Kestrel or Mantis

[GCTerpfan]

General consensus is if you're borderline size up. I would definitely go with new tribes suggestion of the size 2.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

Thanks guys for clarifying the Kestrel vs Mantis topic.

I wish I could try them on. I'm 6' and 220lbs. Most of my pants are 36"; some are 34". I have an athletic build (not bragging) so my weight is a little deceiving. Weight training (heck that's good for climbing trees) and basketball/cycling gives me more shoulders, chest and back/hip mass. I ordered the Kestrel Size 1 since it goes to 36". I started to think in late season I'll bundle up like the Pillsburry dough boy. I called New Tribe and they recommended the size 2 and said i could easily adjust it down. Has anyone had issues with Kestrel sizing being on the border of waist size? I've never used a tree saddle so all of my buying decisions are being made based on this forum and YouTube.

I am 5 10 and 200 pounds. Not as athletic at 60 years old but I am sure you will like a size 2 kestrel better. I have had a size 1 and size 2 Kestrel and the the size 2 was way more comfortable for me.

I love the light weight of the mantis and have a large. I personally like carrying the mantis better than the kestrel but for me the kestrel is more comfortable. I have a large mantis and wonder if I should have got an extra large. I would love to try an extra large or I may buy one and sell the one that does not fit as well.
For sure get the size 2 kestrel.

 

[Kurt]

I love my large mantis. I'm 5'8"and 200lbs. I style a size 36 waist, and I'm totally comfortable in my saddle all day. I have a predator platform. I consider myself a 65% leaner to 35% sitter. I had 5 back to back all day (from dark to dark ) sits this year, and that time went by super comfortably. Look on the Google map and find a saddle hunter near you and see if you can't get into a saddle for fitting. I'm done hunting in my state of MA for the year. Tagged two nice bucks out of my saddle. Let these folks know where your at and I bet someone will hook you up.

 

[MJH]

The ass adjustment straps on the KESTREL are super important for comfort. For several sits I had them too loose and I had some upper ass/lower back discomfort. After I adjusted them, everything changed and it became a dream to sit in. Does the Mantis have ass adjustment?

 

[Slingpredator06]

I am 5 10 and 200 pounds. Not as athletic at 60 years old but I am sure you will like a size 2 kestrel better. I have had a size 1 and size 2 Kestrel and the the size 2 was way more comfortable for me.

I love the light weight of the mantis and have a large. I personally like carrying the mantis better than the kestrel but for me the kestrel is more comfortable. I have a large mantis and wonder if I should have got an extra large. I would love to try an extra large or I may buy one and sell the one that does not fit as well.
For sure get the size 2 kestrel.

I just bought an XL Mantis. I am similar in size to you at 5'11" and 205lbs. When I get it Ill let you know how it fits and compares to a size 2 Kestrel if you havent committed to it already by then.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I just bought an XL Mantis. I am similar in size to you at 5'11" and 205lbs. When I get it Ill let you know how it fits and compares to a size 2 Kestrel if you havent committed to it already by then.

That would be great

 

[bongo]

Thanks guys for clarifying the Kestrel vs Mantis topic.

I wish I could try them on. I'm 6' and 220lbs. Most of my pants are 36"; some are 34". I have an athletic build (not bragging) so my weight is a little deceiving. Weight training (heck that's good for climbing trees) and basketball/cycling gives me more shoulders, chest and back/hip mass. I ordered the Kestrel Size 1 since it goes to 36". I started to think in late season I'll bundle up like the Pillsburry dough boy. I called New Tribe and they recommended the size 2 and said i could easily adjust it down. Has anyone had issues with Kestrel sizing being on the border of waist size? I've never used a tree saddle so all of my buying decisions are being made based on this forum and YouTube.

I’m 5’9” 38” Waist #210 I bought a size 1 Kestrel last year and it fit good. Then the hip pinch threads started appearing on here and I ordered a size 2. The 1 was nice but the 2 was twice as good. I bought a Kite Size2 this year and sold it after one sit due to buckles but other than that the saddle was great. I bought a large Mantis and wore it for three sits and it was to small and am upgrading to an X Large. So far I like the Kestrel size 2 but haven’t given the X Large Mantis a shot yet.


