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Kestrel Discomfort

Coleman

New Member
Sep 3, 2017
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OK so I just cannot get comfortable in the kestrel. Major hip pinch! Ive tried everything:
  • Bridge length- long and short. I even bought a Petzl adjustable bridge to try and find the sweet spot. No such luck
  • Tree tether height- High and eye level. I also have a ropeman on the tree tether for length adjustments. Does not make the kestrel more comfortable.
  • Leaning, sitting ect.
I am committed to hunting from a saddle but I dont think the Kestrel will work for me. Its just too uncomfortable....completely unrealistic for a long hung.

If its not pinching my hips it causes major pain in the back of my legs (when I wear the saddle very low like a plumber).

What are my options? I think Ive tried everything.
 

redsquirrel

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Feb 19, 2014
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OK so I just cannot get comfortable in the kestrel. Major hip pinch! Ive tried everything:
  • Bridge length- long and short. I even bought a Petzl adjustable bridge to try and find the sweet spot. No such luck
  • Tree tether height- High and eye level. I also have a ropeman on the tree tether for length adjustments. Does not make the kestrel more comfortable.
  • Leaning, sitting ect.
I am committed to hunting from a saddle but I dont think the Kestrel will work for me. Its just too uncomfortable....completely unrealistic for a long hung.

If its not pinching my hips it causes major pain in the back of my legs (when I wear the saddle very low like a plumber).

What are my options? I think Ive tried everything.
Can you post some pictures of yourself sitting in the saddle. This will help us diagnose what is going on. Also what size saddle do you have and what height/weight/waist are you?
 

g2outdoors

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Oct 3, 2014
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OK so I just cannot get comfortable in the kestrel. Major hip pinch! Ive tried everything:
  • Bridge length- long and short. I even bought a Petzl adjustable bridge to try and find the sweet spot. No such luck
  • Tree tether height- High and eye level. I also have a ropeman on the tree tether for length adjustments. Does not make the kestrel more comfortable.
  • Leaning, sitting ect.
I am committed to hunting from a saddle but I dont think the Kestrel will work for me. Its just too uncomfortable....completely unrealistic for a long hung.

If its not pinching my hips it causes major pain in the back of my legs (when I wear the saddle very low like a plumber).

What are my options? I think Ive tried everything.
Are you on the edge of sizing? I don't have a Kestrel, but others have experienced the same thing when it was too small.

Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 

Coleman

New Member
Sep 3, 2017
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40
I am 6'2" - 210 lbs. 32 pants

I can see how it may be too small BUT I called NewTribe before I ordered to get the correct size.

This thing makes hunting a pain. Im ready to move on for next season.
What are my other options?

I know guidos web is going out of business. What are the other recommended saddles? Im not looking for something that is super comfortable, I just don't want to be in pain the entire time.
 

redsquirrel

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Feb 19, 2014
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I am 6'2" - 210 lbs. 32 pants

I can see how it may be too small BUT I called NewTribe before I ordered to get the correct size.

This thing makes hunting a pain. Im ready to move on for next season.
What are my other options?

I know guidos web is going out of business. What are the other recommended saddles? Im not looking for something that is super comfortable, I just don't want to be in pain the entire time.
You didn't mention what size kestrel that you had?
 

redsquirrel

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I really think you'd be happier in a size 2. I am 5'7" 180# with a 36" waist and the size 2 fits me much better. This is a new product and @Boudreaux mentioned that they are looking into adjusting their sizing recommendations away from waist size.

As far as other options, there really aren't any. The sit drag with a rock climbing harness would be, but the remember the sit drag isn't rated for off the ground.
 

Coleman

New Member
Sep 3, 2017
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Ok thank you for the recommendation. I am going to give new tribe a call and see if they can exchange it for a size 2.

Thanks for the help.
 
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TheTracker

Well-Known Member
Oct 30, 2016
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I am 6'2" - 210 lbs. 32 pants

I can see how it may be too small BUT I called NewTribe before I ordered to get the correct size.

