You know someone calls my name and asks me a question, I responded. Sorry my response doesn't meet your idea of a proper response. I replied to the man's question. I have stated numerous times on here and on my YouTube the kestrel is a good saddle, especially for beginners. I was asked for feedback, and one by one the responder shot down my suggestions. That's one of the primary reason I seldom post here anymore and instead answer questions through PM as there are an isolated few that discredit anything anyone says that doesn't fit their thought pattern. I still remember the time the same person that responded to my Kestrel input (which they asked for) denounced G2 when he posted the thread about camouflaging his sticks and preceded to give us an attempted biological lecture on how deer see - which was full of holes BTW).
However, to appease you (although I doubt that is possible) here is what I recommended to new tribe:
1) Get rid of the heavy metal leg buckles.
2) Move the lineman's loops forward as it is awkward in the dark to hook up safely when going around limbs
3) Go to a better Bridge without the huge knots (Amsteel or strap)
4) Get rid of all the Molle loops, a few well placed is far better
5) Come up with a quick detachable bag to carry gear
A quick check of the new saddle from G2 ADDRESSSES ALL MY INITIAL THOUGHTS/CONCERNS after having used the kestrel for a full season. So for me, while the Kestrel is a well made hunting saddle, the new option by G2 looks to be far SUPERIOR and HALF the PRICE. Now if that doesn't float your boat, I recommend simply moving past my posts in the future.