Opinion wanted, Kestrel Kit or just saddle and build own tether, and bridge etc...

[mlawrence125]

comes with bridge but no tree tether, backband or lineman belt

Thanks, I planned on getting the tether and lineman separate

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[denots]

I ordered the full kit and I'm glad I did. As stated by some of the other guys here as a newbie there's already enough to learn but I would definitely recommend getting the ropeman and replacing the Blake's hitches with the ropeman immediately. This makes adjusting your lineman's belt a lot easier and you don't have to set your tether quite as high to make up for the extended length of the Blake's hitch. As far as the bridge goes I didn't bother putting a ropeman on it I've just slowly been adjusting my knot to try to figure out where I like my bridge line so far I have shortened it quite a bit. As soon as I figure out where I want it I will permanently attach it and change it to amsteel so I will drop the weight of my bridge and do away with one carabiner.

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[SouthMsBowhunter]

Good comments everyone, thanks!

I'm ready to get going just need the $350.

And it appears based on all the chatter that the size 1 is a little small for the recommended waist size (for reference I'm 5',11" tall, 35" around the waist weighing in at a trim 185 lol).

Are there any negatives just going with the size 2?

 

[denots]

Good comments everyone, thanks!

I'm ready to get going just need the $350.

And it appears based on all the chatter that the size 1 is a little small for the recommended waist size (for reference I'm 5',11" tall, 35" around the waist weighing in at a trim 185 lol).

Are there any negatives just going with the size 2?

Just FYI I am 6 foot tall and 195 pounds with a 34 inch waist. I ordered the size one and I was concerned that possibly I should have gotten a size 2, but the size one seems to fit me just fine I have no complaints so far. Since this is the first saddle I have ever been in I may not know what to complain about. I'm glad I stayed with the size one as I would be concerned with the size 2 falling off as I walked in and out the woods.

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[redsquirrel]

Are there any negatives just going with the size 2?

I don’t see any. My straps are longer than needed which isn’t a big deal.

 

[skrawnynpale]

I started with a rock harness and a yoga sling because aerohunter was backlogged. Home made solution worked, but once i got my aero, there was no going back. Buy the Kestral, you'll love it! it"s a very well thought out system that has had great success with a lot of guys who have tried a lot of other systems.

 

[denots]

I don’t see any. My straps are longer than needed which isn’t a big deal.

So red this question may seem kind of silly but is there any difference between the size 1 and 2 saddle itself? In other words are the Saddles different size, or are they the same size saddle with different size waist and leg straps? And if the Saddles are different sizes would you say there is enough adjustment in the waist strap that it would accommodate a smaller waist size and what is listed by Aero Hunter for the size 2?

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[okie_edward]

So red this question may seem kind of silly but is there any difference between the size 1 and 2 saddle itself? In other words are the Saddles different size, or are they the same size saddle with different size waist and leg straps? And if the Saddles are different sizes would you say there is enough adjustment in the waist strap that it would accommodate a smaller waist size and what is listed by Aero Hunter for the size 2?

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There are pics in this thread -

http://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/kestrel-owners.5228/page-2#post-71989

 

[SouthMsBowhunter]

In the pic’s Red posted there’s quite a bit of difference.

 

[redsquirrel]

In the pic’s Red posted there’s quite a bit of difference.

There is definitely a difference, no question. That is why I am happier with the 2. The difference looks larger in the picture than it did to my eye though.

 

[Mauidiver]

I've been studying everyones experience and your systems as vetran tree hunters, and see there are many variables to consider. And at this point want to go this route in hunting, but I want to do it right the first time and not waste money.

I do believe also at this point i'm more concerned to have a safe system like the Kestrel rather then the Sit Drag and other system being mentioned. I say safe as I have no experience in this method, and the Kestrel is a commercially available product that meets the safety requirements (however lame they may be).

So with that in mind for those that have the Kestrel or just experience in the systems would you buy the kit or just the saddle and assemble the rest (Tether, LB, Bridge) using other components?

And to help me and other new members (seems more and more everyday new ones are signing up) would you please list those different components like in an aftermarket kit.

Example: Tether rope/strap brand and why, LB x brand and why, Bridge etc...

So a kit format would look like this:

Saddle: Kestrel (or other brand)
Tether: This rope with this component (please state why)
Bridge: This rope and component (please state why)
LB: This rope and component (please state why)
etc...Make sense?

And other components that make the experience safer/better/more efficient , thanks ahead of time, this would be a big help.

Great question I’ve been trying to figure out how to ask. You covered everything I want. Just now starting to read before I make my decision on the saddle/kit option