swampsnyper
Well-Known Member
Got to try it out in the yard today. Will further my review after hunting from it this weekend. But for now, 1st thoughts.
Sizing:
Classic vs kestrel size 1
Same length but classic’s depth is a little longer than an inch. Classic is underneath.
Classic vs Kite size 2
Kite size 2 is about the same depth but around 4in longer at the bridge loops. Classic is on top.
My thoughts with a 34in waist is the classic could be 1-2 inches longer at the bridge loops, it would be a perfect size for me. My kestrel size 1 is too small and my kite size 2 is too big, but bigger doesn’t hurt as much as too small.
The classic feels a lot lighter than both the kite and kestrel. Lighter buckles for sure. It rides great while walking because it is so light and has no heavy buckles to weigh it down. Which brings me to another point. Putting the wire clip g-hook leg straps on is absolutely dreadful. Good idea to solve them falling off but not practical. While hooking them on, you are looking at it through the lineman loops and the bridge is also in the way while trying to fold the little wire gate back and thread it into a soft webbing loop that keeps collapsing. I can’t see it happening with gloves. But that’s the worse part about the saddle. I see them changing that soon. It’s just a no go.
Comfort:
After I got it dialed in and used my bridge, it was excellent for the short time in the yard today. I believe Latitude knocked it out of the park on the vertical support webbing.
I never used the micro adjusters on saddles or felt the need to adjust the cup with repositioning the bridge on the bridge loops. Some people love it, just not for me. I played with the oplux adjustable bridge up and down the bridge loops and it does what it’s intended to do but if I go from sitting to leaning, that needs to be repositioned and it’s tight. Not easy on a ring of steps or a scout platform but I was able to do it. I’ve always liked carabiners hooking into my bridge loops. Whether I’m sitting or leaning, they self-adjust to equalize the pressure on the top and bottom strap. Easy mod for me. No big deal, I’ve been using the same bridge system for years replacing every stock bridge I’ve come across. Personal preference.
Being that the bridge loops were short on me, the oplux knots and Prusik dug into my side when I twisted in my saddle for a side shot. If the bridge loops were longer, I think I’d have more clearance. My carabiners turn flat against my stomach when I’m in that position so it isn’t a problem and you are only in that position a short time if you need to twist like that.
The linemans belt loops are easy to clip into and the Molle webbing is loose enough to easily clip a carabiner into as well.
Can’t wait to hunt from it. I know it’s gonna be comfortable. I just need to figure out a different attachment for the leg loops. I like having them on.
I think the Latitude guys have some great ideas and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow. I hope I wasn’t to harsh and a lot of the cons I see are just personal preference. But we need to change the leg loop attachment. The back g-clip is great. Removal/customization of leg loops is a good idea. But the everyday use G-clips on the front have to be rethought.
Sizing:
Classic vs kestrel size 1
Same length but classic’s depth is a little longer than an inch. Classic is underneath.
Classic vs Kite size 2
Kite size 2 is about the same depth but around 4in longer at the bridge loops. Classic is on top.
My thoughts with a 34in waist is the classic could be 1-2 inches longer at the bridge loops, it would be a perfect size for me. My kestrel size 1 is too small and my kite size 2 is too big, but bigger doesn’t hurt as much as too small.
The classic feels a lot lighter than both the kite and kestrel. Lighter buckles for sure. It rides great while walking because it is so light and has no heavy buckles to weigh it down. Which brings me to another point. Putting the wire clip g-hook leg straps on is absolutely dreadful. Good idea to solve them falling off but not practical. While hooking them on, you are looking at it through the lineman loops and the bridge is also in the way while trying to fold the little wire gate back and thread it into a soft webbing loop that keeps collapsing. I can’t see it happening with gloves. But that’s the worse part about the saddle. I see them changing that soon. It’s just a no go.
Comfort:
After I got it dialed in and used my bridge, it was excellent for the short time in the yard today. I believe Latitude knocked it out of the park on the vertical support webbing.
I never used the micro adjusters on saddles or felt the need to adjust the cup with repositioning the bridge on the bridge loops. Some people love it, just not for me. I played with the oplux adjustable bridge up and down the bridge loops and it does what it’s intended to do but if I go from sitting to leaning, that needs to be repositioned and it’s tight. Not easy on a ring of steps or a scout platform but I was able to do it. I’ve always liked carabiners hooking into my bridge loops. Whether I’m sitting or leaning, they self-adjust to equalize the pressure on the top and bottom strap. Easy mod for me. No big deal, I’ve been using the same bridge system for years replacing every stock bridge I’ve come across. Personal preference.
Being that the bridge loops were short on me, the oplux knots and Prusik dug into my side when I twisted in my saddle for a side shot. If the bridge loops were longer, I think I’d have more clearance. My carabiners turn flat against my stomach when I’m in that position so it isn’t a problem and you are only in that position a short time if you need to twist like that.
The linemans belt loops are easy to clip into and the Molle webbing is loose enough to easily clip a carabiner into as well.
Can’t wait to hunt from it. I know it’s gonna be comfortable. I just need to figure out a different attachment for the leg loops. I like having them on.
I think the Latitude guys have some great ideas and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow. I hope I wasn’t to harsh and a lot of the cons I see are just personal preference. But we need to change the leg loop attachment. The back g-clip is great. Removal/customization of leg loops is a good idea. But the everyday use G-clips on the front have to be rethought.