Not sure why but I just can't commit. I want to like them but something is just keeping me from jumping on board. I have a set of the old aluminum Rapid Rails. Those and a lightweight lock on are hard to beat in my opinion. I mostly hunt public land and a tree saddle seems like the answer. My son hunts out of a saddle and likes it alot. I dunno just sitting here taking a break and this was on my mind.

Just do it. I switched over three years ago and it is by far the best gear purchase I've ever made for hunting. It's so much lighter and more compact than lugging a climber around and you can hunt out of just about any tree regardless of limbs, straightness, etc.

what about for someone like me with a torn disk?

Take a look at the JX3 hybrid saddle. I’ve been hunting out of a T-Rack since 96. This was the commercial version of the stand many here are familiar with that Bob Sheppard has used for many years. Essentially a saddle-style with a much more comfortable seat. The JX3 takes that comfort to a new level. It is about 10 pounds, so not a 5# setup. Only you can weigh comfort while sitting vs less carry weight. It’s a personal choice pending your hunting property and style.

That looks like a different version of a Guido's web.

I One-stick and rappel down in my saddle hunting! My first year and I knocked it out of the park. Will never go back to my climbers. I can hunt comfortably out of just about any tree and I carry one stick and my rope in my saddle bags. I love it. I killed a monster in IL with my bow while in my saddle. I can saddle hunt all day.

It's not for everybody but I'm in my late 50's and I'm in pretty good shape and I LOVE IT!

Just started saddle hunting this year and love it, I feel safer in the saddle since I am connected to the tree 100% of the time and truly almost as comfortable as my Summit!

It is the successor of the guidos web and is considered a hybrid saddle similarly.

It is just that.

I would only add that you need to climb and shoot out of it. Develop a system and practice. The weight reduction from a typical lock on or climber is huge.

Make sure you have the Sitka, and man bun to go with it.

The worst part about using a saddle to hunt out of is having to associate with other people who use a saddle to hunt out of

There’s no way I’d get in one of those. I honestly don’t even know anyone that would.

Why’s that?

Not for me. I’ve watched the videos and have tried to make myself try it. I swear I can hook my summit up to a tree and get set in half the time. I would rather sit than hang.

Saddle isn’t about speed. It’s about mobility - low bulk and less weight. I would say a climber is more practical on private land but saddle is far more superior on public. It is basically no additional weight other than sticks which weigh a fraction of what a climber weighs.

I don't have any familiarity with them. I don't think I'd feel safe. But I also don't use a climber or anything. Just ladders and shooting houses for me.

And I bet that was the same attitude people had when climbers came out years ago. It’s not for everybody. But it’s definitely the way to go if you want to get in a tree and have to do a good bit of walking to get there or in a place with few trees a climber can get in.

My issue with them is I don’t like to face a tree all afternoon.

I don't mind admitting that I a major issue for me is just not wanting to be a "latest fad fanboy", or "you're just emulating the YouTube granolas". It's a subconscious thing I reckon.... I feel like folks are telling me to quit hunting out of a leveled 2500 diesel and start hunting out of a Prius. I'm sorry, LOL, that's just where my mind immediately goes.
It's like the crossbow vs vertical bow argument. If you use a saddle and crossbow, we can't be friends anymore