24. Explaining proper use of the Eberhart Signature Saddle and the benefits of a 2 panel saddle.

While I'm extremely late in bringing it, this video is about the parts, design, use, and functionality of an Eberhart Signature Saddle (ESS) and why everything on it was designed as it is. Nobody has hunted from a saddle longer than I have, nobody has taken as many mature buck’s from a saddle and no other hunter has aided in the designs of saddles for the top 3 saddle manufacturers of all time, Tethrd, Trophyline and New Tribe. With 40 years of saddle experience and having hunted from or sat in just about every saddle design ever produced, I consider the ESS to be the Cadillac of all saddle designs when it comes to; comfort during long hunts, freedom of upper body mobility, ease of seat depth adjustability and general versatility. Other than the safety features that are pretty much standard on all saddles, every other part on an ESS was designed for very specific hunting purposes. This 36 minute video has a familiarize yourself with its parts portion, a putting it on portion and an in the tree instructional portion.
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[@smileysadventures3776]

I am so glad I found this mine showed up today and has been kicking my butt 😂

[@michaelconley6245]

This guy is the saddle master

[@aeestep77]

Got my ESS couple weeks ago. First learned what saddle hunting was maybe 3 years ago. Been playing around with this thing in backyard on a walnut tree. I have to say wow where was this thing 20 yrs ago? I matched it with some skeletors. And later I want to try bullman ROS!

[@secondcomma6709]

I ordered mine yesterday. You are my go to source for hunting. Thank you for continuing to put out quality information on your channel.

[@wallygatorfilmsoutdoors1506]

Just hunted out of mine for the first time today. I was so happy with it , comfortable and easy! Thanks John!

[@jessemoore7696]

I just got one of your saddles a week ago and I hated it at first. After watching watching several of your videos I finally got it figured out. I am in Florida and it extremely hot down here but I still went out to sit an hour in the morning to see how I liked it. I ended staying 4 hours. I didn't get down because of the saddles comfort. I got down because the 90 degrees 90% humidity was killing me. Great design by the Whitetail legion. Good luck and God bless.

[@rodger603]

Great video. I've been a tree worker for a long time and I'm using my ropes to get up in a tree instead of sticks. Traded a lot of carabiners for knots I learned. I just ordered that same saddle so thank you for making this. Everyone be safe out there. It doesn't take much to kill you falling from a tree. I know someone that was paralyzed falling off a bucket truck. Take care

[@tattoomike84]

Hunted today for the 1st time in the saddle man. I'm really liking it!! Good stuff John !!

[@loganluttrellfishing652]

I bought this saddle for me and got curious if my 10 year old could set in it I set it up for him at the house and it will get small enough for him. He’s probably a 20 ish inch waist and it will get small enough for him

[@jamesmartin7282]

The last 8 minutes, the actual demonstration, was the best part!

[@johneberhart4062]

I agree and apologize for the low light. I will redo a better in the tree section in better daylight. It was a crappy day when I did that. I felt I got the point across though that a 2 panel has more versatility in seat adjustability which is a big deal and also the inner panel seat never riding up is a big deal.

[@michaelgangadeen8013]

Reminds me of the first time I used a climber - I was afraid of falling out of the tree with every move I made. As a newbie who never used a saddle and exclusively hunts out of climbers, ladder stands and shooting houses, I would have liked to see how you hook the saddle to the tree and make other adjustments right before ascending. It's a pleasure to watch, listen to and learn from a proven master hunter.

[@johneberhart4062]

When I do the next one I will show the tree hook up using a girth hitch knot on the tree tether. I should probably show me stepping up onto the ring of steps with the lineman rope attached and then hooking up the tether and then disattaching the lineman rope and putting it in my pack. I also do not use pouches on the molle's. I just keep the ropes in my pack as opposed to have anything hanging from my saddle when hunting.

[@MrTheckman007]

Just ordered my ESS and can’t wait to start using it, looks like a saddle I’ll use forever. Thanks for all the support

[@kevinhickey2931]

Great instructions and explanation BUT I would love if he did a quick video on how to put it on. 101 - meat and potatoes not a 30 min video with side tracks the whole time....

[@gordonc615]

Did he laugh at "jerk off" that's awesome! I cut my leg straps but this saddle is perfect for going from.leaning to sitting or vs versus on my ROS.Great stuff !!

[@wesleycampbell849]

I hope your doing alright John.... I lost my little sister last year in tragic accident she was 16.. Loved to hunt but never got a opportunity to kill a deer... I watch my parents try to deal with it everyday...my dad especially.. He says he wont ever hunt again...it hurts me even more, than just losing her alone seein ther pain... I hope your hanging in ther John.. You and the family... Much love from louisiana👍

[@adventureswiththedude7328]

TREEHOPPER RECON SADDLE Ford not have fabric over the top of the panel... just fyi can't claim yours is the only one... theirs was out first as well I believe... both are great saddles tho

[@jamesjennelle8404]

John how is the saddle during your walk into to woods, or do you go in without wearing it?

[@poolgnome]

Do you use the leg straps, I see them just hanging?

