[Saddle Hunting]

I used the heliums last year and had no issues with them.  Some people reported issues with bending steps, or suction cups that were too tight.  From recent posts I've seen they are now sending a strap daisy chain instead of a buckle strap so there's no need to upgrade the attachment system any more.  I used 3 mini heliums with 2 step amsteel aiders attached to each stick and it worked great.  I upgraded this year to the tethrd sticks based on the weight savings.  Your question about 8mm vs 11mm...both are strong enough to not worry about them breaking, 11mm is usually cheaper and can be used with a ropeman 1.  The 8mm rope would need either a ct roll n lock or a kong duck for a mechanical device.  There's also the option of just using a friction hitch instead, which is again, cheaper.  

[XOP stands and sticks?]

They feel like toys.  They are however very solid.  As pictured they weigh 3 pounds.  

[XOP stands and sticks?]

Little tight to the tree but I'm only climbing with them so it doesn't bother me.  Stacking pins do take practice but are easy enough to get the hang of.  I use a movable amsteel aider to get around 18' feet with 3 sticks.

[What's your bow holder?]

Made this using 7/64" amsteel and a camjam...same concept as the tethrd strap just more compact.  I use a hero clip to hang my bow from but may try to mount a kydex hook to my bow to hang from instead.

[Saddle Hunting]

I would recommend jumping on NY saddle hunter facebook and seeing if there's anyone around you that could let you see their setup.  I seem to recall alot of guys on there being from downstate.  I hunted last year from the saddle with just a ring of steps on public.  Liked it alot and upgraded most of my equipment this year.  Only sat one hang on stand last year and this year I wont be putting any out on public.

[I took the plunge,a saddle is in the mail...]

There's a new video out by NY saddle hunter where they use a hand ascender and a foot loop in conjunction with the DRT setup.  You may want to check it out if you are going to stick with DRT.

[I took the plunge,a saddle is in the mail...]

I ran a kestrel and a ring of steps last season. I have a lot of public land around me and it was awesome to have a nice light mobile setup.  I use the wild edge steps and had them strapped to the outside of my pack so I wouldn't have to unload anything at the base of the tree, just uncoil the ropes and start climbing.  I started practicing with a friends predator platform a couple weeks ago and plan on getting one this year to go with the new tethrd phantom that I will be receiving this week.  You wont regret buying and using a saddle.  Not only is it very efficient, but also fun!

[Tree saddles, lighted nocks and Blackhorn 209]

I'm using a saddle setup this year for the first time. Aerohunter saddle with wild edge stepps and a ring of steps instead of a platform.  Never had a mobile rig before but I really like this setup.  Yes it does take time to get up the tree but that depends on how you choose to climb( climbing spikes, sticks, steps, bolts, ropes, part of a climber, etc.) Personally I use 6 stepps and a vertical linesmans system and have my feet around 20 ft. The saddle setup itself is very customizable for comfort whether you want to sit or lean, long bridge or short, high tether or lower, plus the microadjusters on the saddle itself.  I wear my saddle in with one pouch on it for gear and an alps quickdraw pack with a custom magnetic holster for my steps and some other normal hunting gear.  That all weighs in at 21 pounds but there is no platform or clanging of sticks or snagging on branches while walking to worry about.  I have used it enough this year to say that ,no, the ropes do not get in the way of anything and you are leaning back enough in the saddle to where you're not just staring at a tree the whole time..I have to fully reach out my arm to grab my bow which is hanging on the side of the tree so there is space between you and the tree.

[Tree Stand Saddles]

I'm giving saddle hunting a shot this year.  Ordered an aero kestrel and WE stepps with an aider.  Also going to use the bullman ring of steps this year which I already have and like alot but alot of guys prefer a platform.  Started this spring with a RCH and sit drag to get a feel for it for cheaper and liked it enough to order the kestrel.

[Tall brow tine buck]

Thanks for the recommendation Grow.  I went and watched the video. 5 inches are good size brows? I think he's got that covered!

[Tall brow tine buck]

Only time I've had him on camera.  Thought I'd share with those of you who like the taller brow tine bucks.

[As big as I think?]

Yeah I'm definitely excited about the potential of this buck..these pictures are so vague that it leaves a lot to the imagination.  I got some time after this was taken to clear out a nice new spot for the cam, so hopefully Ill get a better pic of him at some point

[As big as I think?]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for additional input on these pictures.  As you can tell they were taken in late June and from what limited views I have of the tines, I'm thinking this is a very nice buck.  Thoughts?