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My Kite vs. Mantis Review/Compare

Wolfie said:
You have any suggestions for someone that bought a size 2 kite? I think it’s big on me, I’m torn between large mantis and size 1 kestrel or kite. I like the kite and all the pieces that come with it. I don’t mind the climbing rope vs Amsteel. Not really worried about ounces or a pound or two. It’s just coming down to fit. At this point with all the delays in shipping , might take all season to figure this out. I might try to trade or just buy kestrel or kite. ‍♂️
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Probably could trade it on the classifieds here if you're reasonably patient. Yeah in deciding between the two weight isn't very high on my list. Both great saddles but still a couple features on each I prefer over the other.
 
elk yinzer said:
Probably could trade it on the classifieds here if you're reasonably patient. Yeah in deciding between the two weight isn't very high on my list. Both great saddles but still a couple features on each I prefer over the other.
Click to expand...

I like the buckle idea , instead of stepping into it. Not too interested in the bridge either. I know I’m at like 24-26” on my bridge now so I’d have to redo the Amsteel bridge. I have someone interested in trading for mantis. Weight is not a concern for me , I wear a tool belt everyday that’s at least 20-30# . So used to weight. Thanks for the review , tough decision.
 
So.... I have a kestrel in the cart. Which one you sticking with? My gut says aerohunter for me. Might trade for mantis first then go from there.
 
Wolfie said:
So.... I have a kestrel in the cart. Which one you sticking with? My gut says aerohunter for me. Might trade for mantis first then go from there.
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I still can't decide between the two. I am keeping them both for now and have beem basically alternating hunts between them. I did have a kestrel but sold it. Wasn't a fan of how the cordura fabric felt while walking. The mesh I barely notice.
 
elk yinzer said:
I still can't decide between the two. I am keeping them both for now and have beem basically alternating hunts between them. I did have a kestrel but sold it. Wasn't a fan of how the cordura fabric felt while walking. The mesh I barely notice.
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Good point with the mesh. Thanks for the reply. Should have just got the size 1. Oh well.
 
I was just looking on the Tethrd site. It looks like I’d be a medium. I’m a 36 waist with not much arse. You think that’s right?
 
Wolfie said:
I was just looking on the Tethrd site. It looks like I’d be a medium. I’m a 36 waist with not much arse. You think that’s right?
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Go with a large. I’m a 34 waist and have no arse and it fits me fine.
 
valerio024 said:
No go with a large. The large Mantis is so close in size to a size one Kestrel.


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So if a size one Kestrel is the same as a large mantis, I am a 36 waist with no butt and got a large Mantis. I had a size one kestrel and got a size two which fits better and is more comfortable than a size one kestrel.
Would I be more comfortable in a extra large mantis. After a few sits I wonder if my size 2 kestrel is more comfortable than the large mantis but I need more time to decide.
That said the hybrid is the most comfortable.
I hope that is not confusing
 
I made the trade for kite 2 for a large mantis. We overnighted so hopefully I’ll let you know how I made out. Thanks everyone for the reply’s. Hopefully I’ll be in a tree Thursday night!!
 
Nice review. As someone looking to get into saddle hunting this is very helpful. Thanks


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Great and thorough review. I agree with you on most of your points. Most importantly, they are both great products.

Also, I love the milkweed in the background.
 
My kite arrived today, a size 2, I wear a 35-36 pants and I am VERY glad I didnt order a size 1, especially with winter clothes.
 
I don't own the Kite, but I have used my mantis on every sit this year. I am still figuring it out. I found a lot of the thoughts and experiences you had were similar to mine. I have had that "falling feeling" with my mantis as well. It happened to me the fist time this past weekend and it scared the begeezies out of me lol.

I am not a fan of the buckle, and the funny thing is I got on here to post a thread asking for an alternative and then saw this post. I don't like the metal clanking in the strap adjustment. I also wear mine in and feel that it is lacking a little there. I used the set of loops they sent with the saddle to make my straps more secure(little metal piece with two eyes you run the slack of the belt through to make it more stationary) and it helps it stay still, but it makes it a bugger to adjust if you need too. I have thought about putting a quality buckle on there but i'm not sure which way to go there.

I have also noticed that it doesn't have much cup to it. The comfort isn't an issue, but I do have to slide it down occasionally. I do believe my bridge is a little too long, but I don't believe it to be a problem. The saddle has been comfortable to me thus far. I don't have many complaints about it.


