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DIY vs Kestrel decision

WMA hunter

WMA hunter

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I just sold my web today and I had planned on buying a kestrel but @DaveT1963 youtube video has me considering doing a fleece saddle with a black diamond bod harness. Price only comes in if things are close to equal but I figure I can use the bod harness more effectively as a replacement to my hss tree stand harness when I do hunt a stand. Thoughts or opinions are appreciated
 
BassBoysLLP

BassBoysLLP

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Depends on your hunting style. I didn't like the fleece saddle as much as the Kestrel. Many are the opposite. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I liked both options better than the sit drag.

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Apex7

Apex7

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I am a big fan of the Kestrel. It's so well made and very comfortable and light. I would go with the Kestrel. I can't believe you got rid of Guido's web I love mine and since Butch went out of business it's a collectors item and you know you can't have to many saddles.
 
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ImThere

ImThere

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Try it out at ground level. Try a sitdrag or fleece saddle with out the rc. It’s only a few dollars if you like it buy the rc and go hunt


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WMA hunter

WMA hunter

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Apex7 said:
I am a big fan of the Kestrel. It's so well made and very comfortable and light. I would go with the Kestrel. I can't believe you got rid of Guido's web I love mine and since Butch went out of business it's a collectors item and you know you can't have to many saddles.
Click to expand...
I think the one I had was a little big for me. I didn’t feel like it gave me much advantage over a stand. I am hoping for something lighter, more versatile and that I can wear my pack with comfortably.
 
Apex7

Apex7

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WMA hunter said:
I think the one I had was a little big for me. I didn’t feel like it gave me much advantage over a stand. I am hoping for something lighter, more versatile and that I can wear my pack with comfortably.
Click to expand...
WMA hunter said:
I think the one I had was a little big for me. I didn’t feel like it gave me much advantage over a stand. I am hoping for something lighter, more versatile and that I can wear my pack with comfortably.
Click to expand...
See if someone on the site that has a Kestrel and lives close to you would let you give it a try so you can make up your mind before you buy one.
 
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sb220

sb220

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Climbing/descent method is the only reason Id chose one over the other. With a set of sticks or steps, I'm going kestrel/treesaddle
​
the RC harness is more comfortable with any hangtime (be it during climbs or rappel) that requires you to hang without anything under your feet. In that case go with the rc harness/whatever option saddle (sitdrag/fleece/kid's swingset seat)
 
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Apex7

Apex7

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sb220 said:
Climbing/descent method is the only reason Id chose one over the other. With a set of sticks or steps, I'm going kestrel/treesaddle
​
the RC harness is more comfortable with any hangtime (be it during climbs or rappel) that requires you to hang without anything under your feet. In that case go with the rc harness/whatever option saddle (sitdrag/fleece/kid's swingset seat)
Click to expand...
What make of RC harness to you guys recommend.
 
ImThere

ImThere

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sb220

sb220

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ImThere said:
What does the waist buckle look like?


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you mean the qr buckle? same as the leg buckles

IMG_1601_178.jpg
 
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bowhunter15

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Having spent about equal hunting time out of each, I sort of agree with @sb220 that climbing method has an impact. The build in lineman's loops of the kestrel work great with a stick or step climbing method. The belay loop of the RC harness works nice with rope climbing techniques.

I found a SitDrag was easier to find comfort with initially, but once I figured out how to best adjust my Kestrel it's a horse a piece. Both are comfy.

I feel more connected to the Kestrel than the a sling because it's directly attached with both the waist and leg loops. With the SitDrag, I sometimes felt the sensation that I was going to slide out the bottom. And if I ever stood on a platform, putting slack in the tether, the sling felt more loose, whereas the Kestrel doesn't move.

Kestrel is easier to go to the bathroom with and has the molle webbing. You can add webbing with a sling (haven't done it with fleece) so in regards to accessories it's just a difference of saving money and adding them manually with the DIY route vs having everything already done for you with the Kestrel.

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sb220

sb220

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bowhunter15 said:
Having spent about equal hunting time out of each, I sort of agree with @sb220 that climbing method has an impact. The build in lineman's loops of the kestrel work great with a stick or step climbing method. The belay loop of the RC harness works nice with rope climbing techniques.

I found a SitDrag was easier to find comfort with initially, but once I figured out how to best adjust my Kestrel it's a horse a piece. Both are comfy.

I feel more connected to the Kestrel than the a sling because it's directly attached with both the waist and leg loops. With the SitDrag, I sometimes felt the sensation that I was going to slide out the bottom. And if I ever stood on a platform, putting slack in the tether, the sling felt more loose, whereas the Kestrel doesn't move.

Kestrel is easier to go to the bathroom with and has the molle webbing. You can add webbing with a sling (haven't done it with fleece) so in regards to accessories it's just a difference of saving money and adding them manually with the DIY route vs having everything already done for you with the Kestrel.

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Kestrel just needs a belay loop... then its a no brainer
 
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WMA hunter

WMA hunter

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bowhunter15 said:
Having spent about equal hunting time out of each, I sort of agree with @sb220 that climbing method has an impact. The build in lineman's loops of the kestrel work great with a stick or step climbing method. The belay loop of the RC harness works nice with rope climbing techniques.

I found a SitDrag was easier to find comfort with initially, but once I
Click to expand...
great info... thanks
 
WMA hunter

WMA hunter

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I ordered a sit drag. I just didn’t see much difference in the kestrel over the diy saddles. Going to add the belt and probably let loops. May just skip the RCH. I am pretty comfortable at heights.
 
Apex7

Apex7

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WMA hunter said:
I ordered a sit drag. I just didn’t see much difference in the kestrel over the diy saddles. Going to add the belt and probably let loops. May just skip the RCH. I am pretty comfortable at heights.
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Just remember safty first. I would definitely get a RCH because accidents can happen in a split second . Trust me I know and it changed my life. Be safe.
 
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BassBoysLLP

BassBoysLLP

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sb220 said:
I started with the metolious mens deluxe due to all the safety reviews, but after a season of wrenching that thing on had me looking for something different

https://www.amazon.com/Fusion-Climb...0&keywords=fusion+rock+climbing+quick+release

I think Ive found my forever harness....quick release buckles or gtfo
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That may partly explain your response. That metolius harness is super comfortable for extended hanging. Many of the lightweight rock climbing harnesses are not. There is a delicate balance with the sit drag and rock harnesses as a bulkier, more comfortable to hang rock harness can create hot spots with the sit drag. I didn't have this issue with the Metolius harness but my buddy did and could only use a lightweight harness with the sit drag.

I will add that for me the size 2 Kestrel is more comfortable for SRT than the size 1.

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sb220

sb220

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BassBoysLLP said:
That may partly explain your response. That metolius harness is super comfortable for extended hanging. Many of the lightweight rock climbing harnesses are not. There is a delicate balance with the sit drag and rock harnesses as a bulkier, more comfortable to hang rock harness can create hot spots with the sit drag. I didn't have this issue with the Metolius harness but my buddy did and could only use a lightweight harness with the sit drag.

I will add that for me the size 2 Kestrel is more comfortable for SRT than the size 1.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Well I cant speak for the kestrel, just going on my experience with the treesaddle. Whenever my feet weren't supported in that thing it was an instant crotch hang with the leg loops
 
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