Welcome from Mi as well. I think if you read through some of the posts around here, you will find us 40" waist guys prefer the Aerohunter. (IMO from what I have read.) Most seem to favor the flex. I liked the regular Kestral my self, but have yet to hunt from mine. Only yard hunting so far. The H2 is hard to beat for comfort as well. There is a lot of good guys on here who will probably let you try something if there in the area. So put a post out if your comfortable with it. Welcome and good luck!
Oh ya, he hooked! You guys got another!!!I'm so glad you said that about the Flex. After watching all the youtubes and such, I was torn between the Cruzr XC and the Flex. I found a Flex in size 2. Shipped already today and I should be yard hunting by next week. I ordered some ropes and associated rope accessories. Already have some Hawk sticks. Now I'm just waiting to see what type of platform is right for me. Maybe something homemade or one of these XL's guys are coming out with. Oh, and belt accessories like dump pouches and hooks but that all can come with time. Going to do those on the cheap for now.
Thanks again for the help everyone.
@DanO what would something like this look like. I'm in NWI area zip 46392. I may be interested in hosting something, like a Saturday 9-5 type thing?? Welcome to PM or reply. Thanks JerryWelcome from Michigan! Attending a saddle demo day would be very helpful - haven't heard of any in Indiana but if someone could organize the event I can come down and bring just about every commercially available saddle with me so you could try them on. Need someone to step up and organize one in Ohio/Indiana/Illinois area.