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Kestrel Flex & Tethrd Mantis

Sequoia said:
Well, haven't received the Mantis yet but here are my first impressions of the Flex. Caution @Allegheny Tom, do not watch this video!

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Nice job on the video.
Did you do anything about the buckle noise since you made the vid?
My impression is that once the buckles are cinched snug, the noise will go away. Am I correct?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 
Murph4028 said:
Well obviously my flex isn't here yet but I do have a mantis and a kite and they are very different. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. I'm hoping the flex is the solid in between that will be my go to saddle. That being said, I can hunt all day out of either of them. I did however mod my mantis pretty extensively. I wasn't happy with the G hooks. They always seemed to wanna fall out while walking and climbing so I changed those out for quick release buckles and added webbing retainers so I didn't have straps hanging everywhere. Also switched out the raptor buckle because it made noise. The amsteel bridge got super fuzzy pretty quick and didn't make me feel great about it so I changed the bridge to a climbing runner and delta links. After I did all that I am pretty happy with it.
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What is a climbing runner and delta links?
 
onestringer said:
What is a climbing runner and delta links?
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climbing runner is a sew sling(loop), either nylon, spectra, dyneema. Delta link is a triangle(rounded corner) rapid link(metal screw link). Usually steel, though there are some aluminum ones out there...
 
Allegheny Tom said:
Nice job on the video.
Did you do anything about the buckle noise since you made the vid?
My impression is that once the buckles are cinched snug, the noise will go away. Am I correct?

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Thanks.

I put some stealth strips on the outside of them to dampen any m on m contact but you are right, they are pretty silent when under tension. Didn't notice any noise while walking.
 
Sequoia said:
Well, haven't received the Mantis yet but here are my first impressions of the Flex. Caution @Allegheny Tom, do not watch this video!

Click to expand...
I have a Kestrel and I still ordered a flex . I like Predator camo and I like different saddles. I also have a Guido's Web and Treesuit. As far as comfort the web is hard to beat. I also had at one time a Anderson sling and a Trophyline wish I would have kept them. If the flex is to hot for yearly season I can use my Kestrel and use the flex when it gets a little cooler. I tried the Mantis it's nice but it's not for me. I known you can only use one saddle at a time but I just like saddles and I like to see the differences between saddles from years ago to the present. Can't have to many saddles. Nice job on the video.
 
Apex7 said:
I have a Kestrel and I still ordered a flex . I like Predator camo and I like different saddles. I also have a Guido's Web and Treesuit. As far as comfort the web is hard to beat. I also had at one time a Anderson sling and a Trophyline wish I would have kept them. If the flex is to hot for yearly season I can use my Kestrel and use the flex when it gets a little cooler. I tried the Mantis it's nice but it's not for me. I known you can only use one saddle at a time but I just like saddles and I like to see the differences between saddles from years ago to the present. Can't have to many saddles. Nice job on the video.
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The material on the Flex just looks like it will make you sweat more. I haven't been able to do an extended walk or sit in it yet to validate that. The material just doesn't appear breathable... like it would hold a puddle of water if you poured it on the inside of the saddle. Could be an issue or it might not make that much of a difference. JMHO
 
It is a urethane coated cordura, meant to be waterproof to a certain extent. Not breathable and could get warm, but I have not noticed any issues while testing mine so far.

John H.
 
Sequoia said:
Saw that ASAT camo pattern on the Flex and pulled the trigger - does that make me a crazed groupie? Maybe... I’ve been hunting out of an evolution for the past 4 years so I figured it was time to update the dinosaur.

What makes things interesting is I also have a tethrd mantis on order as of a month ago, I guess I’ll see which one gets here first. Going to evaluate the pros/cons and sell the one that doesn’t work for me.

I’ll probably post a vid comparing the two when I get them. I’m excited to see which one I’ll gravitate towards... the featherweight mantis or the slightly beefier Flex. We shall see...
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Can't wait to see your review of the 2 ... I have a Kestrel and ordered a flex...
 
Ontariofarmer said:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/diy-sportsman-sportsmens-nation/id1451319563

Here is review and comparison. All the information is available in the podcast above.

Reasons to buy the new flex... more comfort ... you are between a size 1 and 2 in the kestrel.... better camo..... slightly lighter than the kestrel. The lineman's loops are further ahead on the flex. The bridge options are better.
If you love the kestrel and are saving money... forget about the flex. But if not get a flex and sell the kestrel or flex after trying both.

The flex is slightly less durable than the kestrel but the kestrel will last a lifetime. The flex will last the rest of this 61 year old's life.

I expect it will be the most comfortable saddle - outside of the JX 3.

I expect each saddle has it's benefits.

Mantis... lightest most minimalist type of saddle Best in a hot climate suited to a leaning position
Kite.... light similar to the mantis and similar to the Kestrel... half of the benefits of each. Excellent in hot weather..
Flex.... likely the most comfortable for most people.best for a sitter
Kestrel .... most durable and very comfortable just my opinion and Heavier best for a sitter
JX 3 ... no backpack needed... heaviest... carries well... very very very comfortable.

Last year I used the JX3 the most when I got in Novemeber because I like comfort and the Kestrel was used the second most. I sold the Kestrel to buy the Flex. I still have the Mantis when I want to sit for a short time or for setting up trees to hunt.

I have not received any free gear from anyone... so I don't consider myself biased

Things that affect my decisions... comfort... easy of carrying .... weight. Maybe weight is overrated. Some like to be a minimalist over comfort. That is why we all have different preferences. I hope all these companies succeed because they satisfy different needs.

Just my take and I have tried several of them...I have not tried the Kite or the Flex yet.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...
Great review/summary. SO, now that you have the flex and sold the kestral... is it worth switching in your opinion??
Thanks, Tom
 
The flex will be here Thursday
I really like the size 2 kestrel. So I will see. I guess I like comfort of the Jx3 and it is my favourite
I tried a mantis. Large and x large. It was light and very minimalistic but was not as comfortable as the kestrel.
It’s just my opinion and a hundred other guys will have a different opinion and that is okay

Come over and try my flex Tom Karrow


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 
Last edited:
Finally got the MANTIS!!
Have been monkeying around with it for the past week and a half. Will have a video up in a few hours and will post the link here. Just my thoughts and initial impressions. TM Thumbnail.JPG

Thanks to all here for how much you've brought my hunting game along.
 
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