Aero kestrel bridge

[Nugget]

I recently purchased an Aero Kestrel and love the fit and comfort of the saddle. However, the bulky knots on the bridge are driving me crazy. I've already watched the g2 video on building an Amsteel (Tethrd style) bridge. I love the bridge on my Mantis and already know this is an excellent option. However, I purchased the Kestrel for colder weather gun hunting and like the idea of a thicker bridge rope to rest my weapon on. Is there anyone out there that is splicing eyes on their bridge with Samson Predator or like rope? If so, can you feed me your recommendations? All advice is appreciated.

 

[KRN]

I recently purchased an Aero Kestrel and love the fit and comfort of the saddle. However, the bulky knots on the bridge are driving me crazy. I've already watched the g2 video on building an Amsteel (Tethrd style) bridge. I love the bridge on my Mantis and already know this is an excellent option. However, I purchased the Kestrel for colder weather gun hunting and like the idea of a thicker bridge rope to rest my weapon on. Is there anyone out there that is splicing eyes on their bridge with Samson Predator or like rope? If so, can you feed me your recommendations? All advice is appreciated.

Watch DIY sportsman, he did it and said he would never do it again too much of a pain..


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[skell]

I recently purchased an Aero Kestrel and love the fit and comfort of the saddle. However, the bulky knots on the bridge are driving me crazy. I've already watched the g2 video on building an Amsteel (Tethrd style) bridge. I love the bridge on my Mantis and already know this is an excellent option. However, I purchased the Kestrel for colder weather gun hunting and like the idea of a thicker bridge rope to rest my weapon on. Is there anyone out there that is splicing eyes on their bridge with Samson Predator or like rope? If so, can you feed me your recommendations? All advice is appreciated.

Have you considered tubular webbing? Knots aren't bulky. Slides thru biner nice. Decent to rest on.

 

[dalton916]

Untie one side and use either the carabiner with the adjustment thingamabobs that come with the Kestrel or a Ropeman 1 for a while first to lock down the length bridge you are most comfortable with then make a fixed bridge out of 1/4 or 5/16 amsteel.

 

[Islandshooter]

I recently purchased an Aero Kestrel and love the fit and comfort of the saddle. However, the bulky knots on the bridge are driving me crazy. I've already watched the g2 video on building an Amsteel (Tethrd style) bridge. I love the bridge on my Mantis and already know this is an excellent option. However, I purchased the Kestrel for colder weather gun hunting and like the idea of a thicker bridge rope to rest my weapon on. Is there anyone out there that is splicing eyes on their bridge with Samson Predator or like rope? If so, can you feed me your recommendations? All advice is appreciated.

Wesspur will splice it for 20-25 bucks. That's what I did. If DIYSportsman has a problem and recommends it, good enuff for me. Also, on his saddle modifications video, he shows an adjustable bridge. That's what I'm running this off season (ropeman 1) to figure out my permanent bridge length. I also got a tight eye on the tag end for backup safety (rather than a bulky stop knot). Makes for an expensive bridge tho

 

[TNSTAAFL]

An adjustable bridge is awesome for dialing in comfort. Highly recommend it.

I am only a one season guy, but I didn't find one length that I liked best. Liked having options.

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[Nugget]

Watch DIY sportsman, he did it and said he would never do it again too much of a pain..


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I watched his video, but he never showed how it is done. I'm thinking one and done works for me but need to know how to do it. I want one that incorporates the bridge loops. So, I'll need to DIY it.

 

[KRN]

I watched his video, but he never showed how it is done. I'm thinking one and done works for me but need to know how to do it. I want one that incorporates the bridge loops. So, I'll need to DIY it.

It's been a while since I watched it and I just remembered he said it was a pain.

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[Nugget]

Wesspur will splice it for 20-25 bucks. That's what I did. If DIYSportsman has a problem and recommends it, good enuff for me. Also, on his saddle modifications video, he shows an adjustable bridge. That's what I'm running this off season (ropeman 1) to figure out my permanent bridge length. I also got a tight eye on the tag end for backup safety (rather than a bulky stop knot). Makes for an expensive bridge tho

I want a spliced eye that incorporates the bridge loops, (Like amsteel on a mantis) but with a thicker rope like samson predator. If wesspur does the splicing i will have to girth hitch it to the bridge loops. I don't think girth hitching is my best way forward. To do it right I will have to go DIY. Just want to see if it's been done before. Maybe just on the strong side and adjustable on the week. Thoughts?

 

[Nugget]

Untie one side and use either the carabiner with the adjustment thingamabobs that come with the Kestrel or a Ropeman 1 for a while first to lock down the length bridge you are most comfortable with then make a fixed bridge out of 1/4 or 5/16 amsteel.

That's my back up plan if there are no other options.

 

[Nugget]

Wesspur will splice it for 20-25 bucks. That's what I did. If DIYSportsman has a problem and recommends it, good enuff for me. Also, on his saddle modifications video, he shows an adjustable bridge. That's what I'm running this off season (ropeman 1) to figure out my permanent bridge length. I also got a tight eye on the tag end for backup safety (rather than a bulky stop knot). Makes for an expensive bridge tho

So, you purchased the rope with a spliced eye through wesspur and just girth hitched it to the bridge loops? Do you like it in that configuration? Just thinking that a spliced eye around the bridge loops (like on a mantis but with Samson predator) will function better.

