104. Modifying your ESS to be exactly like John's modified Eberhart Signature Saddle.

[@twally28]

I got my ESS modified by Noah . Easy transition back and forth, totally worth doing it makes world of difference.. Makes it the best saddle out there hands down

[@mattvogel5712]

Mailed my ESS to Noah on a Thursday, he received it on Monday, I got it back on Thursday the same week! It has made the saddle much quieter and simpler to use, I would recommend the modifications to everyone. I’ve been tree stand hunting for 49 years, just now getting into saddle hunting to lighten up the load and more importantly to open up hunting opportunities where a tree stand wont work. Recently retired, much more time to play!!! Thanks John.

[@gordonneverdies]

Does he still have the same phone number from this video? I was thinking of sending mine as well.

[@sunflower739375]

Thank You for sharing this Mr Eberhardt. I will be calling Noah today for information. Those changes will make a big difference.

[@jaredmoll525]

Thanks John and all. I just spoke to Noah and am excited about the modifications! Super nice guy. This should make things much simpler and quicker/quieter getting up in the trees.

[@berniegundrum6862]

Thankyou I was thinking of getting my ESS modified. I didn't remember the phone number of your amish friend, but now I saved it. Thanks again.

[@greggelbolinga5384]

For sure these modifications will improve the performance of my ESS that I've been using for 2 seasons now. 100% agree that once you're set up it has the capability to be adjusted comfortably. Noise clang from those metals are always a challenge, it always need a extra attention especially when you're trying to setup outside bedding areas. Legs strap, though it almost had no use but when its does needs to be setup tight otherwise its will pinch yours like crazy (rock climbing and parachuters required). Thanks John. Always been very helpful.

[@kennethrogers1129]

if you have your saddle on, how in the world do the d rings touch, you must have one that is too big?

[@kennethrogers1129]

on the leg straps, my saddle is a copy of the ESS, homemade, and does not have the groin strap, but I do have thigh straps, 1.5 in camo web that are adjustable , with a austriaalpine buckle, so easy to tighten, loosen or remove, like climing saddles have thigh straps like down low above knees… spreads your weight, not really taking much weight from the panels , but hold them if you are suspended on rope away from the tree while climbing. Adds a little more web and weight but not much and for the comfort and safety I like them. to help keep your D rings from clicking, how about using your bridge as a suspender while walking, just let it out and pull it up over a shoulder, then when you get on your tree put that bridge on your tether or climbing rope, that way they are always under some tension and seperated

[@kennethrogers1129]

My modifications were 1) additional adjustable web bridge, 2) thigh straps similar to climbing saddles, not straps that come across groin, because I rope climb often , never climb on steps or sticks, and that prevents the saddle from riding up my back, 3) short strap between panels so when I am hanging suspended during a climb the saddle stays low like I want,can still overlap the panels if I want later on stand hunting, 4) yes waist band through the d rings for walking and keep all the saddle panels up around my waist5) a gear wire twisty to hold the panels together while walking . Love my homemade modified ess replica and it’s all camo! Made it from 2 inch camo web straps, bridges are 1 in web tube straps, green, and brown ; thigh straps are 1.5 in camo and are not weight bearing but hold the panels most comfortably

[@kennethrogers1129]

Thanks Mr. Eberhart for sharing your experience, the double panel is way cool , I’m thinking of buying one just because a factory sewn one is so smooth and slick, my hand sewn one with thick waxed thread/cord is very strong but a bit on the raggedly side, but I trust it and it works like I want and comfortable for long sit, and I can rope climb with it no problem

[@backstraps4me]

I bought a Recon about 3 months before yours came out. The 2 panel has really changed they way I hunt for sure. Thanks for the info.

[@joaxe12]

John, thanks for your work/input with New Tribe (Aerohunter)...appreciate it! "Aero" Joe 👍

[@glennflake5732]

I’m 76 and still saddle hunting after many years. I used to wear kneepads but years ago transitioned to putting my pack in front of me on the tree down low. No need for knee pads and more stealthy access to items in my pack. I too use a ROS. Bullman in my case.

[@mattvogel5712]

Glenn Just curious, what method do you climb trees. I’m a young 61 with a hip replacement due to bicycle accident. This coming season will be my first time saddle hunting. I modified my ESS saddle as suggested in this video, although I’m second guessing removing the leg straps. My concern is the saddle position on my body while climbing tethered to the tree via the bridge? I hope that makes sense.

[@T-Mak-s7x]

Ya that’s awesome. Doesn’t get any easier than that. Thank you.

[@robertsophiea05]

Hey John, I just got an ESS on your recommendation. I just found something that answers a complaint people seem to have. You can easily tuck the D rings into your front pockets and not only are they silent after that it also helps keep the saddle from sagging when you walk.

[@keithmather2842]

Great video.Thank you!

[@BRIANSC0TT]

It’s a shame Tethrd couldn’t come up with something similar while staying within the safety guidelines. I get it but it’s frustrating. Love my ESS but I’ve had to make several mods to it before this video and now I have to make more. I sewed in magnets to keep the two panels together. Works great! But I never solved a east way to tighten the belt. This solves it, thanks for sharing. Going to get the sewing thread out. Keep up the good work John and ignore the haters. I appreciate you

[@YouTubeApe]

Interesting idea - where are your magnets? The top horizontal strap of the inner and outer sections? Did you wrap the magnets in fabric first, then sew them on?

