Buzzard Roost Hunting Saddle Tested and Reviewed
Being comfortable is key to successful saddle hunting, and coming into the 2023 archery deer season, I had just ordered my fourth saddle in search of that comfort I was looking for. I was looking for a saddle that provided both lower lumbar support and reduced hip pinch, and based on a lot of online research, I opted to try a saddle from Buzzard Roost.
I ordered the option with an open bridge, and it shipped in less than 12 hours and arrived at my door just four days later.
First Thoughts
When I opened the package I was immediately impressed with the craftsmanship of the panels and stitching. It is obvious Buzzard Roost takes pride in their product.
The ingenuity of the bridge loops adjustment method is impressive as well. Two amsteel prusiks on each side tied into an open bridge is no small feat, but they got it right.
I liked the lightweight mesh fabric and the overall weight of the saddle at about two pounds, making it comparable to the other saddles I’ve owned. I also like the pliability of the straps, which were much less stiff than others I’ve hunted from.
Overall Performance
After a few test sits in the yard, I started to think I should have ordered the next size up, as I wasn’t finding the comfort others have bragged so much about.
I called Buzzard Roost and Benny (the owner) answered while driving down the road. We talked for a good 30 minutes, during which he offered his advice on adjustment and offered to exchange the saddle if I desired.
I continued to play with the adjustments and found the comfort I’ve been looking for, spending several all-day hunts in the saddle this season. The adjustments to the pull angles on the bridge loops are very sensitive, enabling the fine tuning for comfort that I hadn’t found in my 10 years of saddle hunting, using four different saddle companies’ products.
The Aerohunter Kestrel and Tethrd Mantis and Phantom saddles all had significant hip pinch for me. The Latitude Method 2 saddle was much better, but the adjustment opportunity on the Buzzard Roost is far and away better due to the ability to make micro adjustments and user-friendly design they incorporated into the bridge loops.
I might note that all these adjustments can be made in the tree while hunting.
Buzzard Roost Specs
The Buzzard Roost Saddle is a true two-panel saddle. The patent pending design is two individual panels joined at a common fulcrum. This allows the individual panel angle to be adjusted independent from the other panel. Comfort can be dialed in for both leaners, sitters, high and low tethers.
The Buzzard Roost also has the one-stick saddle hunting enthusiast in mind, with safety stop loops on both hips for right and left handers. These loops also serve as leg strap attachment points, and are convenient for adjusting the lower panel into position.
The waist belt sports a one inch dual bar adjustment Raptor Buckle. The buckle can be worn in the middle or offset to either side.
The saddle bridge is made of 8mm Teufelberger Resc Tech Rope. Adjustment is made with an Amsteel Prusik.
Buzzard Roost sizing is as follows:
- Small: 26- to 32-inch waist
- Regular: 33- to 36-inch waist
- Large: 36- to 42-inch waist
- XL: 43+ inch waist
For reference, I ordered a regular, as I wear a size 34/35 waist in pants. I believe a large would fit me better as I have a bigger belly and could stand for the top panel to be larger. However, after hunting this season in it, I believe either size works as the saddle runs true to pants size.
What I Like
Overall, the Buzzard Roost Saddle is by far the most comfortable and adjustable saddle I’ve ever hunted in. I am a combination leaner/sitter, and found that separating the panels by 1.5″ or so I can do both without adjusting the panel gap at all while hunting.
The open bridge is perfect and a really neat design. The panels are easily adjustable to almost 12 inches of separation if you desire, although I haven’t found a need for that much as of yet.
Buzzard Roost’s pricing is competitive as well. They came in cheaper in factory offerings than several competitors with two-panel saddles.
What I Don’t Like
The only con I can find to this saddle is the leg straps. I’m unable to wear the straps while walking in or out due to the low angle they have when attached. Instead I clip the straps out of the way until climbing, which works great. Once on the tree I have zero discomfort with the leg straps.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been extremely happy with the comfort and quality of my Buzzard Roost saddle so far. Hats off to Benny and his team for the design and craftsmanship they put into their product, along with top notch customer service!
If you’re in the market for a two-panel saddle for next season, be sure to check out Buzzard Roost before you make your final decision. I’m sure glad I did.
