ThePreBanMan wrote:Every situation is not a nail and every tool is not a hammer..... It's a tool. But it's not the only one and in a number of circumstances isn't the best one either. Example: crooked tree where expected deer movement would have you wanting to set up with the tree leaning to your left/right.... Or where expected deer travel would have you set up in a direction where limbs would prevent you from swinging around to get the shot. There are lots of use cases where a stand would be better. Fans don't really talk about it but tree lean and limbs are serious concerns when you're in a saddle. And you do move more unless the deer happens to walk right where you need it to and you don't need to swing around up there like a gymnast.
Walking to the tree - saddle wins - every time... Once you get there... Now that's a different story. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Example - hike in aside for the moment - I think if someone told me they would rather sit all day in a saddle then a Viper, I would pretty much know they have blinders on.They only let themselves see one solution. I'm not saying don't get one. I would suggest that if you do though, don't sell your stand. You'll probably regret doing that.
I have a Viper and honestly would rather hunt out of my saddles. When set up properly they are really that comfortable. My back is pretty bad and a saddle is a godsend to me. This is coming from someone who hunted strictly out of Summit climbers from the mid 90’s to 2010 or so and still do on occasion during the gun season but even then may consider using a saddle. The only deciding factor is if I need to wear my HBS or IWOM. Either one is tough in a saddle.
Leaning trees are no fun to hunt in a hang on or even climbers either so I try not to choose them unless I have really to. With a good platform it’s still very doable when standing on and really not much different than hunting in a hang on. Rarely do I set up in a tree with my saddle and think a stand would be a better option. It’s all about improvising and making it work for each situation.
It’s an individual thing and there is no one size fits all approach that works for everybody. Do what works for you.