Tethrd Mantis VS DIY Saddle

Tethrd Mantis hunting saddle vs homemade hunting saddle. In this video, I compare a Tethrd Mantis hunting saddle with a DIY hunting saddle I made using parts purchased from Amazon.

[@shadyp-zv3uf]

Man it would be such a blessing to have that mobility and everything with a real saddle and not carrying in so much weight. It's hard on me hiking in a couple miles and everything with all kinds of weight and then not being able to move if needed.

[@seansoutdoors]

I agree

[@Rhallifax2]

I've been using a Mantis for two years now. I'm a leftie. I set a treestand for a friend from out of state for a Right Handed person. I found hunting my saddle Lefthanded out of this Righthanded treestand worked great, and comfortable for me. Plus, no shooting angles were sacrificed. ... Nice video Sean.

[@seansoutdoors]

Great

[@johnky100]

Big fan of the channel. Just want to give my thoughts on saddle hunting. Man saddle hunting has BLOWN up in recent years, HOLY. I tried saddle hunting years back with the OG (the originale gangsta) saddle that started it all; I STILL GOT IT TOO. Back then the OG saddle was the only manufacturer making it and they were going to stop producing it. There was a specific point in time when NO ONE made saddles and those who had OG saddles were selling it for ridiculously high; I shoulda sold mines then. There were other alternatives like the Guido's web and tree spider or sum'n. Well I hunted a few times in da saddle and THE BIGGEST issue with saddle hunting was...how you gunna get up da tree? And then finding a platform. Back then, there was not a lot of platform makers. Some folks used the small lone wolf foot stand platform (forgot wat it's called but its not made for saddle hunting). I used a ratchet that was modified with 4 ameri-step straps on it. Again ameri-step stopped production of these strap on steps. So a platform was 1 issue. The other was how to get up a tree....well I used 4 lone wolf sticks or screw in steps. The 4 LW sticks was fast getting up a tree but it was heavy and bulky. The screw in steps are less bulky, heavier but took FOREVER. By the time I was up a tree, I pretty much told the deer's in the next county I was in da woods. Dont forget u gotta find a way to hang your stuff up with saddle hunting. My preferred method now is a LW alpha hand climber. With my pack and bow slung on my back, I can ascend up with the LW wolf climber in no time, stash my pack under the seat, screw in a bow holder and I'm ready to hunt. Folks are trying new things but I found a solution to the saddle shortfalls.

[@seansoutdoors]

I hear ya. Did you see this video I recently did? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKLUoo2cZdCNmsk A very similar conclusion

[@vm859]

Hey Sean I think the leg straps go on the loops on the waist belt, not where you have them hooked in this video. Thats how I run it and I never had them fall off. Was told they dont need to be tight just there to keep the saddle in place.

[@vm859]

I was just looking at the website and theres pictures of it both ways. Try it on the waist belt loops if you keep having them slip off. God bless!

[@seansoutdoors]

God bless you too

[@rsteveryan]

Been hunting with a saddle for 10 years. Started with a mfg saddle and now use a DIY design. I dont use leg straps or a rock harness and do not fear losing the saddle, in fact never have. I do tether in with a climbing rope and a Blackhawk belt with a ring. My wife and grandsons still hunt out of tree stands so i still get to put those up each year. I love the flexability and ease of setting up a saddle tree and they are the best for hiding behind when game is approaching. God bless you Sean, you have great videos.

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks for sharing be safe

[@knuve8936]

They must have packaged those bonus extras with your shipment. Not all of that comes with saddle by default. You have to add all those things on, except the bridge rope which is permanently attached to saddle, based on what their website shows.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah most likely.

[@bethg7026]

I’m so glad you reviewed the mantis, I’ve been thinking of getting one for over a year, but it’s so expensive I wanted to hear more reviews on it

[@seansoutdoors]

It’s a great option if you’re serious about trying saddle hunting

[@bethg7026]

Given that the trip out to the tree carrying 40+ pounds of gear will exhaust me to the point I probably couldn't even mount the stand, it's probably my best bet. Hopefully I'll be able to get one for next year and actually start hunting!

[@ztpoutdoors662]

My tethrd mantis is on order. Cant wait to try it out

[@seansoutdoors]

Enjoy it and be safe.

[@marvingarber3311]

On the climb. What about lineman spikes

[@seansoutdoors]

Most states don't allow them on public land because of damage to the trees.

[@marvingarber3311]

@@seansoutdoors sry that's right. Forgot about that

[@Peyton-rv1qe]

Nice to see your excitement! Like a kid in a candy store. Hey I am the same way lol. Good job on the video.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah that’s what it felt like

[@thomasliptrott3834]

You didn’t mention the biggest difference between the two setups (I know you said you’ll have more videos), and that’s the fact that that box has $600 worth of gear in it. That’s the biggest difference.

