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Kestrel Owners

I've gone back to the Evo for now, and still love it once set up in the tree, but do agree that the straps and paws and bulk while walking are a pain. Dialing it in was difficult but awesome once set right. While trying to figure out the Kestrel pinch I've compared the Evo and Kestrel and even the Sitdrag side by side just like this. The Kestrel bridge hookup (size one) is further back just enough to cause the pinch, for me. I can tell from the pics the size two should be the answer. Time to call NewTribe, again. Thanx Red :D
 
Thanks @redsquirrel for this!! However i am left a little disappointed at this time after seeing all this. There is clearly a difference in sizing and after chasing a season of adjustments and still left uncomfortable i can now see why possibly. So im left with the decision to either chalk up another $250 to see if size 2 will be so much better than size 1 or just stick with my sitdrag as i know that worked!!

I just also want to be clear that newtribe makes a quality product hands down. However when speaking with the office and ultimately being told that a size 1 would fit the best is where im a little bothered. I still would support newtribe in the future however a $250 sizing mistake for me won’t deter me from saddle hunting but for a newcomer that might. Just my thoughts at this time and hope this does not offend anyone
 
I think the sizing issue has really come to light after so many kestrels have been sold and used. I think for some it is about comfort and what works best for their body type. Size 1 seems to work and be safe for a lot of people but the size 2 offers a better level of comfort. I don't think New Tribe tried to deceive or were even wrong in what they are saying for sizing. Again comfort is the sizing issue for most of us.
 
Dang there is quite a bit of difference in the sizing. More than I thought there would be at least. Hey @redsquirrel why don't you just sell me that size 1 and I can use it during late season instead of waiting on my kestrel that still doesn't have a shipping date.
 
JCLINE84 said:
Dang there is quite a bit of difference in the sizing. More than I thought there would be at least. Hey @redsquirrel why don't you just sell me that size 1 and I can use it during late season instead of waiting on my kestrel that still doesn't have a shipping date.
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I'll think it over. I'll let you know if I decide to sell it.
 
okie_edward said:
I've gone back to the Evo for now, and still love it once set up in the tree, but do agree that the straps and paws and bulk while walking are a pain. Dialing it in was difficult but awesome once set right. While trying to figure out the Kestrel pinch I've compared the Evo and Kestrel and even the Sitdrag side by side just like this. The Kestrel bridge hookup (size one) is further back just enough to cause the pinch, for me. I can tell from the pics the size two should be the answer. Time to call NewTribe, again. Thanx Red :D
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Of you don't mind me asking what is your height, weight and waist size? Wondering if I should get a size 2. I'm 6'1 and 190-195 pounds with a 32 in waist.
 
JCLINE84 said:
Of you don't mind me asking what is your height, weight and waist size? Wondering if I should get a size 2. I'm 6'1 and 190-195 pounds with a 32 in waist.
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6', 36 waist, 210. Size one works for some guys with 34-36 waist, and not for others. It's more about body type and shape than waist measurement.
There are several other threads on the Kestrel fit/sizing you can search for, Lots of info and fit comparisons.
That said, I don't think you'd be disappointed with the 2. It would sell here quick if you were.
 
I am thinking with the Kestrel that waist size is not the best measurement to use in determining the size to get. Seems to me that comfort is based more on where the bridge loops fall in relation to your hips which is affected by the size of your butt more than anything else. I think that either we (the SH community) or new tribe needs to figure out a new fit system that measures from hip to hip around your butt.

Also, I would think offering more than 2 sizes might be beneficial to some... as others have pointed out, there looks to be a big difference between a size 1 and a 2.


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I’m shocked at the size difference. I was under the impression that the major difference was in the belt size. Glad I got the size 2.


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redsquirrel said:
Pics. Not sure how much they help but here they are.

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Thanks for the pictures. I have been hunting out of a size 1 kestrel all season (4 deer down so far from the saddle). I am 5’11” and 200lbs. I like the Kestrel a lot but feel I need to wear it very low on my hips to avoid minor hip pinch. It feels like it supports kind of high on my butt instead of extending down like as seat as I would expect. This size works great as a leaner but I find myself feeling not as supported as I’d like when sitting in it with my knees against the tree. I’m thinking of buying a size 2 in the hopes it will extend a little lower down my butt and be more like a seat when sitting. I’m hoping the waist belt loops would be past my hips rather than at the hip line and avoid the minor hip pinch. This is my first hunting saddle so I don’t have anything to compare it to though I have experience with arborist saddles. Any thoughts on this red?
 
Adamcincy said:
Thanks for the pictures. I have been hunting out of a size 1 kestrel all season (4 deer down so far from the saddle). I am 5’11” and 200lbs. I like the Kestrel a lot but feel I need to wear it very low on my hips to avoid minor hip pinch. It feels like it supports kind of high on my butt instead of extending down like as seat as I would expect. This size works great as a leaner but I find myself feeling not as supported as I’d like when sitting in it with my knees against the tree. I’m thinking of buying a size 2 in the hopes it will extend a little lower down my butt and be more like a seat when sitting. I’m hoping the waist belt loops would be past my hips rather than at the hip line and avoid the minor hip pinch. This is my first hunting saddle so I don’t have anything to compare it to though I have experience with arborist saddles. Any thoughts on this red?
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I sit all the time. With the size 1, I was only able to sit extremely comfortably if I kept the tether lower, just around eye level. If I tried to move it up higher I started to get more pressure under my butt to the point where I had to keep adjusting to stay comfortable. I'm 5'7" 36" waist and 180 pounds. Based off where the bridge hookup points and lineman belt loops fell on me, I'm confident that the size 1 was too small for me. All of these problems went away when I went to the size 2.

So based off that I would say I think a size 2 would help you. It is hard to give advice with it being a new product with limited amounts of people in the different sizes right now though.
 
redsquirrel said:
The biggest thing I found with the kestrel is it can't be too small for you. I went to the size 2 and I can easily say it is the best saddle I've ever had. The size 1 just felt too small for me, although I never would have thought that. The size 2 is great and I have zero comfort issues.
The kestrel sticks to you fine. You just slide it to where you want it at the beginning of your hang and you're good to go. I am a 100% sitter except when I move around to shoot. The kestrel is not catered to leaners at all.
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I have a question for all those using a size 2 that is larger than your actual waist size.

Do you have any trouble adjusting the waist belt tight enough to wear the saddle walking in or to climb with it and not having it drop down on your waist?

I just ordered a size 1 yesterday and I am thinking of switching my order to a size 2 but I want to be sure I can still adjust it tight enough for the times I mentioned above.

I have a medium and a large treesaddle currently and I prefer the large for comfort, not having tried a Kestrel I'm not sure how they compare to the treesaddle for hip pinch.

I prefer to sit most of the time, about 75% sitting and 25% leaning

I am 5'7", 170 lbs and have a 34" waist

Looking forward to your feedback

Thanks
Gibby
 
Gibby said:
Do you have any trouble adjusting the waist belt tight enough to wear the saddle walking in or to climb with it and not having it drop down on your waist?
Gibby
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I have not had any problems with this. Actually I have more problems with it sliding down if I am wearing all my layers because I have trouble getting it tight enough. I pack all my layers in, but sometimes if it is really cold and I don't have that far to go I will just wear them out and that is when I've had it slide down.

I am 5'7", 180(ish after the holidays:tearsofjoy:) 36" waist.
 
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