• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Sitdrag vs Kestral

There won't be a huge difference in physical comfort in a sit drag and the kestrel (I own both and have a year of sit drag, and about 25 hours or so in the kestrel. The safety factor is a big difference. I will say, I am pretty dynamic in a tree, and I feel much safer in the kestrel swinging around like a monkey.

I don't know that I would've canceled. You can probably sell it here for a few bucks less than you bought it for, and it would've given you the opportunity to try it out.

It's a great tool for the tool box for sure. So is the sit drag!

Completely agree and feel the same. I love the SitDrag, but feel a lot safer in the Kestrel. The shot I made on my buck Saturday was a hard one and it was behind me and over my right shoulder. Probably the hardest shot in a saddle. I was swung out away from the tree with basically one foot on my platform. I put full trust in the Kestrel without a second thought.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I hate the sit and drag and love the anderson sling. The anderson sling has so much adjustability with the 2 pieces, sit and drag has zero.
Red I use two sit drags so In my situation I think the two would at least be comparable. I usually use the second about the top of my kidneys but can move them anywhere. I haven’t tried an Anderson sling but would if given the opportunity.
 
If the Kestrel don’t get more comfortable than my Sunday sit you couldn’t give me two Kestrel’s for my sitdrag.

Well maybe, I could sell them pocket the cash and buy another sitdrag!

I completely trust the sitdrag or there’s no way in hell I would be 25’ up a tree in it. I didn’t feel any safer in the Kestrel. I don’t really see the difference in the two except the one is heavier and hurts to sit in.

I do think I need a size 2 in the Kestrel though.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Keep talking guys I’m about to try something and it sounds like the sit drag.
 
I love my SitDrag but don't own a kestrel so I couldn't compare the 2. The biggest reason for me is cost, its hard to beat 30 for a saddle, I use a rc harness that I already had so I saved a little there.

I've done 7+ hour sits with no real issue. I think I'd need a serious reason to upgrade!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 
Is the sitdrag all you use now?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's it.

In my opinion, a properly cared for Sitdrag used responsibly by an experienced saddle hunter is completely safe. Others feel differently, and that's ok. You should always pair it with a RC harness.

Hunters have been using a wooden board ("onehair" or "preachers seat") for decades. John Eberhart, the godfather of saddle hunting, has been using a diy saddle for decades. If I were a big guy, I might feel differently.

For new users I recommend a Trophyline or Kestrel.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
Last edited:
That's it.

In my opinion, a properly cared for Sitdrag used responsibly by an experienced saddle hunter is completely safe. Others feel differently, and that's ok.

Hunters have been using a wooden board ("onehair" or "preachers seat") for decades. John Eberhart, the godfather of saddle hunting, has been using a diy saddle for decades. If I were a big guy, I might feel differently.

For new users I recommend a Trophyline or Kestrel.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.

Just sold my Kestrel after 3 sits. I was wanting to buy a size (2). But I’m pretty interested in a sitdrag. You wouldn’t happen to have one already rigged out “mods ect.” that I can buy from you would you?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
I can't recommend the SD enough. I have 4 of them in my garage and have given 3 or 4 away.

Here's how I set them up. Adding a belt, molle loops, Amsteel bridge, and sewing the loops is completely necessary to make it work.

Also do you got any videos about sitting in one? Tips / tricks? Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Ignoring cost, weight, price, safety, etc etc which do people generally find more comfy? Is there a consensus or is all preference? Kestrel or Sitdrag?
 
I have most of them: sitdrag, aero Hunter, kestrel... and many TL saddles.

Kestrel is engineered great, well made and Comfortable when worn right. Cons: heavy, can be bulky and buckles do make noise. Lineman and molle loops are too far back and make it awkward to attach pouches and sticks.

Modified sit drag with rock climbing harness.... this is still my favorite set up because I can rotate 360 in it and rely on the rock harness if there was ever a fall. I can make, and have made, the shot flinginairos talks about, many times from my sit drag combo. It is super light, quiet, and I can attach anything I want to it anywhere I want. Cons: no lineman belt loops [I added then to my rock harness as bowhunter15 details in one of his excellent videos].

I am working on a new minimalist saddle (based of JohnE diy model) just need someone to do some sewing ....G2 are you up for it? I also have an idea on a new bridge concept that I've been testing that eliminates most hip pinch.... but i got to work that out some more.
 
Last edited:
My first and only sit in a Kestrel I lasted almost 3 hrs after the first hour my hips were hurting. After the first 2 hours I was making myself stay in the tree, hour 3 I climbed down because I ran out of toilet paper to dry up the tears from the mid evil torture device I was wearing. A size 1 is not for me I wear a 36” waist.
I use a sitdrag and love it. I feel comfortable, safe and secure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I don't understand how the Kestrel hurts your hips. My hips never hurt and this is from a guy who had my left pelvic shattered and the right one broken and brust fractures of L3 and L4 on October 29th 2016. Plus now I have arthritis in pelvic and back.
 
My first and only sit in a Kestrel I lasted almost 3 hrs after the first hour my hips were hurting. After the first 2 hours I was making myself stay in the tree, hour 3 I climbed down because I ran out of toilet paper to dry up the tears from the mid evil torture device I was wearing. A size 1 is not for me I wear a 36” waist.
I use a sitdrag and love it. I feel comfortable, safe and secure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's a fantastic endorsement if I ever heard one. I'm a 35 waist and it's cold up in Nothern MN so size 2 it is if I get one.
 
As much as i like the kestrel im am probably headed back to the sitdrag. I never felt unsafe in it even by itself. The kestrel has all the safety built into which is the plus but I really cant stand the leg straps as regardless of adjustment continue to choke up on the boys lol!! I have also noticed that some stitching coming loose which im not to thrilled about. Its still in safe working condition but for the price im slightly disappointed. My original aerohunter still looks mint but the sitdrag in the end was just lighter abd easier in many ways. Newtribe is still a great company and quality is still good. I will continue to recommend them regardless.
 
I don't understand how the Kestrel hurts your hips. My hips never hurt and this is from a guy who had my left pelvic shattered and the right one broken and brust fractures of L3 and L4 on October 29th 2016. Plus now I have arthritis in pelvic and back.
My best guess i need a size 2. I think the hook ups were to far back and came across my belt that holds up my pants. guys Im not kidding when I say i was praying to God to end the hunt one way or the other . Newtribe is a fantastic company I appreciate everything they do for the saddle community. I was just sharing my experience
 
My best guess i need a size 2. I think the hook ups were to far back and came across my belt that holds up my pants. guys Im not kidding when I say i was praying to God to end the hunt one way or the other . Newtribe is a fantastic company I appreciate everything they do for the saddle community. I was just sharing my experience

Another bonus I have found to the firstlite bibs I wear in the saddle... no belt! Even my early season pants I try not to wear a belt for this reason. It’s harder with full pockets.
 
Back
Top