[@seansoutdoors]

Okay

[@Jackofalltrdes]

It's even worst when you live in Canada and want to buy one! Crazy expensive

[@corbinbrianl]

I recently bought an Aero Kestrel saddle and also a Tethrd Predator platform. Very anxious to try them out.

[@seansoutdoors]

Enjoy it!

[@bobdozepy5807]

Awesome video I like that setup

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks

[@jasonard7227]

cant wait to try one thx sean God Bless

[@seansoutdoors]

God bless you too

[@kennytroyer3366]

Sean, definitely use knee pads.....it will help keep your knees from getting sore when they are against the tree. Also I did away with the 1 carabiner on my linemans rope. I just looped the rope through the left side big loop of the saddle and the end of the linemans loop through the other end of the linemans loop and pulled it tight (linemans loop knot should cinch down on the saddle loop). I attached my ropeman 1 (with the carabiner) on right side of the linemans rope. I also bought me a second ropeman 1 and attached it on the tree tether (did away with my prusic knots), it's a very slick operation. So you will have 1 left over carabiner when your done, which I kept as a spare in case I ever need it. Good luck this year.😊

[@seansoutdoors]

I love my carabiners. I use them for so many things. Couldn’t imagine getting rid of them! Enjoy your hunting! God bless ya

[@yakinpa4038]

Hey Sean, I watched this video and then went to the Tethrd website because I was interested in the operation of the Ropeman 1. I saw that you indicated that you would be doing a follow on video of the Mantis and I was wondering if you could explain the way the Ropeman 1 operates. I am strongly considering purchasing a saddle kit.

[@seansoutdoors]

It’s pretty sweet, the rope man. I’m limited on time right now so probably won’t be able to make a video on it real soon

[@huntingtheempire1152]

If you lower your tether to are und nose height it will keep the bridge out of your way a bit more. Rock your hips to roll your bridge in the caribiner will keep you in a better shooting position.

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks joe

[@lhb4031]

Mantis. Nice saddle , I used the sit drag customized for me last year and was convinced that Saddle Hunting was the way to go on Public Land in upstate NY. Have fun and be safe. Got the Idea from G2 ON KZbin.

[@seansoutdoors]

Nice

[@robpoehnelt7220]

Great video. Have had my Mantis for a couple months, and just ordered a Predator today. Can't wait to hit the woods.

[@seansoutdoors]

Awesome. Enjoy it

[@WillTroyer]

That’s a sweet setup they sent you. I’ll be using the predator platform myself this year. My saddle isn’t as light as the Mantis but I agree on the part of walking in the woods and hardly realizing you’re wearing it.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah it’s nice

[@samshepherd9252]

Sean whats countdown to opening day? Can get last min bow tips before opening day. Great video in comparison

[@seansoutdoors]

Tomorrow I’m going out

[@samshepherd9252]

Good luck and cant wait to see results sir.

[@underdogoutdoors]

After watching this & your previous DIY video- also having a tethrd Mantis, but haven't hunted with it or any saddle yet, It's not that much more money to get the real deal Mantis- & saves lots of time to just buy a saddle, than to make one. Seems to be the new fad, I'm skeptical because of all the movement necessary to shoot different angles- but it's a new thing to learn & maybe it really is the new big thing? I can't see me liking it more than my lone wolf sit & climb. Thanks for the video Sean.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah better to get the Mantic if your serious about saddle hunting

[@rw9347]

Its one of those things I wish I can try before I buy..

[@seansoutdoors]

Try looking for them at a trade show to sit in

[@neilspeer2330]

Mantis is well made. How much saddle hunting will you be doing this year?

[@seansoutdoors]

A little. Not exclusively

[@gelssonreyes6582]

hi Sean's i see in the rest of your videos that you never use your saddle to hunt you always use the lone wolf three stand , it is not for you ?? please can you let me know if possible, i in the poses of get me one, but the it is price so i dint want to get one and not use it, it is ok if you cant enter my question, thank you for for the videos, i watch the one (hunt and pray ) like 5 times. because i a big. God fan, thank you ageing. God bless you

[@seansoutdoors]

I’ve used the saddle on multiple hunts this year but I haven’t had time to practice with it much before the season and I also don’t like my climbing method with it so have only used it about 6 times this year. It’s nice but you need to have time to practice with it.

[@jmcg1363]

Sean, Get knee pads. It makes it a lot more comfortable when you are in the seated position and your knees are against the tree. Glad to see you in a saddle.

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks

[@waynehumphrey8910]

I was in the tree service Business for years we tried are saddles they work but it limits you to a one sided shot still prefer a tree stand

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks for sharing

[@sawtoothscream1521]

This is what keeps me from using mine. Tried it in the yard and it just seems like a lot of movement to make anything but a shot to the left.

[@juanantonioespinosa8816]

How many time can a person stand this way without feeling tired?

