• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Bridge length

B

BayouBeauxhunter

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2018
Messages
224
When using a fixed bridge do taller people typically like a longer bridge or shorter bridge? If you use a fixed bridge and you believe it’s too short or long do you compensate by changing tether height? If so does that affect comfort?
 
As a leaner I find bridge length has to be shorter because my tether has to be low on the tree to be comfortable. And a shorter bridge makes lifting the bow over for weakside shots easier with less movement. Based on that I say start with as small a bridge as you can and work up. But that's just me and if I've learned anything here it is a highly customized crew and someone will be along to say the opposite so the best practice is just experiment.
 
Bridge length is very tough to fit into a one-size-fits-all category. If you are generally a leaner, a shorter bridge will work and might be more shooter friendly like @elk yinzer mentioned. If you are a sitter, a longer bridge will be much more comfortable. As a general rule, 24-30 inches is the range that most hunters find comfortable.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
I'm getting hip pinch from my Mantis with a fixed bridge length. Any way to lesson that short of cutting it off and using a longer one?
 
Thanks guys. The reason I ask is I bought the large mantis and I’m on the bottom side of the large. Seems like the consensus is the bridge may feel a little longer. If that will be the case I’d rather not send it back unless not tolerable. I’m just trying to get ahead and seeing what the best way is to make small adjustments on a fixed bridge. Would it be change tether height? Guessing using a ropeman may be better than long Prusik?
 
Drslyr said:
I'm getting hip pinch from my Mantis with a fixed bridge length. Any way to lesson that short of cutting it off and using a longer one?
Click to expand...

Hip pinch is caused by leverage points. Your hips are the points where the two bottom angles are formed. SO the more pressure sent in a downward direction you will have more "hip pinch" unless you sit on a board that is wider then your hips. Can't happen any other way.

Two choices -
1) go to a lower hook up height with you tether and bridge and lean with you saddle - this will change the direction your weight is applied - or
2) sit on a board.

Also, you can pick pants that don't have bulky pockets where you saddle is, remove all items from pockets and try to keep the material flat... wrinkles and bulkiness under saddle create pressure points
 
Tie a prussik onto some samson rope, then attach the open end to your bridge. You can then adjust it on the fly. Im 5'10" 175lbs. I like a forehead tether with a 28" bridge. E2E. But if i want to shoot weak side i stand up, tightened the bridge and turn on the platform.
 
I'm a leaner and a sitter. I have the stock kestrel and put my tree strap at arms length from my top step. I'm 5' 8" 150 lbs.
 
elk yinzer said:
As a leaner I find bridge length has to be shorter because my tether has to be low on the tree to be comfortable. And a shorter bridge makes lifting the bow over for weakside shots easier with less movement. Based on that I say start with as small a bridge as you can and work up. But that's just me and if I've learned anything here it is a highly customized crew and someone will be along to say the opposite so the best practice is just experiment.
Click to expand...
That's what I've found too. When I had a longer bridge, I was on my tip toes trying to get my tether higher. No Bueno at 25 ft.
 
There are so many factors for comfort. Trial and error. Lots of good advice so far but sometimes it just comes down to the saddle.
 
I have girth hitched my bridge so I can position my bridge high or low on my bridge loops. High position will put more pressure on the hips and low position will put pressure under your legs. The trick is to find the happy medium. The New Aero Hunter Merlin has an adjustable bridge that's girth hitched on the bridge loops. I don't know if they are sold separately though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top