Kite or Kestrel

[Country]

I'm thinking about trying out another saddle just to compare. Im considering the Kite or the Kestrel. The obvious differences in buckles don't concern me as much as overall comfort. For anyone who has tried both, what are your opinions on differences in comfort between the two saddles?

I have read every thread I can find so it may just come down to buying one and trying...or trying out someone else's.

Wondering if the saddle panels on the kestrel create more of a hammock than the single piece of mesh with the kite, too.

Thanks!

 

[redsquirrel]

I love both the kite and the kestrel. The kestrel has a little more structure but comfort is comparable.

 

[Country]

I love both the kite and the kestrel. The kestrel has a little more structure but comfort is comparable.

Thanks. What size did you go with? Are you happy with the size you have? I have a Large Mantis and like how it fits,even though I think a Medium would work. I'm a pretty small guy, but wanted the extra room for heavy pants.

 

[DaveT1963]

If you are talking stock saddles than I prefer the kestrel due to the buckles. Either saddle will work well enough, just not my preferred saddle.

 

[onestringer]

If you prefer the buckles of the kestrel, aero hunter will put those on a kite for you. I have a kestrel and I had a kite. I sold the kite because I didn't find it as comfortable as my kestrel. But, that just my opinion....pun intended.

 

[Country]

If you prefer the buckles of the kestrel, aero hunter will put those on a kite for you. I have a kestrel and I had a kite. I sold the kite because I didn't find it as comfortable as my kestrel. But, that just my opinion....pun intended.

 

[redsquirrel]

Thanks. What size did you go with? Are you happy with the size you have? I have a Large Mantis and like how it fits,even though I think a Medium would work. I'm a pretty small guy, but wanted the extra room for heavy pants.

I have size 2 in both. It fits me much better than the size 1. I do feel it could be bigger once I put all my late season clothes on but it still fits ok. I'm not a big guy, 5'7" 185 pounds.

 

[Crb1988]

I have a kite with upgraded raptor buckles and its been comfortable for me. I have not tried a kestrel out tho.

 

[Islandshooter]

If you prefer the buckles of the kestrel, aero hunter will put those on a kite for you. I have a kestrel and I had a kite. I sold the kite because I didn't find it as comfortable as my kestrel. But, that just my opinion....pun intended.

That's what I did, got the buckles on the kite. Got a size 2, I'm 5-9/178, 34 waist. Might be too big, I'll let you guys at saddlepalooza help me with that

 

[Ontariofarmer]

@redsquirrel " I have size 2 in both. It fits me much better than the size 1. I do feel it could be bigger once I put all my late season clothes on but it still fits ok. I'm not a big guy, 5'7" 185 pounds. "

So which of the two do you use the most. That indicates a preference. I guess I ask because I have a kestrel but not a kite. I like the size 2 much better too. I like the lighter weight of the kite just like I like the even lighter weight of the mantis. I do have a large mantis and the kestrel is more comfortable IMO.

 

[elk yinzer]

I've had both although I only had the Kestrel a brief time before selling it, about a month and only hunted once late season out of it. Both in Size 1. I'd like to try a size 2, I think late season it might fit better. I am 6', 200 with a lot of backside.

I prefer the Kite. I found walking in the Kestrel uncomfortable due to the stiffer cordura fabric. Maybe I never broke it in.

Comfort in the tree was equal.

I prefer the waist buckle configuration on the Kite, simple and light. Leg buckles not crazy about either.

 

[redsquirrel]

@redsquirrel " I have size 2 in both. It fits me much better than the size 1. I do feel it could be bigger once I put all my late season clothes on but it still fits ok. I'm not a big guy, 5'7" 185 pounds. "

So which of the two do you use the most. That indicates a preference. I guess I ask because I have a kestrel but not a kite. I like the size 2 much better too. I like the lighter weight of the kite just like I like the even lighter weight of the mantis. I do have a large mantis and the kestrel is more comfortable IMO.

I agree, I have size 2 in both too. I can make it work in late season but I went to an adjustable bridge to make it more comfortable. Up until I really bulk up that is not an issue at all.

I used the kestrel all 2017-2018 and the kite the second half of this season. I loaned my kestrel to a buddy so I need to get it back and use it again to really compare. Both of them are very comfortable though so I can use either. While the mantis is extremely light I just don't find it comfortable.

 

[Adrena123]

I'm a mesh guy so size 2 KITE all the way

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I agree, I have size 2 in both too. I can make it work in late season but I went to an adjustable bridge to make it more comfortable. Up until I really bulk up that is not an issue at all.

I used the kestrel all 2017-2018 and the kite the second half of this season. I loaned my kestrel to a buddy so I need to get it back and use it again to really compare. Both of them are very comfortable though so I can use either. While the mantis is extremely light I just don't find it comfortable.

Thanks for the reply. Maybe we like the kestrel because we are sitters
I have an adjustable bridge as well

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