11 or 12 feet to account for the knots and then cut off excess when done.
Just watched the video on the SitDrag Looked like a good economic alternative to the more expensive saddle. Why did you switch? Or do you still use the sitDrag?
The rock harness belay loop gets in the way more and has the DIY linemans loop attachments, and the sitdrag was looser fitting. The more expensive saddles come stock with all of the safety essentials and dont have any of the excess features which get in the way, such as the belay loop. They also feel more like an extension of the body being one piece.
You're supposed to stay above 10mm with the Ropeman 1. However, they work fantastic with larger rope like the Predator. Ropeman 2 has a wider working range but it also has fewer ropes that it will work on without chewing up due to the tooth design.
The fact that you made a recommendation based on how comfortable it is to rest your head on the predator rope when you nap lets me know that you spend quality time in your saddle. That is exactly the type of inside info we need.
Can show us how to tie the Prussia and hitch knot onto your bridge loop?
I archived your video 4 later viewing since I just got my new Predator Flex saddle yesterday that I ordered December 1st. I made a tube that u can carry a few paracord presets on. A nice product I picked up is by Nite Ize. Reusable rubber gear ties. I need more of these since they work great & they come in a neutral tan color. Wesspur had a January special promo where they gave u a free splice. I agree that it is better 2 have them splice the Samson Predator line. I bought 150' & they spliced both ends so I can cut it in 2. 1 will be 4 hunting & the other 4 home arborist work. I just fixed a bunch of fence last year @ this time & I have dead oaks I have 2 trim from up in the tree 2 preserve this fence on the perimeter of the property. It is a work in progress as far as my lines & what I will like 2 use on my new Kestrel. I'll keep u posted.
I agree that the Samson Predator rope works great with the prusik loops that the backband clips into. I had 2 remove mine since I will be using my Kestrel Flex 4 work @ home. Might order a New Tribe saddle if I feel I'm putting too much wear & tear on the Flex. Thanks again 4 your ideas & content .
I understand how to attach a dump pouch to a saddle using the Molle system (assuming they both have the correct parts of the Molle system). I did not understand what you were saying about using the zip ties to connect dump pouches.
Wow the bridge idea was a great mod. It can also help with trying to figure what size bridge works best for the person using it
I have been using a camo rope with a prussic knot 2 clip into a waist belt 4 years on my fixed stands & am planning on adding a saddle 2 my arsenal this year. I have 2 blocks that I put up in the spring in key spots so all I have 2 do is clip the stand into it but the stand is light but large & I think I could eliminate the stand altogether with the saddle
pretty slick to have a detachable bridge... you can use that as a secondary lineman's belt when getting over limbs... i like it!
Go to hobby lobby and buy Tye Dye powder....you can easily dye your bright green rope a more drab color!
Love the hitch on the bridge. Innovative!
I used my ropeman (2) for the first time today!! OMG never again will I use a prussic... the ropeman on my tether worked so well !! I have another on the way along with 150ft of Poison Ivy 24strand double braided rope!! Can't wait!! I also have a sit-drag on the way, however my homemade saddle worked so well today (someone stole my hang on stand so I stood on top of my top stick( yeah the thief left the sticks🙄) after I relocated to another area( who knows what a thief may do to the old area...) and although I saw no deer I got 5hrs in my new saddle!!! Took a while to trust it at 25ft high and first couple hrs I left linemans belt on as backup... but after I felt like I trust my diy saddle I stowed my lineman belt and got comfy!! The prussic on the bridge sounds like a foot fit as the one on my belt fought me from bottom to top and back down(that's what the second ascender is for) and my tied on bridge seemed too short, great thinking thanks!!! Can't wait for rope to come and I can ditch the sticks and rope up and use small platform!! I also ordered a set of wild edge steps after seeing them on your vid..!! Thanks again!! I am an EX treestand user/carrier into woods and out again(80lbs stand and sticks/1000ft vertical/mile hike=sore body... 6lbs of steps and a couple pounds of rope and saddle, heck yeah I'm sold!!! Thanks brother.. you, G2outdoors and NYSaddle hunters have changed my life!!
nice set up look into a Purcell prussic for the adjustable teather I'm new to bow hunting but have been rock climbing for years would be a nice clean adjustable teather also look into the klemheist for friction hitches i prefer it to the prussic bc it tends not to have that blinding problem that the prussic has that me 2cents nice video tho!
Very interested in the prusik on the bridge as well. Thank you for all of the videos as they are helping me along the way as I get into saddle hunting.
Great info on saddles! As a novice deer hunter it's great information on a piece of kit and style of hunting I knew nothing about.
Can you do a detailed video of how you did the Bridge rope mod, specifically the prussick end.
