Since then I've logged in a couple of hours in the yard getting use to it. And, have made two hunts with it for another three hours. First hunt without the back strap and the second with it. The back strap really made a lot of comfort difference. Felt like I was in a recliner. I'm getting more use to the system with each climb. Finally got the right bridge length. Didn't like the Blake's Hitch on the tether and the lineman's belt. They got so tight that I couldn't adjust the length. I retied both as a prusik knot and they work much better. Have to get some knee pads for sure.
Tried using my hooks this evening and I wasn't stable enough to feel safe. If I had a platform of some kind I think it would be possible but I don't want to use a platform. I've got five ameristeps on a strap that I've been using, but I tried a couple of bolts today and believe I like them better. Plan to get some grade 8, 7" bolts tomorrow when I pick up knee pads. Also, don't like the lineman's rope that came with it. I'm going to replace it with one like I use on my rock climbing harness. It's a lot more compact and works better. I weighed the complete Kestrel kit in a pack with, five ameristeps on a strap with Woodpecker drill & bolts at 10 pounds. Then weighed my Lock-on Limit stand with rock climbing harness, Woodpecker drill & bolts, limb saw, and tether at 14 pounds. I'm committed to making this system work, but plan to still use my life time method, too. Especially when I use my tree spurs.
I want to thank this site and all the members for the information that they shared here. Really helped me educate myself to this, new to me, system. During my long wait, I was able to get a huge head start on what I needed as well as what to expect. For that I'm grateful. At 73 years of age I look forward to many hunts as a "SaddleHunter". Thank You!
Tried using my hooks this evening and I wasn't stable enough to feel safe. If I had a platform of some kind I think it would be possible but I don't want to use a platform. I've got five ameristeps on a strap that I've been using, but I tried a couple of bolts today and believe I like them better. Plan to get some grade 8, 7" bolts tomorrow when I pick up knee pads. Also, don't like the lineman's rope that came with it. I'm going to replace it with one like I use on my rock climbing harness. It's a lot more compact and works better. I weighed the complete Kestrel kit in a pack with, five ameristeps on a strap with Woodpecker drill & bolts at 10 pounds. Then weighed my Lock-on Limit stand with rock climbing harness, Woodpecker drill & bolts, limb saw, and tether at 14 pounds. I'm committed to making this system work, but plan to still use my life time method, too. Especially when I use my tree spurs.
I want to thank this site and all the members for the information that they shared here. Really helped me educate myself to this, new to me, system. During my long wait, I was able to get a huge head start on what I needed as well as what to expect. For that I'm grateful. At 73 years of age I look forward to many hunts as a "SaddleHunter". Thank You!
Dude 73? Man you are impressive to say the least! I hope I can tie my own shoes at 60! And possibly live into my 70s ....
