Mantis hip pressure..... any tips?

[kelly.jayp]

I don’t have a mantis yet but I like to wear a kestrel low. I think everyone’s opinion is different based on how we are built and how we sit. If it works for you that is all that matters.
I find with winter bibs on it is always comfortable no matter what I do. So what you are wearing also makes a difference


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Same for me


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[Buckhorn70]

With a cloth tape measure, put on your trophyline saddle and adjust the cinch strap (bridge) to whatever the hunting length is that you had no hip pinch with and were comfortable sitting in. Once in that comfortable hunting position, while running the tape along the cinch strap measure the entire distance from one end of the cinch belt to the other and then continue measuring under your butt and back to where you started on the cinch. Replicate the same complete length in your mantis and you may have to change to a different bridge rope than what it came with or go to a bigger size which has a wider seat.

I will try this.... my Trophy Line tree saddle crosses the high point on my hip bone but.... it’s the mesh(soft) contacting not the strap so there is no pressure/irritation. On the Mantis the strap is resting in my hip bone and that creates the discomfort.

 

[sad_story]

IMO you need the micro adjusters. They will allow you to distribute the weight more evenly in the saddle so it will take excess pressure off the top strap.

New to Saddle & of course the mantis - What are the effects of the Micro adjusters? as in what does longer do vs shorter do?

 

[enkriss]

New to Saddle & of course the mantis - What are the effects of the Micro adjusters? as in what does longer do vs shorter do?

@flinginairos maybe you can assist?

 

[redsquirrel]

New to Saddle & of course the mantis - What are the effects of the Micro adjusters? as in what does longer do vs shorter do?

Ok, so I don't use a mantis, I use a kite. But generally the adjusters shorten up the bottom section of the saddle. I start out with my adjusters loose and usually will feel like I'm sliding out of the saddle. I tighten the adjusters until they're putting enough pressure on my legs where it doesn't slide and it's comfortable. If you tighten them too much they will put too much pressure creating pressure points.

 

[boyne bowhunter]

New to Saddle & of course the mantis - What are the effects of the Micro adjusters? as in what does longer do vs shorter do?

The micro adjusters didn't really help me in the Mantis. I do hunt primarily from an XL Mantis and using the stock 30 inch bridge I do experience some pinch after a while in the saddle. Same thing with my Kestrel too. The best solution I found was to climb using the stock bridge and then once at height I carefully swap out the stock bridge with my adjustable lineman's belt. Using this I can increase the length to help alleviate the pinch. For me personally that is an absurdly long bridge length of around 37 inches I probably don't need it that long to get rid of the pinch but I like to lean forward and that is the distance that gets the bridge biner from under my face as I'm leaning forward.

 

[Nitrous Kyle]

I haven’t received my mantis yet but have the concern for hip pinch as well. From the bridge length polls, I have seen most people prefer a 24-26” bridge. Would shortening the factory 30” bridge help?

 

[boyne bowhunter]

I haven’t received my mantis yet but have the concern for hip pinch as well. From the bridge length polls, I have seen most people prefer a 24-26” bridge. Would shortening the factory 30” bridge help?

Everybody's body shape responds a little differently to saddle adjustments but typically shortening the bridge creates a shallower bridge angle and more horizontal force on the bridge attachments. Theoretically that should increase pinch. Most people find lengthening the bridge helps with pinch.
The downsides to longer bridge length is that, first, the bridge sits up higher closer to your body and can interfere with your shooting if its too long. Secondly, a longer bridge forces the tie in point further up the tree which can increase the "pendulum effect" and could make you feel more unstable while hanging.

The bottom line is that the adjustments are all a balancing act and everyone will need to find what works for them.

 

[flinginairos]

For me, bridge length doesn't really play into hip pinch. I can run it short or long and can't feel too much of a difference. Tether height, where I have the saddle on my body and where the bridge connects to the side loops of the saddle play the biggest role. The side loops is a big one. You can adjust pressure top to bottom by simply sliding the bridge loops up/down in the side loops of the saddle. You would think the micro adjusters would do the same thing but they don't. It changes the pitch of the entire saddle and really helps dial in the comfort. Another thing some guys overlook are belts and clothing. Those can cause issues if the saddle is putting direct pressure on them. Those are just a few things to keep in mind and look for.

 

[Joe90]

I haven’t received my mantis yet but have the concern for hip pinch as well. From the bridge length polls, I have seen most people prefer a 24-26” bridge. Would shortening the factory 30” bridge help?

I’m running a 24” bridge and my tether at my collarbone that’s what works for me.


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[Treehopper2]

For me, bridge length doesn't really play into hip pinch. I can run it short or long and can't feel too much of a difference. Tether height, where I have the saddle on my body and where the bridge connects to the side loops of the saddle play the biggest role. The side loops is a big one. You can adjust pressure top to bottom by simply sliding the bridge loops up/down in the side loops of the saddle. You would think the micro adjusters would do the same thing but they don't. It changes the pitch of the entire saddle and really helps dial in the comfort. Another thing some guys overlook are belts and clothing. Those can cause issues if the saddle is putting direct pressure on them. Those are just a few things to keep in mind and look for.

I do about the same things to find comfort in a mantis plus I make sure the bridge loops don’t run high on my hip bone by pushing them down with the palms of my hands.
Running a really long bridge will increase tether height which will cause other issues in the mantis. I have found with stock bridge length for the tether to be about eye to chin level to be the best imo.

 

[dalton916]

I have a L Mantis that I have been hunting in this weekend. I am experiencing a bit of pressure right on the hip bones.

I am 36” size Jean..... 6,1” 215 lbs...Not sure if a XL would eliminate the pressure I feel. I also have been hunting out of a large mesh tree saddle since 2009 with no hip pinch. So I have ALOT of experience in a saddle.

Just looking for a way to make the hip pressure go away in the Mantis.

Buy a size 2 Kestrel.

 

[ThePennsylvanian]

Alot of the pressure placement comes from the positioning of your bridge. If it is towards the top of the bridge loops the pressure is at your hips, or the bridge is closer to the bottom of the loops, the pressure shifts to your legs....

 

[Blinginpse]

Good luck. I've moved on from mantis. It gave me more hip pinch than a poodle hitting 3 pumps and a mash down on his favorite stuffed animal.

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[Nutterbuster]

Good luck. I've moved on from mantis. It gave me more hip pinch than a poodle hitting 3 pumps and a mash down on his favorite stuffed animal.

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Lol! Thanks, I needed that!

I concur with @dalton916's solution. Aerohunter made some comfy saddles.

 

[dalton916]

Thank you, fine sir

 

[enkriss]

I had an early XL mantis I sold and just got a new XL mantis after trying several other saddle options. This new Mantis looks a bit different than my original... namely more adjustability in the microfit adjusters, burlier stitching and what seems to be stiffer lineman loops with a tracer? Not sure... can’t wait to give it a go this season. I didn’t really have much of a hip pinch issue last year...

 

[Perrytrails]

Good luck. I've moved on from mantis. It gave me more hip pinch than a poodle hitting 3 pumps and a mash down on his favorite stuffed animal.

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Thanks That’s great, made my day.
lol

 

[Garrymny]

This is an expensive option but I just can't see how it wouldn't help. I just need someone to guinea pig it for me. LOL

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Radius! I am going to try a 3/4 inch plastic conduit elbow for a radius. This should eliminate all hip pinch!