I'm kinda new to saddles, too. I owned a Trophy Line but couldn't get comfortable...too much hip pinch. I got a Kestrel and it seems like comfort won't be an issue. I have high hopes for it.
I will say this...ya gotta develop a system that is efficient for you. Climbing is half the battle. Get organized with what is legal and what works. Just as important is a system for your saddle gear. Messing around with lineman rope, tethers, stowing those, etc can be frustrating in the beginning. Get frustrated and you'll lose interest. Get a system and it will all go a lot smoother. There's plenty of guys on this site that show their systems. Use theirs or morph them into your own, but develop a system. A system is the key.
And I'll say this, even if you get a saddle and don't like hunting from it, you can always use it for hanging fixed stands. A saddle, with it's tether attached up above shoulder height, is far better than a traditional harness and lineman's belt for hanging fixed stands. The lineman's belt wraps around the tree in the exact place you are trying to hang the stand. The stand, straps, chains, etc all get in the way of each other. And the lineman's belt gets a little uncomfortable on the hips while you struggle with the stand. Plus, you aren't as mobile to reach around the tree for the strap/chain. Hanging fixed-stands with a saddle is way easier than doing it with a traditional harness.
So, even if you buy a saddle and it's not your cup of tea for hunting, it won't be a waste of money. If you only use it for hanging stands and you'll still love it.
I will say this...ya gotta develop a system that is efficient for you. Climbing is half the battle. Get organized with what is legal and what works. Just as important is a system for your saddle gear. Messing around with lineman rope, tethers, stowing those, etc can be frustrating in the beginning. Get frustrated and you'll lose interest. Get a system and it will all go a lot smoother. There's plenty of guys on this site that show their systems. Use theirs or morph them into your own, but develop a system. A system is the key.
And I'll say this, even if you get a saddle and don't like hunting from it, you can always use it for hanging fixed stands. A saddle, with it's tether attached up above shoulder height, is far better than a traditional harness and lineman's belt for hanging fixed stands. The lineman's belt wraps around the tree in the exact place you are trying to hang the stand. The stand, straps, chains, etc all get in the way of each other. And the lineman's belt gets a little uncomfortable on the hips while you struggle with the stand. Plus, you aren't as mobile to reach around the tree for the strap/chain. Hanging fixed-stands with a saddle is way easier than doing it with a traditional harness.
So, even if you buy a saddle and it's not your cup of tea for hunting, it won't be a waste of money. If you only use it for hanging stands and you'll still love it.