Saddle hunting has gained significant traction in recent years, offering hunters a lightweight, mobile alternative to traditional treestands. Among the top choices for saddle hunters are the Latitude Outdoors Method 2 Saddle, the Maverick Saddle, and the Lonestar Saddle. Each has its distinct advantages, features, and characteristics that cater to different types of hunters. Below, I compare and contrast these three popular saddles, focusing on their technical specifications, comfort, ease of use, and practicality in the field.
First, let’s look at the technical specifications for each of the three saddles. Below is the weight, weight rating, size ranges, comfort and list pricing in table format for easy comparison. In the paragraphs following, I’ll go through each of the columns in greater detail. While comfort is included in the technical specifications table, please note that this is subjective and based on my experiences only.
| Saddle | Weight* | Weight Rating | Size Range (Waist in Inches) | Comfort Rating | List Price** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * Weight does not include accessories | |||||
| ** List Price current as of 1/2/2025 | |||||
| Method 2 | 26 oz. (Regular); 30 oz. (XL) | 300 lbs. | Regular up to 36"; XL 36"+ | High | $299.99 |
| Maverick | 21 oz. | 300 lbs. | 28" - 40" | Moderate to High | $199.99 - $209.99 |
| Lonestar | 30 oz. (Regular); 32 oz. (XL) | 300 lbs. | Regular up to 38"; XL 38" - 50" | Very High | $299.99 |
In addition to the comfort, the weight is probably one of the more significant technical specifications to compare between the three saddles. All three of these saddles offered by Latitude Outdoors has a weight rating of 300 pounds.
The Maverick Saddle is by far the lightest of the three, coming in under a pound and a half. This makes it an excellent choice for hunters who prioritize lightweight gear. At the time of writing this, it is the lightest true hunting saddle available on the market to date. It’s good to see Latitude offer a saddle pushing the envelope for those prioritizing lightweight yet durable hunting equipment.
While the Maverick Saddle wins this category easily, the Method 2 and Lonestar saddles are no slouch in this department either. The regular size Method 2 and Lonestar saddles come in at 26 oz. and 30 oz., respectively. Both are well under two pounds, and both lighter than a majority of the saddles available from other major players such as Cruzer, Tethrd, and Trophyline, to name a few.
The size ranges listed in the table above are pretty self explanatory. All three saddles will accommodate most hunters and offer a pretty wide range for adjustability. If you find yourself at or near the cutoff between sizes on the Method 2 or Lonestar Saddle, I’d recommend sizing up. By doing so, you allow some flexibility in what you can wear for your outerwear as temps begin to fall in the later seasons.
One thing that isn’t captured in the specifications is adjustability. While the specs focus on waist size adjustability, the one thing it misses out on is adjustability of the saddle on where it sits on your body. The Method 2 edges out the others in this category. It’s two-panel design allows you to tailor the position of the upper and lower saddle panels to better suit your body type.
This is one of the more subjective categories, but in all reality it is probably the most important one. If your saddle isn’t comfortable for you, it is going to be really hard to talk yourself into using it. Everyone knows the more time you are able to spend in the woods, the better your odds for success.
While you will notice that I listed all saddles in some shape or form as “HIGH” in the comfort rating category, the Lonestar Saddle really stands out here. If comfort is of sole importance to you, this is the one. Between the patent pending Cradle Chassis, Stretch Pleat, built in Hip Pinch Reduction System and Airflow Padding, the Lonestar saddle far and exceeds others on the market as it was built with allowing all day sits and maximizing comfort in mind.
In my personal opinion, the Method 2 and the Maverick are very close in this department. The Method 2 has a slight advantage in the specification table primarily due to its two-panel design. The two-panel design allows you to adjust location of the panels while hunting whenever necessary to relieve any pressure points. Since the Maverick Saddle sports the same patent-pending Cradle Chassis with wider 4″ webbing as found in the Lonestar Saddle, I found it provides a much wider surface area to support your legs and lower back. When setup and adjusted properly, it can be just as comfortable as the Method 2.
Similar to the Size Ranges category, the pricing between the three saddles is pretty self-explanatory. You will be looking at two or three Benjamins depending on which saddle you decide to go with.
The Maverick Saddle is the most budget-friendly option, making it ideal for hunters who are new to saddle hunting or those looking for a minimalist setup. It is currently offered in Grey or two Realtree options (Realtree Original and Realtree Advantage Classic). The Realtree camo options add $10 to the price if that’s something that appeals to you.
Both the Lonestar and Method 2 saddles are on the pricier side in comparison, starting at $299.99. Although, at the time of this article, the Method 2 is on sale for 30% off, bringing it’s price more in line with the Maverick Saddle at $209.99.
Choosing between the Latitude Outdoors Method 2 Saddle, Maverick Saddle, and Lonestar Saddle largely depends on your hunting style, budget, and comfort preferences. If you’re looking for an all-day, maximized-comfort solution, the Lonestar Saddle is hard to beat. For a more budget-conscious or ultralight hunter who prefers simplicity, the Maverick Saddle provides reliable performance without the added weight. The Method 2 Saddle offers a balance between the two, providing excellent comfort and adjustability at a mid-range price point.
Each of these saddles serves its purpose, and the right choice ultimately comes down to personal preference, the duration of your hunts, and your overall needs in the field. With my style of hunting, I’ve gravitated toward the Maverick Saddle after using the Method 2 for the past 2 seasons.
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