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I Dont Think my Mantis Fits...

BoHuntsKy

BoHuntsKy

Active Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2020
Messages
154
Im 15 and i recently bought a large mantis with an adjustable amsteel bridge. I have a 29-30 inch waist and it keeps riding up and there is quite a bit of leftover mesh which is why i think im getting so much hip pinch. Can anyone clarify for me? Im thinking i need a medium.
 
Smaller saddle will lead to more hip pinch not less. For starters try wearing it low, below your belt line. A mantis is pretty minimalist & is gonna be more comfortable leaning (try a bit lower tether) maybe chin ht.
 
Bigterp said:
Smaller saddle will lead to more hip pinch not less. For starters try wearing it low, below your belt line. A mantis is pretty minimalist & is gonna be more comfortable leaning (try a bit lower tether) maybe chin ht.
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Gotchya, so you think that i need to keep this one. What are the size recommendations from tethrd on each size? I got a good deal on this one so i bought it.
 
Before I got bit by the DIY saddle bug I was a Mantis hunter for two years. What I found for me personally was that the fixed 30inch bridge was a little short for me to find real comfort in it. I climbed and rappelled using the fixed bridge but I sat and hunted in it with an adjustable bridge and used an approximately 34 to 36 inch bridge to really eliminate the hip pinch. Between that and wearing it so the waist belt was just below my normal belt line I was really comfortable in the Mantis. I'd still be hunting out of it if I hadn't started experimenting with my own creations. FWIW I'm still using a long bridge in those too.
 
There been a lot of comments about the mantis riding up. Not sure of your bodybshape, but with a waist that size im guessing you suffer from no-butt-itis...you maY have to try a saddle with a little more cup to it. Maybe there is someone in your area that can help you try something out.
 
Vtbow said:
There been a lot of comments about the mantis riding up. Not sure of your bodybshape, but with a waist that size im guessing you suffer from no-butt-itis...you maY have to try a saddle with a little more cup to it. Maybe there is someone in your area that can help you try something out.
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FWIW I also am a sufferer of noassatall disease (at least according to my wife). I forgot to mention that I'm primarily a sitter who ties his tether in about forehead height.
 
boyne bowhunter said:
Before I got bit by the DIY saddle bug I was a Mantis hunter for two years. What I found for me personally was that the fixed 30inch bridge was a little short for me to find real comfort in it. I climbed and rappelled using the fixed bridge but I sat and hunted in it with an adjustable bridge and used an approximately 34 to 36 inch bridge to really eliminate the hip pinch. Between that and wearing it so the waist belt was just below my normal belt line I was really comfortable in the Mantis. I'd still be hunting out of it if I hadn't started experimenting with my own creations. FWIW I'm still using a long bridge in those too.
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Im going to have to try wearing my belt below my waist line. I was told to put my tether as high as possible.
 
Vtbow said:
There been a lot of comments about the mantis riding up. Not sure of your bodybshape, but with a waist that size im guessing you suffer from no-butt-itis...you maY have to try a saddle with a little more cup to it. Maybe there is someone in your area that can help you try something out.
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I havent found anyone really close yet.
 
I had a medium with the same waist as you and I couldn’t get over the riding up in that size. Low teather and put the mantis low should help. I sold mine after just a few sits.
 
Wirrex said:
I had a medium with the same waist as you and I couldn’t get over the riding up in that size. Low teather and put the mantis low should help. I sold mine after just a few sits.
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What does a high and low tether do?
 
Try the lower leg loops, and cinch the straps down tight so it doesn’t ride up. That was an instant fix for me and really solidified the comfort.

And I second the longer bridge from the stock one. I tether at about eyeball height.
 
In my experience with a medium mantis: lower tether below chin height, also loosen belt, slide mantis below hips then let the top slide back up and find its natural sit. You feel it when it hugs you right. With a large this effect may last longer. For me, it still eventually rode up and I had to repeat the maneuver. I felt I should have gotten a large. I eventually switched to a Kite sz2 and don’t have the riding up issue.
 
There are 2 different attachment points for leg straps on the Mantis. One connects high above the crotch, and the other connects across the thigh. Try using the latter, which should relieve the hip pinch.
 
Head.Hunter said:
There are 2 different attachment points for leg straps on the Mantis. One connects high above the crotch, and the other connects across the thigh. Try using the latter, which should relieve the hip pinch.
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I didnt know that, ill try it.
 
I bought an Aero Evo size 2 and made it into a size 1 with a Speedy stitcher. It now fits me. The stitches can be removed to convert it back.

Tucking my Aero Evolution Saddle

I bought this saddle last year from a member here. It was a large but I figured it would be more comfortable. The first time I hunted with it the aluminum cat paws dug into my ribs and caused pain. Cat paws are the aluminum attachment poins fastened to the bridge, waist belt and leg straps...
saddlehunter.com
 
BoHuntsKy said:
Im 15 and i recently bought a large mantis with an adjustable amsteel bridge. I have a 29-30 inch waist and it keeps riding up and there is quite a bit of leftover mesh which is why i think im getting so much hip pinch. Can anyone clarify for me? Im thinking i need a medium.
Click to expand...
Too big is no fun. There is just TOO much extra material which always seems to be in the way in front of you. IMHO, bridge loops should not touch in the front when pulled around you.
 
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