Is it comfortable? No, never. Don’t believe anyone. The originators of the saddle hunting movement, Chris and John Eberhart will never tell you it is comfortable. It is not. In fact for extended sits it will get painful. It is effective, stealthy to set up and flexible allowing you to have tens of stand locations rather than just a few. Neither Chris nor John use a platform either. Use a platform and you might as well carry a stand. Neither uses sticks. They carry in a small bag of 15 or so screw in steps. You try walking through brush with four sticks and a platform strapped onto your already bulky pack, carrying a bow. All this gizmology is not saddle hunting, its stand hunting from a few fixed locations without a hard seat. You’d be more comfortable and nimble carrying 15 screw in steps and a light Lone Wolf stand. FAD... Read Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails by Eberhart if you want to learn about real stand hunting. It can be simple, and powerful, but its not for the faint of heart.
I know Hawk he had some pretty questionable product lately but haven’t heard anything specifically about the hammock. For Ben’s sake I hope we don’t hear anything bad... I know he’s looking in to Trophyline for upgrade as he’s really liking the mission platform. -Matt (Nebraska Crew)
thanks 4 the info, i'm thinking more about this set up. it comes with everything and i think the back strap is whats selling it 4 me. never saddle hunted b4 but i think i'm going 2 like it, plus its my first year Bow hunting 2 so it's gotta be a win win situation. right. and i think you're the only one thats made a video about this
Ben seems to like his so far. He hasn't gotten to try out the stick just yet and it seems like the Hawk platform might not actually be available. The backstrap is something I have only used a couple times on my saddle but I know Ben appreciates his. My positioning and style hasn't shown much of a benefit for having the back band on. Check out our Facebook page for easy interaction as I am a relatively new adult hunter and Ben and I are new to the saddle game. Love to learn and grow together in that community! Be Blessed. -Matt
The saddle is comfortable the ropes are garbage your gonna need new ones I covered the bag with fleece inside and out and the rope assist is garbage too
We'll get Ben to respond with his opinion as he is the one using the Hawk saddle - but I run the Phantom and LOVE it! I don't think you can go wrong with any of those you've listed although I have not personally used all of them. -Matt (Nebraska Crew)
For the price, what all it comes with and availability I don’t think you can beat it. Just go into it knowing that there are better ones out there and you may want to upgrade some of the parts eventually. I don’t personally have experience with the others but I do know they are higher quality and most offer more than one size.
We hear ya we just like to get gear that’s new and will likely be intriguing to a lot of folks to test it out - and Ben has stated in other comments that he simply wanted to give it a shot and he got a really good deal (financially) on this. If he finds one of this quality as tolerable and enjoys the run n gun game he’ll like be investing in one made stateside and a little more costly. Be Blessed. -Matt
@@middle-americanoutdoors4712 all local companies have a low cost option now which is cool! I'm not be a hater just saying! Good video and thx for the time to do it
@@middle-americanoutdoors4712 they have a platform coming out that cost less then 100 dollars that im interest in and will be checking out and it looks just like American version, lol
As Matt said I just wanted to put out the info for others that might be interested in one. I’ll be doing a recap of it here soon. Ultimately I will be getting a different saddle.
Thank you everyone for the comments so far. As of now I am enjoying the saddle. However, for bigger people it does have its shortcomings. It is not a one size fits all and I knew that would probably be the case going into it. I got this particular setup simply to test it out as well as the fact it came with everything needed as a complete set. When I placed my order it came with the 20” hawk sticks, platform, and saddle kit. There were some shipping issues and the sticks showed up much later than the saddle. The platform still isn’t slated for availability so I ended up ordering a trophyline platform (that I absolutely love btw, there will be a review on that at a later date) for me personally I am 6’2” and 275# 38” waist. The saddle itself is a little on the small side so after a couple hours I do experience some discomfort. However because of the nature of the saddle you can make small minor adjustments to the tether length and hight as well as your body position on stand to make it more comfortable or change the pressure points. Quality of the saddle itself is acceptable but some of the “extras” that come with it leave a little to be desired. At the end of the day though I’d say if your a bigger person I would probably look at other options. I will be doing a follow up review here soon as well so stay tuned.
