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Mantis and Spliced Rope Review

Great review Swampsnyper. Just goes to show that everyone is different and require different setups.


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Good review @swampsnyper I just sold my Kestrel size 2 and I am trying to sell my mantis large. I love the JX3 hybrid and will not sell it.
My findings were the same I like the kestrel... except the bulk and I could not get comfortable in my mantis but wonder if I should have got an x large mantis.
I will likely try an x large mantis or a size 2 kite. I like the weight of the mantis and I can wear it without suspenders but the kestrel was way more comfortable and the large mantis reminded me of my size 1 kestrel which was also uncomfortable. I really wonder if sitters need the largest size available.
I found I really liked how compact the mantis was compared to the kestrel too. As @flinginairos says we are all different and he is a leaner not a sitter.
 
Ontariofarmer said:
Good review @swampsnyper I just sold my Kestrel size 2 and I am trying to sell my mantis large. I love the JX3 hybrid and will not sell it.
My findings were the same I like the kestrel... except the bulk and I could not get comfortable in my mantis but wonder if I should have got an x large mantis.
I will likely try an x large mantis or a size 2 kite. I like the weight of the mantis and I can wear it without suspenders but the kestrel was way more comfortable and the large mantis reminded me of my size 1 kestrel which was also uncomfortable. I really wonder if sitters need the largest size available.
I found I really liked how compact the mantis was compared to the kestrel too. As @flinginairos says we are all different and he is a leaner not a sitter.
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I may need to try a XL Mantis to see if it provides more sitting comfort.

A Lg fits me and is great for leaning but I keep having to adjust it down when sitting.

I found that when shooting a rifle I usually end up sitting and wanting to be closer to tree for support.

Keep us updated if u get to test an XL for sitting.


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There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that works for everyone. There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that doesn’t have to be adjusted occasionally while being used. Unless it is designed by Sealy Posturepedic of course.
 
Nice review, we all have different needs and levels of comfort tolerance. Thankfully, we have numerous options available today.
 
huck72412 said:
There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that works for everyone. There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that doesn’t have to be adjusted occasionally while being used. Unless it is designed by Sealy Posturepedic of course.
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Are you designing the Sealy saddle. I agree with you. I may order an x large mantis just because I like Greg and Ernie


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How much of the 20 feet did you use? I need to make a LB but thought I may make another tether with a bigger eye. Was 20 too much or just right? I don’t know how long my LB needs to be.
 
DaveT1963 said:
Nice review, we all have different needs and levels of comfort tolerance. Thankfully, we have numerous options available today.
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I agree with @DaveT1963 we are all different and I am glad for all the options
Really I think body shape makes a difference in what you like. Tethrd and New Tribes recommends a size 1 and large for me.
For sure a size 2 kestrel is way better for me and I suspect an x large mantis is best for me but I do not know

Rather than being afraid to speak I think we need to figure this out for buyers so we are not all trying stuff that does not work or even worse discouraging a new saddle hunter

For me I am a 36 waist with no butt. That makes me wide at the hips and I think that is why hip pinch is really bad in a smaller saddle because of the angle it produces on the bridge.
It may be why I like a long adjustable bridge too. Plus I am a sitter That is just my theory.
I like both companies and want them both to thrive.
If a guy that sits and has a 32 waist or if a leaner with a 36 waist wants a large mantis saddle I have one for sale
When I sell it I will get an x large
Mantis to try


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huck72412 said:
There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that works for everyone. There will NEVER EVER NEVER EVER be a saddle that doesn’t have to be adjusted occasionally while being used. Unless it is designed by Sealy Posturepedic of course.
Click to expand...

You may have just broke the code! Get to building that sealy saddle! Lol
 
ekelsey15 said:
How much of the 20 feet did you use? I need to make a LB but thought I may make another tether with a bigger eye. Was 20 too much or just right? I don’t know how long my LB needs to be.
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I cut it in half and used one for my tether and one for my linemans belt. They are both at least a foot too long.
 
I will add that some people have higher tolerance for discomfort. I never really think about how comfortable I am while I am hunting. I am playing out scenarios and rehearsing my shot over and over in my mind, and I am paying attention to the woods/other wildlife. If I get a little "saddle sore" I adjust. Folks it is not like we have to climb down the tree and reset - adjust when needed (just learn to do so slowly). But also be realistic, there is always going to be some discomfort when your entire weight is support by a diaper while hanging for hours.
 
