- Oct 3, 2014
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- g2outdoors
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I've never sat in a Kestrel. I can't officially recommend the Sitdrag since it's not rated for above ground use.
Sent from my Galaxy S8.
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Sitdrag vs Kestral
- Thread starter Andrew Reimus
- Start date
Sent from my Galaxy S8.
Whew I thought you were cheating on the sitdrag!! LOL
I hope to try Eric's size 2 in FEB
I hunted from the Kestrel most of my hunts this season. I love it. I wouldn't change much. I'll going to try a size 2 in the off season to compare.
I do keep the leg straps on it a little loose at hunting height so I twist the saddle around my waist if needed. Reason being I like to use spin the saddle when shooting to my weak side to change the position of my bridge. A game changing trick I learned from @DaveT1963 to get more out of my saddle shooting to my weak side with little movement.
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I do keep the leg straps on it a little loose at hunting height so I twist the saddle around my waist if needed. Reason being I like to use spin the saddle when shooting to my weak side to change the position of my bridge. A game changing trick I learned from @DaveT1963 to get more out of my saddle shooting to my weak side with little movement.
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I thought about it but don’t think I’d like it hanging in front of me while I climb, grabbing steps. With the EVO i just had a stopper knot on each end thru the paws. So I pulled all the slack to one side and just had the rope hang, not a loop to snag stuff.
I think my bridge is too short to throw over my head. So I just use small carabiners.
I just read this whole thread and now it has me questioning if I ordered the right size kestrel. I went based off of what size waist my pants are which is a 34 so I ordered the size 1. I am 6 foot tall and 190 pounds the reason I didn't order the size 2 is because it started at waist size 39. What do you guys think? Did I make a mistake and should I try and call and see if it's not too late to change what size I will receive?
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I called and changed my size a couple weeks ago. At the time, Debbie said it wouldn't effect shipping date (I've since gotten a ship date of Dec 20th, so I was a month out when I changed the order). I'm a 36-37 waist, and I started getting worried about the size from reading some of the reports. You sound like your alot closer to the correct size Than I was. It's a little unclear if there could be any down side to getting a saddle too big. Tough call with your size, my big butt made it an easier decision for me. Debbie is extremely helpful, she can help you out.
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It is really hard to advise. There are lots of guys around your size happy with size 1. I'm 5'7" 180# with a 36" waist. I can use either saddle but I like the size 2 better. It may just be that the size 2 is more saddle which is what I am used to. But I do like that the lineman's loops and bridge attachments are further forward on the 2. I might be the only one who has both, but I don't see many downsides to going to the larger size. I have extra slack in the waist belt is about it.
This is TRUE, keep in mind when we designed the Kestrel, we streamlined the saddle as much as possible. Some people think this was to much, it kind of shocks them. Especially people who are use to the Trophyline, so keep this in mind.
Saddles are hard to size, its not really by waist size, its more about butt size. We are looking into a new way to recommend size for people, to try and reduce some confusion.
Thanks,
Boswell
I completely understand. Honestly, when I was first wearing the size 1 walking around, it felt like I was wearing a thong(not that I know what that feels like...) because it has such a low profile!
That is why I make sure to say I can wear either saddle, because I honestly can. You are right about butt size, which makes it harder to advise others. We don't all go walking around saying my butt is a DD.
"Do you have a little junk in the trunk? If so, a size 2 may be for you!"
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Hey, my wife says that she likes that I have some "butt"..."Do you have a little junk in the trunk? If so, a size 2 may be for you!"
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Thanks for the help. I'm gonna stick with the size one for now as I'm afflicted with noassatall. If I have any problems at least I know where to go with any questions. Thanks for the help. If anything I'll have a reason to spend more money on hunting equipment. And to think I sold my wife on my first saddle by telling her this would be cheaper than buying tree stands. She is ready to kill me!
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I have an Evo and I enjoy the bridge with the stopper knots , thats why I decided to just tie direct with the kestrel. My bridge is not that long and I just tuck it in the waist belt. I started with the carabiner bridge but it was just another thing to do in the dark.
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My wife tells me I’m an ass all the time I may need a 3 lol
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- Oct 3, 2014
- 7,448
- 8,638
- 113
- 42
- g2outdoors
- g2outdoors
- YOUTUBE
- G2Adventures
Another good reason I switched to the ropeman bridge. You can tighten it up for walking/climbing/rapelling, and open it up sitting. The only regret I have is I bought the rope too long and can't decide where or bring myself to cut it...
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actually saddles are not hard to size if people are told how to fit them and the measurements are given. What is important is to keep in mind where the FIXED loops are. You want them to extend past you hips not at your hips. Same with lineman's belt - if you don't then the hardware, sewing, double layers, knots, etc will contact the hip area and cause pain.
As far as comfort, if you want to sit all day and use a high hook up go ahead - but I have never found lasting comfort with that set upand it PROMOTES hip pinch as the weight forces the saddle to squeeze at your hips (and it doesn't matter where the loops are) only wayt to get around that is to use a spreader or board to move the pressure point out past the hips.
A lower hook up, and pushing away from the tree (i.e. leaners) it takes some of the weight off the hips and reduces pressure. This is basic physical science.
And as far as leaners giving up mobility on a tree (recent video I watched on youtube) take everything with a grain of salt. If I was to use a ring of steps (which I choose not to) and with how I hook up to tree, I can walk circles around my tree for as many reps as I want (because my tether is at chin level and I can easily move it around the tree as I go. The point missed in that video is that the reason why many of us moved to using platforms is so we DON'T HAVE TO WALK AROUND the tree - i.e. we choose to limit the motion ON PURPOSE. But I guarantee you there is not a shot a "ring walker" can take I can also take with my set up.... and I say with far less movement. I don't have comfort issues with a saddle - I sure used to sitting and with a high tether connection. And from reading most of the hunts stories, you will find most sitters very seldom stay for an entire day hunt - I usually stay the entire day which for me is in stand before 6:00 AM and out after 7:00PM in Nov - Oct it is even a longer day.
The other day I forgot my rubber boots so I had to hunt from my saddle with common loafers with no firm foot sole. I hunted for over 13 hours and never had any foot pain.
As far as comfort, if you want to sit all day and use a high hook up go ahead - but I have never found lasting comfort with that set upand it PROMOTES hip pinch as the weight forces the saddle to squeeze at your hips (and it doesn't matter where the loops are) only wayt to get around that is to use a spreader or board to move the pressure point out past the hips.
A lower hook up, and pushing away from the tree (i.e. leaners) it takes some of the weight off the hips and reduces pressure. This is basic physical science.
And as far as leaners giving up mobility on a tree (recent video I watched on youtube) take everything with a grain of salt. If I was to use a ring of steps (which I choose not to) and with how I hook up to tree, I can walk circles around my tree for as many reps as I want (because my tether is at chin level and I can easily move it around the tree as I go. The point missed in that video is that the reason why many of us moved to using platforms is so we DON'T HAVE TO WALK AROUND the tree - i.e. we choose to limit the motion ON PURPOSE. But I guarantee you there is not a shot a "ring walker" can take I can also take with my set up.... and I say with far less movement. I don't have comfort issues with a saddle - I sure used to sitting and with a high tether connection. And from reading most of the hunts stories, you will find most sitters very seldom stay for an entire day hunt - I usually stay the entire day which for me is in stand before 6:00 AM and out after 7:00PM in Nov - Oct it is even a longer day.
The other day I forgot my rubber boots so I had to hunt from my saddle with common loafers with no firm foot sole. I hunted for over 13 hours and never had any foot pain.
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