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[USSHornet]

What was your concern with the buckles if you are ok with sharing it?


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[Ontariofarmer]

I’m 5’9” 38” Waist #210 I bought a size 1 Kestrel last year and it fit good. Then the hip pinch threads started appearing on here and I ordered a size 2. The 1 was nice but the 2 was twice as good. I bought a Kite Size2 this year and sold it after one sit due to buckles but other than that the saddle was great. I bought a large Mantis and wore it for three sits and it was to small and am upgrading to an X Large. So far I like the Kestrel size 2 but haven’t given the X Large Mantis a shot yet.


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Let us know what you think of the x large mantis... I have did almost exactly what you have done and had the same experience... I am 5'10' 200 pounds and 36 waist. I want to like the mantis but a large is not as comfortable as the size 2 kestrel. The weight of the mantis is appealing and it does not need suspenders to keep it on my butt. I would like to try a kite. Maybe I will wait and see what new thing is available this year before I buy.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

Let us know what you think of the x large mantis... I have did almost exactly what you have done and had the same experience... I am 5'10' 200 pounds and 36 waist. I want to like the mantis but a large is not as comfortable as the size 2 kestrel. The weight of the mantis is appealing and it does not need suspenders to it keep on my butt. I would like to try a kite. Maybe I will wait and see what new thing is available this year before I buy.

From another point of view, I'm a 36 in waist, currently 220 lbs at 6 ft tall. I have both the Size 2 Kestrel and the XL Mantis. I actually find the XL Mantis to be more comfortable for me than the Kestrel. I have less hip pinch, although I do swap to a longer bridge once situated in the tree (the exact bridge I used with the Kestrel), and I don't tend to feel like I'm sliding down while in a sitting position as I did with the Kestrel. Once I sit in the Mantis I feel like my butt stays put. I think the XL might be cut just a bit larger than the size 2 Kestrel. The give of the mesh seems to help some as well.
As for the extra bridge, it doubles as my lineman's belt while climbing so I'm not carrying anything extra. Once I get situated at height I just hook it across the bridge loops, adjust it and swap it into the tether carabiner. Once its in there I stand up and pull out the stock amsteel bridge.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

From another point of view, I'm a 36 in waist, currently 220 lbs at 6 ft tall. I have both the Size 2 Kestrel and the XL Mantis. I actually find the XL Mantis to be more comfortable for me than the Kestrel. I have less hip pinch, although I do swap to a longer bridge once situated in the tree (the exact bridge I used with the Kestrel), and I don't tend to feel like I'm sliding down while in a sitting position as I did with the Kestrel. Once I sit in the Mantis I feel like my butt stays put. I think the XL might be cut just a bit larger than the size 2 Kestrel. The give of the mesh seems to help some as well.
As for the extra bridge, it doubles as my lineman's belt while climbing so I'm not carrying anything extra. Once I get situated at height I just hook it across the bridge loops, adjust it and swap it into the tether carabiner. Once its in there I stand up and pull out the stock amsteel bridge.

Maybe I have to sell the large mantis and buy an extra large


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[Bwhana]

From another point of view, I'm a 36 in waist, currently 220 lbs at 6 ft tall. I have both the Size 2 Kestrel and the XL Mantis. I actually find the XL Mantis to be more comfortable for me than the Kestrel. I have less hip pinch, although I do swap to a longer bridge once situated in the tree (the exact bridge I used with the Kestrel), and I don't tend to feel like I'm sliding down while in a sitting position as I did with the Kestrel. Once I sit in the Mantis I feel like my butt stays put. I think the XL might be cut just a bit larger than the size 2 Kestrel. The give of the mesh seems to help some as well.
As for the extra bridge, it doubles as my lineman's belt while climbing so I'm not carrying anything extra. Once I get situated at height I just hook it across the bridge loops, adjust it and swap it into the tether carabiner. Once its in there I stand up and pull out the stock amsteel bridge.

