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Hip pinching

okccj

okccj

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2016
Messages
620
I noticed a bit of hip pinching in my kestrel last night. Could a too short bridge cause this? Should I lengthen it a bit? Whats about the max bridge length without causing other issues?
 
Yes, Bridge length effects hip pinch. You can also try adjust your tree strap height first, before adjusting your bridge. Bridge length is all personal.

Thanks,
Boswell
 
Your can end up chasing your tail a little bit because the tether height and bridge length interact.
I just find something that is pretty comfortable and then adjust my sitting/standing angle slowly during the hunt to avoid “hot spots”
 
I've never sat in a saddle so I don't know...just thinking out load here.

In hammock hanging there exists a similar problem called shoulder squeeze. It is reduced by hanging the anchors at approximately 30 degrees. It also reduces a lot of stress on the anchors and fabric. I suspect finding the right tether angle plays a critical role in this problem as well.
 
okccj said:
I noticed a bit of hip pinching in my kestrel last night. Could a too short bridge cause this? Should I lengthen it a bit? Whats about the max bridge length without causing other issues?
Click to expand...
Most likely your bridge length. I have been using a 24" fixed bridge for a while now. Last week I decided to put an adjustable bridge on my kestrel to see if anything worked better. Longer bridges are no problem but the limit my rotation around the tree. I went to a really short bridge and let it out until I found consistent comfort. I got home and measured it and it was exactly 24". I am back to a fixed 24" bridge lol.
 
HardBall said:
I've never sat in a saddle so I don't know...just thinking out load here.

In hammock hanging there exists a similar problem called shoulder squeeze. It is reduced by hanging the anchors at approximately 30 degrees. It also reduces a lot of stress on the anchors and fabric. I suspect finding the right tether angle plays a critical role in this problem as well.
Click to expand...
Excellent Point.

I think that's why most guys go with a the eye/forehead height tie in. It seems to be the proper angle.
redsquirrel said:
Most likely your bridge length. I have been using a 24" fixed bridge for a while now. Last week I decided to put an adjustable bridge on my kestrel to see if anything worked better. Longer bridges are no problem but the limit my rotation around the tree. I went to a really short bridge and let it out until I found consistent comfort. I got home and measured it and it was exactly 24". I am back to a fixed 24" bridge lol.
Click to expand...

NICE!
 
g2outdoors said:
Excellent Point.

I think that's why most guys go with a the eye/forehead height tie in. It seems to be the proper angle.


NICE!
Click to expand...
When you mean eye to forehead height is that sitting/leaning/or standing? May be a dumb question but something I wondered yesterday. Was really comfortable yesterday with my Ernie platform and ropeman but I was only in the tree about 2 hours.

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DwadeCham said:
When you mean eye to forehead height is that sitting/leaning/or standing? May be a dumb question but something I wondered yesterday. Was really comfortable yesterday with my Ernie platform and ropeman but I was only in the tree about 2 hours.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
He means when you are standing when you set the tether. It will be much higher than your forehead after you sit in your saddle.
 
redsquirrel said:
He means when you are standing when you set the tether. It will be much higher than your forehead after you sit in your saddle.
Click to expand...
That is what I thought. Just wanted to make sure.

Sent from my HTC U11 using Tapatalk
 
I have never been in a saddle, have one on order. I usually shoot a longbow or recurve in the 60" variety. Does the length of the bridge seem to have much effect on your ability to draw your bow. Is it better to get down to a single tether rather quickly vs having both sides of the bridge? I'm thinking of hitting things with my elbow. Again, I've never been in one, so maybe there's not an issue either way. In that case, is Bridge length simply whats comfortable on your hips?
 
There are some trad guys on the forum that can speak to your first question.

Regarding bridge length, I would say 90% of Saddle Hunter prefer a 22"-30" bridge with most guys settling on a 24" length.
 
Gusarch said:
I have never been in a saddle, have one on order. I usually shoot a longbow or recurve in the 60" variety. Does the length of the bridge seem to have much effect on your ability to draw your bow. Is it better to get down to a single tether rather quickly vs having both sides of the bridge? I'm thinking of hitting things with my elbow. Again, I've never been in one, so maybe there's not an issue either way. In that case, is Bridge length simply whats comfortable on your hips?
Click to expand...
Generally a longer bridge will be more prone to interfere with drawing your bow. You will have to experiment with what works for you. I go as with as short of a bridge as I can and still be comfortable. In addition to that reason, I would rather have more room on my tether than the bridge because it will allow me to move around the tree easier.
 
Gusarch said:
I have never been in a saddle, have one on order. I usually shoot a longbow or recurve in the 60" variety. Does the length of the bridge seem to have much effect on your ability to draw your bow. Is it better to get down to a single tether rather quickly vs having both sides of the bridge? I'm thinking of hitting things with my elbow. Again, I've never been in one, so maybe there's not an issue either way. In that case, is Bridge length simply whats comfortable on your hips?
Click to expand...

Boudreaux has some videos shooting his long bow with a long bridge. It will give you something to look at. I never had interference issues shooting my trad bows. It's not like you will be shooting standing straight up and down. You will be leaning out and therefore your bridge will be angling away from you giving you plenty room.
 
You CAN shoot with a long bridge, but it limits your options. The longer bridge hits your drawing arm more often and just have to position your body differently
 
I find (as a leaner) that tether height contributes more to my hip punch than bridge length.
Between eye level and upper lip level seems to be the most common leaner tether location.


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IkemanTX said:
I find (as a leaner) that tether height contributes more to my hip punch than bridge length.
Between eye level and upper lip level seems to be the most common leaner tether location.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
But keep in mind that you can't run the tether that low if your bridge is long and/or you have a long prusik or blake's hitch and a large carabiner.....
 
okccj said:
I noticed a bit of hip pinching in my kestrel last night. Could a too short bridge cause this? Should I lengthen it a bit? Whats about the max bridge length without causing other issues?
Click to expand...


Did you try loosening the waist belt and sliding the Kestrel down on your butt more. After I’m strapped in it’s the first thing I do. Much more comfortable!
 
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