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Leaning

jpk77

jpk77

New Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2018
Messages
29
First time in the new kestrel, I seem to be leaning a little far back while hooked into my bridge, any suggestions or thoughtsIMG_0169.JPG


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Higher tether or shorter bridge? I'm not a saddle expert by any means, but those two seem to be options for reducing your lean. I hope someone more experienced then me will chime in.

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Are you experiencing any hip pinch ?
If you do, lower your tether and shorten it for a more upright position.
If you're not experiencing any hip pinch, shorten the bridge and lower your tether.
Long bridge = less hip pinch Short bridge = more hip pinch
High tether = more lean Low tether = less lean
You'll just have to play around with it to see what fits you :wink:

Hope this helps

// J
 
g2outdoors said:
Are you uncomfortable? If not don't mess with it. If it were me, I'd shorten my bridge about 6 inches and try that.

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Click to expand...
When making a shorter bridge, don't cut it, first try using a prusik hitch and caribiner or loosen the existing terminal end knot and retie it with a shorter bridge length. If you find that you indeed like a shorter bridge then you can cut it. Oh, and welcome to the site!
 
Newbie here, I added an an adjustable amsteel bridge, used ropemans on my linesman and tether.
With that setup everything is adjustable. I can sit and lean so many ways...infinite possibilities.
Keep at it you will find comfort soon.
 
That bridge is HUGE...
Also, I run lower on the tether and with less tether length before attaching to the bridge.


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All that has been mentioned is worth trying. I like a bridge length of 24-26” and a tether hook-up around chin-nose height while standing vertical against the tree. Another thing worth trying is to lower the saddle on your butt and let out some tension on the adjustment straps under your legs. It may take a while to get the setup that works best for you. My first year in a saddle was all about finding the best combination of comfort in my back, hips, legs and feet. After that if I felt any discomfort I knew what needed to be adjusted from all of the trial and error. You may find comfort from hanging in the yard for a short time but when you take that to the woods for longer sit other things may pop up. That is when learning what adjustment affects what area of the saddle helps to dial it all in for your body type. It may take a while so be patient and try a variety of things.


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I am still getting use to mine but found putting a ropeman on the bridge and tether help to find the sweet spot. It is easier to adjust the ropeman than trying to adjust the blakes hitches on the tether and bridge.
 
Getting up 20 feet plus has done a lot for my confidence. The more sits I do the better and more confident I have become.
I was not comfortable at all when I first got up high. And I get my climber 30' plus on a regular basis, so I am use to the height.
I am still way to clumsy and slow to hunt with, I try to climb everyday... hopefully I will be ready come October.
The permanent whoopee bridge is constantly getting in my way while climbing up and down. I either need to make it longer so I can put over my head or add a biner to it and detach.
 
sdonx said:
Getting up 20 feet plus has done a lot for my confidence. The more sits I do the better and more confident I have become.
I was not comfortable at all when I first got up high. And I get my climber 30' plus on a regular basis, so I am use to the height.
I am still way to clumsy and slow to hunt with, I try to climb everyday... hopefully I will be ready come October.
The permanent whoopee bridge is constantly getting in my way while climbing up and down. I either need to make it longer so I can put over my head or add a biner to it and detach.
Click to expand...

I flip mine over my head.


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When you say, "seem to be leaning a little far back" is this because you're having to support yourself from the waist up?

Have you tried the back strap? I find putting max possible weight (20-40% ?) into that piece greatly increases comfort.

Also agree with previous suggestions to try adjusting lengths of things to find what's comfortable.
 
Based on the picture I would shorten your bridge and then try lowering your your tether a little. You may want to try bringing the saddle down on your butt a little bit too and sit in it more than lean backwards.
 
These guys know their stuff! Same thoughts here: lower tether to eye - forehead height before weight bearing, and shorten that bridge to 24-26, and bring that saddle under them cheeks some more.
 
sdonx said:
Getting up 20 feet plus has done a lot for my confidence. The more sits I do the better and more confident I have become.
I was not comfortable at all when I first got up high. And I get my climber 30' plus on a regular basis, so I am use to the height.
I am still way to clumsy and slow to hunt with, I try to climb everyday... hopefully I will be ready come October.
The permanent whoopee bridge is constantly getting in my way while climbing up and down. I either need to make it longer so I can put over my head or add a biner to it and detach.
Click to expand...

Another option- I like to tie a loose overhand knot in my bridge while not using it. It keeps it slack free and close to my body while walking. I can’t remember ever having it catch on anything. When I get to hunting height I just untie it, tie it back up then coming down. I have never been comfortable climbing with something around my neck.


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sureshotscott said:
When you say, "seem to be leaning a little far back" is this because you're having to support yourself from the waist up?

Have you tried the back strap? I find putting max possible weight (20-40% ?) into that piece greatly increases comfort.

Also agree with previous suggestions to try adjusting lengths of things to find what's comfortable.
Click to expand...

I did just that , ended up shortening it up by around for inches and it did make a difference . Also thinking about getting the ropeman 1 for the tether


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sureshotscott said:
When you say, "seem to be leaning a little far back" is this because you're having to support yourself from the waist up?

Have you tried the back strap? I find putting max possible weight (20-40% ?) into that piece greatly increases comfort.

Also agree with previous suggestions to try adjusting lengths of things to find what's comfortable.
Click to expand...

I did shorten the bridge today and it helped quite a bit, I have tried the back strap and that will also help. Now I just need to find some climbing sticks so I can get practicing


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