I was 95% sure I was placing an order for a size 2 Kestrel in a few weeks, but this intrigues me! Really want to sit in it and an XL mantis first.

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[Mike Nutto]

The ass adjustment straps on the KESTREL are super important for comfort. For several sits I had them too loose and I had some upper ass/lower back discomfort. After I adjusted them, everything changed and it became a dream to sit in. Does the Mantis have ass adjustment?

They have adjusters but they come separate. They should just be part of the saddle. I think the micro adjusters are great but poor design they pop out and have to be popped back in

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[Mike Nutto]

I was 95% sure I was placing an order for a size 2 Kestrel in a few weeks, but this intrigues me! Really want to sit in it and an XL mantis first.

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I'm a bit annoyed by this because I asked about the size. I got the large mantis, I get hip pinch on one side. I'd like to try the mantis xl. I ordered the kestrel size 2.
One thing I don't like on the mantis is where the hooks for the leg strap connect. They are tucked in on the waist belt. They should have dropped the tabs down off the belt. That way you could find them easier.
I have found you have to find your sweet spot with your tether height to get more comfortable.
I'm hoping the kestrel will be more comfortable.
I think there are a lot of trade offs buckles on the leg strap for ease of getting on. I'm also hoping the kestrel really isn't bad to walk in with. I didn't go with the kite because of the adjustment buckles they are just a wrong choice by new tribe that style buckle rattles I've had them on other saftey harness so that was a no go

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[Labonte.r]

I'm a bit annoyed by this because I asked about the size. I got the large mantis, I get hip pinch on one side. I'd like to try the mantis xl. I ordered the kestrel size 2.
One thing I don't like on the mantis is where the hooks for the leg strap connect. They are tucked in on the waist belt. They should have dropped the tabs down off the belt. That way you could find them easier.
I have found you have to find your sweet spot with your tether height to get more comfortable.
I'm hoping the kestrel will be more comfortable.
I think there are a lot of trade offs buckles on the leg strap for ease of getting on. I'm also hoping the kestrel really isn't bad to walk in with. I didn't go with the kite because of the adjustment buckles they are just a wrong choice by new tribe that style buckle rattles I've had them on other saftey harness so that was a no go

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If just ordered might wanna call Aerohunter I emailed and they said they would make the kite with the raptor buckles. It was 25 upcharge to change to raptors both wait and legs.

 

[Mike Nutto]

If just ordered might wanna call Aerohunter I emailed and they said they would make the kite with the raptor buckles. It was 25 upcharge to change to raptors both wait and legs.

I really think I'd rather try the kestrel. I have the mantis if anything I would upgrade and go to an XL in the mantis. The mantis and the kestrel are not much different. I may call new tribe and see if the linemens loops can be moved forward. I also liked how the kestrel is adjustable from both sides on the waist belt. I will do some more research and maybe call them. Thanks for the info never thought of asking for custom work

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[Allegheny Tom]

One thing I don't like on the mantis is where the hooks for the leg strap connect. They are tucked in on the waist belt. They should have dropped the tabs down off the belt. That way you could find them easier.
I have found you have to find your sweet spot with your tether height to get more comfortable.
I'm hoping the kestrel will be more comfortable.
I think there are a lot of trade offs buckles on the leg strap for ease of getting on. I'm also hoping the kestrel really isn't bad to walk in with. I didn't go with the kite because of the adjustment buckles they are just a wrong choice by new tribe that style buckle rattles I've had them on other saftey harness so that was a no go

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The leg strap hook-up on the Mantis is the main reason why I wouldn't trade my Kestrel for a Mantis. My buddy got a Mantis and the leg strap hook-up became his #1 complaint when the colder weather came. Earlier in the season when wearing fewer clothes, the leg strap loops aren't difficult to locate, but when layered up a bit in cold weather, the location of the loops are a pain. My buddy has a commercial thread injector (big sewing machine...lol!) and plans to come up with extensions or some method to make the leg strap hook-up easier. I haven't hung from my buddy's Mantis, but I have worn it. I'll keep my Kestrel.

