Saddle vs Stand An Honest Comparison

Dan provides an honest, non bias comparison of saddle hunting vs tree stand hunting (lock on).
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[@eberhartoutdoors4219]

Very nice video Dan and very honest assessment. Personally I like hunting bigger tree diameters when possible and don't agree with the standing up and spinning around for evening hunts because that puts your body on the same side of the tree as the deer which makes the likelihood of getting picked much higher. While I never use a platform, if you put a few steps around the backside of the tree at the same level as the platform, for that evening portion of an all day hunt you can slide the tether rope around the tree move around onto the steps and hunt from them and you would still have the platform if you needed to move around the tree.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Valid point with being between the deer and tree. If you plan to use one tree for an all day hunt with you adjust your platform and rotate to the other side of the tree?

[@715outdoors2]

New to saddle hunting here, if you're not using a platform, what is your alternative?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Ring of steps, wild edge steps, or a one stick with built in platform.

[@troymiller1737]

Great video Dan! I am 50 and about to try my first saddle which you've given me more excitement and confidence about trying it out. Thanks!

[@frommichigan778]

Eclark - don’t let your own perception of Dan’s personality hold you back from all of the gems he’s shared for free! He’s strong in his opinions because he’s had tremendous success - anyone would trust what’s worked for them, especially with that level of success. I’ve met Dan without the cameras on and he’s a class act that treats everyone with respect. You’re only hurting your own level of knowledge by refusing to watch his videos and learn his tactics. He’s done more for the average hunter than anyone else I can think of.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

This in no way was meant to attack Dan or anyone in his crew. We have the utmost respect for the man. You can disagree with someone on a subject and still respect them.

[@1957cajun]

Hey I don’t let this jade me toward Dan at all! I still think Dan’s the man. I just way disagree with him on this topic.

[@Kgsoloman-ou6wm]

There are two main problems with a saddle, both of which I've experienced; not been told of. 1. You are setting up on the backside of a tree. This causes the tree in front of your face which is a major blindspot. I have spent probably close to 200 hours in a saddle, hunting, and have shot several animals from one. I have also had deer come out behind the blind spot of the tree and miss opportunities or waste time getting into the correct position because of it. 2.The backside of a tree has to be availible. If branches/ or debris are on the backside of a tree; and you are forced to setup on the front of the tree; if you decide to do this, you are now a considerable deficit as you're facing the tree and blind, and have to turn around for a shot. What I'm come to find out is just because you're able to get in a tree, and be comfortable, doesn't mean it's the right setup. Also, the idea that you need to be able to shoot in front of you, as well as behind you is kind of ridiculous as the wind has to be pulling your scent somewhere. With a treestand, you have accessible shots from 7-o'clock - 4- o'clock. This allows you to set up with your scent being pulled behind you at 5 or 6 o'clock. With a saddle, you may be able to shoot 360 degrees' but your scent is still being pulled to 5 or 6 o'clock. Now consider you're 5-6 o'clock is essentially very low probability of deer activity due to scent, your 12- 1 o'clock blocked by the tree as you're facing it; you also have reduced peripheral vision due to your distance from the tree. You're literally deadening your senses for increased shootability in low-probability areas. Saddles are exceptionally comfortable, much more than stands--even more than climbers for me. Unfortunately, effectiveness is more important to me than comfort in these situations. I think more people will find this out over time; although the majority of the hunting population doesn't shoot animals, they just hunt them.

[@jimmywallhanger8402]

Preach. Saddles are over rated

[@rattlingjunkie]

Thanks for the comment. I have kinda been interested in them, and thought maybe I was missing out. But after reading your comment I'll stick with my Lone Wolf.

[@kawi4ev]

My thoughts exactly and a point that no one ever brings up. You need to have the back of your tree limb free to work with a saddle. So many times I am Setting up in hemlock trees with branches and you can usually find a nice pocket for the lock-on to fit. I feel I would be limited to hunt spots like this with a saddle.

[@Zelleram55]

Thanks for a very honest review of many good points. I went to a saddle last year and it is the clear winner for me, on points of less bulk, better pack ability, less weight, shoot 360, safer/always tied to the tree, more comfortable for my back, less movement, better concealment behind the tree, better visual profile and better access to my pack and other gear. I could never shoot or see behind myself in a tree stand with out a lot of movement. Last year I killed two deer that came in unexpectedly from behind. Simple, turn and shoot.

[@RedBeardedPredators]

Good video, I think each has it place, more tools to work with the better.

[@715outdoors2]

Hey man, great video! I totally concur with all your points. I've always been a climber/hang on guy, just switched to a saddle a couple weeks ago. Hard to see myself going back. Very cool getting @EberhartOutdoors commenting on your videos. That's legendary!! Grace and peace!!