We look forward to producing this review. Make sure you all are subscribed and turned on the notification bell so you'll be notified as soon as it's available!
I pulled the trigger and bought one. Also was looking for a platform but hawks are still back ordered so I went with the Phantom XL from tethrd which is suppose to ship Nextel weeks. Fingers crot 🤞
I also have the predator platform but not the XL version - you’re going to be living like a swinging king now man! I hope they get that platform to you super quick! Let us know what you think. Check out our Facebook group page for easy interaction with our crew! Be Blessed. -Matt
I think that is mostly my personal preference. I do have some fairly severe lower back problems as well. It just gives your upper body a little more support. It’s very simple to work with. When your preparing to shoot just lean forward slightly and it drops down to you waist and out of the way.
Appreciate that! Watch for more of “What Ben Thinks” as well as gear review from our other guys and guests. Feel free to message us on our Facebook page if there are specific items you’d like to see! We also plan to revisit the review after the season of using. Be Blessed. -Matt >>>- Keeping Traditions Alive ->
Ben has been using the saddle for most of his hunts - he does seem to be pleased with the saddle. He plans to record a follow up review from the tree here soon with his thoughts after a month full of hunts. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications and you'll see when that follow up review comes on. I'll also get ahold of Ben so he can get back to you on here soon. Be Blessed. -Matt (Nebraska Crew)
So far I havn’t been upset with it. It does have some drawbacks and some of the parts leave a little to be desired but for the cost and availability you can’t beat it. Just know that if you go this route you will probably be looking to upgrade some of the small parts.
Do you use any other saddle right now? If you’re not a bigger guy like Ben I’d think it’d be fine. Learning right tether angle and those things for you specifically is key. And the platform I think make all the difference. -Matt
Absolutely! You just have to spend a little time with it to find your sweet spot. I’ve sat up to four hours at one time and in all honesty I’m really to big for this one.
No, never. Don’t believe anyone. The originators of the saddle hunting movement, Chris and John Eberhart will never tell you it is comfortable. It is not. In fact for extended sits it will get painful. It is effective, stealthy to set up and flexible allowing you to have tens of stand locations rather than just a few. Neither uses a platform either. Use a platform and you might as well carry a stand. Neither uses sticks. They carry in a small bag screw in steps. You try walking through brush with four sticks and a platform strapped onto your already bulky pack, carrying a bow. All this gizmology is not saddle hunting, its stand hunting from a few fixed locations without a hard seat. You’d be more comfortable and nimble carrying 15 screw in steps and a light Lone Wolf stand. FAD...
David gillispie let us know what you think of it! Did you also get their sticks and platform or what will you plan to use? Have you hunted saddle before? Look forward to hearing what you think of it. Ben’s first hunt in it will be tomorrow. Be Blessed. -Matt
Middle-American Outdoors I’m ordering mine through midway USA but I don’t see an option for a platform? I’ve never used a saddle but I’ve been researching them for the past 3 months. Mine will be here Friday and I’ll be hunting in it Saturday afternoon. I did order the sticks to go with it. How do I find the platform and how long do they take to come in?
@@fairchaseoutdoors4181 Im not confident that Hawk has their platform actually available at this point. Was advertised but not sure it's available. Might have to find a platform from another maker (lots of them out there and of varying style and expenses). I'm surprised you were able to find sticks in stock and available to ship! I hope they do ship and there's not a delay for you!
Here is the link to my updated review after one season. ruclips.net/video/aqhrw1HJbko/видео.html
Is it comfortable? No, never. Don’t believe anyone. The originators of the saddle hunting movement, Chris and John Eberhart will never tell you it is comfortable. It is not. In fact for extended sits it will get painful. It is effective, stealthy to set up and flexible allowing you to have tens of stand locations rather than just a few. Neither Chris nor John use a platform either. Use a platform and you might as well carry a stand. Neither uses sticks. They carry in a small bag of 15 or so screw in steps. You try walking through brush with four sticks and a platform strapped onto your already bulky pack, carrying a bow. All this gizmology is not saddle hunting, its stand hunting from a few fixed locations without a hard seat. You’d be more comfortable and nimble carrying 15 screw in steps and a light Lone Wolf stand. FAD... Read Bowhunting Pressured Whitetails by Eberhart if you want to learn about real stand hunting. It can be simple, and powerful, but its not for the faint of heart.