[@seansoutdoors]

It’s probably different for everyone

[@djf1019]

Thanks for this video Sean! I hunt only public land and really want to make the switch to the saddle. But I am not able to justify the $500 price tag. I would gladly do some videos for tethered if they sent me a saddle kit.

[@seansoutdoors]

I think the setup they sent me is around $300

[@djf1019]

Sean's Outdoor Adventures sadly the mantis saddle itself is 300. Factor in the two ropes and platform and it adds up to 500. Thanks again for sharing the video. Keep sharing the love of Jesus. Dan

[@seansoutdoors]

@@djf1019 That seems odd. I just went on their website and it shows the whole starter kit for $315 - tethrdnation.com/product-category/saddle-kits/

[@niccastleberg4951]

Is it a good idea to hunt scrapes this time of year?

[@seansoutdoors]

Sure

[@jameshankins1514]

In the first video, you mentioned that Lone Wolf is sending you a platform. Which Lone wolf company is it? Is it the Lone Wolf Customs? Or Lone Wolf hunting products

[@seansoutdoors]

I’m I’m not sure. I think the custom one.

[@jameshankins1514]

I ordered the Tactisaddle from John Tucker. Hope to try it out in a week or so.

[@thuan123red]

How do you climb up?

[@seansoutdoors]

Climbing stick.

[@a.b.k1983]

I got mine and killed a 6 point on my second sit. Absolutely could not have hunted that location with a tree stand!

[@seansoutdoors]

Great

[@MTBXterra]

Ordered the same Tethrd equipment month's ago and I am still waiting for the order to be filled. Getting the platform on Tuesday, but still waiting for the saddle. I guess I have to wait because they are sending them out to KZbinrs for free... :-/

[@seansoutdoors]

I waited over a year to get mine from when they asked me to do it. It definitely took them a long time to get to me, but I think they are a young company still trying to figure out how to iron out production in order to get orders fulfilled better.

[@MTBXterra]

@@seansoutdoors I got a confirmation that my saddle will be here Wednesday of this week. I'm excited to finally get to try saddle hunting. I like how you are incorporating scripture verses in your videos so you have a new subscriber. Looking forward to more videos.

[@seansoutdoors]

@@MTBXterra That is great. Praise God

[@justjabki2079]

Great vid! You certainly have a trade off of price vs quality.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah the real thing is much better

[@Jeep-Addicts]

Great video thanks. I’m thinking of trying a saddle. Our church has a ministry called Outdoors 4 Him. Using the outdoors to bring the gospel.

[@seansoutdoors]

That's awesome! Maybe they'd like this video I just posted, please share it with the group. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6umnXWDndJjnc0

[@lonniedickerson9257]

Yah!!!

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks

[@josephsimmons4908]

A lower bridge is easier to deal with when shooting

[@seansoutdoors]

Great

[@JayN4GO]

Very well job Sean. I’m ready to try it now

[@seansoutdoors]

Thanks

[@haleighadrenalinegreen6843]

Did I miss the scripture on this video? Might have stepped out for a cpl minutes but bounced back they and didn't see it

[@seansoutdoors]

I think you missed it

[@ross7684]

Interesting rig, but I think I would use the Mantis stand/base but stay with the regular climbing harness as it seems more robust and seems like it would be more comfortable for a long hunt. I would think that the narrow, light leg straps would eventually start to cut into the thighs.

[@seansoutdoors]

Yeah mantis is what I’ll use

[@duanecounter6591]

Ross Ragan - it’s actually the opposite. If you fall out of a stand using a regular harness and cannot get back into your stand, You risk losing a leg after 30 minutes. If you fall out of a stand with a saddle you simply step back up to where you were and continue hunting

[@wyleyveinot6540]

Do you think for someone who already has tree stands and climbing sticks, is it worth getting this system or keeping a mobile stand setup? At 199.99 US it seems pretty stiff in price.

[@wyleyveinot6540]

Plus cost of platform too

[@seansoutdoors]

If you are lookin for a way to reduce your weight of your gear that you have to Carey in and out

[@timbo5510]

Must be nice to get all your stuff from tethrd.im still waiting for my platform..never will I order from there again..they don't care about customer service

[@seansoutdoors]

Sorry to hear that. God bless ya

[@swalker9482]

I went with aero kite too. Tethered hasn't gotten everything figured out. I would like to try the mantis one day because they are hunters. Aero was designed for arborists

[@Ihsaan1422]

@@swalker9482 Arborist that also hunt I believe

[@duanecounter6591]

Tim bo - I had the opposite experience. I bought a SYS Hauler ES at the start of the 2018 archery season and attached it to my modified Sit Drag. Half way through the 2019 archery season the seams on the SYS Hauler ES started to separate. I took a photo, sent it to Tethrd, and they sent me a replacement for free. The new one is made by a different supplier, is bigger, and better. That’s awesome customer service to me! Because of their customer service I have since purchase a Predator platform and now I’m about to buy a Mantis saddle.