DaveT1963 said:
I will add that some people have higher tolerance for discomfort. I never really think about how comfortable I am while I am hunting. I am playing out scenarios and rehearsing my shot over and over in my mind, and I am paying attention to the woods/other wildlife. If I get a little "saddle sore" I adjust. Folks it is not like we have to climb down the tree and reset - adjust when needed (just learn to do so slowly). But also be realistic, there is always going to be some discomfort when your entire weight is support by a diaper while hanging for hours.
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Absolutely. I’ve hunted out of many saddles. None was perfect. Maybe no such thing as the perfect saddle. I was just pointing out that for my body shape and hunting style, the mantis doesn’t fit the bill over others I’ve used in the past. Maybe a size larger would be better. But that’s still not going to change the size of the waist belt which gave me the most discomfort. It’s all tolerable. Being able to state that it’s the lightest saddle on the market is good for sales. For me, somethings aren’t worth giving up for more comfort and a few ounces isn’t gonna kill me. I guess I’m more tolerable toward carrying a few more ounces than sitting for hours in discomfort.
Every system has its trade offs. Just got to go with what works for you. It’s not a bad thing that good or bad opinions are stated about a product. It needs to be said. That’s how we improve. I might make a saddle that’s perfect for me, but if I want to sell it, I want to know how everyone feels about it. Then I could make a different model to cater to the needs of different style hunters. Options are good! A sitter style saddle, a leaner style saddle, an ultra light saddle, or a lazy boy saddle would be great options to have. I could see having a few saddles for different style hunts. Why make or own only one?
 
swampsnyper said:
Absolutely. I’ve hunted out of many saddles. None was perfect. Maybe no such thing as the perfect saddle. I was just pointing out that for my body shape and hunting style, the mantis doesn’t fit the bill over others I’ve used in the past. Maybe a size larger would be better. But that’s still not going to change the size of the waist belt which gave me the most discomfort. It’s all tolerable. Being able to state that it’s the lightest saddle on the market is good for sales. For me, somethings aren’t worth giving up for more comfort and a few ounces isn’t gonna kill me. I guess I’m more tolerable toward carrying a few more ounces than sitting for hours in discomfort.
Every system has its trade offs. Just got to go with what works for you. It’s not a bad thing that good or bad opinions are stated about a product. It needs to be said. That’s how we improve. I might make a saddle that’s perfect for me, but if I want to sell it, I want to know how everyone feels about it. Then I could make a different model to cater to the needs of different style hunters. Options are good! A sitter style saddle, a leaner style saddle, an ultra light saddle, or a lazy boy saddle would be great options to have. I could see having a few saddles for different style hunts. Why make or own only one?
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Agree. My primary concern is not weight - it is shootability (how easy it works with me to get in position for a shot), how quiet it is, and the size it takes up in my pack. Weight would be next and comfort would show up way down the list. I guess years of backpacking for elk create a mental toughness attitude - I embrace the suck factor. Having said that, I have sat in a ton of saddles and to date I use the mantis and find it the most comfortable I have ever used outside a homemade fleece saddle. I have a tub full of aerohunters, greens, trophyline, home made, guidos web that will probably never get used again (exception being my Kestrel will be used as my tree prepping saddle).

Some prefer sticks, others stepps, still others ropes - platform or ROSs, etc.... We all have to find what works for us.
 
I guess comfort matters to me because if I am comfortable I sit still and sit long
I suppose what weapon I have makes a difference in the ability to shoot from certain saddles. I think with practice it is not hard to shoot from any saddle.
I don’t claim to be a great hunter I am still learning. But comfort adds to my fun

Comfort order - best to worst

Jx3. Super good
Kestrel size 2 very good
Mantis large and kestrel 1. Not comfortable for me
Sit drag. Not for me
Mantis XL still not comfortable
Never tried a kite
Flex second most comfortable but floppy when I wear it in

I



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Lots of us here have that same tub of saddles. Lol We all reach in for a different one for different reasons. At this point in my life, I feel I can tough through anything if I need too. May be a little slower than I use to be. Just not a lot of “need to” any more. I prefer the work smarter not harder route. I’m surely not gonna hunt out of the saddle that’s not as comfortable as the one next to it because it makes me feel tougher. Lol. It’s does have to be huntable 1st and foremost before comfort or weight or packability is even considered. I wear clothes that are comfortable instead of fashionable and cool. Wear crocks because I’m tough enough to say I don’t care what I look like, it feels good. And stubborn enough to tell @huck72412 a thousands times a year, “I’m not going to Saddlepalooza!”
 
swampsnyper said:
Lots of us here have that same tub of saddles. Lol We all reach in for a different one for different reasons. At this point in my life, I feel I can tough through anything if I need too. May be a little slower than I use to be. Just not a lot of “need to” any more. I prefer the work smarter not harder route. I’m surely not gonna hunt out of the saddle that’s not as comfortable as the one next to it because it makes me feel tougher. Lol. It’s does have to be huntable 1st and foremost before comfort or weight or packability is even considered. I wear clothes that are comfortable instead of fashionable and cool. Wear crocks because I’m tough enough to say I don’t care what I look like, it feels good. And stubborn enough to tell @huck72412 a thousands times a year, “I’m not going to Saddlepalooza!”
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You really ain’t coming?


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