Is a saddle better than a stand? 

I’ve hunted out of both styles, they each have their benefits. People are ridiculous for dying on one hill or the other. We live in a great time where we have excellent options for elevated hunting systems. Enjoy them and use what works for you.

Josh, Weak side shot is easily accomplished if you climb so your last climbing stick is located on the back side of the tree from where you want your platform located (i.e. approximately your 10 -11 o'clock position when you're facing the tree). That gives you the advantage of a ring of steps for walking around the tree while still maintaining the comfort of using the platform for your sit. If the weak side shot presents itself you can simply step over to the top step of the stick, while still hiding behind the tree, to turn that shot into a strong side shot. Another benefit then is that when drawing from this position your draw arm is hidden behind the tree.

Less Mobility in Tree Saddles and more movement and movement is the biggest thing when hunting. It has its use case especially if you are a Public Land Hunter only. They aren't as comfortable either. I rather use a climber than a saddle but that's me. Ultimately everyone should try everything out and make your own conclusions. Good Video though

I'm just try to figure out how to put a lay z boy in a tree. I got some lower back issues. And my lone wolf I'm just constantly up and down. I mostly just stand . but just wondering if the saddle would any better for lower back issues

The last comment. -If I had to choose one? I don’t have to, not goin to- that’s what I think people miss all to often. Dying on only one thing one way that’s that period. Being a good hunter requires fluidity in using tools fit for a situation at hand, including ground hunting and still hunting to me. Everyone has a preference, it is who we are. But preferences don’t always play in our favor to get the big one.

Break away from Dan..1st video is about how saddles arent so bad..lol

The biggest thing for me is the portability of saddle hunting.l hunt some very crowded private land that seems to have a stand set up every 150 yrds so I literally hunt the hunters because the deer stay clear of those spots that get over hunted and are thick and have every funky tree known to man.l know the disadvantages of a saddle but at least I have chances I didn't before.

loved it

i use a hybrid setup where i have a beast stand and use my cruzr xc as my safety harness so i can shoot front side like a normal tree stand and shoot rear shots if necessary by just using the beast platform and turning around and adjusting my bridge. seems to be working really well for me after trying both a stand and a saddle in the past separately.

I actually prefer shooting from a saddle. For long sits I still prefer a stand. For ultimate comfort when I know there is a tree that will work, a climber is the most comfortable by a long shot for me. I just rarely have good trees picked out so I dont use a climber very often.

I prefer a stand no matter what. Too much bulk moving in a saddle.

I will always have my hammock saddle with me cause it fits in my pocket, my favorite is the beast stand but also a saddle on so I can lean put if need be.

Saddle pros: ultra light, highly mobile, real comfortable, hunt out of any tree, safer, use tree to hide behind...Cons: must practice shooting from one! Takes a full season to learn the ins and outs, can be a little fittle factor, best if you have pre set trees with steps so u don't have to carry in stix, can be a little hot and sweaty in early season going through the process up and back down

Some suggestions about hunting with a saddle coming from someone who was an arborist and tree climber. Get off the tree. Give yourself about 3" more length and bring your tie in down to chin height the lower the angle is the more stability you will have changing sides. Adding a bit more bend in your knees center your weight on the arch of your foot allows gravity to work more efficiently in your favor you'll find putting your center of balance more firmly on your natural balance points in your whole foot and hips rather than on your toes and using your core muscles to force yourself into an unnaturally "centered" position. I also would suggest steel shank reinforced boot soles found commonly in logger boots will reduce fatigue and increase balance . . . If any of this confuses you think about this sitting in a saddle should be the same as sitting on a high leg barstool

And as far as the ring of steps… I added two of the steps to my platform strap and put them at 9 and 11 o’clock that will give you enough room to get around the tree to the week side and keep the tree in between you and the deer while doing so

These steps are made by TreeHopper.

Using the beast stand with a rock climbing harness. Certain spots ill cinch my lineman rope on the tree, run the free end on my tie on point of the harness and using a Ropeman clamp ill set my distance so I can lean away from the tree to make shots behind it of need be... Best of both worlds in my opinion.

