I had been considering a saddle for some time before I pulled the trigger on one. I did some reading, found this website, looked at videos etc., and found Ontario farmer ( a member here) lives not far from me. He reached out to me and gladly showed me the ropes (pun intended)! His demo did help me decide but it was his encouragement and enthusiasm for saddles that really put me over the edge.
I did not try one of his saddles (he has several), although he offered. I decided to order a kestral after meeting with him and finding out a new saddle was in the works. I have been using it since early Oct. (Thanks Ontario farmer!!).
I have used the kestral exclusively this season with mixed results and lots of learning. My first "sit" was horrible and I almost sold it, but I stuck with it and have had some great sits and hunts. I have had some amazingly comfortable sits with practice and experience although recently, I picked a tree that resulted in lots of discomfort and hesitation. The learning continues and I plan to pre-sit trees for next year in order to have them set and shooting lanes trimmed. Because I only got the saddle in early Oct, I did not have any chance to prepare or practice with it.
I will stick with it, but I think I will also use my LW's as lock on's when I can leave them on a tree...a rarity, which meas the saddle will get lots of use. The saddle is definitely lighter for run and gun, no two ways about it. I have used sticks for years and I am very comfortable with them. I did modify my LW's to a rope mod., ad it has been fantastic. I am using a platform from Ernie, and I may try something else in the future. His platform works very well, but I think another option would allow for more versatility and a reduction in weight. I would also like my feet further apart, on either side of a tree, for balance. I found with my feet right together on the platform, that it was easy for my body to swing without concentrating. Sitting with my legs split helps but that was rough on the knees.. even with pads. I have found (thanks ontariofarmer) that my linesman's belt can be used across my knees once in the tree tether to widen my knees/stance without contacting the tree or raming the tree where I don't want it to be!
A few tips I have learned from others but mainly experience this season.
1. I got a size 2 (220lbs.) and I am glad I did.
2. Shorten the bridge a lot when you first get one. I may shorten mine even more.
3. Get Ropeman 1's for your linesman belt, tree tether, and possibly the bridge too.. these are outstanding.
4. I switched to better carabiners, and I am glad I did. I got Black Diamond, Rocklock magnetrons. They are FAR easier to open and close with one hand, especially with thick gloves on... I live in Canada.
5. practice, practice, practice more, before you go. I did not do this, but I should have, and I plan to in the future. I had bad sits because I did not practice and adjust things, near to the ground. I was afraid at height to do much adjustment and I lost deer because my anchor was different and I shot too far back. I also want to practice right side shots, and behind me... I am right handed.
6. Most importantly... go for it! The folks here are very patient and helpful. There is no negativity, attitude, machoness etc.. just fine helpful saddle hunters!
Tom