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Introducing the 2017 Aero Hunter Kestrel

still no email shipping notification, back in the aerohunter for now lol. Going to sit tonight in a little rain
 
Boudreaux said:
Here it is, the Kestrel.
This is a Saddlehunter special preview!
PREORDERS WILL BEGIN AUG 16
You will able to order via phone or at aerohunter.us


Saddle only (including bridge) just under 3lbs, MSRP $245
Complete System (saddle, bridge, tree strap, linemans belt and back band) right around 3.5lbs MSRP $350.

All rope will be the Samson Predator rope and we will be using new Fusion Carabiner.

If you need more than a saddle but less than the complete system you will be able to purchase what you need individually.
Kestrel Saddle, Size 1 or Size 2 245.00
Linemans Belt 39.50
Tree Strap 6 ft 39.50
Tree Strap 12 ft 43.25
Back Band 29.50
Molle Hardware Set of 4 8.00
Camo Gear Bag 26.75

All pre orders (between Aug 16 and Aug 31st) will get $20 off

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...

Not sure if ISC offers a buckle with load rated ring on it, but this might be something you guys want to consider. It would be a great place to back up your bridge with your tether. On my homemade saddle - I used this buckle.

https://www.amazon.com/Austrialpin-...5899&sr=8-2&keywords=cobra+buckle+with+d+ring

I loop a really short sling on each leg strap, and use the figure 8 wrapped through the belt d ring, and the sling (acts just like a climbing harness).

I got to thinking today, with what we do with sharp stuff in a tree, having a second tie in point would be nice. Just something to think about, it would make sense if ISC offers it.

By the way - kudos on this saddle - knocked it out of the park for me.
 
kyler1945 said:
Not sure if ISC offers a buckle with load rated ring on it, but this might be something you guys want to consider. It would be a great place to back up your bridge with your tether. On my homemade saddle - I used this buckle.

https://www.amazon.com/Austrialpin-...5899&sr=8-2&keywords=cobra+buckle+with+d+ring

I loop a really short sling on each leg strap, and use the figure 8 wrapped through the belt d ring, and the sling (acts just like a climbing harness).

I got to thinking today, with what we do with sharp stuff in a tree, having a second tie in point would be nice. Just something to think about, it would make sense if ISC offers it.

By the way - kudos on this saddle - knocked it out of the park for me.
Click to expand...

Kyler that is true never hurts to have redundancy when your hanging 25 feet in the air, it costs you nothing and can keep old man Murphy at bay... What did you have in mind?

Roger,
 
Whispers Death said:
#433....just got shipping Confirmation. Should be here Thurs or Fri.
Click to expand...

Awesome WD give us your thoughts when you've had a chance to put it through its paces! I'm especially interested in your thoughts on the Kestrel and SRT. I don't use SRT but one of the guys that I introduced to the saddle is very interested and your thoughts and observations would be greatly appreciated.

Roger,
 
Stykbow1 said:
Awesome WD give us your thoughts when you've had a chance to put it through its paces! I'm especially interested in your thoughts on the Kestrel and SRT. I don't use SRT but one of the guys that I introduced to the saddle is very interested and your thoughts and observations would be greatly appreciated.

Roger,
Click to expand...
It works great with the Kestel but I recommend an adjustable bridge.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
 
Stykbow1 said:
Kyler that is true never hurts to have redundancy when your hanging 25 feet in the air, it costs you nothing and can keep old man Murphy at bay... What did you have in mind?

Roger,
Click to expand...


You can check my thread out on the sling I made. It is very similar to the Kestrel. What I was suggesting is a waist buckle with a load rated D-ring like the one in the link in my above post. You can then connect the two leg straps with a 30cm sling, and catch that and the D-ring with a Figure 8 on the tag end of your tether.
 
kyler1945 said:
You can check my thread out on the sling I made. It is very similar to the Kestrel. What I was suggesting is a waist buckle with a load rated D-ring like the one in the link in my above post. You can then connect the two leg straps with a 30cm sling, and catch that and the D-ring with a Figure 8 on the tag end of your tether.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Kyler I will check it out!