Appreciate your detailed opinion. Be Blessed. -Matt
Hawk is losing their minds on these. Chinese made crap. Get a jx3 or mantis.
I know Hawk he had some pretty questionable product lately but haven’t heard anything specifically about the hammock. For Ben’s sake I hope we don’t hear anything bad... I know he’s looking in to Trophyline for upgrade as he’s really liking the mission platform.
-Matt (Nebraska Crew)
thanks 4 the info, i'm thinking more about this set up. it comes with everything and i think the back strap is whats selling it 4 me. never saddle hunted b4 but i think i'm going 2 like it, plus its my first year Bow hunting 2 so it's gotta be a win win situation. right. and i think you're the only one thats made a video about this
Ben seems to like his so far. He hasn't gotten to try out the stick just yet and it seems like the Hawk platform might not actually be available. The backstrap is something I have only used a couple times on my saddle but I know Ben appreciates his. My positioning and style hasn't shown much of a benefit for having the back band on. Check out our Facebook page for easy interaction as I am a relatively new adult hunter and Ben and I are new to the saddle game. Love to learn and grow together in that community! Be Blessed. -Matt
Stay tuned we’ll be doing a recap of what I think of it so far.
The saddle is comfortable the ropes are garbage your gonna need new ones I covered the bag with fleece inside and out and the rope assist is garbage too
Appreciate your review on the product! Great mod tips for the saddle bags! Be Blessed. -Matt
Good job guys
Thank Jimmy! Ben is a natural huh? Did you get the hawk saddle setup? Be Blessed. -Matt
>>>-- Keeping Tradition Alive -->
Should I buy it or get s h2 , cruzer or phantom?? Most have a wait time this one is in stock?? .. Do you still like it?
We'll get Ben to respond with his opinion as he is the one using the Hawk saddle - but I run the Phantom and LOVE it! I don't think you can go wrong with any of those you've listed although I have not personally used all of them. -Matt (Nebraska Crew)
For the price, what all it comes with and availability I don’t think you can beat it. Just go into it knowing that there are better ones out there and you may want to upgrade some of the parts eventually. I don’t personally have experience with the others but I do know they are higher quality and most offer more than one size.
Made in China, support local bro less the price is to good to pass up
We hear ya we just like to get gear that’s new and will likely be intriguing to a lot of folks to test it out - and Ben has stated in other comments that he simply wanted to give it a shot and he got a really good deal (financially) on this. If he finds one of this quality as tolerable and enjoys the run n gun game he’ll like be investing in one made stateside and a little more costly. Be Blessed. -Matt
@@middle-americanoutdoors4712 all local companies have a low cost option now which is cool! I'm not be a hater just saying! Good video and thx for the time to do it
@@middle-americanoutdoors4712 they have a platform coming out that cost less then 100 dollars that im interest in and will be checking out and it looks just like American version, lol
As Matt said I just wanted to put out the info for others that might be interested in one. I’ll be doing a recap of it here soon. Ultimately I will be getting a different saddle.
Thank you everyone for the comments so far. As of now I am enjoying the saddle. However, for bigger people it does have its shortcomings. It is not a one size fits all and I knew that would probably be the case going into it. I got this particular setup simply to test it out as well as the fact it came with everything needed as a complete set. When I placed my order it came with the 20” hawk sticks, platform, and saddle kit. There were some shipping issues and the sticks showed up much later than the saddle. The platform still isn’t slated for availability so I ended up ordering a trophyline platform (that I absolutely love btw, there will be a review on that at a later date) for me personally I am 6’2” and 275# 38” waist. The saddle itself is a little on the small side so after a couple hours I do experience some discomfort. However because of the nature of the saddle you can make small minor adjustments to the tether length and hight as well as your body position on stand to make it more comfortable or change the pressure points. Quality of the saddle itself is acceptable but some of the “extras” that come with it leave a little to be desired. At the end of the day though I’d say if your a bigger person I would probably look at other options. I will be doing a follow up review here soon as well so stay tuned.
