IME/IMO - The mantis has far more pluses than the kestrel (packability, ease of use, weight, quietness & comfort) - comfort is so subjective but to me the Mantis also wins here. I had both saddles this year and I will say after the first week, the mantis was the one I wore every single time. I plan on using my kestrel for tree prepping this Feb-June ( dedicated saddle for set ups as I wont even try to keep it scent free in TX heat) and keeping my 3 mantis saddles as my primary hunting saddle set ups.
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Kestrel or Mantis
- Thread starter Ontariofarmer
- Start date
John, have you switched from your modified Anderson to the Mantis as your go-to?
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2015
- Messages
- 5,258
I really think the mantis wins in every way except comfort. But maybe I should have an extra large mantis instead of a large one.
The size 2 kestrel is more comfortable for me. The size 1 kestrel was uncomfortable as well. I want to try an extra large mantis... If it is better I will sell my large mantis and my size 2 kestrel. I am waiting for a bit to see if trophyline produces a new product or if tethrd or New Tribes makes some changes.
The size 2 kestrel is more comfortable for me. The size 1 kestrel was uncomfortable as well. I want to try an extra large mantis... If it is better I will sell my large mantis and my size 2 kestrel. I am waiting for a bit to see if trophyline produces a new product or if tethrd or New Tribes makes some changes.
I have the Mantis and a Kite. I like the Kite. The Mantis is really lite no doubt but walking in with it on is my preference and the leg straps are an issue for me they don’t want to stay tight. I see guys saying they walk in with the leg straps unbuckled, which solves my issue but that seems like the buckles ...I dunno I guess they don’t clang ...I also like the AM Steel Bridge though it isn’t adjustable. I prefer the Kite though because at the end of the day it just seems better built to me ...more sturdy ...safer...just my opinion.
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However...I have full confidence that future Tethrd versions are going to address my concerns. Its version 1 and really it is pretty close for a first release.
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Bowhunter777
Member
- Joined
- Sep 27, 2018
- Messages
- 58
They are both amazing Saddles but my opinion after owning both and dealing with both companies that Aero Hunter Kestrel takes a hands down best customer service in the book and I ended up selling my mantis and buying another Kestrel actually plus they actually have a phone number to where you can call and talk to somebody they don't just take your money and then leave you waiting 10 weeks and if you want to talk to somebody you have to email them
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2018
- Messages
- 6,112
I used the Mantis all last season. I bought a Kestrel earlier this year and spent some hang time in the backyard pondering the mysteries of life. I think they both have their pluses and minuses.
The Mantis is lightweight and packs down very nicely. That is its major advantage. I feel Tethrd neglected one major design aspect. The bridge! The bridge length might be great for a medium saddle but using that same bridge length for an XL saddle which is for wider people is a mistake. The wider you are the more hip pinch issues. The microfit adjusters are a little lack luster and not much adjustment. They should be built in...but then the claimed weight would be higher so I see why they are separate.
The Kestrel is built like a tank. It just feels stronger and better quality IMO. It is heavier. I wish they spliced the predator. I think the predator is nicer rope than the double braid Tethrd offers I had lots of movement between the core and the sheathe on the Tethrd stuff. I dont really like the bulky knots. It has a detachable bridge also. I was not a fan of stepping through the bridge on the Mantis to put it on size 13 lacrosse rubber boots made that a pain in butt. I dont have the hip pinch on the Kestrel I did with the Mantis and the Kestrel seems to like to ride lower on me. The Mantis had a habbit of riding up and I would have to pull it down all the time. The leg Buckles though heavier are a plus on the kestrel. Last year trying to walk or climb with the mantis the G-hooks always popped off. The new ones they came out with look to be a drastic improvement.
For me the Kestrel wins hands down just on comfort alone. I find comfort trumps all. If I am uncomfortable or fidgeting the entire time forget it.....
The Mantis is lightweight and packs down very nicely. That is its major advantage. I feel Tethrd neglected one major design aspect. The bridge! The bridge length might be great for a medium saddle but using that same bridge length for an XL saddle which is for wider people is a mistake. The wider you are the more hip pinch issues. The microfit adjusters are a little lack luster and not much adjustment. They should be built in...but then the claimed weight would be higher so I see why they are separate.
The Kestrel is built like a tank. It just feels stronger and better quality IMO. It is heavier. I wish they spliced the predator. I think the predator is nicer rope than the double braid Tethrd offers I had lots of movement between the core and the sheathe on the Tethrd stuff. I dont really like the bulky knots. It has a detachable bridge also. I was not a fan of stepping through the bridge on the Mantis to put it on size 13 lacrosse rubber boots made that a pain in butt. I dont have the hip pinch on the Kestrel I did with the Mantis and the Kestrel seems to like to ride lower on me. The Mantis had a habbit of riding up and I would have to pull it down all the time. The leg Buckles though heavier are a plus on the kestrel. Last year trying to walk or climb with the mantis the G-hooks always popped off. The new ones they came out with look to be a drastic improvement.
For me the Kestrel wins hands down just on comfort alone. I find comfort trumps all. If I am uncomfortable or fidgeting the entire time forget it.....
swampsnyper
Well-Known Member
I have both. Size 1 kestrel and Large mantis. The mantis was not a gamechanger for me. I'm a sitter and rarely walk in with my saddle on. The slight weight savings and packability wasn't enough to make me want to use it over my kestrel. The minimalistness of the mantis made it uncomfortable for me. Even while using it climbing with the linemans belt. I've tried all positions of my tree tether and different lengths bridges. Some were better than others but it just doesn't beat my kestrel in comfort. I sit in it longer than I pack it in, so comfort while hunting is more important to me than slightly more packable.
