A working saddle setup runs from about $400 on the budget end to about $900 or more on the premium end. That covers the four parts you climb and hunt with: the saddle, the ropes, the climbing sticks, and the platform. The small extras add a bit more.
I hunt out of an XOP complete kit with a Mutant saddle, Hawk Helium sticks, and a ZIVOXIA aider. The prices below come from each maker's own page, checked October 10, 2026. Prices move, so treat them as approximate.
The short answer
| Build | Saddle | Sticks | Platform | Approx. total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | XOP Mutant, about $120 | XOP X2 4 pack, about $180 | XOP Edge, about $100 | About $400 |
| Mid | XOP Mutant, about $120 | Hawk Helium Gen 2 4 pack, about $220 list | XOP Invader, about $150 | About $490 |
| Premium | Tethrd Phantom XP, about $275 | Tethrd One Sticks 4 pack, about $500 | Tethrd Predator V, about $190 | About $965 |
The XOP Mutant comes with its lineman's belt and tether, so the budget and mid totals include them. On the premium line, Tethrd sells the 11mm lineman's belt (about $44) and tether (about $70) separately, so add about $114 if you build it piece by piece.
Where the money goes
The saddle. This is the part you sit in all day, so fit matters more than price. Latitude's Method 3 lists at $299.99, the Phantom XP at $274.99, and the Mutant at about $119.99.
Ropes. You need two: a lineman's belt for the climb and a tether for hunting. Some saddles include them and some don't. Check before you compare prices, because about $100 of rope changes the math.
Climbing sticks. Usually the biggest single line. A 4 pack runs about $180 for the X2 and about $500 for the One Sticks. The difference is mostly weight: by maker specs, four sticks weigh about 6.5 pounds for the X2 and about 4 pounds for the One Sticks. More on that in Climbing sticks compared.
Platform. About $100 to $190 for the ones here. See Platforms compared for sizes and weights.
Kit or piece by piece?
Kits save a little at the budget end and about break even at the top.
| Kit | Kit price | Same parts bought separately |
|---|---|---|
| XOP Invader & Mutant | $249.99 | About $270 |
| XOP Edge & Mutant | $199.99 | About $220 |
| Tethrd Phantom XP Complete | $899.99 | About $893 |
None of these XOP kits include sticks, so add those. The full breakdown is in Is a complete saddle kit worth it?
The small stuff that adds up
These aren't required to hunt, but most people end up buying some of them:
- An aider or extra step. Gets more height from fewer sticks. My ZIVOXIA aider is one option.
- Knee pads. Latitude lists its knee pads at $74.99 on their own, and they come in its Method 3 Complete kit.
- A saddle pouch. Latitude's Operator Saddle Pouch lists at $34.99 on Latitude's site.
- Stick silencing. I use cut bungee cord and Stealth Strips on my sticks, plus hockey tape on carabiners.
- A bow hoist and gear hanger. I use a Huntin Hoist and a Pursuit Gear Hanger.
For which of these are fine to buy cheap, see Saddle accessories that are safe to buy cheap.
Where not to save money
The saddle, ropes, carabiners, sticks, and platform hold your life. Buy them from makers who publish a weight rating, and follow the maker's instructions. The Treestand Manufacturers Association asks hunters to stay attached from the time they leave the ground until they're back on it. Before you buy any used climbing gear, look up the model on CPSC recalls.
Other good options
- Latitude Method 3. A two panel saddle at $299.99, Regular and XL sizes, 300 pound rating per Latitude.
- Tethrd Skeletors. A folding 4 pack at about $250 per Tethrd, between the X2 and the One Sticks on price.
- Latitude Carbon SS sticks. Carbon fiber, about $250 for a 3 pack per Latitude.
FAQ
Can I start saddle hunting for under $400? Close to it with the budget build above. The cheapest way down is fewer sticks plus an aider, as long as you can still reach a safe height.
Do I need a platform? Most saddle hunters use one. It gives your feet a place to stand. See Platforms compared.
Is the premium build worth twice the money? You mostly pay for lower weight. If your walks are short, the budget or mid build hunts the same.
Sources
- Maker product pages, prices verified Oct 10, 2026: XOP Mutant, XOP X2, XOP Edge, XOP Invader, Hawk Helium, Tethrd Phantom XP, Tethrd One Sticks, Tethrd Predator V, Tethrd Skeletors, Latitude Method 3, Latitude Carbon SS, Latitude Operator pouch
- Kit prices: XOP Invader & Mutant combo, XOP Edge & Mutant combo, Tethrd Phantom XP Complete (verified Oct 10, 2026)
- Treestand Manufacturers Association (stay attached)
- CPSC recalls