I’ve used portables forever, still do, BUT … I never go in the woods without my saddle on! If I’m going to a tried and true portable, I’m still using my saddle, it makes that stand that much more versatile with 360° shoot ability. I now use my saddle probably 98-99% of the time. Another great thing about saddles, if you do an all day sit, you can sleep without the worry of falling out like you have with portables, js.

Super informative! Thank you! It's refreshing to have an objective review on this topic.

Used a saddle for 3yrs and enjoyed it... But the idea of my best view is a tree sitting in front of me and my best shot is my view directly behind me didn't seem smart over all.. had a big pt sneak up on me from behind and to late to get a shot. I want to be facing the strong area of where deer will most likely come and don't want to have to adjust myself around a tree to my week side... if a deer does come behind its still fairly easy to get around the stand for a shot. Just my two sense.

I hunted from a stand for years and years I switched to a saddle last year and fell in love with the saddle no regrets at all . The saddle is just better all the way around. I will be hunting with the saddle this year 2024. Good luck

i like both methods but i prefer using a saddle with both a ring of steps and a Trophyline platform.... i can shoot pretty much anywhere with ease like that.

Scrap the platform and go to a ring of steps, because with one step foot movement and inertia you can slowly slip around the tree like a snake, theres nothing better, but you have to lose the platform. Remember practice till perfected or fail miserably

Love using my saddle with my LWCG .5. I leave my seat out and simply sit down for my “weak side” shot.

You compared the hardest shot in a saddle to the easiest shot in a stand. How are you shooting behind your stand? When I stand hunted I simply couldn't take shots at say 4,5 and 6 o'clock. In a saddle, the top of my stick is level with my platform and to the left of the platform. I simply step over onto the top of the stick and I can cover the weak side, using the top of the stick like you were talking about using a ring of steps.... they're simply not needed if you set your platform level with the top of your stick. Does it take movement to make that shot, absolutely but in a stand I didn't even have the option to move around the tree to shoot behind me. I'd rather have the options. If you are able to shoot 360deg out of a tree stand, I'd love to see how you're doing it.

Those Tree Diapers are just a fad. You're totally limited if ya haveta do a 180? Those things have been around for decades I had some salesman at a show try to sell me one at the Harrisburg PA show in the 90's. No thanks, kinda like purple hair these days... 🤯

If you want to know how to hunt out of a saddle you need to watch how John Eberhart hunts out of a saddle. Love him or hate him it is by far the best way out there. I hated saddle hunting when I first started 4 years ago because I watched a bunch of stupid videos of how to do it that weren’t correct.

10:37 hahahah 100% why i cant do a saddle, even though i would love to save the weight diff of my millennium

After a lot of hunting from both I find there is not one better then the other. There’s a reason and an occasion for both. For rifle I can’t find a neg in the saddle. For a bow it’s just some practice to make a couple shots. Now only positive for a stand over saddle is shooting a traditional bow. For some reason I have a tough time shooting a trad bow out of a saddle.

I had all the comments I wanted to make related to this video until you said... it was your opinion. Good comparison bud!

Very well said, these were exactly my experiences and why I went back to a stand. Another thing to add is if a deer comes in behind you while in a saddle your more prone to getting busted compared to a stand setup where the tree blocks you visually from deer behind you.

I don't have to pick one either, I pick both. I like the saddle on long walks through thick brush, I like tje stand once I'm there and up the tree

Saddle

In a tree stand you standing in front of tree therfore you are not hiding from the deer. In a tree saddle, you are standing or sitting behind the tree. Therefore, you are hiding behind the tree. Another benefit is that I can move body 360° around the tree to hide behind the tree

I would say, saddle for compound bow absolutely. However, hang on stand for traditional archery. Which is what I shoot now.

I really want a saddle to be the end all be all. But my biggest thing is hunting in tree's with lots of branches. I find a tree stand to be better, hide better and get shots better. Twisting backwards to make a shot because you have branches on the left and right, just seems like there is a better way, like a stand! You literally have a saddle, than turn around to use it like a stand......... However! if you like to hunt bare tree's, which isn't typical for me, saddles you can probably hide better or if you hunt tree's on a hill, they typically lean down hill. It's funny, cause i feel like i can use a small lightweight hang-on, in more scenario's than a saddle. so now i'm sad cause i wanted a saddle to do it all, haha.

