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Replacement Kestrel Flex

As you can see, the pleat is made of the same material as the rest of the saddle, and the inside has a second layer of black material stitched to the outside camo material. The original was just one layer of fabric with a black, slightly stretchy material in the pleat. The new one looks and feels much sturdier than the original, but it is a little heavier and stiffer.
 
Does anyone know when the "new" generation of saddles began production? I picked up a Flex (barely used) that was manufactured 8/13/19. I bought knowing full well the potential issue, so wasn't a concern, was just curious if this is the newer one or the older one that has black material flaking off? I haven't even had the chance to sit in mine enough yet to see if mine will wear off - curiosity got the best of me so was just curious of what to expect.
I don't know when AH switched over to the new design. I liked my old saddle, and the issues I mentioned had no affect on the safety of the saddle. I'd say yours will hold up just fine if you don't mind it looking a little beat up.
 
My scale says my new one with sewn webbing bridge is 2.36lbs. It's actually a half pound lighter than my muddy full body harness I was using for treestand hunting.

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How long did this replacement process take? Did you have to return your old one and wait for the new one? Who covered shipping?
I sent mine back on 3/2. It arrived on 3/9.They had already sent my replacement back. Got it on 3/11. They paid shipping. Aerohunter is fantastic to deal with. Never said i was unhappy with the wear, she (Debbie) just came right out and said "I would like to send you a replacement"
 
I sent mine back on 3/2. It arrived on 3/9.They had already sent my replacement back. Got it on 3/11. They paid shipping. Aerohunter is fantastic to deal with. Never said i was unhappy with the wear, she (Debbie) just came right out and said "I would like to send you a replacement"
X2 same story other than timing
 
I sent mine back on 3/2. It arrived on 3/9.They had already sent my replacement back. Got it on 3/11. They paid shipping. Aerohunter is fantastic to deal with. Never said i was unhappy with the wear, she (Debbie) just came right out and said "I would like to send you a replacement"
Mine didn't turn around as fast, but I had the same experience. Debbie offered a replacement right out of the gate. No pressure from my end. Best customer service I've ever experienced.
 
I haven't use my Flex for hunting I used my Kestrel. It looks brand new are they replacing them even if they are not damaged?
 
Just mailed mine back last week for replacement. I used mine extensively last year so the inside looked pretty bad.

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They replaced mine. The pleat seems way better on the new one too

It is a good company with good products


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I haven't asked them to replace mine yet. The black inside is worn, but thats only cosmetic. I have a little separation at the seams in one place just about the size of a pencil. Still plenty safe and serviceable. I feel bad asking for a new one.
 
I haven't asked them to replace mine yet. The black inside is worn, but thats only cosmetic. I have a little separation at the seams in one place just about the size of a pencil. Still plenty safe and serviceable. I feel bad asking for a new one.
After owning a few aero saddles their quality is excellent. For the most part the initial run of flexes were not up to what I expected from new tribe. I would not feel bad for expecting that level of craftsmanship when I pay premium money for a saddle. I purposely held off until they did a modification to the first run......
 
I haven't use my Flex for hunting I used my Kestrel. It looks brand new are they replacing them even if they are not damaged?
Not sure if they will replace the saddle if it's unused, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did. Give them a call. When I called, I said my saddle wasn't bad, only the black coming off and two very small areas where the side trim was separating from the saddle material. I said I had seen pictures of far worse on the forum, and wanted to have mine repaired before it got worse. After I sent them a few pics, Debbie e-mailed me back and said, "I would like to send you a new saddle."
 
I haven't asked them to replace mine yet. The black inside is worn, but thats only cosmetic. I have a little separation at the seams in one place just about the size of a pencil. Still plenty safe and serviceable. I feel bad asking for a new one.
Ditto what Bigterp said. $250 might be small potatoes for a lot of folks, but I had to save for months to buy my Flex. I did a lot of reading on the forum and chose the Flex over other saddles in part because of AH's reputation for quality and customer service. When the black started rubbing off, I was disappointed, and when the trim started separating from the saddle material, I was really disappointed. However, I have been 100% satisfied with AH's customer service, and the new Flex as the feel of quality that will last for years.
 
After owning a few aero saddles their quality is excellent. For the most part the initial run of flexes were not up to what I expected from new tribe. I would not feel bad for expecting that level of craftsmanship when I pay premium money for a saddle. I purposely held off until they did a modification to the first run......
Mine is definitely first run as I ordered on launch day.
 
I haven't asked them to replace mine yet. The black inside is worn, but thats only cosmetic. I have a little separation at the seams in one place just about the size of a pencil. Still plenty safe and serviceable. I feel bad asking for a new one.

I only have some cosmetic wear on the black coating but no issues with seams or any separation. It fits me nicely and is comfy. I ordered another a week or so ago when it was 10% off and will continue to use my current one, especially when practicing. I’d have a hard time sending it back because I’m generally pretty happy with it.


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AH arranged for UPS to pick up my old saddle at no cost to me. All I had to do was put it in a box and write the return authorization number on the outside. UPS picked it up on February 7, and the replacement arrived on February 29, so just over three weeks.
They didn't give me a authorization number Debbie told me to just box it up and UPS would pick it up and put the mailing address sticker on it.
 
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