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Kestrel or Mantis

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Ontariofarmer

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2015
Messages
5,255
So I was wondering what people like better. The kestrel or Mantis

My takes. You cannot go wrong with either saddle but which is better??? For comfort and other aspects. I am sure there are many different opinions.

I love the weight of the mantis... it carries on the hips walking in better than a kestrel.
The kestrel is likely over built
I have a size 36 waist. I tried a medium kestrel and switched to a large. The difference in comfort was very very noticeable.
I have a large mantis... it slightly more comfortable than my medium kestrel but not as good as my large kestrel. This is the main reason I still have my large kestrel and my mantis.... the comfort of the kestrel is better but the ability to walk in wearing the mantis is better. Maybe it is the way I am built or maybe I need an extra large mantis... This is what I want some input on.

Has anyone switched to a larger mantis and found it more comfortable????? Than the smaller size.
 
I havent tried the mantis, but I have had a kestrel since they first came out. Here are my thoughts.

The stock kestrel is overkill for me. The ropes are huge, and the metal buckles are heavy and loud. A stock mantis beats a stock kestrel in this category. HOWEVER, most of us are tinkerers. I removed all of the metal buckles, permanently stitched the leg loops so that you step through them (easy for me to do, and they are loose enough that if they do not rub me when walking or restrict me in any way), replaced the waist buckle to a plastic one, and added a 1"tubular webbing bridge.

It weighs right at 1.5lbs. @kyler1945 modified his similarly and sent me a pic of it rolled up in a similar manner to the infamous "I have a secret" teaser pic. Maybe he'll share so folks can compare. I've been talking with @Vtbow about the Anderson sling, and his modified version is almost exactly the same weight as my kestrel. The Anderson is regarded as a minimalist saddle, so there's that.

If I removed the leg loops completely, cut out a row of MOLLE loops, and removed the adjusters, I have no doubt it would weigh what the mantis does, and pack just as small. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the published 15oz weight is without the adjusters and leg straps.

I think the modularity of the mantis is a cool idea, but I prefer having the leg loops as an added safety feature. The kestrel's are definitely more robust in their stock configuration, and I trust that my stitching job in no way compromised that. I would not trust the mantis g-hooks in a bad fall.

I know there are some guys that like the mesh on the mantis and kite. I personally hunt the Deep South's marshes and swamps and have never noticed a problem with the kestrel's material being hot. I have seen several users post pics of mesh saddles with small tears. My kestrel is halfway through its 2nd, 8 month season, and shows 0 signs of wear.

I think that ultimately, it comes down to the comfort issue. I have made enough all-day sits in the kestrel to say that I believe it is as comfortable as a sling-style saddle can be. I don't use a backrest, so no comment there. The mantis may be more comfortable for some. It seems that the general consensus is that the mantis is more of a leaner's saddle, where as the kestrel's adjusters and deeper seat pocket make it more comfortable for sitters.

Like I said, no hate for the mantis. Of you want a stock saddle, it's probably a winner. But most of the changes they made to the kestrel's overall design are easy enough to do yourself with a razor blade and a speedy stitcher.

Just my thoughts.
 
https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/my-kite-vs-mantis-review-compare.9614/

I did a pretty thorough review of my thoughts on the Kite vs. Mantis.

Also owned the Kestrel from last year and sold that quickly when I realized the mesh saddles were coming. The cordura fabric wasn't my jam. Didn't think it was comfortable to walk in. Mesh was a major comfort improvement and I've hunted it down to 20 degrees without a butt warmer and not found it cold.

TL;DR version of my review is I ultimately found the Kite more comfortable both in the tree and walking. Not by a huge margin but over the course of the season it became more and more apparent. The Kite has more of a cupping shape and more adjustment. The Mantis had more of a tendency to ride up and at times create a pressure point on my lower back/sacral region.

The Mantis is impressively light no doubt. Also found the leg strap g-hooks and design of the bridge reinforcement were both superior. I think the perfect version just needs a little more shape to it.

Bridge material/length and buckles I feel there should be more options for both as these are just personal preference deals. Or maybe it's just irrelevant and should be left to tinkerers to mod, so long as the design of the saddle doesn't make that prohibitive.
 
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so what your saying is I need a large Mantis because the Kestrel size 1 was too small IMHO the Kestrel size 2 is to big IMHO?
the size one kestrel was like being in a torture device, the size 2 is better but it has to much cup in the ARSE I have a lot of pressure on my waist and legs but not holding any pressure on my butt. I might could wear a size 1 now that I have lost a few pounds lol

I tried a XL mantis I didn't get to spend enough time in it but it felt about the same as the size 2 kestrel
 
I own a Kestrel. Swapped the out to Amsteel and got Ropeman 1 for the tether and lineman. I love it.
My buddy got a Mantis. I have not tried his yet, but my impression is that I wouldn't trade mine for his, but I also realize there are a lot guys that wouldn't trade their Mantis. Saddles, and how they are used, are a pretty individual, personal thing...to each his own.
 
I like the size 2 kestrel much better than the size 1. I have a large mantis and wonder if I would like the extra large better. It seems a large mantis is about the same size as a size one kestrel.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
I like the size 2 kestrel much better than the size 1. I have a large mantis and wonder if I would like the extra large better. It seems a large mantis is about the same size as a size one kestrel.
Click to expand...