[@jcharais]

I cannot convince myself to go to a saddle for 12 lbs when I shoot a deer I have to drag out something +150 lbs. Sticking with the tree stand.

[@dirtdetective344]

I'm 55 and switched to a saddle in 2019 because of my back issues (lower back). For me the saddle is kinder to my back walking in and sitting all day. I also feel safer and more concealed in the saddle. Good video. I'e used it to harvest bucks in Indiana, Illinois and in my great state of Michigan.

[@TheJoeml85]

that's crazy i think the opposite u are hanging off the side of a tree where in a hang on u are up against the tree and u can hunt trees with cover i used to always hunt 20+ feet but i hunt 10 to 20 now depending on cover of the tree took my good buck this year 12ft up 15 yard shot other spot 10ft up multiple good bucks came right under my stand never seen me if i was in a saddle in that spot woulda got busted tried saddle hunting wasn't for me

[@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh]

Fantastic review! Been lone wolf guy for 25yrs. Tried saddle 2 yrs ago but with a small platform..looking at mission platform and then tactisaddle or method. Great job!

[@underdogoutdoors]

Great comparison, well thought out & explained for what sometimes is a hot topic. I've been using a Tethrd Mantis for 2 seasons, even shot a good buck last season & have to say, in pressured areas the saddle requires too much movement for me. It gets, me busted when deer are spooky, which is all the time here in the northeast. Bucks have a way of appearing from an unpredicted direction & there's usually a wise doe staring up pinning me down, you really have to hunt 25 feet plus and even then movement can ruin the hunt. I don't see a saddle as an advantage, I use it now instead of a safety harness with my lone wolf Sit & climb- can even climb around branches with this combo. With the climber, being the climbing method, no sticks needed, the weight savings of the saddle is so small it's irrelevant. The saddle is also not as safe as a climber. If all I had was the saddle, I'd make it work, but it's my third choice after climber, & hang on. I feel it's a fad. Thanks for the video.

[@DFDZig]

Awesome comparison.

[@chrismacomber9727]

The way I see it its all relitive to were you hunt and how you hunt ... Both work well as far as I can see ...that being said I have never hunted from a saddle and only reason why is I dont like the idea of being tied so tight to the tree..now I'm a roofer so 20 30 feet up no problem I were harness all day anyway and would have no problems leaning out and letting the tether hold my weight for a shot...just depends on who what and were...but cool vid brother..

[@crdavis61]

Very good comparison. I just started saddle hunting after 44 years of treestand hunting and wont look back. It takes some getting used to but I like less weight and less bulk as I get older. It also feels so much safer as you mentioned.....I feel anchored to the tree. Not so much with a climber or loc on.

[@libertyordeath1287]

Good honest review. I don't understand the people that get so infuriated at the saddle craze. They get so defensive about people that like saddle hunting. You'd swear that you just slapped their grandmother. To each their own is what I always say. I haven't seen one person that said anyone was stupid for hunting out of a stand or blind.

[@edwardhovitz1753]

Nice comparison review. Saddle setup is $. Wish I could rent to try :-)

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@huntsail3727]

Great video, honest practical comparison.

[@stripernut57]

Thanks for the video, great job. I would like to see a video on crossbow hunting from a saddle.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Wes Wood, Bishop will try to get you a crossbow saddle video this weekend. Do It Then!

[@stripernut57]

@@DoItThenOutdoors Thanks! I started hunting out of a saddle with a Ravin R26 this year, and would like to see how others do it. I struggle sometimes with the tether being in the way, and then there's always the worry about a xbow limb hitting the tree trunk when a shot is released. Anyway, at 63 old dog is trying to learn new tricks.

[@jaybaughman4640]

@@DoItThenOutdoors will that be on this channel?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

@@jaybaughman4640 we are actually working on this video next. We hope to have it live on the channel soon. We will be using three different xbow’s including a recurve one.

[@redsoxwinagain2007]

Good review. I agree with the summit comfort. But limited trees to hunt from and feel like I’m carting a wheel barrow on my back through the woods. The trees has not been as much of an issue until this past year when everyone decided to try hunting and flooded my land with cameras and treestands. One other advantage to the saddle is for when you want to mix in still hunting. You won’t feel like you have invested so much effort if you don’t use it. Concealment? I swear, Deer in NH have genetically modified senses and it’s ridiculous at how alert they are. Even the bucks during the rut are hyper-alert.

[@davidhidalgo5662]

A good comparison I would say better than others I have seen. I have been a climber guy for over two decades but have always hunted some out of hang-ons. I am looking into the saddle thing but have had back issues and Im wondering if it will be for me.