Saddles and crossbows don't get along very well.

Wow, a balanced and logical review. The hunting world needs more of you. Good review!

Did the saddle VS hang on treestand test myself. Bought a Notch treesadle on sale for under $60 to try out saddle hunting. Please all bare in mind the fact a public land mature trophy class buck is the most paranoid weary and cautious animal in the woods, and YES they absolutely look up and look up often and DO NOT tolerate movement without it putting them on absolute high alert and are likely to spook from it and if this movement occurs danger close to them they WILL spook. One thing that I noticed that became a deal breaker for me was if a buck were in bow range and were to make a sudden last minuet change in his travel path and forced me to change from shooting from my left side to my right side it would take a lot more movement if I were in a saddle hanging behind a tree to get my bow and body in position to make the make the shot than if I were standing up on a treestand leaning against the tree. I practiced this in both a treestand and saddle many many times. No way could I ever make the move in a saddle as smoothly and with as little movement as I could in a treestand as when I tried it in a saddle. The reason it was a deal breaker for me is my three biggest P&Y bucks all required me to make a radicle last minuet left to right side shifts in making my shot and because it was nothing more than a slow fluid motion of moving my upper body while pivoting on my feet but required no movement of my bow is why I was able to pull it off. I just pivoted drew and shot. No one can do that if in a saddle hanging behind a tree. I also found having to pivot from my right to my extreme left while in a saddle to make a shot put me in a very awkward shooting position and despite practicing for such shots it will still up my odds of missing or worse making a bad hit. Lastly while I do have an elevated platform at my sportsman's club I can practice shooting my bow from when ever I wish, and they even have a mount that allows you to attach a treestand to, there is no way for me to practice shooting from a saddle save for a state F&G area over an hour from my home so bow hunting from a saddle just is not for me. In my opinion to be able to hunt as effectively from a saddle as from a treestand one must be able to practice in ones own yard and I simply can not do this. I know there are tons of saddle hunters that will disagree with me but I am expressing my experience not my opinion. Saddles are awesome for gun hurting and that when I use mine but as far as bow hunting I am hang on stand only. Now for another opinion. In MY opinion saddle hunting sounds a lot better than hang on stand hunting than it actually is. Not saying saddle hunting isn't effective but I feel for me it offered no significant advantages VS a hang on stand and again for me at least one significant disadvantage. Lastly weight is not that big of a deal to me so my 11lb LW HOTS is a non factor. To others weight is a big deal just not to me.

Great video. I love how you edited it so it switched between the stand and saddle.

Try a ring of steps ,instead of platform ..

I love you guys, I really do. But saddle wins for me. I've hunted both and I prefer my saddle hands down

Not a single word on using a safety harness?? 😞

Lattitude Method 2 works very well, love it highly recommend. Glad I found your channel Josh , didn’t know it was a thing until I watched the Hunting Beast departure video. Been listening to your podcast since the start! Great stuff thank you!

I have been watching your RU-vid channel for a long time, and you appear to be a very good guy. The weak side shot is not as complicated as you make it out to be. There are a lot of videos on RU-vid that you how to make the weak side shot(watch tethered NATION). My suggestion is to do more research on RU-vid and practice more. This is how I shoot the weak side when I am using my tree saddle. My first step is strapping my platform around the tree. Next, I strap my steps around the tree, usually between 1 to 3, depending on the diameter of the tree. Shooting the weak side shot this way is very easy and less strain o the back.

I cant get past thinking if my bridge breaks i die

Being in a saddle costed me a big buck a few days ago. Wished I had brought my beast stand for that hunt. New tree so did the best with what I had.

The saddle was originally designed to use with ring of steps. A ring of steps alone is not comfortable but if you add a wild edge step on each side of your platform and slightly higher or a ring of steps and you length the distance on your tether between the cinch point and the carabiner you will be able to shoot all the right around the tree using your strong side. I have never had to take my bow over my bridge to shoot.