I was hoping it was slightly bigger than a size 1 but smaller than a 2


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
ImThere said:
so what your saying is I need a large Mantis because the Kestrel size 1 was too small IMHO the Kestrel size 2 is to big IMHO?
the size one kestrel was like being in a torture device, the size 2 is better but it has to much cup in the ARSE I have a lot of pressure on my waist and legs but not holding any pressure on my butt. I might could wear a size 1 now that I have lost a few pounds lol

I tried a XL mantis I didn't get to spend enough time in it but it felt about the same as the size 2 kestrel
Click to expand...
Sounds like an xl mantis might be better for me.
 
I'm a size 33 waist and about 185. I was about to purchase a medium mantis but decided on the large last minute. I'm very happy with my decision in sizing up. It leaves extra room for heavy clothing. So far I haven't experienced and discomfort. My recommendation is to go with the larger size if you are in between sizes.
 
I had medium mantis on order and got a bit impatient... pulled the trigger on an XL in classifieds. I was 100% happy with it... cancelled medium order. I'm 5' 10" 33 waist. I have a large on the way and will compare.
 
I own both - Mantis saw way more tree time and was a part of my three bow kills. Like it so much I have 2 more on order. 5'10" 198 and I used the medium. I ordered 2 larges for colder weather (I often hunt Ohio in Nov) and layering. But to tell you the truth the medium was more than enough for me.
 
I wouldn't mind trying a size 2 Kestrel or Kite or a large Mantis. My medium Mantis is fine, but I have a hunch that I would get better cupping with these other ones. While leaning there is not issue with the med Mantis, but for sitting or rappelling I have a feeling that sizing up would show an improvement.
 
I have both as well. My Kestrel is size 2 and the Mantis is an XL. Last year if you would have told me I'd be relegating the Kestrel to a backup I would have severely doubted your sanity.

The Kestrel is extremely comfortable but a little heavy for walking in. Not a bunch but noticeable enough that I put suspenders on it to keep it from sliding down. In the Kestrel I was most comfortable leaning with occasional short sits. Personally I prefer a longer bridge than most saddlehunters so the Kestrel "out of the box" provided that option for me.

When I received the Mantis I was blown away by the weight. I simply cannot tell I have it on. In fact I find it so comfortable I have only added one accessory to the Molle loops (my pull up string) to keep it as minimalist as possible. I honestly didn't think is was possible but I find the Mantis more comfortable than my Kestrel. Another thing I have found is that while using the Mantis, I have become a sitter with occasional leaning stints. I haven't overlaid them but I suspect the XL Mantis may have a little bigger seat than my size 2 Kestrel allowing me to keep the Mantis in place in the sitting position. My simple solution to the bridge length issue was to use the fixed bridge for climbing and setting up and then swapping out to my adjustable lineman's belt for the bridge. The other thing I was concerned about was the cold weather aspect of the mesh saddle. I have put that fear to rest this year as well. I have hunted in the Mantis at temps less than 20deg F many times this season and down to 0degF a couple of times. The mesh was plenty warm since at those temperatures I'm dressed for the temps anyway.

I did sit in the Kestrel twice this year just to make sure my impressions weren't the result of something else I had changed in my setup (i.e. the Predator) but personally I found the Mantis to be just a bit more comfortable.
 
I had both. Ended up selling the Kestrel and not because of comfort or disliking it. The Mantis was just lighter weight, I liked the mesh feature and it's just sooo comfortable that I forget that it's on!
 
I have had a size 1 kestrel very comfortable saddle. I now have the mantis with only a few sets in it so far. With my limited amount of time in it this is how I feel.
Comfort the kestrel wins leaning. Attaching leg straps kestrel wins.
The walk-in I give that to the mantis ( I didn’t like walking with leg straps fastened). A strange thing with the mantis is I normally lean but found setting in the mantis more comfortable than the kestrel ( maybe do to I used the lower leg strap position).
The linemen’s belt hook ups the mantis wins this big time . The kestrel they are way to far back.
I have noticed the mantis feels better in a lower position than the kestrel.
Overall they both are good saddles i could use either one and be happy.
My complete set up saddle ,ropes, bolts for ROS , and woodpecker drill with carbon rods is a little over 5 lbs. to get me to around 15-17’ up with the mantis so I like that .
 
I ordered a Kestrel but after reading this thread it seems everyone is saying the Mantis is way better??
 
Way better? No, that's not what I'm saying. I would be comfortable in either. They both have pluses and minuses. The edge for me just goes to the Mantis. Because they fit a little. differently I'm sure there are others who prefer the Kestrel. I don't think you can go wrong with either.
 
Thanks guys for clarifying the Kestrel vs Mantis topic.

I wish I could try them on. I'm 6' and 220lbs. Most of my pants are 36"; some are 34". I have an athletic build (not bragging) so my weight is a little deceiving. Weight training (heck that's good for climbing trees) and basketball/cycling gives me more shoulders, chest and back/hip mass. I ordered the Kestrel Size 1 since it goes to 36". I started to think in late season I'll bundle up like the Pillsburry dough boy. I called New Tribe and they recommended the size 2 and said i could easily adjust it down. Has anyone had issues with Kestrel sizing being on the border of waist size? I've never used a tree saddle so all of my buying decisions are being made based on this forum and YouTube.
 
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