[@RiverBankRay]

I can’t wait to get this saddle!! I have the Cruzer and want to see what this saddle has to offer!!🇺🇸. Semper Fi🏴‍☠️

[@joshmongold7001]

Does it work to one stick with ?

[@BlackRosesrule]

Wife got me the e.s.s. for Christmas. Read the books, been scouting and prepping. Should be a good year!!

[@johneberhart4062]

Congrats Irie and man has there been a lot of growth in the saddle market since I wrote the 3 books.

[@BlackRosesrule]

I was able to hit some end of the year sales on a couple scentlok suites with a sealed tote, only thing I'm missing isa scent free mini van. I live in west mi and I'm ready to get away from the other hunters. 👍

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

I regret not buying this one last season. I knew better. The only thing I diddnt like was the webbing bridge. That's what ultimately turned me off, now that I have some experience I like the adjustability. Ill be in an ESS this season.

[@bmk506]

Is the China thing true ?

[@Flightofthearrowoutdoors]

I noticed the bridge isn’t amsteel, does it still move through the carabiner the same for movement? is there anything keeping the bridge from coming undone while your hanging

[@kennethrogers1129]

Ever use a back strap, almost like a third panel, but only one strap with a pad ? Good point on keeping the inside lower panel always under your butt, spent the day in my saddle today, season just opened in MIssissippi, using the two tether climbing system with a two panel saddle and able to scout and hunt wherever I want without toting a stand, having big fun!!

[@lisamcqueen8509]

Graduated highschool in '81, bought an Anderson tree sling in '84 from Alexander's sporting goods. Shot my first and second antler deer, muzzleloader, out of the sling. And have shot other deer, and small game with bow, too. I started using a small tree seat, made by a gentleman in Ohio as a platform in the early '90s. I see a lot of similarities in our uses and tools. Really enjoy you sharing your experience, and knowledge! Thank you John!

[@johneberhart4062]

Dam Lisa, I'm seriously impressed. You are the only other person I've ran across that has used a sling as long as I have. How were you introduced to it and why did you buy it?

[@lisamcqueen8509]

Goodmorning John. First, my name is Steve, Lisa is my wife. I use her old phone, youtube app. She past away in 2017. I normally don't comment on folks channel, but I really enjoy your teaching! Fear of heights was probably the first reason! Simple, light, easy to carry, and I always felt secure in it! Heck, you know,most folks at the time, didn't use safety belts! I really like the looks of your model! Thanks again for sharing!

[@johneberhart4062]

@@lisamcqueen8509 Sorry Steve for your loss and I must admit that I did think you were a female which was sort of extremely strange because very few women hunted back then and certainly not from a sling. Thanks for watching.

[@ajorelli6875]

Love my ESS. Thanks John!

[@Louisiana8critter_getter]

Not to self if you are a small skinny person even tho it go down to 28” it will constantly fall apart as you climb.. but once you put on a jack it will not move while setting up a tree happy with this thing so far great product:) just to skinny for summertime climbing with it ha

[@johnschnedler1753]

I keep having the issue where the inner panel slides down when I'm walking in. Any suggestions? Love it otherwise

[@scottvickers2742]

Keep it above your hips. Pull the waist belt tight. I take a bungee cord from one D Ring go around your waist to the D Ring. It'll keep everything snug for walking in. Tuck your bridge behind the bungee cord too.

[@markmead438]

First of all I have never hunted with a saddle but I am interested in them. You have mentioned not using a platform but doesn't standing on the steps hurt your feet? I compare it to standing on a ladder and that kills my feet.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

U love the great explanation of the proper use of the ess. Thanks John!

[@dougfields23]

hopefully picking this up tomorrow in st. louis. excited to get into a saddle and see what everyone is bragging about

[@johneberhart4062]

Doug, I hope it doesn't come across as bragging because there is nothing to brag about. When used correctly a saddle just gives you many more opportunities in the filed which over time equates to more kill opportunities.

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

This video definitely answered many of the questions that I had including why there is no fabric on the panels like the single panel saddles from Tethrd. Thank you 🙏🏻 very much.

[@chrismcneil5543]

No way, I love carrying my climber tree stand for miles into the woods… said no rational person ever, i’ll be getting this exact type soon enough, such a humble price to have John‘s name on it! No bs with him!

[@chadbinette3201]

Have had a climber stand for years and really been looking hard at the tree saddle, but seems there are quite a few choices, I'm a skinny guy, 160 lbs 5'10" and just looking for any suggestions on what is the best saddle for my size? There is the Eberhart one, the phantom, and mantis and on and on. Any suggestions from anyone with experience would be greatly appreciated.

[@rogerramjet7567]

This is my first year in a saddle. I have yours John. Love the great information you pass on. Thanks.

[@bluesjunke]

What brand or type of Ring of Steps do you recommend?

[@scottvickers2742]

Cranford Saddle Scaffold for public land.

[@johnoblak9631]

John i ordered a first gen tethrd a couple years back from you at the booth in novi.My issue is my warm day one camo is a parka style and I cant tuck all that fabric in. I seem to have to wear a coat with an elastic bottom like a bomber style coat,which is usually are on lighter coats. Do you have any suggestions how I can make this work short of buying another expensive coat?