I’ve switched to a saddle and probably won’t ever go back to a hang on stand, unless i own a piece of my own property. But saddle for hunting public land is the way to go.

Great video, Josh! I've only ever used a saddle, so it's nice to get the perspective of someone who has used both. For the weak side shot, I've seen guys set the platform almost level with the top of their last stick. For a right handed person, you would put the platform to the right of your top stick and then use the top of the stick to reach around the tree.

Both are just another tool in the tool belt.

Just setup with weak side down wind.

We need Dan to make a saddle platform

good video, and good luck!

That was dead on! Benefits to both and negatives for both. First started saddle hunting with rock climbing harness and tried to draw back weak side and couldn’t. Tried for 20-30 seconds and then buck walked away

I wish THB would make saddle platforms

Just what I needed to hear. Great comparison

Ring of steps.

I believe that one is not better than the other. There are many "tools" in the toolbox. It's the job at hand that determines the right tool.

I went right back to a stand after getting into Traditional Bowhunting. Saddle hunted for three seasons and could never get comfortable or stop moving/swinging around. A tree stand is so much better for me, and honestly you're not getting much weight savings with a saddle these days, if any at all. Not having a tree 2ft in front of my face while wielding a 64" Longbow is a breath of fresh air, not to mention having my feet firmly planted under me when I take a shot. Just no interest what so ever in a tree diaper these days lol.

I’ve been using a black diamond rock climbing harness like you wear. I use it almost like a saddle in my stand. I cal lean way back and shoot around the tree rock solid! It’s almost like the best of both worlds!

Josh I’ve found for the week side shot is to pass the bow under the tether and put your left arm underneath also instead of forming completely around. You are correct though on having your tether a little higher to make that move simpler

Just buy a ladder stand lol

When using the Treestand, are you still wearing a saddle as your fall protection or are you wearing a separate safety harness?

Ever tried a Ring of Steps in your saddle?

Clear and concise as always Josh. Your understanding of people and their differing opinions and avoiding that conflict is what differentiates you from those people who insist upon being right in their opinions. You have always made it clear that you are speaking from your own opinion, and are not neglecting those who also have theirs, and why I believe (lol, my opinion), you will continue to grow your channel, and be admired by your following. Good luck on your new path. Michael Jordan said "Republicans buy sneakers too", when asked to pin his name to the democratic party, and by being smart about it, he didn't play that political game, and being more neutral in every facet of your channel will appeal to a much greater crowd, and make you look like a better/smarter man. I wish you the best of luck.

I use both. I enjoy saddle hunting more tbh. From my experience, I was getting pegged 20+ feet in a tree in the late season (January), but I’d only go 12-15 feet up with a hang on with my back against the tree and had deer walk within 7 yds of me. I will use the stand for the early and late season but the saddle during the rut in areas I know I’ll want to set up 2-3 times through out the day. When people asks me which one to buy, I tell them a light hang on.

Your shot range in the saddle is significantly better in my opinion. You easily have 270 degrees of shots, with a stand the whole backside of the tree is practically off limits

Really enjoyed your honest opinion on what you liked best about saddle hunting vs a beast stand.. Here's my favorite way to do it! First time hunting a spot that I've never hunted before, I take a portable climbing treestand..mine is the original Loggy Bayou, it never stays in the woods..I bring it out each and every time. It weighs 10 pounds and I go as minimal as I can...If that spot turns out to be a great place then I will set up with a saddle or lock on and it will be a pre set that I set up in late winter/ early spring.. I want to be able to get in the tree as quickly and as safely as I can with minimal effort..Carrying sticks and all the other stuff seems to be too much for what I want to do...I can also climb to 20+ with my old Loggy in about 10 minutes ..

A lot of people have switched to hybrid hunting with a saddle and a small hang on. Only a few pounds heavier and you have the benefits of both. I think that’s what I’m going to try with my saddle and Novix Helo. I like that I can strap my sticks to my stand and get by with a small fanny pack. I also have a bow holder mounted on my stand. Don’t need kneepads, back band, etc. Who knows I’ll probably change my mind and just sit on the ground.

