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Torn between Kestrel and LW hanger/sticks

Mauidiver said:
Hey crew,

I just sold some gear and now ready to buy either the Kestrel full package, or the LW hanger stand. I'm pretty sure I'm going to use the WE steps (Run & Gun 12 steps for tree base) as means to get up the tree but have always hunted on the ground and never used a tree stand and especially a saddle to hunt. I'm on public land here in Austin Tx and chasing whitetail at Lake Georgetown.

Disclaimer.....I've never been able to tie anything, or never really gave it any practice and the Kestrel with all its ropes, linesman belt and tree strap is a bit overwhelming for me.

So do y'all think learning to hang a LW tree stand or learning to use the Kestrel would be easier. I'm ready to buy now but also concerned about the length of time the Kestrel takes to deliver. I would want this as soon as possible to start practicing. I'm 47 yrs old and in pretty good shape and wanted to run my concerns by y'all first to give me your honest opinions.

Thanks much guys.

colin
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Im 46 and in great shape , Im a 25 year tree stand user , last season was my first saddle season with the Kestrel and the Evolution from new tribe. I had started learning to use the Evo 8 months before my season and Im glad I had the time. Dialing in the comfort took some work but as comfortable as I am in the trees something about using the saddle made me nervous .... I practiced several times a week climbing into a tree in my backyard and also doing all the Boswell safety stunts in his videos. It wasn’t until opening day an hour and half before light I climbed into my first sit that all the apprehension vanished and I knew I had made a great decision. Now I understand why everyone feels safer in the saddle than a tree stand. I have to admit I own a lot of tree stands including a lone wolf hang on with sticks and summit climber. I have not perfected my saddle run and gun yet so I did use my LW and summit in the rut and late season. I will be working on my saddle run and gun from now until season so we will see how it goes. If you decide to go with the saddle it will take you some time to figure out what you like and its addictive , so be warned.... you will want to buy all kinds of stuff lol. Also I had to learn what knots I liked and the info you get with the Kestrel has everything you need to know for the knots you need and if you need a video of it just google it. One other huge thing I have to mention is the auto locking carabiners , I didn’t realize how valuable those are especially just starting out... Im OCD so much that I never would of stopped checking to see If I have screwed tight the carabiner if I had used that style. You found the right place to get started in saddle hunting ! Keep us posted ! Good luck !


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Your getting me pumped ADP!! I bought the kestrel the other day and now deciding on wildedge or sticks. Pretty sure its going to be the 12 set steps for both my base and means of gettin up. Muddy Pros are another contender but wildedge keeps ahead of my list. Appreciate your help and comments.
 
Mauidiver said:
Your getting me pumped ADP!! I bought the kestrel the other day and now deciding on wildedge or sticks. Pretty sure its going to be the 12 set steps for both my base and means of gettin up. Muddy Pros are another contender but wildedge keeps ahead of my list. Appreciate your help and comments.
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Im glad I helped , congrats on buying your first saddle ! I also learned I do not like the mini seat platform ( comfort ) I prefer a screw in ameristep ring around the tree ... I wish ameristep still made the now discontinued plastic steps to put on a ratchet strap , I refuse to pay the used price those are going for. Cranford has said they are coming out with an option soon .... I purchased before finding out a bunch of cranford rope attaching steps and they make a decent ring without the noise of a ratchet strap. Wild edge steps are noiseless , I might pick up a few of those to see if they work better. Muddy pro sticks are discontinued , and the few that I have seen out there for sale have doubled in price... I have both the mini lone wolf sticks and muddy pros and the lone wolf mini sticks are much lighter.... I would buy the full length lone wolf sticks and cut them in half and buy the extra parts at lone wolfs website.


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ADP2413 said:
I would buy the full length lone wolf sticks and cut them in half and buy the extra parts at lone wolfs website.
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If I'm not mistaken, the step spacing didn't change on the lone wolf minis. If you're good with a 15"step, all you need is a hacksaw and a wrench to convert to minis. Easy-peasy. Took this poor redneck all of 10 minutes on his lunch break to convert one.
 
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