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Newbie from Oregon needs help

HuntJaxx

HuntJaxx

Member
Joined
Dec 16, 2018
Messages
58
Location
OR
Here’s my dilemma...haven’t yet pulled the trigger on my first saddle. I was literally about to complete my purchase of a Kestrel, and then heard about the new saddle coming out of Aero Hunter and put a stop on that. I have zero experience in trees and my plan was to get the kestrel asap to dial in my system by the Aug. early bow opener here in Oregon. My question is this: do I wait for the new saddle, or get the kestrel and dial in everything the best I can with the time I have??? Thanks!
 
I don’t think you can go wrong with the kestrel. I’m biased cause that’s what I have. It works great, is lightweight, and comfortable.

Get it, practice, and see how you like it. If you decide to go with whatever they are releasing you’ll be more informed about what you want in a saddle. My guess is you’ll love the kestrel and be happy.

My two cents. The only other question is what is the wait time on the Kestrel these days. It was two months wait when I ordered mine back in September.


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Thanks for the insight on this. That’s basically where my head is at on it as well. I had already decided I was going with the Aero Hunter brand based on reviews and feedback here plus it’s an Oregon company. Also looks like it’s about 2-3 weeks on ship time so that’s a plus as well!
 
HuntJaxx said:
Here’s my dilemma...haven’t yet pulled the trigger on my first saddle. I was literally about to complete my purchase of a Kestrel, and then heard about the new saddle coming out of Aero Hunter and put a stop on that. I have zero experience in trees and my plan was to get the kestrel asap to dial in my system by the Aug. early bow opener here in Oregon. My question is this: do I wait for the new saddle, or get the kestrel and dial in everything the best I can with the time I have??? Thanks!
Click to expand...

I like Travis have a Kestrel. I don't see how they can improve it. I think it's awesome as it is. I wanted a tank and that's what I received. I will own this beauty for ever. I just got into saddle hunting last year and I have a lot of stuff but the two things that impress me the most are the Kestrel and the Lone Wolf hand climber.

Oh and welcome to the site!
 
Hey thanks for the welcome. I went ahead and ordered the Kestrel and can’t wait to get to work dialing in my system. I’m definitely going to look at the Lone Wolf hand climber. Do you guys have any advice to help speed up the learning curve?
 
I started this year , I've been trying to lighten my climbing system and set up for the last 6 years. I use to live in Oregon , you hunting black tail ? If your planning on hunting out of pine trees with multiple branches , get wild edge steps!!!!!! you can climb and go around branches! You will wnt two linemen's belts as well to help you maneuver through the tree.
I cant say enough good things about the wild edge steps, compact and you can make a platform with them if you want. Next think of where your going to hunt and look for trees you can prep once you get what you need. It takes time to get the gear unfortunately but this is so new to so many people that the gear is in high demand so order now! that way you get your gear and can practice. I got a saddle in the middle of the rut this year. It was a big learning experience for me. I was using sticks , I found them to be bulky , that is just me there are plenty of guys on here that love them. Think outside the box as well I have spots with climbing ladder sticks set up so I can walk in and just get in a tree and I'm set up. As far as the Kestrel goes I have one , it is a very versatile saddle the bridge is adjustable as you can tie the knots and shorten or lengthen it to find that sweet spot when you set up. I went through a big learning experience this year, tether height , and where your prusik knot length of rope ends or weather you use a ropeman 1, and length of your bridge all make a difference in comfort, the same with what platform you use. Having a rig of steps a platform or three or four wild edge steps makes a huge difference in comfort , I also love the back band! So your not going wrong with the kestrel. There is a lot of weight saving guys going nuts to find the lightest thing in the world on here. If your new to this start out slow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sit in the saddle for a morning do some nature watching find that sweet spot for comfort , Id say that is number one in your set up. If your not comfortable your not going to be happy. Then figure out the type of platform you will like. I'm going to like one thing and another guy is going to say well I do this. I suggest keep an open mind and try not to fall into the latest greatest thing. This can get expensive lol
 
Take your time! No need to rush! Enjoy! I love just hanging in the saddle it puts a smile on my face. Check out some of the videos. @Adrena123 and @Appalachia. Adrena has some on the hand climber and Appalachia has a good one on falling from the saddle. It's will set your mind at ease.
Bob
 