Yooo Josh, I'm in so. Indiana. What I've found myself doing is that what ever weight I can save between stand and the saddle is that I just replace the weight with more crap hahaa great video bro and take care of that family! You've made the right choice.

Main point of saddle also is bc of it being very easily Mobil, quick and easy! And lighter!

You need a ring of steps for the weak shot. Then you can just put your left foot forward and wrap around the tree for a shot. I like using the TL wingman with a ring of steps. I won’t saddle hunt without the rings

Do you think someone with a back or knee injury would prefer one or the other? Can’t wait to see more videos!

Josh i added 3 bullman steps to my platform strap....one at 9 o'clock 2nd at 12 o'clock and 3rd at 3 o'clock works really good....just leave 75% of weight in saddle and just use the steps to guide around tree👌

I just started with the lockdown and really like BUT I see in the future going hybrid, saddle and stand

I use the OOAL angled scout platform mounted to my top stick. I have 3 squirrel steps on an OCB buckle. Very compact and fits inside my dump pouch. If I'm just doing a short hunt I won't set up the ROS. But most of the time I do. I put a step on each side of the tree so that I can straddle the tree like a motorcycle kinda. At 3 and 9 o clock. The 3rd step I have at around 11 o clock. I'm right handed so I use that to make my small step onto the side/back of the tree to shoot the offside shot. For me this is the most comfortable setup. I do notice I move around more in the saddle tho. But at the same time this is way more comfortable for me than a treestand. In a traditional lock on my butt falls asleep in 30 mins. Then I have to stand. Then my feet start hurting lol. At least in the saddle there is better options for distribution of weight.

Excellent unpacking of treestands v. saddle. Thank you for putting this together.

I’ve noticed that my feet will tend to get sore or uncomfortable with the saddle and platform. Especially rubber boots.

Luv the Tree Lounge reference! He's down... He's down right there!

Personally, I don’t care for the saddle platform. I have both the Beast stand as well as a saddle, but I’ve always felt safer in a saddle. The key to saddle hunting is subtle movements to keep you concealed and keeping the tree between you and the deer.

Bullman outdoors has easily packable steps and ring of steps. Not my only go to but has made a world of difference. Thanks for review of both.

Josh, I am saddened that Dan has kicked you off the Beast Team for returning to your roots as a saddle hunter(only kidding). My default is a saddle platform, but longer sits and pine trees are generally in a small tree stand with a saddle on. Hybrid set up.

I think there is just as much movement getting a shot on weak side out of a stand. Especially those who need to stand up to shoot... pivoting feet etc. I think it is more natural moving around tree in a saddle... you stick out more like a limb and limbs move in the wind. Stagnant blobs sitting on a stand are not natural in anyway so when that blob moves deer notice it more. IMO

I don't trust that rope...no way. .I'd still wear a harness

Don't you get tired in a saddle basically standing

I switched to a saddle last year and all of my hang on stands and climbers have been doing nothing but collecting dust ever since

Also feel like I can tuck in a tree with more limbs or a little more crooked tree in my saddle over stand

The old tree lounge. I still got mine! Great for nap in the tree but that thing will slip on you in a heart beat!

Loving the daily vlog. Keep at it. Thanks for the honest opinions. We are constantly being sold to these days. The video was a bit of fresh air on the saddle vs stand debate.

Support from Southern Indiana

Very informative so much down to earth info

Awesome video. I love my beast treestand and steps

Great job Josh! Well put together!

With practice you'll find it easy to move to make a shot. With a treestand ALL your movement is right in the deers face.

great topic! love the channel

Yes, it is 1000% better. ":)

Josh, is this parts of the reason you left the hunting beast channel? Dan seams to be openly and publicly against the saddle. "Don't wee wee on your boots"

All of you with saddles, PRACTICE before you hunt. You will be ready for any situation. That being said, Saddles are the most versatile. I hunt in one about 8' off the ground and have never been spotted. Using the tree for cover is reason enough to switch to the saddle style. You also feel 100% safe because you are always on a tight line anchored to the tree. The biggest obstacle is trusting the rope, so you can do whatever you need to to get the shot. Once you practice and get confidence, you will agree it's lights out 1000% better than a hang on stand.