ForesterDave
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2018
- Messages
- 21
Has anybody swapped out the heavy/ noisy leg buckles on the Kestrel? I don't like them and don't mind stepping into the saddle. Any ideas on a replacement?
I cut mine off completely and have permanently stitched, step-through leg loops. LOVE IT! Very quiet, and with a web bridge and plastic waist buckle my kestrel weighs a hair under a pound and a half. No metal at all on mine now.
I wish I had machine stitched it. Would've saved a lot of time. I used a speedy stitcher awl and 40lb spider wire.That sounds like the best solution. Is there a specific thread you used in your machine?
https://saddlehunter.com/community/index.php?threads/some-kestrel-tweaks.7821/
This is another option. I love it. The hardware I used weighs a total of 2 ounces I think.
Well I guess if the metal isn't covered with some kind of silencing material.....then yes that could happen but it only takes a minute to fix that.
They're not really that noisy, especially compared to most traditional stands. But, I've got my preferred system to the point where zipper and fabric noise are about the loudest part of my setup. I never had a problem if I wore my kestrel in, but occasionally got noise taking it out of a pack and putting it on.I get the weight part but help me understand the noise part? When are they noisy? I wear mine in and have never heard a sound after they are buckled and I have carried it in and as long as it is packed properly....no noise there either?
Care to share your idea and help the OP out?
I took a Dremel to the buckles so I could use the loops that were already sewn. Cut off all the extra webbing and then put the ITW g hooks on. A lot less clanking going on.
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Lol yeah it kinda felt like breaking a window to get into your car. But I don't miss those buckles one bit and I didn't have to do any sewing.I was thissss close to doing this so I didn't have to sew. But I have a few uses for those buckles elsewhere, and I trust my sewing to match the strength of the G hooks, so I got to choppin'. I won't lie, it never stops hurting when I cut into a perfectly fine piece of equipment.