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The Saddle Shootout
- Thread starter George Clark
- Start date
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- Tags
- adrena123
I wonder what the difference in size the XL Mantis is compared to the LG? I personally think the "V" shape of the Mantis is what makes it feel how it feels. Imagine how your pants would feel if they had a more "V" cut to them?
I would love to sit in the JX3. You have one?
Nice write up. Saddle preferences are a very personal thing. I know there are some that prefer the sit drag over the kestrel. I haven’t tried the kite yet. I think if you got 20 people together and tested them without talking about it the preferences will vary greatly. I’m just glad we have options. I’m pretty sure @huck72412 will throw up a little when he reads you cut the pouch off your leather saddle.
Yes I do. I use it on 40% of my sits and more often when I am carrying my winter stuff like now. It is great. Where are you located. I am in Ontario, Canada.
I guess Baltimore is a bit of a hike. Maybe some one else is closer.
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And a fleece saddle.What? No Preacher Seat?Just kidding....Great job reviewing all the different options!
certainly a more realistic (and fun) shootout is to have more than just a couple of testers. Problem is I don't think I know that many people....that I care to mention anyways, hahaha
Not sure if this helps I did not take dimensions before selling my XL, but this pic includes all 3 sizes.
Attachments
Great, now I'm going to have to buy a kestrel size 1 and 2, kite size 1 and 2, and an XL Mantis to give them a shot. Thanks a lot, guys. My wife is going to be pissed...
It is a little less V shaped. And as mentioned in the review the size 2 kestrel was more comfortable than the size 1.
The XL purchase was simply out of impatience - just had to try it. I had a medium ordered through tethrd's website. I find them all equally comfortable, the XL just wasn't as easy to walk in with, especially on warmer days (less clothing).
Great review. As someone who shares having sat in almost all of the options we have available, it truly is an individual sort of thing. Listing your hunting styles and body types helps a great deal for folks trying to weigh the options.
I would add that I'd recommend the following to anyone considering getting in the saddle game: Buy used gear, and test it at ground level to find what you're comfortable in. I've been able to buy a handful of used saddles, and if I was ever to sell all of them, I'd probably be out 100.00 at most. The resale in this community makes it a very low risk buy-in. Figuring out whether sitting or leaning, platform or ROS, tether heights, mesh or solid fabrics, sizes, all that can be done for almost no money. Then once you've figured out what you like, take it and run with it.
I would add that I'd recommend the following to anyone considering getting in the saddle game: Buy used gear, and test it at ground level to find what you're comfortable in. I've been able to buy a handful of used saddles, and if I was ever to sell all of them, I'd probably be out 100.00 at most. The resale in this community makes it a very low risk buy-in. Figuring out whether sitting or leaning, platform or ROS, tether heights, mesh or solid fabrics, sizes, all that can be done for almost no money. Then once you've figured out what you like, take it and run with it.
Thank you for taking the time to do this! After using DIY options all fall, I already decided to get a commercial option for next year, but have been sitting on the fence. This helps a lot. Wish I kept my sitdrag and could buy another to try out the double option too now.
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Great review. Thanks for the information. Obviously everyone is different but its nice to see different point of views.
This was a great review and collective discussion. Good showing simialr pixctures for each saddle while hanging to show support/etc. Great to have all those pics and info in one thread. I love my treesuit, its like the anderson of the hard seat saddles. comfy, light and packable. Appreciate you taking the time to do this, definitely a fun read.