I think it's something like this, but make sure the bridge loop is tied with the loop of the prusik. I am guessing, use at your own risk.
ruclips.net/video/DJvk4GnNA74/видео.html
I just ordered an XOP Renegade saddle because it is so cheap ($99 for saddle and everything) and I have family members who want to hunt with me from saddles this season, so I/we needed another saddle. Unfortunately, the Renegade does not have any Molle loops on its belt, so I don't know how I am going to attach a dump pouch on that saddle. (I am hoping one of you DIY youtubes will give me the answer. ) I am considering learning how to manually sew so that I can add Molle loops to the saddle I have ordered. Or, the zip tie attachment solution you mentioned might help me, but I don't really understand how they help you. Any suggestions you have are appreciated.
Did you make your own friction hitched did you take it off an old summit rope?
I like that u added the prussic on the Predator rope & I would be looking into that with my setup 4sure
Hey couple questions. 1 is the Prusik knot rope smaller than the main line rope? It looks like it probably is with it being a different color. 2. How did you attach the main line rope to the bridge loops?
What knot did you use to create the loop connecting the bridge to the saddle on your Right side?
Love watching your videos! Just bought my first saddle, the mantis, and can't wait to get it. My question is, for a first timer, is the amsteel bridge the mantis comes with going to be the right length? I see in many videos that a lot of people prefer a bridge that is adjustable for comfort.... Or is comfort more attributed to the tether length? My last question is how long is your typical lineman's rope? Thanks much!
Good video. You think a lot, try a lot, and share a lot. Thanks.
What would cause your bridge length to change? Or do you only use the adjustable bridge for easier transport and an additional safety rope for getting around limbs?
In your opinion which is more comfortable the kestrel or the kite saddle ??
modifications i have done so far which are not in this video:
- painted the inside of my ring-of-steps-belt (that i always know which side is facing the tree)
- painted on my retrieval line every meter one small black mark and every 5meter two black marks, this way i can check how high i climbed very easily (just put a carabiner on it and let it down for example)
- bought an S-shaped metal hook and than bent it onto the back of my saddle so now it wont come of from my saddle and i can hang on it very easy my platform (it is way easier to get that platform from a hook than if it is on your saddle with a carabiner
- another S-shaped metal hook, also bent a bit that it stays more safe on my daisy chain, for my rifle. it is quick and easy to get that rifle from the hook, however i am still searching for a solution to have the rifle in a horizontal position. (right now it is facing the ground)
- added a small carabiner onto my retrieval line, which was the only modification which i really regret, it broke and i was on the ground and my repellrope stll in the tree. So i am using knots again. :D
- added tape around the metal parts...
- modified my pillow which i usualy use on a treestand to sit on, that i can strap it around the tree with my alignments belt (which i don't need anymore at this moment, since i have reached the position). That is extremely more comfortable to sit against with your knees.
Not a modification but something which was a game changer for me:
- JRB Knot. I repell after hunting, because in my opinion to climb down in the dark is just to dangerous and repelling is fun. However, to get that repellrope down can be a pain. The JRB Knot solved that problem and also eliminated one piece of metal.
- invested into a descender (grigri) which was amazing, i just have to pull on it a bit and it lowers me down very comfortable and in adjustable speed, feels super safe in the dark.
Currently i am sowing a minihammok to make sitting even more comfortable, which is just a comfort thing, and wont add or take away any safety gear.
Nice idea with the friction hitch on the bridge, what style hitch did you use and what knot to attach it to the Kestral?
It's a prusik with a double fisherman's knot. You just have to wrap the cord around the rope first, then tie the double fisherman's around the Kestrel loop, so sort of reverse order of how a prusik would be done with a carabiner.
What did you tie for the free end that is tied into the saddle? Found at 3:28. Thanks for the info
The loop for the prusik hitch is closed with a double fisherman's connection. The tag end of the bridge has a fishermans knot as the stopper.
@@DIYSportsman Thanks for the quick response! Have a blessed year!
Good video. How about a "how to" on how you made the bridge mod, for us knot tying noobs.
This video does a pretty good job. You just have to tie the double fisherman's portion onto the saddle after you do the wraps on the Predator rope: ruclips.net/video/DJvk4GnNA74/видео.html
I agree with a detailed how video. I’m not a knot expert at all. So it’s Spanish to me til I see it done
You have a very well sorted out system. Are you at all concerned about creating a human odor "scent wick" by draping your bridge and safety tether around your neck? Do you treat the lines as often as you do your clothes? Do you have any recommendations for keeping the Kestral as scent free as possible?
The way I look at it, if a deer can smell the things I'm wearing, it can probably smell me as well. I occasionally treat all my gear but I definitely don't follow a very strict scent regimen. One of the guys on saddle hunter Ozone treated his saddle for a very high number of cycles (can't remember the exact number) as sort of safety test to see how the materials held up and they seemed to do alright. I wouldn't go overboard on it though just to be on the safe side, though periodic ozone treatment in a container is likely the most effective for scent reduction overall.
I do both. I fuss about scent and play the wind. I am also an avid ozone user but I'm not sure I'll expose my saddle to it. I don't want to be on the wrong side of a "live" long term study! Once I left my doe call in my vest while treating with ozone and the diaphragm disintegrated with one exposure. I'm fussy but not that much. Good luck to you this season.
