First Impressions of Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit promises an accessible entry point into the world of saddle hunting, blending affordability with the renowned Tethrd quality. I’ve spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear realm, and I’ve seen countless innovations come and go, but saddle hunting, with its unique blend of mobility and comfort, has always intrigued me. Is it just another hyped-up trend, or a legitimate advancement in hunting methodology? I am eager to test that hypothesis.
I had a problem with traditional treestands. They felt bulky, limited my movement, and were a pain to set up and take down quickly. I was seeking a lightweight, mobile hunting solution that wouldn’t break the bank, and the Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit seemed to fit the bill.
Unboxing the kit, my initial impression was positive. The saddle felt sturdy, the Mossy Oak camo was well-executed, and the included pouches were a definite plus. The material felt durable, promising some level of resistance to the harsh conditions of the woods.
Compared to higher-end saddles I’ve seen, like those from Tethrd’s more premium lines, the Grit Workhorse clearly prioritizes affordability. However, it looked significantly more refined than some of the no-name saddles flooding the market. I chose the Grit Workhorse for its balance of price and reputation.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point made me wonder if there were compromises in quality, but the Tethrd name gave me hope. This kit seemed like a solid starting point for someone diving into saddle hunting, offering a potentially game-changing way to hunt.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit during a week-long whitetail deer hunt in the rugged hills of Pennsylvania. The weather was typical for late fall: cold mornings, occasional rain, and plenty of wind. I hunted from a variety of locations, from dense oak forests to open fields bordering thickets.
The saddle performed reasonably well in the varied conditions. The Mossy Oak camo blended seamlessly with the environment, and the saddle itself was surprisingly comfortable for extended periods. It took some getting used to finding the optimal lean angle and adjusting the bridge, but after a few hours, I felt relatively secure and mobile.
There was a definite learning curve. The initial setup was more involved than I anticipated, requiring careful adjustment of the lineman’s belt and tether. I also experienced some initial discomfort around my hips, which required tweaking the saddle fit.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the saddle itself, though the buckles on the pouches show minor scratches. The stitching remains intact, and the fabric hasn’t faded despite exposure to sun and rain.
Maintaining the saddle has been straightforward. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth after each hunt is usually sufficient to remove mud and debris. I haven’t needed to apply any specialized cleaning products or waterproofing treatments yet.
Compared to my experience with traditional treestands, the Tethrd Grit Workhorse offers a significant improvement in mobility and packability. It’s lighter, easier to transport, and allows for much more flexible positioning in the tree. However, it doesn’t quite match the all-day comfort of a well-padded treestand seat.
Breaking Down the Features of Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Tethrd. This company is known for its commitment to quality saddle hunting gear.
- Color: Mossy Oak. The camouflage pattern helps hunters blend into wooded environments.
- Gender: Unisex. This makes the saddle accessible to all hunters regardless of gender.
- The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit is designed to be lightweight and packable. Its simple design makes it a great entry-level saddle.
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit‘s listed specifications are relevant to its core function. The Mossy Oak color is crucial for concealment while hunting, and the unisex design ensures a wider range of users can benefit from its features.
Performance & Functionality
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit performs its job adequately. It provides a stable and relatively comfortable platform for hunting from elevated positions. The included pouches are a welcome addition, offering convenient storage for essential gear like rangefinders, calls, and knives.
One of the saddle’s strengths is its affordability. It’s a budget-friendly option for hunters looking to try saddle hunting without investing a fortune. The saddle’s main weakness is its lack of advanced features found on higher-end models, such as adjustable lumbar support or more sophisticated suspension systems.
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit meets expectations for an entry-level saddle. It doesn’t offer the ultimate in comfort or customization, but it provides a functional and reliable hunting platform at an accessible price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit‘s build quality is good for its price point. The materials used are durable and the stitching appears to be robust. The saddle is relatively lightweight, making it easy to carry into the woods.
The saddle is reasonably user-friendly, although there is a learning curve involved in mastering the art of saddle hunting. New users may need to spend some time adjusting the saddle and experimenting with different tether lengths and lean angles to find their optimal hunting position.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit appears to be durable enough to withstand regular use in the field. With proper care, it should last for several hunting seasons.
Maintaining the saddle is simple. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional inspection of the stitching and buckles is all that’s required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit comes with several useful accessories. These include two attached pouches for storing gear.
The saddle is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories. Hunters can customize their setup with different tethers, lineman’s belts, and climbing systems from Tethrd and other brands.
Pros and Cons of Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit
Pros
- Affordable entry point into saddle hunting.
- Lightweight and packable design.
- Durable construction for reliable field use.
- Included pouches provide convenient storage.
- Mossy Oak camo for excellent concealment.
Cons
- Limited adjustability compared to higher-end saddles.
- Learning curve for new saddle hunters.
Who Should Buy Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit?
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who are new to saddle hunting. It’s also suitable for experienced hunters who want a lightweight and packable backup saddle.
This product may not be ideal for hunters who prioritize all-day comfort above all else or those who require advanced adjustability and customization options.
A must-have accessory is a quality lineman’s belt for safe climbing. Consider upgrading the tether to a more adjustable option for finer control over your hunting position.
Conclusion on Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit
The Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit is a solid entry-level option for hunters looking to explore the benefits of saddle hunting. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, it provides a functional, reliable, and affordable platform for hunting from elevated positions.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s a great value for hunters on a budget.
I would personally recommend the Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit to anyone curious about saddle hunting. It’s an excellent way to get started without breaking the bank.
Ready to ditch the bulky treestand and embrace the freedom of saddle hunting? Give the Tethrd Grit Workhorse Saddle Kit a try and experience a new way to hunt.