[@omarcurbelo5342]

I have the ESS and I’m feeling hip pinch. I don’t want to give up on it because is probably something I’m not doing right.

[@mattvogel5712]

Have you tried lengthening your bridge. The more obtuse the angle the less pinch.

[@omarcurbelo5342]

@@mattvogel5712 I tried a lot of positions. I think it’s a matter of sitting on it for a while before the season starts. Either way this season I’m running with their New Saddle. A lot of money but I can honestly say it’s worth it to me. Feels very comfortable and I believe it will be very particle for me. Good thing is I have tried the ESS for a full season and I can see the difference. Not nocking ESS at all, but with their new saddle is like going from an economical, reliable Honda to a Stupid Expensive, Super comfortable Cadillac. Best way I can put it. Lol.

[@mattvogel5712]

What’s the new one called? I’ll check it out. I got the ESS and got it modified. I’m still sifting through all the variables to saddle hunting. I may go down the same road you did?

[@omarcurbelo5342]

@@mattvogel5712 Ultralock Saddle from Tethrd. Close your eyes when you look at the price. 🙈🙈🙈 I’m a little ashamed about buying it. Lmao. But it is nice

[@mattvogel5712]

I see the Lockdown saddle on the Tethrd website. Pretty sweet.

[@jaminsomero5764]

What about using a metal back strap buckle so if u accidentally pull to hard u don’t break it ?

[@Im.hurtnLinda]

I ordered an aluminum quick adjust buckle to send to Noah. I would break anything plastic.

[@mattvogel5712]

John Do you think the modified ESS saddle is safe for one sticking? Noah modified my ESS saddle, all three modifications. Much quieter, less webbing flopping around. 2024 will be my FIRST year in a saddle, after 49 years of hunting tree stands. I will be climbing with sticks, possibly one sticking, to be determined. I’ve watched most of your videos and see that you prep your trees in the off season with spikes or other various steps. My concern is the saddle position on my body (without leg straps) while climbing with sticks. Seems the saddle stays in place with body weight applied but when one sticking your body weight isn’t always applied. For instance after setting the first stick your body weight comes off the saddle while standing on the first step to raise the tether. I would think the saddle would move out of position during this step? I hope this is a valid question considering my inexperience. So far I’ve hung in my garage and on trees at ground level while getting familiar with the system and my climbing method. Respect your knowledge.

[@Robfriedman9912]

Goodmorning John, love the videos. Did you happen to catch the accident of the man in Iowa last year that fell out of a tree saddle and passed away? He was practicing in September, not sure of the details. Google search will bring up articles. Just wanted your opinion on that. Enjoy the rest of your weekend 👍

[@B.r.i.a.n.1]

It appears he passed of strangulation. It mentioned a rappel device in the article and was found alive still in the tree 6' from the ground. Don't think it had much to do with anything other than some bad luck.

[@adambelk3495]

Are you also supposed to wash your saddle & ropes ext in scent free detergent

[@colbyneibert7317]

The dee rings don't suck.... I had issues wit it riding down.... this video shoula been put out 2 years ago......ill be callin Noah..... love ya John keep up the good work buddy

[@jetjohnson1106]

I hunted out of one all last season. If it had fabric lineman loops it would be the perfect saddle but those d-rings are a disaster. It’s not just people that haven’t used them that are complaining. Hunters try to avoid big hunks of exposed metal as a general principal, it’s real simple. The goal is to minimize the potential for metal parts clinking together and ruining your hunt. The only piece of metal I want is my bow - if there’s no other metal objects that could touch my bow my chances of metal clanging is effectively zero. I love your content and have read your books, I bought the saddle bc I respect you but I really hope Tethrd creates a 2.0 version with their fabric lineman loops bc I can’t hunt out of that thing for another season.

[@ridewy]

I am confused, the ESS has fabric linemans loops.

[@sethjohnson4450]

Too bad you can’t order ESS already modified. But understand the liability issues it presents.

[@kennethrogers1129]

It’s not very hard to make one, but I have to say to make one like you want it, by the time you order the webbing, buckles, d rings, it’ll almost cost the same, these factory sewn saddles are slick and might even cost less than a custom made homemade, but I do really like mine cause it’s exactly to my size and preferences,most of the sewing I do is hand sewn with large sail needle and thick waxed thread that is super strong

[@Camera1931-p5v]

What happens when you have to Pee?

[@HolezGT]

You pee

[@michaelconley6245]

U letter fly

[@kennethrogers1129]

well it would be a problem if you are a shorty, but bring a bottle and maybe drop one leg and lean over…haha

[@danweaver5787]

Did you know the Amish family in Manton that lost 2 of their children this week in a pony cart vs car accident? Made headline news

[@BrandonBarlowOutdoors]

I have ESS.

[@HouseBladeDesign]

Ur bridge 19 inches

[@pennyontrack]

I bought one before they were being offered to be modified and they are a total pain in the ass to use. Looks like they would be good with the modifications though. Don’t buy the stock version

[@randycobbmusic]

Rompala taught you everything you know about deer and has forgotten more than you will ever learn. Obviously you will never kill a deer as big as his world class…

[@danweaver5787]

You shud buy a ess so you can kill bigger bucks. 😎

[@gordonneverdies]

Geez man. You Rompala fans are crazy.