• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

Simple kestrel flex review

Gator said:
I'm just going to quit worrying about it until it arrives. There's too many reviews having both sizes that like that size. The part that I guess confuses me is why do all companies have a size change around 35"? Seems like one of the most common sizes out there. Why do clothing manufacturers switch to a 2" jump starting at size 34??
Click to expand...
Wise decision and you can't go wrong with their return policy. It comes down to personal preference and had I not been able to try Kestrels in both sizes before I bought the flex, there is no way I would have known for sure. People the same size prefer different saddle sizes.

John H.
 
I had a size 1 and 2 kestrel. Size 2 was best for me. The flex is different


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Gator said:
I'm just going to quit worrying about it until it arrives. There's too many reviews having both sizes that like that size. The part that I guess confuses me is why do all companies have a size change around 35"? Seems like one of the most common sizes out there. Why do clothing manufacturers switch to a 2" jump starting at size 34??
Click to expand...
There’s going to be some big guys that like the smaller size and some small guys that like the bigger. There will be some that prefer their original kestrel to the flex. All the sizing is just a suggestion. There are enough saddle events going on in so many places that unless this is your first saddle you are probably better off just attending an event and seeing which one you like better.
 
EricS said:
There’s going to be some big guys that like the smaller size and some small guys that like the bigger. There will be some that prefer their original kestrel to the flex. All the sizing is just a suggestion. There are enough saddle events going on in so many places that unless this is your first saddle you are probably better off just attending an event and seeing which one you like better.
Click to expand...

It will be my first saddle. I'm good, I won't know the difference if I never try the bigger size
 
Gator said:
It will be my first saddle. I'm good, I won't know the difference if I never try the bigger size
Click to expand...
I would still sit in some others if given the opportunity. For a couple hour hunt most of the available saddles are comfortable enough. For an all day hunt little differences matter. Of course the downside is you rarely get to sit in someone else’s saddle for long enough to tell.
 
I'm 5'11" 185 with a 34 inch waste. In some pants I'm 32 / some 34. I went with size 1. I'm always on the fence with these things. I did notice they have a fitment guarantee if you return it in 30 days in good condition. Of course, it probably means a long wait, but what can you do...?
 
Gator said:
I'm just going to quit worrying about it until it arrives. There's too many reviews having both sizes that like that size. The part that I guess confuses me is why do all companies have a size change around 35"? Seems like one of the most common sizes out there. Why do clothing manufacturers switch to a 2" jump starting at size 34??
Click to expand...
Wait - they have mens clothing below a 34? lol, I'll never need that haha.. Good on you
 
I am pretty sure sizing and comfort are not just related to waist size
It may sound weird but if you are round at the waist as opposed to oval ie no butt your bridge loops will be farther apart creating a more extreme angle for your bridge and more hip pinch unless you lengthen the bridge.
This is why some like a bigger size for a saddle or longer bridge
Both of these things change the angle of pull on the bridge

I really like the simple idea of bridge adjustment on the new flex The web adjustment on the bridge will really add comfort for some guys IMO


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
Murph4028 said:
Yes you probably could. To make it simpler to understand the sizing for those who have never touched one I would consider a size 1 more like a size 1.5 and a size 2 more like a 2.5 or 3. They expand pretty far. My flex is actually at the sew shop right now being modified to make it perfect to me. The size 2 gets pretty big which is awesome in the tree but not so good while walking. So I bought some heavy duty elastic and took it to the sew shop. The modification I came up with will let it expand when I am sitting and stay contracted while walking. Kind of get the best of both worlds. The sew job is only costing me 20 bucks. It'll be ready Saturday. It will pretty much make it function like I thought it would, keeping the pleat closed when not needed. All that being said, I think I made the right choice with a size 2. In my opinion I would rather have a saddle with some extra room rather than too small. Where I live, the temp changes drastically by the day. It's pretty annoying. But with the extra room I know I can wear whatever I need to and not have an issue.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. It's mouth stays open all of the time. Reminds me of my ex...
Send pics when it is done.
 
Gator said:
I'm just going to quit worrying about it until it arrives. There's too many reviews having both sizes that like that size. The part that I guess confuses me is why do all companies have a size change around 35"? Seems like one of the most common sizes out there. Why do clothing manufacturers switch to a 2" jump starting at size 34??
Click to expand...
It was easy for me to order size 2, I like it comfortable. Also, IMO, it’s easier to tighten something than make it bigger when it’s too tight... the reason I returned my mantis last year.
 
Just pulled the trigger on a size 1 flex. 5'8 180 lbs with no butt. I have a size 2 kite right now and fully agree with Murph it's a nut crusher when sitting?? Other than that I like it just figured I better try a flex lol. Hopefully I don't regret it
 
State forest hunter86 said:
Just pulled the trigger on a size 1 flex. 5'8 180 lbs with no butt. I have a size 2 kite right now and fully agree with Murph it's a nut crusher when sitting?? Other than that I like it just figured I better try a flex lol. Hopefully I don't regret it
Click to expand...

I don't think you will. I was highly anticipating the release of the new trophyline until I got the kestrel flex. Now I don't feel like I need another saddle. I don't see how it could really be any better than this one.
 
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a Flex (will be my first saddle) and I'm really struggling between a Size 1 and Size 2. In measuring my waist, I'm around a 37-38" waist. Aside from apparently needing to cut back on my beer and ice cream intake, would those who have received their Flex have a recommendation? I talked to Debbie and she said I could probably go either way but that the Size 2 may be a little big? KInd of sounded like she was steering me to a Size 1. Just concerned about one being too big or too small. Wish I could order both and return the one I don't like as much but obviously cost is a prohibitor there. Ugh.
 
Husker said:
I'm ready to pull the trigger on a Flex (will be my first saddle) and I'm really struggling between a Size 1 and Size 2. In measuring my waist, I'm around a 37-38" waist. Aside from apparently needing to cut back on my beer and ice cream intake, would those who have received their Flex have a recommendation? I talked to Debbie and she said I could probably go either way but that the Size 2 may be a little big? KInd of sounded like she was steering me to a Size 1. Just concerned about one being too big or too small. Wish I could order both and return the one I don't like as much but obviously cost is a prohibitor there. Ugh.
Click to expand...

You'll probably want a size 2. I have a 34" waist and a 2 fits me well.
 
If you can afford it, order both sizes and return the one that doesn't fit as well.
 
Last edited:
My flex arrived last Friday. I haven't put any serious time in it yet but here are my first impressions:
Love the new linemans loop locations. The saddle seems to be significantly lighter than my original kestrel. I got the adjustable webbing bridge and I think I'm going to like it a lot.

I'm going to hold off on judgement of comfort until I've got to put a serious sit in it. It seemed pretty comfortable right off the bat but you can't judge performance until you're in a hunting situation. As for the flex section, I don't really see that doing much for me but time will tell. It looks like it will adjust larger easily while sitting in it but going smaller will be pretty tough.
 
redsquirrel said:
My flex arrived last Friday. I haven't put any serious time in it yet but here are my first impressions:
Love the new linemans loop locations. The saddle seems to be significantly lighter than my original kestrel. I got the adjustable webbing bridge and I think I'm going to like it a lot.

I'm going to hold off on judgement of comfort until I've got to put a serious sit in it. It seemed pretty comfortable right off the bat but you can't judge performance until you're in a hunting situation. As for the flex section, I don't really see that doing much for me but time will tell. It looks like it will adjust larger easily while sitting in it but going smaller will be pretty tough.
Click to expand...
Looking forward to your review!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top