We look forward to producing this review. Make sure you all are subscribed and turned on the notification bell so you'll be notified as soon as it's available!
I pulled the trigger and bought one. Also was looking for a platform but hawks are still back ordered so I went with the Phantom XL from tethrd which is suppose to ship Nextel weeks. Fingers crot 🤞
I also have the predator platform but not the XL version - you’re going to be living like a swinging king now man! I hope they get that platform to you super quick! Let us know what you think. Check out our Facebook group page for easy interaction with our crew! Be Blessed. -Matt
Have you got yours yet? What’s your opinion if so?
Do you think it's uncomfortable without a backband because you are a bigger guy? Or is it just the way the saddle is compared to others?
I think that is mostly my personal preference. I do have some fairly severe lower back problems as well. It just gives your upper body a little more support. It’s very simple to work with. When your preparing to shoot just lean forward slightly and it drops down to you waist and out of the way.
Also wanted to say your review was great. Detailed very well!
Appreciate that! Watch for more of “What Ben Thinks” as well as gear review from our other guys and guests. Feel free to message us on our Facebook page if there are specific items you’d like to see! We also plan to revisit the review after the season of using. Be Blessed. -Matt
>>>- Keeping Traditions Alive ->
How are you liking the saddle so far?
Ben has been using the saddle for most of his hunts - he does seem to be pleased with the saddle. He plans to record a follow up review from the tree here soon with his thoughts after a month full of hunts. Make sure to subscribe and turn on notifications and you'll see when that follow up review comes on. I'll also get ahold of Ben so he can get back to you on here soon. Be Blessed. -Matt (Nebraska Crew)
So far I havn’t been upset with it. It does have some drawbacks and some of the parts leave a little to be desired but for the cost and availability you can’t beat it. Just know that if you go this route you will probably be looking to upgrade some of the small parts.
Does it come with a platform?
Bertollie 68 it does not. They do advertise a platform but it does not seem to actually be available. Be Blessed. -Matt
I just wanna know if you could pull off a comfortable 5 hr or so shift with it
Do you use any other saddle right now? If you’re not a bigger guy like Ben I’d think it’d be fine. Learning right tether angle and those things for you specifically is key. And the platform I think make all the difference.
-Matt
Absolutely! You just have to spend a little time with it to find your sweet spot. I’ve sat up to four hours at one time and in all honesty I’m really to big for this one.
No, never. Don’t believe anyone. The originators of the saddle hunting movement, Chris and John Eberhart will never tell you it is comfortable. It is not. In fact for extended sits it will get painful. It is effective, stealthy to set up and flexible allowing you to have tens of stand locations rather than just a few. Neither uses a platform either. Use a platform and you might as well carry a stand. Neither uses sticks. They carry in a small bag screw in steps. You try walking through brush with four sticks and a platform strapped onto your already bulky pack, carrying a bow. All this gizmology is not saddle hunting, its stand hunting from a few fixed locations without a hard seat. You’d be more comfortable and nimble carrying 15 screw in steps and a light Lone Wolf stand. FAD...
@@bendrixbailey1430 dude i dont think anyone is listening
I guess I’m going to pull the trigger on this in the morning. Looking forward to it
David gillispie let us know what you think of it! Did you also get their sticks and platform or what will you plan to use?
Have you hunted saddle before?
Look forward to hearing what you think of it. Ben’s first hunt in it will be tomorrow.
Be Blessed. -Matt
Middle-American Outdoors I’m ordering mine through midway USA but I don’t see an option for a platform? I’ve never used a saddle but I’ve been researching them for the past 3 months. Mine will be here Friday and I’ll be hunting in it Saturday afternoon. I did order the sticks to go with it. How do I find the platform and how long do they take to come in?
@@fairchaseoutdoors4181 Im not confident that Hawk has their platform actually available at this point. Was advertised but not sure it's available. Might have to find a platform from another maker (lots of them out there and of varying style and expenses). I'm surprised you were able to find sticks in stock and available to ship! I hope they do ship and there's not a delay for you!
Let us know what you think about it.