 

[Islandshooter]

Yes. Actually I got both ends spliced (5" eye and a tight eye) for my linesmans belt and my tree tether. So if I'm using a Rope man 1 on my linesmans belt, the tag end is secured to my biner (in case of rope man failure). Tree tether the same (in case Prussick fails). Makes for some expensive ropes, but I'd feel pretty stupid in the hospital for lack of a $25 splice. You can get the same safety factor with the proper stop knot or a figure 8 for your biner as a backup. I just didn't want the bulk of the knots. Oh yeah, it is the Samson Predator rope for all three ropes (linesman, bridge, tether). They am steel is probably way lighter and maybe stronger, but I want to test my own buried splices (on my sticks) before I trust my bridge to it. If it comes from Tethered that way, then I would trust it (I have an Aero Kite). If you need pics, just ask

 

[Nugget]

Yes. Actually I got both ends spliced (5" eye and a tight eye) for my linesmans belt and my tree tether. So if I'm using a Rope man 1 on my linesmans belt, the tag end is secured to my biner (in case of rope man failure). Tree tether the same (in case Prussick fails). Makes for some expensive ropes, but I'd feel pretty stupid in the hospital for lack of a $25 splice. You can get the same safety factor with the proper stop knot or a figure 8 for your biner as a backup. I just didn't want the bulk of the knots. Oh yeah, it is the Samson Predator rope for all three ropes (linesman, bridge, tether). They am steel is probably way lighter and maybe stronger, but I want to test my own buried splices (on my sticks) before I trust my bridge to it. If it comes from Tethered that way, then I would trust it (I have an Aero Kite). If you need pics, just ask

Please post pics. Your rig may be just what I'm looking for.

 

[Islandshooter]

Please post pics. Your rig may be just what I'm looking for.

I'm sure there are other solutions, or less expensive ones. This is just my beginning saddle rig. I'm still at ground level, or just off ground feeling everything out (Kite, Predator). So this is not what I think I'll hunt with in terms of rigging. Better stop knot, better prussick cord, probably a different adjustable bridge (w/o ropeman).

 

[Nugget]

Looks like your spliced eye is on your lineman loop. Still a knotted eye on the bridge loop. Unless I'm looking at it wrong?

 

[Islandshooter]

Looks like your spliced eye is on your lineman loop. Still a knotted eye on the bridge loop. Unless I'm looking at it wrong?

You are correct. By the time we hunt again, that knot will be replaced by a splice. Already spent some major cash in the initial setup. That knot will be fine for quite some time.

 

[Nugget]

You are correct. By the time we hunt again, that knot will be replaced by a splice. Already spent some major cash in the initial setup. That knot will be fine for quite some time.

The strong side knot is what drives me crazy. Just too big and bulky! Hence the reason I want to go with a spliced eye.

 

[Nugget]

You are correct. By the time we hunt again, that knot will be replaced by a splice. Already spent some major cash in the initial setup. That knot will be fine for quite some time.

I think we are both moving in the same direction with our bridge. Wish areo would splice eye their bridge from the factory. I think I could really love the saddle if I didn't hate the bridge so much. Seems to be a common complaint. When you do replace the bridge knot are you going to go with a free floating spliced eye or just girth hitch it in? I was hoping someone on the forum would jump in and give up the spliced eye how too. Must not be a viable solution with predictor roap. Not sure if I like the idea of a girth hitch on my bridge. I do like the idea of an adjustable bridge with prussic knot. Keep me posted on your changes and I'll do the same.

 

[Islandshooter]

I think we are both moving in the same direction with our bridge. Wish areo would splice eye their bridge from the factory. I think I could really love the saddle if I didn't hate the bridge so much. Seems to be a common complaint. When you do replace the bridge knot are you going to go with a free floating spliced eye or just girth hitch it in? I was hoping someone on the forum would jump in and give up the spliced eye how too. Must not be a viable solution with predictor roap. Not sure if I like the idea of a girth hitch on my bridge. I do like the idea of an adjustable bridge with prussic knot. Keep me posted on your changes and I'll do the same.

I have seen someone like the girth hitch on the bridge loops because it keeps it from sliding around on the loop, and I think that's what i'll go with. I don't think the hitch will affect the rope strength that much. As for the knot vs. splicing from Aero, if Wesspur charges $25 for a splice, that would put the saddle almost out of reach for some. The rope has to pretty highly rated, and I think a Figure 8 on a bight retains 75% (???) of its strength, so that's fine. Basically what I do is watch G2 and DIYSportsman and blend their ideas. I really like the idea of an adjustable bridge with the Prussick tied on to the loop (with a double fishermans knot---see DIY sportsman video on saddle modifications). Buuuuut...saddlepalooza is in a few weeks, who knows what cool ideas will come from that!!!

 

[Nugget]

I have seen someone like the girth hitch on the bridge loops because it keeps it from sliding around on the loop, and I think that's what i'll go with. I don't think the hitch will affect the rope strength that much. As for the knot vs. splicing from Aero, if Wesspur charges $25 for a splice, that would put the saddle almost out of reach for some. The rope has to pretty highly rated, and I think a Figure 8 on a bight retains 75% (???) of its strength, so that's fine. Basically what I do is watch G2 and DIYSportsman and blend their ideas. I really like the idea of an adjustable bridge with the Prussick tied on to the loop (with a double fishermans knot---see DIY sportsman video on saddle modifications). Buuuuut...saddlepalooza is in a few weeks, who knows what cool ideas will come from that!!!

Are you going to saddlepalooza? I'd love to go myself but just have too much going on. Please pass along any ideas for a better bridge. FYI, I have a predator tether rope coming from wesspur today. It has a 5" spliced eye. I'm going to girth hitch it to my saddle and throw a prussic on the week side. I'll let you know what I think of it.