CRUZR XC Hunting Saddle Test and Review (Full Season)
I’ve been saddle hunting for over six years now and have owned numerous hunting saddles, but one that kept grabbing my attention was the CRUZR XC. After lots of research and several recommendations from trusted friends, I finally decided to try it for myself.
About the CRUZR XC
My first impression upon receiving the CRUZR XC hunting saddle was that the quality of the material seemed very high-end, and the craftsmanship was excellent. It felt like a saddle that would last a long time and withstand the thickest of thickets without getting damaged.
The CRUZR XC is somewhat of a hybrid design between a single-panel and a two-panel saddle. While it is technically just one panel, that panel has a large pleat in the middle that allows it to expand. So you get the comfort of a two-panel design with the simplicity of a single panel.
The XC is equipped with an adjustable Amsteel-Blue bridge (in black fibers), quick-release buckles, and two rows of molle loops to easily attach accessories.
The saddle weighs right at 3.2 pounds and has a weight rating of 300 pounds to accommodate most saddle hunters.
Sizing Chart
The CRUZR XC is offered in the following sizes:
- Size 1 for 28-33 inch waists
- Size 2 for 34-38 inch waists
- Size 3 for 38-42 inch waists
The CRUZR XC is offered in two color options: black or grey.
Performance in the Field
After using the saddle for nearly a whole season, what’s impressed me most about the CRUZR XC is the minimal amount of hip pinch I experience with this saddle compared to ones I’ve used in the past.
I haven’t had to make any major adjustments using this saddle. With all my previous saddles, I could never seem to get rid of hip pinch on long sits no matter what I did. I would also experience back pain with my previous saddles, even when using a back band. The XC’s pleated expansion chamber has solved both of these issues for me.
One thing I would like to see changed on the CRUZR is the quick release buckles. While I like the method of connecting your belt and leg straps, the metal buckles can be very noisy in the field. And no one wants to hear that dreaded sound of metal clanking on a quiet morning.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High quality materials and construction
- Pleated design provides the comfort of a two-panel saddle with the simplicity of a single-panel
- Made in the USA!
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Metal buckles can be noisy while setting up and hunting
About CRUZR
CRUZR Saddles were founded in 2018 by Chad Rice. His first hunting saddle was sewn on a home sewing machine in the garage of his home. Chad tested that saddle during the 2018 deer season before moving on to industrial-grade sewing machines to start cranking out commercially available hunting saddles.
CRUZR saddles are manufactured in the U.S.A in Tennessee and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.
Contact CRUZR
CRUZR
1380 N. Washington Ave., Suite B
Cookeville, TN 38501
(833) 278-9792
Final Thoughts
Six years into saddle hunting, and I’ve yet to find another saddle that provides the level of comfort that I get with the CRUZR XC. And at a price point of $260.00, I don’t think you can beat it.
I have a feeling the XC will be in my mobile deer hunting arsenal for years to come.
Hello Robert: I have been a saddle hunter for 37 years starting in 1987. I was fortunate enough to be in the same hunting club for a few years with James Green, who as you may know, is the person that started saddle hunting and the founder of “Green’s Tree Saddle”. I have hunted out of 2 or 3 of his prototypes as he would change and upgrade saddles. I acquired my last one in the early 90’s and still own to this day.
I also own a Cruzr XC and find it to be a VERY comfortable and a well made saddle. I just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your article and came to your same conclusions. I found the buckles to not be that big of a deal as they don’t make that loud of a noise while buckling and one has probably already made unwanted noise doing other things while walking in or setting up. Hopefully a hunter is not setting up that close to a bedding area and if you are, the buck has already been tipped off.
Again ….. great article and I hope you have a great and successful upcoming season!!