I made the switch to a saddle on January after hunting season and there are a couple things I've noticed doing practice climbs. 1. The branches on both sides of a tree matter more. If I set my stand I'm getting in a gap between branches and shooting forward in a saddle you need a gap on the side you're hanging and the branches on the opposite side to give you a shooting lane. I'm sure I'll get more in tune on the trees to select but it has been a bit of an issue. 2. On densely branched trees in a stand I can have a lower profile because I can sit and shoot so my vertical profile is only 3 or 4ft. In a saddle I'm fully vertical and need almost 6ft of clearance between branches. Those are just a couple things I've noticed in a about a dozen practice climbs. However, the weight and profile of a saddle are going to be so much better hiking in on 3 or 4 mile hikes. Additionally I found with a stand I either have to get my harvest out of the woods and leave my stand or take my stand back to the truck and then get my harvest. With a saddle I'll save a trip that way. Then peace of mind my saddle isn't going to slide of my kayak and sink like I've feared many times paddling a stand in. I'm also using squirrel steps as my "platform" which are awesome have a scout platform but prefer the squirrel steps much more, y'all should take a look at them.

Solid review there! Year 2 for me on pretty much strictly saddle hunting and still learning the tricks. Setting your last stick (or only stick) to the right and level with your platform is key for me for widening your foot base when needed and helping shot angles. Oh, and nice kill numbers!

I used and soon sold a couple of that exact same Hawk stand, as well as a Millennium. Lone Wolfs or my Novix Echo are much better choices to hang and hunt. Not only are they easier to hang they’ll work in a lot more trees with the leveling capabilities. I’m still debating on the saddle. Although I love the idea of carrying less weight for run and gun hunting I’m afraid I’ll have to climb higher so I don’t get picked off by deer. Got a buddy who’s really noticed the difference it makes to the deer when he’s silhouetted in his saddle. Good video.

Almost got my dome donked at 0:12!

I agree on the CruzR. I did a lot of research and put hands on a few of the others but spent hard earned money on the CruzR. Been testing it before whitetail season and plan to knock out a few hogs over the next few weeks

CruzrXC might be the standard Saddle. 🇺🇸🤙🏻😎

I love using a climber. Summit viper. However, i think tree shopping while trying to hunt sucks. Hang ons are either comfortable and heavy or lite and uncomfortable. Thinking of saddle hunting and bought a sit and drag 2 years ago to try but seems sketchy and may just buy one.

I have both. Soon to get rid of my cruzr xc. Saddle is lighter for going in and out but not as comfortable. Plus I move around alot in the saddle. Way too much, especially when the deer came in from behind. Imo I bought into the hype and regret it. Going to hangons. Don't be like me and forget the hunting aspect of hunting. I got too easily carried away with gear

I’ve been gun hunting since I was 12 and now I’m 21 and starting my first bow season this fall. I still can’t decide between a saddle or a hang on as you guys made good points for both. The area I’m gonna be hunting is a field with a creek in the middle with hardwood on the other side. So I know the area pretty well but which one do you guys think would be best for the area and a beginner bow hunter? My friends and boss won’t shut up about how good a saddle is lmao.

That platform is pretty light!

Primo!!!

2:09 😨

Let me know when they make the Tree Recliner, then we'll be in business.👍🏻😁

My fear with a saddle is being seen. My deer herd has magnifying eyes. Can tell you stories of them picking me off over 130 yards just sitting still in full camo, in a natural blind, downwind and only blinking my eyes.

I just don’t ever see me hanging a traditional stand ever again

i am deff bigger in late november .... hahaha thats funny

Looks more like an adult diaper! 🔥