[@chuckrummel3284]

I think you should compare the kind of trees that Dan was setting up in where they’re leaning and where he expected to get the shot. I think that would help Show saddle hunters a heck of a lot more than just showing a straight up no limbed tree I would say go apples for apples.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Chuck this is a great idea. We will work on this idea over the weekend and try to release part 2 of saddle vs stand. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@chuckrummel3284]

Good deal looking forward to it

[@mikefromoh2925]

Great video. Thanks for your opinions.

[@AltaEgo]

There’s no reason you can’t do both! On the hang on stand, you can fold the seat up, and tether yourself to the tree (linesman belt or even a saddle) and have a much bigger platform to stand on. The only disadvantage would be kit weight. But at least you have the versatility…

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

I actually use my old hang ons/lock ons in high traffic areas and use that as my saddle platform. Best of both worlds. I prefer the smaller “saddle” platforms or one stick for mobile hunting.

[@AltaEgo]

@@DoItThenOutdoors yea… the only thing I worry about now is the weight of my LW Alpha II plus 4 sticks… so I’m considering getting climbing spurs which would completely free me of the sticks.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

@@AltaEgo the Spur method is one style of climbing that we haven’t tried yet. Seems like the most expensive option but we know some guys who do it and absolutely love it. Good luck if you give it a try

[@newkingjames1757]

When you add the ability of a saddle to climb a tree using DRT, I don't think the comparison is even close anymore.

[@davetoms63]

Much better video

[@MyPepino2010]

Great video, quality and content.

[@LIFEONTHELINE-xn8gs]

Come see how I set up with a stand and saddle. My profile pic says it all though. Hope you like it.

[@jhillyt]

Great comparison, thanks for sharing...

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@jcarter2575]

Good job. Very informative video.

[@jimmywallhanger8402]

People do NOT look like a branch leaning away from a tree. Good video though, decent arguments. I have hunted from both. I feel more safe and secure in a saddle, but overall I prefer the stand

[@enjoytheoutdoors1018]

Nice comparison!

[@timothyerb]

I think I’ll wear a saddle on my lock on and have all the benefits except weight.

[@Dayhaus]

I would love to see a video of crossbow out of a tree saddle and lock on because I’m shooting a ravin R10

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

We did make a crossbow out of a saddle video but did not compare it directly to a lock on.

[@JohnGreyman]

Did the crossbow saddle video mentioned in this one ever get made?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

It sure did!! Using a Crossbow with a Saddle - Its easy and deadly! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJXSomZqnsZkrq8

[@stevegermain1222]

Nice job

[@tyhansen8]

Great video Except where you dogged on the crocs lol

[@TheJoeml85]

and another thing is u gotta try another stand my dude u can't say that saddles are better because that xop seat is trash i used to have that stand and it would hurt to stand up after just a few hours got a novix helo and i can sit all day without any discomfort

[@j5183]

Nice job my man!!!!

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Appreciate it!

[@rattlingjunkie]

Saddle hunters are the vegans of the bowhunting community. They let you know that they are a saddle hunter without you asking, and their way is the best way.

[@stevenl4494]

Not a chance I'm turning around for the evening movement. Why negate your advantage in a saddle.....add a few steps and just spin 180.

[@cjr4497]

Weight and comfort trump all for me. I chose saddle. Also, if you don't add a ROS of steps to your saddle setup you are doing it wrong. It makes all the difference in the world. It increases your stability for taking shots giving you true and stable 360 degree shooting. There is no reason to mimic a ballerina on a platform.

[@markadams5285]

Crossbow video please. And Great Video!

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

We did release the crossbow video. Check out the playlist for that video and hit subscribe so you don’t miss future content.

[@adeciechi13]

Oh shit shots fired at Dan!!

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

We have the utmost respect for Dan and The Hunting Beast Community. You can disagree with an item and still respect each other.

[@campbellmarty36]

I honestly think the saddle set-up is just a phase that’s gonna go out style fairly quick!!!!. It just does NOT fit the majority Hunter’s affordability!!. No way!!… and as far as the time sitting??… there isn’t more that I’d say 20% of Hunters that sit ALL DAY!!. In fact I don’t know ANY!! Not even one!.. so the able to sit all day is NOT really a good reference!!!. Great video!! But I’ll stick with lock-on and hunt my 3-4 hour morning hunts!!!. I’m too old school!!!🤣

[@cray-z7404]

JX3 hybrid saddle seems like the answer…

[@RDO156]

