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Looking for some opinions!!

Dopo87

Active Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2016
Messages
182
Location
Pennsylvania
I currently have the Evolution saddle and love it, so my question is should I upgrade to the kestrel or should I splurge on some quality camo like Sitka or KUIU.
 
I currently have the Evolution saddle and love it, so my question is should I upgrade to the kestrel or should I splurge on some quality camo like Sitka or KUIU.
I have them both, but haven't had a chance to use the kestrel yet. For me, I was drawn by the reduction in weight, bulk, and complexity. I love my evo and honestly could use it and be happy, but then this little voice inside tells me I have to have this new saddle...... I don't envision any reason why I won't like it.

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I'd get the Kestrel. I wasn't a fan of the Evo, but love the Kestrel. Plus, best camo deals are right after the season. Now is the worst time to buy hunting gear...well, except a Kestrel.

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Kestrel isn't an upgrade. It is a change in priorities. It is smaller and LESS adjustable. It is built more for 'limited use' where the Evo is constructed like a WORK saddle.

I sold my Evo and was going to use a SitDrag this year because my priority was low weight. Then I saw what they did with the Kestrel. It is a good balance. Many of us would like it even more if they figured out an even lighter version (no hardware).
 
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Kestrel isn't an upgrade. It is a change in priorities. It is smaller and more adjustable. It is built more for 'limited use' where the Evo is constructed like a WORK saddle.

I sold my Evo and was going to use a SitDrag this year because my priority was low weight. Then I saw what they did with the Kestrel. It is a good balance. Many of us would like it even more if they figured out an even lighter version (no hardware).
Yes to each his/her own, but a lighter version (no hardware) and I would probably be in one!
 
I can't say yet. It has less support. The Evo holds your lower back and legs more. But if you aren't adjusted properly, that can cut into your body.

The Kestrel is lower on your waist and higher above your legs. The non interference could be seen as 'more comfort' but it is actually more like 'less likely to cause discomfort' if that makes
Sense.
 
The Kestrel could definitely be made where it didn't have quick release buckles and would then be much lighter. I think I would like it just as much and would appreciate the reduced weight. But I am used to using climbing harnesses that don't have quick release.
 
Are they as comfortable as the Evo?
I personally find the Kestrel more comfortable and I tried every combination of the Evo mixing and matching size 1 and 2.

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The Kestrel could definitely be made where it didn't have quick release buckles and would then be much lighter. I think I would like it just as much and would appreciate the reduced weight. But I am used to using climbing harnesses that don't have quick release.
Also easily modded. Just pick up some high quality slides

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Are they as comfortable as the Evo?

My first thought is no it is not. I've hunted out of it twice and need more time in to have a better opinion. The Kestrel is way lighter and easy to use but for now I just feel the evo is more comfortable to me.
 
I just hunted in the Kestrel and it was awesome. It was so comfortable and love it so glade I got it. It puts the TL saddle in comfort to shame . I have a Guido's web and the comfort with the back band on the Kestrel is unbelievable. Like I said I love this thing.
 
Any ideas for this?
Moderately interested in the concept. But you would have to sew the webbing and I don't love that...
I'd just cut the buckles cinch it together with some good slides...but I LOVE the buckles so I'm not doing it.

If I sewed them, I'd replace with a Petzl speed buckle.

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