As for comfort... Since I haven't hunted with a Mantis, I can only compare the Kestrel to an old Trophy Line I used to own. Absolutely no comparison. My Kestrel is as comfy as I desire or need. You are right, the sweet spot for tether height is crucial. The leg strap adjustments also need dialed in. I also like to play with the exact location that the bridge is on the saddle loops. It makes a difference on how the saddle feels.

For walking in, The Kestrel is perfect IMO. One of the 1st things I did last winter when I got mine was to wear it shed hunting to see what it was like to walk while wearing it. After a couple 4 hour walks, I was convinced. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. One thing I don't understand is people feeling the need to add suspenders. I just use my lineman rope. I sling it over my shoulders and adjust the length with my Ropeman1. There is zero sagging and total comfort. And when I put it on when I get dressed, I'm ready to climb right up in the tree. There's no fooling around with getting it out of a pack and spending time putting it on. That last 100 yards or so to my tree is critical. I know there are often deer not far away. I want to be as low impact and quiet as I can be. The last thing I want is to be preoccupied with putting gear on.

 

[Mike Nutto]

The leg strap hook-up on the Mantis is the main reason why I wouldn't trade my Kestrel for a Mantis. My buddy got a Mantis and the leg strap hook-up became his #1 complaint when the colder weather came. Earlier in the season when wearing fewer clothes, the leg strap loops aren't difficult to locate, but when layered up a bit in cold weather, the location of the loops are a pain. My buddy has a commercial thread injector (big sewing machine...lol!) and plans to come up with extensions or some method to make the leg strap hook-up easier. I haven't hung from my buddy's Mantis, but I have worn it. I'll keep my Kestrel.

As for comfort... Since I haven't hunted with a Mantis, I can only compare the Kestrel to an old Trophy Line I used to own. Absolutely no comparison. My Kestrel is as comfy as I desire or need. You are right, the sweet spot for tether height is crucial. The leg strap adjustments also need dialed in. I also like to play with the exact location that the bridge is on the saddle loops. It makes a difference on how the saddle feels.

For walking in, The Kestrel is perfect IMO. One of the 1st things I did last winter when I got mine was to wear it shed hunting to see what it was like to walk while wearing it. After a couple 4 hour walks, I was convinced. I didn't even realize I was wearing it. One thing I don't understand is people feeling the need to add suspenders. I just use my lineman rope. I sling it over my shoulders and adjust the length with my Ropeman1. There is zero sagging and total comfort. And when I put it on when I get dressed, I'm ready to climb right up in the tree. There's no fooling around with getting it out of a pack and spending time putting it on. That last 100 yards or so to my tree is critical. I know there are often deer not far away. I want to be as low impact and quiet as I can be. The last thing I want is to be preoccupied with putting gear on.

You see this makes sense , having that adjustable bridge keeps sounding better and better. My mother is a seamstress she has a machine that will see in loops on the mantis , I'm so doing that , those loop connectors are a pain in the ass! Nothing against tethered either here the saddle is awesome either way it's 1000 times nicer then any treestand. I love the innovation these guys have brought to the table. They got me in the saddle this year. Their bag system is awesome! I'm excited to try the kestrel.

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[John Eberhart]

To me it's always about ease of use, mobility during the hunt, comfort, the actual size and depth of the seat, packability and overall weight and the Mantis is the best in all of those categories. Make sure to get the Ropeman adjuster buckles as they are WAY better than using a prussic knot for adjusting.

 

[Mike Nutto]

To me it's always about ease of use, mobility during the hunt, comfort, the actual size and depth of the seat, packability and overall weight and the Mantis is the best in all of those categories. Make sure to get the Ropeman adjuster buckles as they are WAY better than using a prussic knot for adjusting.

What size were you using ?