Did anyone else pull the trigger on a Novix stand over Black Friday? Mine just came in yesterday and I swear this thing is going to get me out of the saddle. I have never been super happy with anything I’ve tried in the saddle world and if the opportunity presented itself I’d just as soon sit on the ground. After two seasons “dialing in” my setup and two more convincing myself it was “perfect” I’ve all but given up.
I move too much, my feet get tired. If the tree isn’t perfect I’m fighting gravity. I’m good for a few hours but I find myself just wanting to sit down. I’m tired of having a bridge across my chest to get my bow over. You can shoot 360 in the yard but real world it’s not as practical as everyone makes it seem. But most of all…I’m tired of staring at a tree all day long. My field of view without moving my body depending on tree size is 90* at best when you really think about it. My biggest blind spot is directly behind me and that’s where I am the most exposed. Deer don’t always behave like you think they should.
The most comfortable setup I found was a Kestrel saddle, 4 Novix mini sticks, and a Mission platform. I carry everything I need in a fanny pack. With the Helo I have added like 5lbs to my total weight and I am infinitely more comfortable. I’m still relatively light weight, I can still get in cover, and most of all I can sit still and see what’s in front of me.
I would encourage anyone looking to get into saddle hunting to seriously consider one of the new lock on’s as well. There is so much to offer on the market now that “going mobile” doesn’t just involve a saddle.
What has everyone’s experience been in the past 3 or 4 seasons? Those who were on the front end of this bubble where do you see yourself next season with all of these new products on the market? Will the saddle stay in your bag or is anyone else transitioning back to a lock on?