Thanks for your video! Couple questions... what size spliced eye do you think would be sufficient? How long of predator rope with the spliced eye would be sufficient? Thanks again
Have you used the Mantis Saddle? If so which do you like better? I am still deciding if i should give saddle hunting a try.
Same question... I am looking to get into saddle hunting... Thanks for your input that would be greatly appreciated... A newer subscriber... Thanks again
I have a few questions. How did this work for you this year ? Did you stay with this modification with the friction hitch? I just got a kestrel and the bridge is long , so for now I just reduced the size of the figure 8 knot. I have a few things I'm looking to do and Id like to order a predator rope spliced on one end and order camo prusik from Everson which will eliminate the knot on the bridge and the carabiner. Then add the friction hitch like you did here ,Im really not worried about the removable bridge. Im just interested in knowing how this worked out for you this year.
It worked fine. At one point I switched back to a shorter, tied fixed bridge of Samson predator. The only thing about that is you just need to tuck it into the waistband when walking as opposed to putting it over your shoulders.
@@DIYSportsman I was using the mantis. I was super uncomfortable. So I decided to get the kestrel. I love it anyway I'm not concerned about having to tuck that into my waistband or my belt whatever you want to call it I was more concerned about the adjustability of being able to bring myself and change my position via hip pinch which I don't think is is there as much as with the Mantis.I think it's just a shape of the saddle and certain materials that they use like wider belt and whatnot that helps create less discomfort. I had just wondered it being able to have that adjustable bridge help change comfort levels for you.
The other end of that it could just be that I need to find the right fixed bridge length for me
Yea, I think it's more about finding the right length. Once you have the shortest length that doesn't give hip pinch, you shouldn't really need to adjust it.
@@DIYSportsman I think that's the major issue possibly with the Mantis is that you're getting a preset bridge. Which is all cool that it's amsteel but the the length is important because each person is different. I got the kestrel and where they had set the bridge was super long so I had to shorten that I think that's the key is trying to find that right spot I don't think you're not really matter either though it makes it cleaner in a way less stuff to get in your way maybe if that makes sense
Why did you choose the ropeman 2 for the linemans belt vs the use of the ropeman 1 for the tether? Thanks.
I like the Ropeman 1 better but it isn't recommended for smaller ropes like the 8mm on that linemans. So I used the ropeman 2 for that one. I have another linemans rope made from the same Samson Predator which I use a ropeman 1 for as well.
any reason why your linemans belt couldn't become your bridge at hunting height?
You would be disconnected from the tree during the time you switched from one use to the other. So you could, but you would be taking that fall risk.
What knots did you use to tie your bridge to your saddle. I Prussic cord is 3 wraps. It’s hard too tell what the other two are.
I tie it in with an overhand knot. Basically like a figure 8 with one less turn. The tag end has a double fisherman's knot as the stopper.
I went and ordered 14ft of predator rope with a 5 inch spliced eye. I would think that would be enough for me a tether and a bridge once I cut it.
have you done any modification to reduce hip pinch with this with a bar that goes across the bridge to widen it out?
I haven't had a need to. I don't have any hip pinch with it as is.
Great information and video. Will save me a lot of time. Thanks.
How many mm is the rope for the friction hitch?
8mm
Do you consider this saddle any more comfortable than the original Tree Saddle?
I've never tried the original tree saddle. This one has a little greater range of adjustment with the tensioning straps on the side and the ability to adjust bridge length. Often, fine tuning small things like that can make a difference in overall comfort from one individual to the next.
What is the name of the saddle or saddle seat??
Aero Hunter Kite
How long do you make your tree tether?
Mine is 7' which is longer than it needs to be, though it doesn't hurt to have a little extra. I think I started with like 11 or 12 feet to account for the knots and then cut off excess when done.
Any idea when the mesh will be available for purchase?
Thanks Tom. Cheers 👍
Not yet, but I'll be sure to let everyone know.
They said July 4 on Facebook.
Just watched the video on the SitDrag Looked like a good economic alternative to the more expensive saddle. Why did you switch? Or do you still use the sitDrag?
The rock harness belay loop gets in the way more and has the DIY linemans loop attachments, and the sitdrag was looser fitting. The more expensive saddles come stock with all of the safety essentials and dont have any of the excess features which get in the way, such as the belay loop. They also feel more like an extension of the body being one piece.
Great video man. Thank you
Dude, your videos are awesome, thanks man
Can you use the Ropeman 1 with the 8mm cord ? I have 2 of 1st gen models and was wondering if they would work in the application ?
You're supposed to stay above 10mm with the Ropeman 1. However, they work fantastic with larger rope like the Predator. Ropeman 2 has a wider working range but it also has fewer ropes that it will work on without chewing up due to the tooth design.
DIY Sportsman ok thanks , I think I'll try the Ropeman 2 to save on the weight with going with the 8mm rope. Thanks again
Thank you
Great info!
Great info buddy!
Great info
Subscribed!
Way too much money to SADDLE Hunt.
Make it yourself.. Buy a rock climbinh harness