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New Kestrel “riding up” What should I do?

Jordan

Jordan

Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2017
Messages
74
Hey guys, I’m 5’10” 160lbs and have been really trying to get the Kestrel to be super comfortable and I know it’s possible just haven’t gotten it quite right.

I was having issues with it riding up and pinching my crotch/legs so I’ve found that if I start off with the waist belt extremely low I can counter act that by the time I’m up and hanging at lest to an extent.

Can anyone offer advise on adjustments that could be made to mitigate that issue?

Thanks!


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
 
It's a flaw for some people (me). Wear the belt low. Keep your leg straps tight-ish to keep it that way. If your waist belt is too loose, it wants to slide up.
 
Waist belt low with the side straps tightened some. I also bunch the seat up so it's narrower under my butt. It can also ride up if your tether is set higher. I set mine right at eye level


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flinginairos said:
Waist belt low with the side straps tightened some. I also bunch the seat up so it's narrower under my butt. It can also ride up if your tether is set higher. I set mine right at eye level


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Click to expand...

When you say the tether is at eye level are you talking the actual connection point to the bridge is at eye level or the girth hitch around the trunk is at eye level? Thanks!


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
 
Jordan said:
When you say the tether is at eye level are you talking the actual connection point to the bridge is at eye level or the girth hitch around the trunk is at eye level? Thanks!


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
Click to expand...

Girth hitch right at eye level, sometimes a tad higher. I run a 24" bridge and my connection to the bridge usually sits close to the girth hitch.
 
flinginairos said:
Girth hitch right at eye level, sometimes a tad higher. I run a 24" bridge and my connection to the bridge usually sits close to the girth hitch.
Click to expand...

Okay thanks!!


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
 
Boudreaux said:
This is the biggest culprit, especially for learners.
Another option is to sit down more in your saddle, meaning slide your blakes hitch down the tree strap to where you knees are closer to 90 degrees.

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...

Good to know thanks man!


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
 
Boudreaux said:
This is the biggest culprit, especially for learners.
Another option is to sit down more in your saddle, meaning slide your blakes hitch down the tree strap to where you knees are closer to 90 degrees.

Thanks,
Boswell
Click to expand...
So I know you use a longer bridge and set your tether higher. What do you do to get comfortable? I am 100% comfortable when I set my tether at eye level like I normally do. Sometimes on bigger trees I like to put it up higher so I have more tether to move around the tree. I've been fooling around with adjustments but I haven't got it as comfortable as when I have it at eye level.
 
Re-read what Boudreaux said a few times.

If I am using my tether to climb the tree, it will be up high above my head and I will be mostly hanging straight down. You're just going to tend to fall out forward a bit. Same goes for leaning with your tether up high.
If I set up where my legs are bent only a little bit...my tether is very short.

Lately, I have been running my bridge lower to get my knees bent a bit more.
That way when you stand up, you have more clearance from the bridge/tether and tree to shoot (you are leaning back more).
It also allows you more freedom to move around the tree....but your tether is still low enough to give you a better angle
 
Last edited:
I've been keeping my tether at eye level. Last night I experienced hip pinch and ride up (the thought of selling it crossed my mind it was so annoying) what I'm going to try is a little longer bridge still keeping at eye level or lower,with closer hook up point. Also for riding up I found pulling it down to what seems "low" helps.
 
justsomedude said:
Re-read what Boudreaux said a few times.

If I am using my tether to climb the tree, it will be up high above my head and I will be mostly hanging straight down. You're just going to tend to fall out forward a bit. Same goes for leaning with your tether up high.
If I set up where my legs are bent only a little bit...my tether is very short.

Lately, I have been running my bridge lower to get my knees bent a bit more.
That way when you stand up, you have more clearance from the bridge/tether and tree to shoot (you are leaning back more).
It also allows you more freedom to move around the tree....but your tether is still low enough to give you a better angle
Click to expand...

So when you say “running your bridge lower” do you mean you actually shortened the bridge rope a bit? Did you leave the tag end/extra on or cut it after you found the sweet spot?


~Hoyt Satori & Buffalo-Vortex Optics-Sitka Gear-Aero Hunter Kestrel~
 
By running the bridge lower, I mean you lower the prusik/ropeman. A long bridge causes more problems the lower you 'sit'. So you keep it as short as you can and run the tether lower AND run the prusik a bit lower so you are sitting a little more than leaning.

Another issue to consider is the length of your prusik/blakes hitch/carabiner/ropeman rig.
Blake's tend to be long and prusiks tend to stretch out. The net effect is that combined with your bridge, it causes you to run your tether higher and you have less free rope to move around the tree.
 
I left it on and tied a overhand knot. Then clipped it in with my main bridge knot.
 
I had that problem last year... tether lower and get an Enrie Power Platform.. only way to go.
 
I've got my bridge at about 22" but I can put my tether hi and it doesn't bother me also can make my bridge longer and I don't get any pinch in my thighs. With the trophy line I did get pinched in my thighs but with the Kestrel not at all.
 
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