can you give a brief description as to why the Kestrel and Mantis didn't make the cut for you? I'm new to the saddle world but am planning on buying a saddle in the next couple of weeks and i have been reading pros and cons of the different brands / models and am interested to hear your input.
Kestrel I found the thicker cordura fabric uncomfortable to walk with the saddle on. I just thought it was a touch too bulky for my liking. Remains to be seen how much that is going to bother me with the Flex.
Mantis vs. Kite: I did a more detailed review but I can't seem to find it right now. Ultimately I had some pros and cons for each saddle but personally found the Kite more comfortable and preferred the buckle system. I do think that comfort is personal based on body type and subjective based on preferences, so I wouldn't read too much into mine or anyone elses preference between the two either.
Still I thought the Kite left some comfort to be desired as it still has a tendency to "ride up" from my preferred comfort sweet spot. Not so much an issue on short hunts, all day rut hunts a little different story. My hope with the Flex was that would fill that max comfort, all day, niche while I could keep the Kite for shorter hunts.