Deciphering the Saddles
Arsenal is rolling into 2026 with three primary saddles: the AIR saddle, a carryover from 2025, and two brand-new models for 2026—the Freedom and the Flexx. At first glance, these saddles look very different. But what is each saddle truly known for, and which one should you be purchasing for the upcoming season?
Let’s break it down.
Understanding Cloud Technology
The Freedom and Flexx are the newest additions to the Cloud Series—saddles built by Arsenal that have become synonymous with extreme comfort.
From our large-panel, award-winning chassis saddles with integrated back support like the Freedom (preceded by the Cloud RLX and Cloud Infinity), to our smaller single-panel saddles such as the original Cloud, the AIR saddle, and the new Flexx, Arsenal saddles deliver exceptional comfort without unnecessary bulk.
All three saddles are compatible with Arsenal Saddle Essentials, allowing you to build your ultimate saddle setup. Let’s dive into each saddle individually.
AIR Saddle — Lightweight Proven Performance
The AIR saddle is exactly what the name implies—air. Weighing in at approximately 13 ounces, it is the lightest saddle on the market.
Featuring the Infinity LITE bridge system, the AIR saddle offers four micro-adjustment points, allowing hunters to fine-tune their comfort while in the tree. The AIR includes a lightweight mesh dump pouch, perfect for carrying essential ropes and gear.
Cloud Freedom — The Pinnacle of Comfort
Built on the award-winning Cloud chassis, the Freedom features a large panel with integrated back support, providing the highest level of comfort possible.
The Freedom introduces the new X2 dual bridge system with Glyde adjustments, allowing effortless, real-time micro-adjustments in the tree. New to the Cloud line for 2026 is Transport Mode, which allows the saddle to fold into an extremely minimal profile—perfect for walking to and from the woods.
The Freedom also includes two integrated pockets, giving hunters storage without adding bulk.
Cloud Flexx — The Bridge Between Lightweight and Ultimate Comfort
New for 2026, the Flexx saddle is the perfect middle ground between lightweight minimalism and maximum comfort.
The Flexx is a single-panel saddle constructed from breathable mesh. Its key comfort feature is the Comfort Triangle, which creates outstanding support in a smaller panel profile. The Flexx features a simplified single-bridge system with Glyde adjustment, making in-tree adjustments quick and effortless.
The Flexx includes the SideVault pouch kit, giving hunters one-hand-operation zipper pouches on both sides.
Which Saddle Is Right for You?
In a perfect world, we’d all own all three. But we understand that’s not realistic for every hunter. At Arsenal, we’ve worked hard to ensure every saddle delivers lightweight performance and comfort—because that’s what mobile hunting is all about.
That said, each saddle truly shines in specific situations. Here’s a breakdown of which saddle best fits your hunting style.
AIR Saddle — The Ultimate Minimalist & Warm-Weather Option
The AIR saddle is the most packable saddle on the market, folding down to roughly the size of a softball. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it ideal for minimalist hunters and long hikes into public land where every ounce matters.
Because of its small profile and breathable design, the AIR is also an excellent early-season or warm-weather saddle, especially for hunters in southern climates. With four adjustment points, the AIR still provides impressive adjustability despite its minimal size.
This saddle is also our best option for women or smaller-framed hunters, thanks to its ability to cinch down comfortably.
Stay cool. Stay light.
Freedom Saddle — The Cadillac
If maximum comfort is your priority, the Freedom is the answer.
Designed for all-day sits and long November rut hunts, the Freedom excels with integrated back support, a dual-bridge system that eliminates pinch points, and Glyde adjustments for effortless tuning while in the tree.
New for 2026, Transport Mode allows the saddle to fold and magnet to itself, cutting its overall profile in half during walks in. This keeps ropes tidy, improves ventilation, and enhances mobility when navigating difficult terrain.
If you want the ultimate comfort without sacrificing mobility, the Freedom delivers.
Ultimate comfort with the freedom to move.
Flexx — Simply. Light. Comfortable.
If you want more support than a minimalist saddle but don’t need a full chassis with back support, the Flexx is your sweet spot.
The Flexx features a larger single panel, offering increased support—especially for larger hunters—while maintaining single-panel simplicity. Its Glyde-equipped single bridge system allows fast, real-time adjustments in the tree.
The breathable mesh panel delivers enhanced comfort and support without sacrificing lightweight performance. The Flexx truly bridges the gap between ultralight and ultimate comfort.
Final Thoughts
Every hunter is different. Every situation is different. Finding the right saddle can be challenging.
At Arsenal, we’ve worked tirelessly to provide high-quality saddle options across every category, regardless of hunting style or preference. If you have further questions about which saddle is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Arsenal directly.
We’re here to help you hunt better.