6 Best Tethrd Predator Platforms For Premium That Vets Swear By

You’ve walked a mile through thick brush, the only sound your own breathing and the crunch of leaves. Every ounce on your back feels like a pound by the time you reach that perfect tree. This is where your gear either works for you or against you, and no piece is more critical to a saddle hunter than the platform under your feet. Choosing the right one isn’t about buying the most expensive option; it’s about matching the tool to the task at hand.

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Essential Features of a Premium Hunting Platform

A premium platform isn’t defined by its price tag, but by its performance in the field. Think of it like a good hand tool—it should feel like an extension of yourself, not a burden. The first thing most vets look at is the weight-to-strength ratio. You need something that can hold you securely without weighing you down on a long walk to a remote stand.

Next is packability. How does it attach to your pack or carry system? A clumsy, bulky platform will snag on every branch and make you a noisy mess moving through the woods. The best ones are designed to integrate cleanly, staying tight and silent until you’re ready to deploy them. You wouldn’t carry a shovel by its blade, and you shouldn’t have to fight your platform on the way in.

Finally, consider stability and noise. Once attached to the tree, it must be rock-solid with zero creaks, pings, or pops. Any sound you make 20 feet up is amplified a hundred times to a deer below. A premium platform bites into the bark and locks down tight, giving you the silent, stable base you need to make a confident shot.

Tethrd Predator: The Original Lightweight Choice

The Tethrd Predator is the platform that started the ultralight revolution for many saddle hunters. Its genius lies in its simplicity and efficiency. The iconic A-frame design provides excellent stability by creating a solid, triangulated connection to the tree.

This platform is for the minimalist. It’s incredibly lightweight and has a small footprint, making it a dream for hunters who prioritize a light pack for long, grueling hikes into public land. If you’re the type who counts every ounce and wants just enough platform to get the job done, this is the benchmark. The tradeoff is foot room; it’s sufficient, but not spacious.

Tethrd Predator XL: More Room for All-Day Comfort

Tethrd listened to hunters who loved the original Predator but needed more real estate. The Predator XL is the answer to that call. It maintains the same rock-solid design and reliable attachment method but expands the standing surface area significantly.

This extra room is a game-changer for all-day sits or late-season hunts when you’re wearing bulky, insulated boots. It allows for more subtle foot adjustments and better circulation, which can be the difference between staying put for that last hour of daylight or climbing down early. The XL is perfect for the hunter who doesn’t mind a few extra ounces in exchange for a major upgrade in comfort and stability. It’s less about the hike in and more about the quality of the time spent in the tree.

Out on a Limb SHIKAR: Ultimate Packability

The SHIKAR takes a completely different approach to design, and the result is a platform that packs better than almost anything else on the market. Instead of a cast, one-piece shape, it’s a folding, stick-like design. When packed, it has an incredibly slim profile that can slide into a pack or strap on without creating awkward bulk.

This is the platform for the hunter obsessed with a streamlined, snag-free system. Its design makes it practically disappear on your pack, which is a huge advantage when navigating thickets or covering serious ground. The feel underfoot is different from a cast platform, but its rigid construction and aggressive grip provide a secure base. It’s a specialized tool for those who value ultimate portability above all else.

Latitude Carbon SS: The Ultralight Contender

When you absolutely, positively have to cut every possible gram, you enter the world of carbon fiber. The Latitude Carbon SS is an engineering marvel, offering a rigid and reliable platform at a weight that feels almost impossible. It’s the pinnacle of ultralight design.

This platform isn’t for everyone, and its price reflects the advanced materials and manufacturing. But for the mountain hunter or the public-land warrior covering extreme distances, the weight savings are a profound advantage. Shaving a pound or more off your total system weight translates directly to more energy, more distance, and a better overall experience. It’s a true investment in mobility and endurance.

Trophyline EDP: Rock-Solid Stability and Grip

The Trophyline EDP (Expandable Dead-quiet Platform) is built like a tank for your feet. Its defining feature is its incredible grip and an unshakable feel on the tree. The oversized, serrated traction points bite hard into any bark, from smooth beech to shaggy hickory, providing unmatched confidence.

This platform is for the hunter who prioritizes a bombproof foundation. If the thought of any platform movement makes you uneasy, the EDP is your solution. It’s a bit heavier than the ultralight options, but that weight translates directly into stability. For hunters on icy trees or those who simply want to eliminate any doubt about their connection to the tree, the EDP is a top choice.

Cruzr XC Platform: Top-Tier Angled Comfort

The Cruzr XC addresses a key ergonomic issue: foot and hip comfort. Unlike flat platforms, the XC has a slight downward angle built into its design. This subtle change can make a world of difference during a long sit, as it aligns more naturally with your body’s posture when leaning away from the tree.

This platform is built for comfort during the hunt itself. It reduces strain on your ankles, knees, and hips by allowing your feet to rest in a more neutral position. For hunters who spend hours on end in the saddle or have found flat platforms to be uncomfortable, the XC is a revelation. It’s a thoughtful design that proves a small adjustment can have a huge impact on your ability to stay still and focused.

Matching the Right Platform to Your Hunting Style

There is no single "best" platform; there is only the best platform for you. The right choice depends entirely on how and where you hunt. The key is to be honest about your priorities.

Think about your typical hunt and find the description that fits you best:

• The Mile-Counter: You hike deep, often on public land, and every ounce matters. Your choice is between the Latitude Carbon SS for ultimate weight savings or the Out on a Limb SHIKAR for superior packability.
• The All-Day Sitter: You value comfort for long sits over minimal weight. The Tethrd Predator XL gives you generous foot room, while the Cruzr XC offers superior ergonomic comfort.
• The Stability Seeker: Your top priority is a completely locked-in, confidence-inspiring feel. The Trophyline EDP provides an unmatched grip and rock-solid connection to the tree.
• The Balanced Minimalist: You want a do-it-all platform that blends low weight with proven performance. The original Tethrd Predator remains the gold standard for a reason.

By matching the platform’s strengths to your personal hunting style, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment. You’re investing in a tool that will make you a more efficient, comfortable, and successful hunter.

Ultimately, your platform is the foundation of your entire saddle hunting system. It’s the connection between you and the tree, and it deserves careful consideration. Choose the one that fits your land, your body, and your goals, and you’ll have a reliable partner for years of hunts to come.