Roger,
 
I'm new to the concept of tree saddles, but interested. Anyone who's buying one of these Kestrel saddles live near Southeast South Dakota? I'd love to see one in person before I buy one, but going to of the listed stores or pro staff isn't an option for me, I'm afraid.
 
I have a question about the manual. It says that you need to put the small loop at the end of the tree strap into the carabiner before clipping into the bridge. I don't believe I have seen this done in pictures or in Boswell's video. Is this a necessary step?
6c803771ef6cd98661d5d6de4a9cf70e.jpg
 
Melayl said:
I'm new to the concept of tree saddles, but interested. Anyone who's buying one of these Kestrel saddles live near Southeast South Dakota? I'd love to see one in person before I buy one, but going to of the listed stores or pro staff isn't an option for me, I'm afraid.
Click to expand...

Melay there are some excellent videos showing the Kestrel in use and maybe someone from your area will respond and offer a demo. To me going to a saddle type system is a game changer in so many ways but like yourself, I needed to try one before I would fully commit and purchase one. Many of the guys here are hardcore dedicated hunters who spend lots of time tweaking their gear and tactics. They would not use a saddle if they didn't feel it gave them an advantage or edge in the field.

If you research this site you will find that while we may not all agree that one certain brand of saddle meets everyone's needs, we all agree that hunting from a saddle provides us all with the versatility that we need and desire. The Kestrel is the culmination of all the input, suggestions, and requests for updates and changes to the Evolution by users, pro staff, and suggestions from this forum. If you do some research on this site you should be able to get an idea of what is important for you and your hunting style.

If after doing the research you are still on the fence, as I was, maybe by that time someone close enough will extend an invitation for you to try theirs. If not you will need to try and make the most educated decision based on the information you have. In my case, the only regret that I have is that I waited as long as I did before I bought my saddle. Now that I've hunted from one for a couple of seasons, I can truly say that it's one of the few hunting products that I've purchased that lived up to its reputation and really improved my hunting.

Roger,
 
Melayl said:
I'm new to the concept of tree saddles, but interested. Anyone who's buying one of these Kestrel saddles live near Southeast South Dakota? I'd love to see one in person before I buy one, but going to of the listed stores or pro staff isn't an option for me, I'm afraid.
Click to expand...
I know of a place you can try out about every saddle option available as well as many climbing systems. Saddlepalooza 2018. It's a long drive but it's also about the only place you can try out that much saddle related gear. I enjoy hunting from the kestrel. It's probably about as close to a one saddle fits everyone as has ever been made. Saddle hunting like any other type in that everyone has there personal preferences and when they find the perfect setup for their needs they are proud of it. That doesn't mean you will like it or find it comfortable. Also just trying on a saddle and hooking it to a tree doesn't tell the story of comfort. It's something that takes several days of sitting in one for hours to really know if you like it.
 
Roger, Whispers, Eric,

Thanks for the replies and advice, guys. I've watched some videos and read some reviews, both on saddles in general and the Kestrel in specific. I wish Saddlepalooza was an option for me, but it's not. I really am interested in that style of hunting, and my wife has come around to the idea of me using a stand. I don't know if she'll be ok with the price of of a Kestrel, though.

I'll keep researching, and see what options come up.
 
@Melayl if you wait and keep asking I'm sure you will find someone closer to try one on. I'm pretty new to hunting from a saddle and wish I had made the switch a long time ago. I still own a few tree stands but don't plan on using them this year with exception of hunting with my son. Then I will be hanging above him or behind him in the saddle. It is an expensive way to sit in a tree compared to a cheaper ladder stand or climber. I like the comfort I get with the kestrel. I love the fact that I can put my stand, climbing system, and gear in a day pack and go hunting. It is especially good when hunting public land. At this point if I lease land again I will have stick ladders scattered around the place and still use my saddle.
 
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