Kestrel "break in" period

[Apex7]

I've been saddle hunting a long time also. I agree, the kestrel is my favorite saddle so far. I sit in my saddle with legs a little above 90 degrees to take most of the pressure off my feet, and so far the only trouble I've had at times is trying to use a higher tether. With it at eye level things are always great. If I try to push the tether a bit higher I think it just makes that angle a little too steep and puts more pressure on my butt.

How how long is your Bridge ? I know a lot of guys on here do not use a rope man on their bridge but I do but I don't use one on my lineman's belt which I probably should . I probably could go to a fixed bridge but I like the idea that I can adjust it if I have to. I don't know how long your bridge is but try to shorten it up and see if that works for you. Good luck let me know how it works out

 

[redsquirrel]

How how long is your Bridge ? I know a lot of guys on here do not use a rope man on their bridge but I do but I don't use one on my lineman's belt which I probably should . I probably could go to a fixed bridge but I like the idea that I can adjust it if I have to. I don't know how long your bridge is but try to shorten it up and see if that works for you. Good luck let me know how it works out

My bridge is 24". I have tried shorter but that is as short as I can go without getting hip pinch. Once I found the length that worked for a bridge I don't find the need to change it so I went fixed. You should try out your ropeman on your lineman's belt. Once you do you will never go back. It makes a bigger difference there than on any other place in our setup

 

[Apex7]

My bridge is 24". I have tried shorter but that is as short as I can go without getting hip pinch. Once I found the length that worked for a bridge I don't find the need to change it so I went fixed. You should try out your ropeman on your lineman's belt. Once you do you will never go back. It makes a bigger difference there than on any other place in our setup

Thanks red I'm going to give it a try

 

[Boudreaux]

I never had a problem with the Kestrel . I can put my tether high or at eye level and no problem. I usually keep my knees at a 45 degree angle with knee pads on and I'm very comfortable. I've been saddle hunting for a long time and I guess over that time you get used to all the types of different saddles. But the Kestrel is getting to be my favorite saddle of all time.

That is the result of many years of testing and developing a saddle that will work with all saddle hunting types. Its the main reason the development took so long. Testing with long bridge/tree strap, short bridge and tree strap, sitting and leaning. If one of those wasn't comfortable, we had to redesign and then start testing all over again. I am just glad we got it right.

Thanks,
Boswell

 

[Apex7]

The Green strap just to the outside of each leg with the pull loop. They are tight as they get .. I’ve tried both ways loose and tight. Loose feels like I’m tipping to far forwards so tight as they get seems to hold my butt up more and tilt me back a touch.

Ok I’ll try playing around with the length of the tether this week. I’m thinking a size 2 might’ve been a better choice. Thanks for the advice.


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Get knee pads they will help. Try adjusting the tether up and down while you are at ground level you need to play with it to get it comfortable .
I didn't have to do that and I had a severe back injury and two broken pelvics last October and I have yet to be uncomfortable in it keep at it.

 

[kelly.jayp]

I'm noticing that my saddle feels to be riding up in the back thigh area. I'm 6' 180lbs 34" waist and wear a size 1.I wear my waist belt loose but it still feels like it's riding up on my tighs. Anybody else? Any suggestions?

I am 6' 170# 31" waist and I have been working on this too. I have a small butt. I am wearing saddle very loose - I find that it will ride up when I'm leaning- which I do mostly- but lowering my ropeman until knees are at 90 degrees for sitting eliminates that sensation. I'm going to experiment with leaning with more length on my tether


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[JSEXTON23]

I am 6' 170# 31" waist and I have been working on this too. I have a small butt. I am wearing saddle very loose - I find that it will ride up when I'm leaning- which I do mostly- but lowering my ropeman until knees are at 90 degrees for sitting eliminates that sensation. I'm going to experiment with leaning with more length on my tether


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Glad I’m not alone. I’ll keep at it. I know one thing, even with mild discomfort I will likely never return to hunting a hang on. I’ve never been able to sit in a hang on for more than 5hrs. My first saddle hunt was 9! I just need more practice and experience.

 

[Dan P]

My bridge is 24". I have tried shorter but that is as short as I can go without getting hip pinch. Once I found the length that worked for a bridge I don't find the need to change it so I went fixed. You should try out your ropeman on your lineman's belt. Once you do you will never go back. It makes a bigger difference there than on any other place in our setup

Red, what's the benefit of using the ropeman? Does it allow one-hand use of the lineman's belt?

I tried out my Kestrel for the first time yesterday at my camp. Just set up one stick and hung a few feet off the ground. I can already see I'm going to love hunting out of it! It's incredibly well-made and well thought out. I read this thread all the way through and it's already given me a lot of pointers on how to adjust it.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[redsquirrel]

Red, what's the benefit of using the ropeman? Does it allow one-hand use of the lineman's belt?

I tried out my Kestrel for the first time yesterday at my camp. Just set up one stick and hung a few feet off the ground. I can already see I'm going to love hunting out of it! It's incredibly well-made and well thought out. I read this thread all the way through and it's already given me a lot of pointers on how to adjust it.

Thanks,
Dan

Yes the ropeman gives 1 handed adjustability which is huge. There are lots of threads on it here.

I’ve gone to a kestrel size 2 and I couldn’t be happier with a size 2.

 

[nickbooe]

Thanks for this input. I may order the 12 foot then.


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[BassBoysLLP]

Thanks for this input. I may order the 12 foot then.


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If you get a 12 footer and ropeman 1, you should be set up to do some aider climbing as well (aka Red's Climbing Method) You just need a loop of tubular webbing or a sling.

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