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Kestrel replacement?

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danielvalencia95

Active Member
SH Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2020
Messages
123
Location
Alabama
Hello all, I am still somewhat of a newbie in the saddle hunting game but I got quite a bit of use out of my first saddle the kestrel, and while it is comfortable I am curious if I can beat it in terms of comfort and or same comfort level and less weight. Let me know what you guys think. Also I am practicing with the LWHC as a climbing method so if anyone has some tips for that, that's also welcome!
 
Ive used a kestrel for the last 2 years too. Perfectly comfortable for short 3 hour sits. Not so great past that. I’ll be interested in what some other kestrel guys have gone too. Seems like a lot went to the Cruzr XC. I’m thinking about that or trying the Dryad Drey eventually, but seems like I’ll prob do my third season with the tried and true kestrel.
 
That was my experience, about the 3 hour mark was the comfort limit. But I found for sitting the ROS was a gamechanger for me, along with using a strap around both legs kinda like an impromptu jx3
 
I was able to buy a used kestrel flex last year (the old style flex) and it is super comfy for me.
 
I had a Kestrel for a few years and used it a lot. Good, solid saddle but yeah, had to loosen the belt and slide it way down for comfort. A 2-panel like the Overwatch Transformer fixes that. I find the 2-panels much more comfortable for long sits.
 
There is a meet up in Tennessee coming up. Maybe check that out. Lots of different saddles will be there.
If not buy something and send it back if you don't like it.
But comfort is all personal preference.
I used a kestrel last year. Just ordered a Transformer.
 

Meet up near Nashville TN

Gents still having an issue with the Franklin Parks. They pretty much said NO but waiting on one last person to confirm. They suggested Radnor State Park. I am trying to contact them but no answer as of yet. I have been in contact with the TWRA officer for the Franklin area Officer Cook and he...
saddlehunter.com
 
danielvalencia95 said:
Hello all, I am still somewhat of a newbie in the saddle hunting game but I got quite a bit of use out of my first saddle the kestrel, and while it is comfortable I am curious if I can beat it in terms of comfort and or same comfort level and less weight. Let me know what you guys think. Also I am practicing with the LWHC as a climbing method so if anyone has some tips for that, that's also welcome!
Click to expand...
I sold my
danielvalencia95 said:
Hello all, I am still somewhat of a newbie in the saddle hunting game but I got quite a bit of use out of my first saddle the kestrel, and while it is comfortable I am curious if I can beat it in terms of comfort and or same comfort level and less weight. Let me know what you guys think. Also I am practicing with the LWHC as a climbing method so if anyone has some tips for that, that's also welcome!
Click to expand...
I sold my Kestrel after I bought the Cruzr XC knowing I wouldn't use the Kestrel anymore. I still have 4 saddles left but my go to ones are the Cruzr XC and the Aero Hunter Flex.
 
philsanchez76 said:
Ive used a kestrel for the last 2 years too. Perfectly comfortable for short 3 hour sits. Not so great past that. I’ll be interested in what some other kestrel guys have gone too. Seems like a lot went to the Cruzr XC. I’m thinking about that or trying the Dryad Drey eventually, but seems like I’ll prob do my third season with the tried and true kestrel.
Click to expand...
Can’t say that I’ve hunted out of the Kestrel but I have sat in one and I can assure you that going with the Drey would be the way to go. Anything works for a couple hours but the Drey’s comfort lasts.
 
Can’t speak to the Kestrel although the quality looks very good. I’ve used a Tethrd Mantis and just lately the Latitude Classic 2. I can attest to the quality of both but the Latitude’s comfort and attention to detail in my opinion would be hard to beat, especially for the price. If you’re considering the dryad drey then you should do yourself a favor and check out Latitude. Their Method 2 saddle is a two-panel design that you may want to consider. I almost got it but wanted to stick with a single panel saddle for now. I’ve researched most of the current saddles and I settled on Latitude and glad I did. I hope this helps.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Have any of you used a cruzr archon? I am thinking the 2 panel saddle will more closely mimic a jx3 (I love the comfort but despise climbing with it) built in back support and should be fine for leaning as well. Not many reviews that I've found for it
 
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