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Noob Saddle setup Question

MaineFrame8

MaineFrame8

New Member
Joined
Jun 24, 2018
Messages
20
Hello all,

I’m new to saddle hunting and I’m just getting acquainted with my new kestrel. It seems that my setup is off just a little bit. I set my tree strap level with my mouth and then attached my bridge to the strap. For some reason I feel that I do not have enough clearance to draw my bow(strings are almost touching the bridge). I was wondering if I needed to reposition the saddle on my body or if I should change the level of the tree strap.

Thanks,
 
Another option is to just experiment with the height of your tether. I’m new to this as well and was told to always fasten my tether at forehead level but found out I feel more steady while taking the shot after raising my tether height. One thing I think I’m starting to figure out is that saddle hunting is very customized to the hunter. What works for one person may or may not work for the next


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DannyAttacksTheMountain said:
Another option is to just experiment with the height of your tether. I’m new to this as well and was told to always fasten my tether at forehead level but found out I feel more steady while taking the shot after raising my tether height. One thing I think I’m starting to figure out is that saddle hunting is very customized to the hunter. What works for one person may or may not work for the next


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Click to expand...

Thanks, I tried to experiment with the height of my tether however, it didn’t appear to make any considerable difference. It still felt like my bridge was too wide and my bow strings didn’t have much clearance. I do agree that saddle hunting is unique to each hunter.


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MaineFrame8 said:
Thanks, I tried to experiment with the height of my tether however, it didn’t appear to make any considerable difference. It still felt like my bridge was too wide and my bow strings didn’t have much clearance. I do agree that saddle hunting is unique to each hunter.


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Click to expand...

Excellent man. I’d try adjusting the bridge


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I watched all the videos about tether height and bridge length and I just couldn't hardly get it to work either. My Kestrel came second hand with what I assume was the stock bridge length (long). With the tether at eye level and the prussik up against the tether I was basically squatting in the saddle. I shortened the bridge to 24" and moved my tether point to as high as I am able to reach. This keeps my prussik hitch from topping* out on the tether and gets my knees in a comfortable level to lean, as well as enough rope to walk the tree if needed.

I'd say adjust your bridge some more. I find it easier to shoot from a leaning position rather than a seated position.
 
Last edited:
swamp_possum said:
I watched all the videos about tether height and bridge length and I just couldn't hardly get it to work either. My Kestrel came second hand with what I assume was the stock bridge length (long). With the tether at eye level and the prussik up against the tether I was basically squatting in the saddle. I shortened the bridge to 24" and moved my tether point to as high as I am able to reach. This keeps my prussik hitch from bottoming out on the tether and gets my knees in a comfortable level to lean, as well as enough rope to walk the tree if needed.

I'd say adjust your bridge some more. I find it easier to shoot from a leaning position rather than a seated position.
Click to expand...

Thank you


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MaineFrame8 said:
Hello all,

I’m new to saddle hunting and I’m just getting acquainted with my new kestrel. It seems that my setup is off just a little bit. I set my tree strap level with my mouth and then attached my bridge to the strap. For some reason I feel that I do not have enough clearance to draw my bow(strings are almost touching the bridge). I was wondering if I needed to reposition the saddle on my body or if I should change the level of the tree strap.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Welcome to the site!
The bridge on the aero hunter comes really really long. As mentioned, try shortening it up to around 24" and go from there. Also having your tether at your mouth is too low. Try going up to forehead level or the top of your head even. Lastly if you are using the blakes hitch that came with it, you are going to have to move your tether higher up the tree. The length of rope hanging from the blakes hitch limit your adjustable amount of tether. This is one of the reasons why many of us run a ropeman on our tether, it allows you a larger range of adjustments with a lower tether.
 
MaineFrame8 said:
Hello all,

I’m new to saddle hunting and I’m just getting acquainted with my new kestrel. It seems that my setup is off just a little bit. I set my tree strap level with my mouth and then attached my bridge to the strap. For some reason I feel that I do not have enough clearance to draw my bow(strings are almost touching the bridge). I was wondering if I needed to reposition the saddle on my body or if I should change the level of the tree strap.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
I use a ropeman on my bridge to make it adjustable. I can adjust my bridge to any length
 
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