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The Saddle Shootout

Nice review. I also have used most saddles and I love my Kestrel. I was not a big fan of the Trophyline neoprene saddle. Guido's Web is very comfortable it's great for all day sits. I still like my Treesuit from time to time. Everyone has different opinions on saddles and comfort only you can make the choice on what works for you.
 
GodsCountry said:
Thanks for writing this up.

I’m saving my pennies to purchase my first saddle. Can anyone help me wrap my head around why a larger size saddle might be more comfortable? 30” waist here. I just always assumed a size 1 was the obvious choice...
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I also assumed the size one was the correct Kestrel to get. With it on, the size one barely cupped my rear giving the sensation of popping out or sliding forward when I shifted my weight (just like the Mantis). I slid it down but then I was sitting on the waist strap. I'm sure I could have sucked it up and just dealt with it but the constant fidgeting and adjusting was a huge turn off...deer tend to pick up on some dude in moving around every 15 min. The Size TWO Kestrel/Kite is a different story. The seat is just a little bigger everywhere. Not too big like sitting in a hammock, just enough everywhere. @Nutterbuster has it right, the extra seat material actually works like seat and cups just right. As far as actually fitting around your waist...my nephew (@vaughn114 ), can't have more than a 30" waist and he tightened my size 2 Kite up no problem. Maybe he'll respond to this giving his opinion. Only thing you'd have to do is trim off some excessive waist strap if you even cared..think of the weight savings!
 
sureshotscott said:
Just to provide some different perspective, some of us are using the saddle as (the top half of) a climbing system. We use something like the Lone Wolf Hand Climber top as the bottom portion of the climbing system. When we have to rely 100% on the saddle to support us at height (so we can adjust the hand climber), the leg straps on the saddle are pretty darn useful.
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@Adrena123 and I use the same method. actually John is putting together a video showing how we do it, without leg straps. With the Mantis, climbing with the lone wolf hand climber without leg straps (and with) is annoying. