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AeroHunter Merlin - anyone not like it?

Shakeandbake said:
I guess it works if your walking in an open crop field like on TV. I would say for most of us we would get ripped in half by briers and break ankles walking in with no light hahah
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And then fall 15 feet while climbing.....sounds like a Road Runner cartoon or Jim Carey movie!
 
Westdesign03 said:
Really kind of bummed they discontinued the kestrel. The flex does look good too tho and have been eying the Merlin since it came out. Haven’t seen another saddle like it yet. Interested to see how more people like it or don’t like it.


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I have a CRUZR XC and a Merlin. The Merlin is alot like the CRUZR to me. They are both good comfortable saddles though.
 
I struggled to find what was making me so uncomfortable in the Merlin compared to my old flex, then I saw a YouTube video explaining that they set the loops too low. This made a lot of sense because my old flex connected higher on the saddle giving more back support. The Cruzr XC is the Merlin design but with loops set higher. I sold the Merlin and bought an XC.
 
I’ve got a new flex in a size one that I will probably try and trade for a size 2 new flex or Merlin.

I like the current aero hunter saddles and think they have been given a bad rap.

Perhaps it’s my style of climbing (DRT) but I actually like the linesman’s loops being located above the bridge loops. Often At hunting height I continue to use my lineman’s belt, which adds lower back support and more control.

Seems to me that the current iteration of the pleat also works better than older models.

I wonder how everyone would feel about the saddle if those couple critical video reviews hadn’t come out. I used a new flex before trying older versions, so I didn’t climb in for the first time expecting it to fit like another model.

For me they are very well made and comfortable.
 
Shakeandbake said:
I feel like in the video he’s picking it apart because they didn’t ask him for any input on the saddle design. First off, there is no safety issue with this saddle. It’s probably the safest saddle available, with every component being weight rated. If your not making sure your carabiner gate is closed and locked every time, your probably going to fall out of any saddle at some point. The top webbing does supply support, just tighten the waist belt. If your getting a pinch from the leg straps, just keep them loose. IMO this saddle is great and comfortable. I own other Aerohunter saddles and this is my favorite.
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I agree with this post 100%. It is clear the reviewer in the video has an agenda. He says he had input on the earlier designs and no input on the Merlin. He then goes on to say he prefers the design of the earlier models, imagine that, and does not care for the new design.

I owned the Kestral Flex (over 50 sits) and tried out the Thethrd Mantis and the new Merlin is more comfortable than both.

The reviewers comments about the loops and mis-clipping is ridiculous if you are wearing the saddle. The ability to easily adjust where the bridge connects on the large loop greatly impacts comfort. The Merlin is easier to adjust than any prior Aero-Hunter saddle.

Plenty of other reviews online that are more accurate than the review that is embedded in this thread.
 
Mschmeiske said:
Has anyone used a Merlin and not enjoyed it? I just received mine today and at first glance, it looks like it may be comfortable to sit in, but I’m not sure Im going to like it as much as my kestrel. I say that mostly due to the fact that it doesn’t seem as robust and some other little things.
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I have both the kestrel and merlin. I found the merlin was more comfortable to me.
 
I know this is an apples to turnips comparison.

My first saddle was a Merlin and my current saddle is a Method 2. I really liked the features and comfort of the Merlin and if all I ever did was hang from a tree, I'd still have the Merlin. The Method 2 is also extremely comfortable to hang from but does take more adjusting when switching from sitting to standing. However, It's far superior to the Merlin when wearing it in due to design and weight.

Since I try and keep my pack as small as possible, I wear my saddle in and the Method won out. If I wanted to carry a larger pack with the saddle in the pack, the Merlin would probably win.
 
I loved my Aerohunter saddles, but did agree with a couple of the points made in the video. I never had any trouble getting comfortable in my Merlin. However, if i was truly honest with myself, my original Flex was slightly more comfortable. But i liked how quiet and breathable the Merlin was. I also preferred the linemans loops on the Merlin over the Flex.

With that being said, i tried a Cruzer XC and i feel it fully harnessed the best attributes of both. So i ended up selling both Aerohunters and ordering my wife and i XC's.

I have zero bad to say about Aerohunter. I think they have made some of the best saddles on the market and would recommend them to anyone.

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TNSTAAFL said:

Interesting review by Boswell. His observations seemed to match the things I suspected when I first saw the new design.

Bummed for AH as I think they are a good company and they have made some great saddles. I really liked my Kite. Hopefully they course correct quickly.
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what happened? They still in business? I love my kestrel
 
I’ve got a Merlin and an original Flex. I really like both of them. I tinker a lot and had to adjust the bridge quite a bit on the Merlin. After getting it set I’m very happy with it. I tried a Latitude Classic 2 and I immediately sent it back. It did not work at all for me. I’ve found out in this world of saddle hunting you’d better try things out for yourself. What works for one might not work for you. I like the quality of the Aerohunter’s as well.
 
gamtnman said:
I tried a Latitude Classic 2 and I immediately sent it back. It did not work at all for me. I’ve found out in this world of saddle hunting you’d better try things out for yourself. What works for one might not work for you.
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As a saddle-experimenting junky, this is 100% gold. What works perfectly for one guy will be painful for someone else.

The Classic 2 works really well for me, and it's my go-to saddle for 2021. But I can see where it may not work for the next guy. I've owned two Aero Hunter saddles, love their feel and build quality, but the current Merlin/Flex products are just plain weird to me, and I think some of Boswell's critiques have merit. But I'd eagerly consider their next generation saddle, if they do build one.
 
Not trying to hijack but I got one for sale cheap in the classifieds. Size 1


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raisins said:
A lot of us find a saddle more comfortable and able to cover around the tree better. I'd encourage you to try to find a setup that is more comfortable than a treestand.
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Exactly ,I hunt a kestrel ,went from ol man climbers to saddles ,I feel so much more intelligent facing the tree with my tools right there to access with little movement and awesome cover
 
I’ll add this, I’m hanging in my original Flex right now. Aerohunter sure did get this saddle right, I would pick it over my Merlin, but not by much. I also like my Trophyline EDP platform.
 
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