I also don't understand why the micro adjusters were included. I understand the modularity of them, but I can't decide if it is just another way to get money from them or what. I would like to see them come with the saddle for the same price, especially since there isn't much too them.


One other thing I have also noticed is one of my SYS haulers keeps coming out of the molle loops some how. It happened 3 times this week.


I would like for the saddle to be more secure and able to be cinched all the way up while walking in. When you put a couple ropes in one hauler and tree accessories in the other hauler it is very prone to slide all the way down on you!
 
DanielB89 said:
I don't own the Kite, but I have used my mantis on every sit this year. I am still figuring it out. I found a lot of the thoughts and experiences you had were similar to mine. I have had that "falling feeling" with my mantis as well. It happened to me the fist time this past weekend and it scared the begeezies out of me lol.

I am not a fan of the buckle, and the funny thing is I got on here to post a thread asking for an alternative and then saw this post. I don't like the metal clanking in the strap adjustment. I also wear mine in and feel that it is lacking a little there. I used the set of loops they sent with the saddle to make my straps more secure(little metal piece with two eyes you run the slack of the belt through to make it more stationary) and it helps it stay still, but it makes it a bugger to adjust if you need too. I have thought about putting a quality buckle on there but i'm not sure which way to go there.

I have also noticed that it doesn't have much cup to it. The comfort isn't an issue, but I do have to slide it down occasionally. I do believe my bridge is a little too long, but I don't believe it to be a problem. The saddle has been comfortable to me thus far. I don't have many complaints about it.


I also don't understand why the micro adjusters were included. I understand the modularity of them, but I can't decide if it is just another way to get money from them or what. I would like to see them come with the saddle for the same price, especially since there isn't much too them.


One other thing I have also noticed is one of my SYS haulers keeps coming out of the molle loops some how. It happened 3 times this week.


I would like for the saddle to be more secure and able to be cinched all the way up while walking in. When you put a couple ropes in one hauler and tree accessories in the other hauler it is very prone to slide all the way down on you!
Click to expand...

I don’t have issues walking in. Do you put the leg strap in the lower spot next to the adjusters? That’s where I have them nd I think it helps.

I also had the issue with the SYS haulers detaching so I put a small zip tie from one tab to the other tab.

I’m also debating whether the microadjusters do anything for me. I think that’s a lot of personal preference though.


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pesqimon said:
I don’t have issues walking in. Do you put the leg strap in the lower spot next to the adjusters? That’s where I have them nd I think it helps.

I also had the issue with the SYS haulers detaching so I put a small zip tie from one tab to the other tab.

I’m also debating whether the microadjusters do anything for me. I think that’s a lot of personal preference though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...


I do not put them on the lower setting as I can't stand feeling the tension on my legs while walking in. I may try that though, but, if they're not tight enough to feel them, I doubt they'll be of much use.

I don't believe the micros do much due to the saddle not having much cup.

Overall, I think were sitting on a great product, it'll be even greater after they listen to their customers for the few changes.
 
DanielB89 said:
I don't own the Kite, but I have used my mantis on every sit this year. I am still figuring it out. I found a lot of the thoughts and experiences you had were similar to mine. I have had that "falling feeling" with my mantis as well. It happened to me the fist time this past weekend and it scared the begeezies out of me lol.

I am not a fan of the buckle, and the funny thing is I got on here to post a thread asking for an alternative and then saw this post. I don't like the metal clanking in the strap adjustment. I also wear mine in and feel that it is lacking a little there. I used the set of loops they sent with the saddle to make my straps more secure(little metal piece with two eyes you run the slack of the belt through to make it more stationary) and it helps it stay still, but it makes it a bugger to adjust if you need too. I have thought about putting a quality buckle on there but i'm not sure which way to go there.

I have also noticed that it doesn't have much cup to it. The comfort isn't an issue, but I do have to slide it down occasionally. I do believe my bridge is a little too long, but I don't believe it to be a problem. The saddle has been comfortable to me thus far. I don't have many complaints about it.


I also don't understand why the micro adjusters were included. I understand the modularity of them, but I can't decide if it is just another way to get money from them or what. I would like to see them come with the saddle for the same price, especially since there isn't much too them.


One other thing I have also noticed is one of my SYS haulers keeps coming out of the molle loops some how. It happened 3 times this week.


I would like for the saddle to be more secure and able to be cinched all the way up while walking in. When you put a couple ropes in one hauler and tree accessories in the other hauler it is very prone to slide all the way down on you!
Click to expand...


I throw my linesman rope around my shoulders and cinch down snug. It keeps from the saddle riding down.
 
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