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Kestrel Flex Modifications

Murph4028 said:
I really wish they would and surprised that they didn't. I'm not a real big guy but I'm not small either. When the size 2 is opened all the way up it is huge. Not a whole lot of guys need or want a saddle that big but the extra room in the tree is a nice luxury to have. A size 1 would probably fit me but would probably be less comfortable in the tree. That's the advantage I see of having a size 2 with elastic vs a size 1 without it. It can fit you at all times
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What's your height, weight, and waist size?
 
Longbowwally said:
Not trying to hijack this post - but just want to understand this as I have seen others connect the tag end of their tether as a safety... if the ropeman cuts your tether and it breaks for - which is what some seem worried about - connecting the tag end to something wouldn't stop you from falling would it? Like I said just trying to understand not criticizing...thanks!
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if it cuts the rope no it wont do any good whatsoever but if the ropeman don't catch the back up knot will catch him. It is possible you could have a mechanical failure
 
Has anyone thought about shortening the leg straps? I may cut about 10 inches off. The rolled up ball of excess is annoying. I don't know any one that has legs big enough to max out the leg straps. Maybe this guy ...

thornew-1555065931.jpg
 
skyjacker said:
Has anyone thought about shortening the leg straps? I may cut about 10 inches off. The rolled up ball of excess is annoying. I don't know any one that has legs big enough to max out the leg straps. Maybe this guy ...

thornew-1555065931.jpg
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I noticed that to in some review videos. I will be cutting mine once I get it and have it dialed in. Seeing how I’ll be the only one using it, no need for the extra length, least none that I can think of.
 
NikoTheBowHunter said:
I noticed that to in some review videos. I will be cutting mine once I get it and have it dialed in. Seeing how I’ll be the only one using it, no need for the extra length, least none that I can think of.
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I cut about 6 inches off mine. Wanted to ensure they were still plenty long enough to wear with heavy bibs on
 
Considering switching the leg buckles to the G hooks like the mantis for less metal/noise. Anyone else go this route?
 
On my kite I cut the leg buckles off with bolt cutters and added g hooks. I Iike the g hooks better. Also traded out the waist buckle with a plastic cobra buckle
 
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@Murph4028 can you give me some more insight into how you sewed the elastic into the pleat? What lentgh did you cut the elastic strips? Can you show me some close ups of where it's sewn into the bottom and top. Messing with this today but can't figure out a good way to sew them in.
 
skyjacker said:
@Murph4028 can you give me some more insight into how you sewed the elastic into the pleat? What lentgh did you cut the elastic strips? Can you show me some close ups of where it's sewn into the bottom and top. Messing with this today but can't figure out a good way to sew them in.
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I will take some measurements and pics and get them on here in a few.
 
So the pictures suck. There's just no good way to take them. So I'll explain it the best I can.

- 1/2" elastic band bought off Amazon. Cost like 8 dollars for about 10 feet I believe.

- the top flap, elastic, and pleat are all sewn together. I didn't need it to open that much so I did that to being it down a size.

- the bottom flap and the elastic are sewn together but not attached to the pleat so that it allows it to open all the way like before.

- the elastic in the back is 1.25" long and as you work around the saddle to the sides the bands get slightly shorter with the shortest being 1" to keep the contour design of the saddle.

Hope this answers your questions. I just took mine to a sew shop and told them what I wanted and they made it happen.
 

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I took the plunge and cutoff the leg buckles and added g hooks. I just held the buckles with vise grips and hack sawed on each side of the strap on the narrowest part. I shortened the leg straps to still have extra room over my largest insulated bibs, but as you can see, that eliminated almost 12" of strap. I also sewed in 3 pieces of 1.5" elastic with my sewing awl to keep it closed. I cut off several inches on the waist belt webbing and resewed the ends. She weighs 2 lb dead on now, and mine has the sewn webbing , adjustable bridge.
0ba282dd4711e500d9fecf453496c712.jpg


Keep your nose to the wind, and your eyes along the skyline.
 
What sewing machine did you use? Im looking at a singer heavy duty. Will this do this type of work with straps and multiple materials? Also, keep us updated on the g hooks. Im curious if they will constantly fall out and/or snag a hole in the attachment point like the Mantis does. Maybe with the thicker molle loop on your Kestrel, it wont.


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Aeds151 said:
What sewing machine did you use? Im looking at a singer heavy duty. Will this do this type of work with straps and multiple materials? Also, keep us updated on the g hooks. Im curious if they will constantly fall out and/or snag a hole in the attachment point like the Mantis does. Maybe with the thicker molle loop on your Kestrel, it wont.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I did the same mod and I think they stay better than when I had the mantis.
 
Aeds151 said:
What sewing machine did you use? Im looking at a singer heavy duty. Will this do this type of work with straps and multiple materials? Also, keep us updated on the g hooks. Im curious if they will constantly fall out and/or snag a hole in the attachment point like the Mantis does. Maybe with the thicker molle loop on your Kestrel, it wont.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I just finished a climb and sit session with mine, first since I switched to g hooks. Zero issues with mine, didn't move once hooked. Glad I made the change and took off some weight.

Keep your nose to the wind, and your eyes along the skyline.
 
I don't see the point in adding G hooks. If you're going to do that just cut off the leg straps and be done with it. You're going from rated leg straps to non rated so just get rid of them.
 
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