This thing makes hunting a pain. Im ready to move on for next season.
What are my other options?

I know guidos web is going out of business. What are the other recommended saddles? Im not looking for something that is super comfortable, I just don't want to be in pain the entire time.
The guidos web is amazingly comfortable to sit in, But i found it alot harder to climb in and shoot from due to its bulkiness. If you cant get the kestrel to work for you, Id look into the evolution with back support. Mine works great and is very comfortable after i performed a few mods to fit my needs.

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Boudreaux

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Feb 28, 2014
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Some photos would be the only way to see what is really going on, 32" waist should be size 1. Again, without photos I am at a loss.

Thanks,
Boswell
 

kelly.jayp

Well-Known Member
Aug 23, 2017
1,473
1,965
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Charlotte, NC area
I’m a 32 waist and have a size 1 - no issues but it did take some practice to get it comfortable- never had pinching or back discomfort but did feel like I was sliding forward. I have to wear it low and loose


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bigasports

Active Member
Vendor Rep
Jan 27, 2016
188
299
63
Tennessee
I had some pain with my kestrel size 1 as well. I tried everything I could think of to like it but I could not get it to stop my hip pinch. I am a size 36 waist (6'5 athletic build 215 lbs) I got rid of the size 1 and ordered a size 2. That was the ticket for me. Hip pinch is gone and I'm loving the kestrel. My understanding is the kestrel is a one size fits all in the waist. And the difference in size 1 and 2 is in the material. There is more material in the size 2. Selling your size one kestrel should be no problem on here or archery talk. Take the funds and get a size 2.
 

DaveT1963

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
Dec 2, 2014
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If your loop attachments are not out past your hips that will cause additional hip pain. The loops themselves, in all reality, become part of your bridge length once you move past your hips as the hips are the true fixed axis points at the bottom of your triangle with you tether point of contact being the third. if the extra material where loops are attached is not out PAST your hips it will cause more of a pressure point (same effect as some gets wearing belts or if a belt loop is right at that point). I really don't think you can get too big of a kestrel but I definitely believe you can get it too small. I wouldn't give up yet but I would take note of the loop attachment and if it is sitting on your hips I would contact New Tribe and see if they will exchange it for a larger saddle. To me, for true comfort, there should be absolutely no bulk material at the point of the hips.
 
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redsquirrel

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Feb 19, 2014
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I really don't think you can get too big of a kestrel but I definitely believe you can get it too small.

Having both saddles I completely agree, I don't think you can go to big. You would have to be a very small person for the size 2 to not work for you IMO.
 

Coleman

New Member
Sep 3, 2017
39
13
8
40
I spoke with New Tribe. As others have experienced and commented, they are a great company and very easy to work with.

I am exchanging my size 1 for a size 2 and hopefully everything works out. The extra material where the loops are attached is right on my hip and I think that is causing the pressure / pain.

Thanks for the help everyone
 

Tom Karrow

Active Member
Jul 4, 2017
170
61
28
Ontario
That is the problem. I am about the same stats and have a 2... would never consider one smaller.
T
Ok, I am not a 32 but have the other similar stats... are you sure you are 32? I think a 2 would be better for the 6'2", 210 part of the description!
I am 6'3", 220, 38 (too big) and size 2 is comfy.
T
 

Peterk1234

Well-Known Member
Oct 23, 2017
805
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Massachusetts
I am 6 feet tall, 32 inch waist, weigh 168 pounds. Should I just go with a size 2? I am trying to factor in the bulk of clothing during cold weather.
 

Mtnbowhunter

Member
Jul 9, 2017
43
66
18
35
I am 6 feet tall, 32 inch waist, weigh 168 pounds. Should I just go with a size 2? I am trying to factor in the bulk of clothing during cold weather.
I'm the same exact size just 10lb heavier and i got a size 2 and love it. From what I've read there isn't a downside to getting a size bigger, that's what made my mind up.

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