LWCG .5 stand as saddle platform - 1 year update 

I just tried this yesterday for the first time. I've been saddle hunting for 2 years now and one sticking and repelling down afterwards. I also struggled with the weak side shot in the saddle and found myself moving around too much and got busted a couple times for deer seeing me before I saw them. So now I'm continuing to one stick and repelling and I'm just hunting out of my xop vanish stand which I just purchased. Just did my first hunt yesterday and it went well. With one sticking I'm not limited to any certain height and can go as high as high as I want up to about 35 ft. I find myself using the stand as a more traditional stand as I'm able to sit more still versus my saddle. So I agree with you and so far I'm liking this way of hunting. Ideally I would get a stand like yours or that Novix Halo or whatever that is called. That would shave about 5 lbs as compared to the vanish

This is exactly what I’ve been looking into lately. My thoughts are like this. I’m using sticks for the first time and a saddle platform for the first time this year. It’s quicker than I used before, but the height isn’t very good, and it’s a lot going on. It’s going to cost me, but I think what will fit my bill, is having 2 long original lines wolf sticks with a 20” aider. Buy them in a 4 pack. Get a stick top platform, run just 2 sticks and one has a stick top platform and hunt ~12ft for short sits or ‘man I’m running late today’ when hunting close to the house. Ultra fast setup time, and fair comfort, and stupid light weight for short sits. Then, have a lwcg .5 or the like, for 5+ hour sits, or long rut sits, with the same sticks but 3 of them and leave the stick top platform stick in the car. And have that setup for the long hunts. Although for me I may run two straps for side pressure. I would primarily use the stand in a traditional style but have the side pressure/saddle option there as it would be my harness. I think those two setups would be the best to cover both quick set speed matters for short hunts, and long sits in early season, rough weather, cold weather hunts.

Thanks for the update! I'm definitely sold on this idea. It had crossed my mind when the stand first came out and I saw how small it was. I've always struggled (as I'm sure everyone else has at one time or another) getting into position for weak side shots. Sure, it works ok when your in the backyard practicing, but in real life, when a deer is on top of you quick and trying to do it smooth and quiet, its not easy. My goal was to not carry a stand ever again, but this just makes sense, after all, my ultimate goal is to be the most efficient and accomplished killer I can be, and I don't want to ruin the chance of a lifetime trying to stumble into a weak side shot. I'm planning on getting the .5 soon, I was waiting to see if anything new comes out at ATA this weekend. Thanks again for the review.

I've been thinking of the Recon Treehopper to pair with my XOP Vanish. Thanks for the video.

Great video, thanks for sharing 👍 I've shot my last 2 bucks running this style. Definitely makes the long sits more barrel.

I’m a saddle hunter and been thinking of going to a hybrid setup like your doing. I think you just convinced me to go through with it lol. Glad I found your video, not many on hybrid saddle hunting, that I can find anyway. Good luck this year!!

This is the same thing I do, but I typically use the OOAL Hush Stand versus my .5. That’s just personal preference though. I don’t know why more people aren’t doing this. It’s really the best of both worlds and with the weight of a Hush, .5 or even the 1.0 stand, you can’t argue that the weight you’re adding is substantial for the comfort you gain.

If you angle the platform down, even the notch just below parallel to the ground, it takes a ton of pressure off your knee and feet in the saddle

Been starting to use my novix this way...thx man!

I use my .5 the same exact way. nice video, thanks for sharing

Thanks for sharing, I’m definitely going to have to try this out this year!

Great video. I use a saddle and this has been very helpful.

There used to be a company called "20ft Up" and they made a safety harness that was basically a climbing harness. I hunted out of it for a very long time in my tree stands, and see no problem doing the same in a saddle. There are situations when a saddle is not ideal and a hangon is better. I may have to try this.

Awesome idea

Very informative: good video

Did that all last season works great

Nice

I'm 6'1 190 with a size 14 boot. With the my feet size, this might be my only confirmation option for attempting a saddle. Thanks for the video. Any updates?

Where do u find the pouch under the seat?

How do you pack your double steps with the stand?

What under seat pouch are you using?

What is everyone doing with the shoulder straps? Not a fan of just letting them hang like that.

When treestsnd guys get into the saddle hype but cant give up the stand.defeats the purpose of saddle hunting and doubles the cost

Way to defeat the purpose of a saddle 😂