Great overview of three of the four saddle offerings from Tethrd. As you know I ordered the ESS saddle kit after watching a couple videos from The Godfather of saddle hunting in John Eberhart, plus I won the Phantom at the Tethrd Teach and Train. Thank you for helping me with the demo ESS that you have there. I believe it is a better sitting saddle than for a leaner. I finally got mine after it was back ordered for a month. I had trouble adjusting the saddle where it didn’t feel loose and going to fall off. I adjusted the two straps between my legs so many times that I got frustrated. You want them a little loose. I had to hang in it to really make the adjustments. After that I was fine and decently comfortable, but not as comfortable as the Phantom. I used a bungee cord to help wear it around. I was surprised that it didn’t have the same bridge as the Phantom, just a flat strap. When you are climbing with it the two panels overlap, when you get to hunting height is when the small adjustments up and down happen. I still haven’t completely figured out what platform or ROS that I want and if I want to go with sticks like the Helium’s or a DRT rope climbing method. I look forward to spending more time with both saddles and seeing which one works for me best. Thank you for your first impressions.

Good video. Glad to see you honest opinion. 👍

I have a phantom and an OLD Anderson 2 panel I've refurbed and updated. I can say the phantom is awesome, but once I learned the Anderson, which is essentially what the ESS is, no comparison. 6hr hunts in the Anderson are easier than 3 in the phantom. There is a learning curve for sure. Anyone wanting a quick clean easy start, phantom is the way. However, the 2 panel is so much more adjustable once you get the hang of it. Great video though! All three are quality saddles and Tethrd is doing it right.

Nice review! I need to get to one of them with you! For me initial impressions are a big deal. Thx for sharing yours.

Good review. I little hard on the ESS given that you were not familiar with it or how to set it up properly and were learning on the fly. Seems like the design has worked well for many, but I appreciate your honest and straight forward approach. Personally, I think It is a tough call to make on what saddle to buy when there is no way to try them out individually, I am sure everyone's body is different. Thanks for taking the time to make the video it definitely helps.

Had the Phantom and given the positive feedback I purchased an ESS. I went back to the Phantom. The ESS is comfortable when you get it "exactly right" but has way too many negatives to overcome the "very slight" increase in comfort. I think you nailed the review.

Sitting in phantom all day is brutal, short sits is ok. ESS is my go to for comfort and maneuverability

I love my menace. I’m a bigger guy 6’ 225lbs and it really supports me nicely. I also have a mantis. I like the mantis but without the micro adjusters I found it very hard to get comfortable in. I took both bridges off mike and replaced them with the cruzer adjustable bridge which makes a huge difference.

I totally agree with the review of the ESS. I've been using it for two season now. It's simply too convoluted a design. It is not comfortable. It doesn't work well with clothing. Trying to adjust all those panels in the way that John suggest while in the tree results in way to much movement and noise. I have killed deer out of this saddle, but I have never been comfortable in it. I'm gonna try the Phantom.

Good initial comparison! Like Unadilla River Outdoors mentioned adjustable amsteel bridges are so affordable, any saddle can have an infinitely adjustable bridge in length and even more adjustments than comfort channels. Not busting on the Phantom in any way shape or form but being able to buy an adjustable bridge for $25 makes any saddle like a “premium” saddle. Thanks for taking the time to make the comparison 👍

What? You're not a Tethrd fan boy??? 😂 Good comparison of the three saddles. Thanks for sharing!

I am interested in the phantom xl. I just started trying my phantom I got a few weeks ago and it pinches on the bottom straps on the outsides of my leg if I try to sit. I am near a 40 inch, maybe the xl will be more comfortable.

What's the difference between the mantis or the menace???

The phantom is definitely an upgrade to the mantis, however, I never use the adjustable bridge, what a waste, also the adjustable channels don't work as they keep popping back to the top. I still feel like my butt is sliding down. But again it's still very nice

I think your opinion of the ESS would drastically change if you learned how to position it

Maybe learn how to use an ESS saddle before you review it. I have had all the Tethrd saddles and the ESS after you learn how to use it is the best and most comfortable unless you need to carry a bunch of junk on your waste.

You can't give a review of a Saddle you put on twice. And had no Idea how it works or adjusts. That's like if I reviewed your channel after watching this one video. Come On!!

I AM a Tethrd "fanboy" ...and yet I woudnt ever consider the ESS saddle...I would like to be as successful of a deer hunter as John is ...peace