[@HouseBladeDesign]

Just got one.omce u get iae to it.great design.....they have great price

[@joepatout6818]

When you are sitting in the saddle in the tree, and the waist belt is buckled, does the waist belt squeeze together the bridge loops against your hips???

[@ajorelli6875]

I did not find that the waist belt interferes with the bridge loops at all.

[@johneberhart4062]

Joe, when you are physically hunting from a saddle the waist belt should be either loosened or unbuckled. The leg straps should also hang loose. The only tight thing is the saddle seat when hunting.

[@joepatout6818]

@@johneberhart4062 thanks John that makes more sense. Tried a Treehopper Recon and it was very comfortable except that I left the waist belt tight so it drew the bridgeloops together a little which will put pressure on your hips.

[@johneberhart4062]

@@joepatout6818 No matter the saddle, you need to have the waist belt and leg straps loose when hunting.

[@garrettstraffon608]

Show my how to hook this thing up just like you was going in the woods. Take your sticks with you, every rope since you need like 5 of them climb the tree and show me how to use every rope and maybe I’ll buy one. It just seem like a lot. And were I live I don’t have a problem finding straight trees for my climber. There are some spots I’ve been thinking about were the saddle might be the only option though. I just think it’s a lot of ropes and a lot of extra things to focus on

[@johneberhart4062]

Why do I need 5 ropes to climb a tree with? The maximum ropes you need are 2 if you use the lineman rope.

[@chrismcneil5543]

It’s no more difficult than your harness, lineman’s belt everything else that Hass to be clicked together, tether etc. Except you don’t have to carry your tree stand with you.

[@brooks8656]

Love my ESS.

[@LouStoriale]

I am a verified buyer of this saddle but after several attempts to make it work well and watching this video (and his other one) several times, I decided to leave the saddle at the hunting check-in station on purpose because I did not feel right about selling it. I was so much looking forward to using it but it is basically unworkable. At least five attempts of making this thing work correctly. No thanks. I’m a fan of tethered and of John, but not this saddle.

[@griffind262]

The only downside to this saddle is every year I have to spend an hour trying to figure out how to put it on

[@outdoorsman9384]

How much John, and how do I get one?

[@BornAgainOutdoorsman]

Pretty sure you can get them on Tethrd website.

[@johneberhart4062]

They are only available on Tethrd Nation's website and I think they have them in stock. You woulld need the ESS ($189) and a lineman rope and tree tether (both for $120). $310 total.

[@robertlocke7711]

Great video thanks. You have a lot of knowledge an I agree with two panel saddles an ring of steps. But for something's if I did it the same way for 40 years I would be bias fabric help it not be a ball of webbing an aluminum rings. Not for me. But thank you good info everyone is different.

[@libertyordeath1287]

Love your videos, had this in my cart today then found out it's made in China. What a let down. Needless to say it's out of the cart.

[@samuelgamble5803]

Dude sure can talk. My stuff came in all tangled and twisted.

[@brandonmiller7372]

John, I bought an ESS last fall and I love the saddle but I have found every time I start climbing the tree the panels separate and it then becomes an inconvenience. I’ve watched your past instructional videos and I’ve followed every step. I always make sure the panels are perfectly lined up before climbing and I synch my waist belt but I still run into this issue. I’m not sure if it’s from the waist belt loosening or what. I was curious if you had any tips, suggestions, or solutions on this issue. Other than that I love every aspect of the saddle and you and the guys at tethrd nailed it. -Brandon

[@johneberhart4062]

Buy one of those $2.50 bungie straps like in the video and make sure to have it on before you climb the tree. I am also betrting that you have fell into the trap of having a puch on your saddle which will cause the outer panel to slip down if the belt isn't tight enough. Get rid of the pouches and carry your linemen and tether in your pack and put on the lineman at the base of the tree to climb with and once up the tree and your pack is hung (while your still attached with the lineman rope), take out your tether and hook it up and once your tethered in, take off the lineman rope and put it in your pack. There is no reason to use a pouch.

[@hoyt7710]

That all just looks a pain In the ass! How are is all that done in the dark? And does your legs get tired?

[@charlesdecker6342]

I killed my biggest buck last year out of this saddle . If I wasn't using the tree as a blocker I woulda have got busted to cause he looked right up to where I was sitting . We have alot of pressure and everyone had been trying to kill him

[@michigancrownmolding]

Yo bro - I believe you killed all them bucks, and you’re instructional videos on (how to kill mature whitetail bucks) are great - but it’s pretty simple man, you’re gonna need to show us a video where you actually kill something -

[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

The problem with that is John is a minimalist when it comes to hunting and film gear is bulky when you aren't used to carrying it for 50 years. Also he has already proven himself 10x over

[@michigancrownmolding]

@@eberhartoutdoors4219 ... like i said, i believe him...

[@HouseBladeDesign]

Put a poney clip on it to hold it together pull it up put the waist belt on an ur good to go

[@mndeerhunter8215]

The real way to wear it would be bare ass so you don’t have to get down for bathroom breaks. Dropping logs