Mike Nutto said:
I started this year , I've been trying to lighten my climbing system and set up for the last 6 years. I use to live in Oregon , you hunting black tail ? If your planning on hunting out of pine trees with multiple branches , get wild edge steps!!!!!! you can climb and go around branches! You will wnt two linemen's belts as well to help you maneuver through the tree.
I cant say enough good things about the wild edge steps, compact and you can make a platform with them if you want. Next think of where your going to hunt and look for trees you can prep once you get what you need. It takes time to get the gear unfortunately but this is so new to so many people that the gear is in high demand so order now! that way you get your gear and can practice. I got a saddle in the middle of the rut this year. It was a big learning experience for me. I was using sticks , I found them to be bulky , that is just me there are plenty of guys on here that love them. Think outside the box as well I have spots with climbing ladder sticks set up so I can walk in and just get in a tree and I'm set up. As far as the Kestrel goes I have one , it is a very versatile saddle the bridge is adjustable as you can tie the knots and shorten or lengthen it to find that sweet spot when you set up. I went through a big learning experience this year, tether height , and where your prusik knot length of rope ends or weather you use a ropeman 1, and length of your bridge all make a difference in comfort, the same with what platform you use. Having a rig of steps a platform or three or four wild edge steps makes a huge difference in comfort , I also love the back band! So your not going wrong with the kestrel. There is a lot of weight saving guys going nuts to find the lightest thing in the world on here. If your new to this start out slow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sit in the saddle for a morning do some nature watching find that sweet spot for comfort , Id say that is number one in your set up. If your not comfortable your not going to be happy. Then figure out the type of platform you will like. I'm going to like one thing and another guy is going to say well I do this. I suggest keep an open mind and try not to fall into the latest greatest thing. This can get expensive lol
Click to expand...
Hey thanks for all the good info and advice. I’ll be after blacktail here where I’m at in the willamette valley, and I was definitely looking at the Wild Edge steps as a good starting point. Was also thinking I may try some SRT that a buddy showed me how to get started with. This is definitely a lot to get started with but this forum and YouTube are really helping out for sure!
 
HuntJaxx said:
Hey thanks for all the good info and advice. I’ll be after blacktail here where I’m at in the willamette valley, and I was definitely looking at the Wild Edge steps as a good starting point. Was also thinking I may try some SRT that a buddy showed me how to get started with. This is definitely a lot to get started with but this forum and YouTube are really helping out for sure!
Click to expand...
Listen to truth from the stand pod cast with tethered nation Geoff Godfrey .btherr is a lot to learn just take your time and have fun learning , I miss steelhead fishing out there. The Willamette valley is awesome

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rutjr said:
Take your time! No need to rush! Enjoy! I love just hanging in the saddle it puts a smile on my face. Check out some of the videos. @Adrena123 and @Appalachia. Adrena has some on the hand climber and Appalachia has a good one on falling from the saddle. It's will set your mind at ease.
Bob
Click to expand...
That video from @Appalachia is awesome! And thanks for the encouragement; everyone on here has been great.
 
Find your sweet spot that makes you comfortable. I reach high to connect to the tree and start the sit in a very upright leaner position. As I tire I’ll lower my set up an inch. Completely changes your ability to sit longer. I also will put an extra step 10 to 12 inches above my platform on my right side. Occasionally planting my foot on that elevated step takes a lot of pressure off my back. I pick the right side as I am less likely to move in that direction fir a shot.


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Mike Curtis said:
Find your sweet spot that makes you comfortable. I reach high to connect to the tree and start the sit in a very upright leaner position. As I tire I’ll lower my set up an inch. Completely changes your ability to sit longer. I also will put an extra step 10 to 12 inches above my platform on my right side. Occasionally planting my foot on that elevated step takes a lot of pressure off my back. I pick the right side as I am less likely to move in that direction fir a shot.


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Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips and advice. I’ve been looking at all the different ways to dial in my system, and I’m just going to do the best I can and take what works for me from all the info I’m finding here and on YouTube. My saddle will be here sooner than I expected, so that will give me a solid 5 months to get in the trees and work on a system.


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