Great video and I’ve watched several comparison videos. I’ve only hunted out of viper climbers from day one and it’s because I don’t feel safe in hang ones. There’s something about that rail that I like, I feel like it hold me in?!?!? I’m 42yo with several injuries, screws in neck, shoulder, back surgery, you get the idea. I’m tired of carrying in my gear and since I started filing two years ago, I now have more gear. I think I would switch to a saddle but how do you put on or take off clothing if your attached to a saddle. I’m guilty of taking off my harness once I’m at the top of tree. I hate doing it but I have to take off my sweat drenched t-shirt and then I begin putting on my layers. I’d have less weight to carry with a saddle but if it’s cold temps and long walk, I’m still gonna sweat and want to change into dry clothes. I guess you sweat less carrying in less gear? Can you take off your coat or some layers while in a saddle?

[@RDO156]

Oh and what mic you using?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

Adding and removing upper layers is easy with the saddle. Adding or removing lower layers (pants) would be difficult.

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

I have a Rhode shotgun mic on my Sony AX53 and a amazon version for my Iphone. I also run Mov0 lapel mics.

[@RDO156]

@@DoItThenOutdoors thanks, it sounded crisp. I have a Cannon XA11 and know my audio would be much better if mic’d.

[@steveplantz7199]

Dan you said you use XOP sticks when saddle hunting, Are you using the full size sticks and if so how many do you carry and how do you carry them in?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

I am using the old full size sticks with a double step modification. I have another video showing them. I typically use two of those sticks with a moveable aider. I can get to 18-20’ (platform height) and have another video showing that. If It’s a morning sit I strap my bow to my backpack and hand carry my sticks. Then I don’t even need to take my pack off when getting to the tree. If it’s a evening sit then my sticks are strapped to my pack. I run the Badlands Vario frame pack with the deluxe batwing. That pack is great for strapping sticks, platform, bow, etc. I even have a video explaining that pack.

[@charlesjennings4138]

Can I run the Phantom Harness with the tree stand ? Instead of purchasing the full body harness I wanted to purchase the saddle style harness. Would it be unsafe to use the tether vs. safety system lifeline ?

[@DoItThenOutdoors]

There are some videos out there with people trying this. I have not tried it, so I can not provide any advice, sorry.

[@eclark53520]

Yeah, Dan is one of those guys that thinks his way is the best way all the time. It's the personality trait of his that keeps me from watching his videos. Well, different people have different systems that work well. I'm a hang on hunter most of the time, but I also have a saddle and a climber. Sometimes those things are better suited for the situation than the hang on. Use all the tools available, saying that one of them doesn't work is simply losing out on a valuable advantage in certain situations. It's like arguing that Torx is better than flathead. That's great, but if the only screw drivers you have are the superior torx and the screw you need to remove is flathead...then what?

[@dawsonbarber3768]

He definitely believes in what he does which makes his videos that much better. I use saddle and stand for different purposes, love them both and love the saddle for the weight😂 but they both have there uses. But Infalt just goes with what he believes in, thats fantastic that he sticks with his beliefs because then you are getting the true him. He isn't influenced by anyone and heck he's trying to sell his stands too so I mean why not push the stands. But he knows how to hunt deer, hes well knowledged and so I wouldn't let that deter you from his videos, just his personality. Either way I just believe there is alot we can learn from each other

[@SyKaDeLiCEyEz]

Saddles are made for the lazy hunter who is headed home by 8 oclock.. there is no comparison.. to even think this is a debate 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ 18 lbs isnt that heavy.. I'll keep as much as I can out of the way of my bow as I can . Screw that rope 360 free range of motion wins 🤷‍♂️ you said you cant do that on a tree stand as you literally just did it 🤣🤣🤣

[@buddyshaw8284]

Pretty ridiculous statement. Just a hunch based off of your profile but I'm assuming you're fat ass. I hunted out of lock on stands exclusively for 14 years before using a saddle last year. Not sure how having to set up fresh every day translates to lazy for you

[@SyKaDeLiCEyEz]

@@buddyshaw8284 🤣🤣🤣 sorry, not sorry the truth hurts 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@buddyshaw8284]

Except for its not the truth.

[@SyKaDeLiCEyEz]

@@buddyshaw8284 except . It is 🤦‍♂️

[@1957cajun]

I think Dan’s comparison was honest but inexperienced and misinformed.

[@SyKaDeLiCEyEz]

🤣🤣🤣

[@bstenzel1]

Spot on! It takes a bit of time to get used to saddles and exactly how to use them. Some of the trees Dan said there was no way to hunt, I knew exactly how to hunt with a saddle.

[@kcoutdoorsmissouri4052]

Lock oun

[@bucktalk69]

Crossbows 👎👎👎