Bridge Length and Tree Tether Heights

[DanielB89]

I thought this could be a cool resource if everyone would add a little input to it. As you develop your own style and discover what yo like or don't like, you learn that on this particular set up I like this, or here I like that. I am curious to know what determines your bridge length and your tree tether height. I know I have seen a wide variety of suggestions on tether height, so what do you prefer and why?

 

[ImThere]

I have noticed on the sit drag the higher the tether the narrower the sit drag gets. so in order to lower the tether your bridge needs to be shorter. My bridge is 26" long and my tether is right at my eye height.

 

[Peterk1234]

So far I have settled on a 32inch bridge and set my tether near the top of my head. I am still trying things out and have yet to spend more than an hour in it but It affords me a lot of different positions. I like a longer tether because I can lean out more and it allows better range around the tree. Plus it gives me lots of room to snug the bridge up if I want to sit for a bit. I find it very comfortable.

 

[hickstick]

peter...have you shot more from other angles? I set my tether as high as I can reach while standing......I used the standard kestrel bridge last season, but shorted it a bit haven't measured it tho.

 

[Peterk1234]

peter...have you shot more from other angles? I set my tether as high as I can reach while standing......I used the standard kestrel bridge last season, but shorted it a bit haven't measured it tho.

I have. It made a huge difference leaning out more. I think I can do it from almost any angle. Leaning into the saddle really helps to steady yourself when shooting. I think it is much more stable than using a traditional platform, but only time will tell for sure. I think the trickiest thing now is being able to draw the bow from weird positions.

I think I am going to see you in Auburn on the 8th, right?

 

[DanielB89]

I have noticed on the sit drag the higher the tether the narrower the sit drag gets. so in order to lower the tether your bridge needs to be shorter. My bridge is 26" long and my tether is right at my eye height.

that is a very good point. It would be dependent on saddle design too.

I noticed I was getting a little bit of hip pinch last time I used my sit drag, I need to play around with my tether length and bridge length to see what I like the most.

I have been setting up my tether about 4 head height when standing up.

 

[hickstick]

I'm planning on it as of now Peter. hope to see you there.

 

[Boudreaux]

Bridge effects hip pinch, the shorter the bridge the more pressure you will feel around you hips.
Tree strap effects comfort. High tree strap leads to feeling of the saddle “riding up”

Thanks,
Boswell

 

[g2outdoors]

@Boudreaux is right.

24"-30" bridge seems to be the sweet spot for most guys.

Forehead level tether height seems to be the sweet spot for most guys.

As a general rule, the longer the bridge and the lower the tether, the more comfortable you are.

But there are tradeoffs.

Long bridges can mess with your shot. Low tethers can reduce your mobility.

The only sure bet is to play around with different setups while your platform is 6" off the ground.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.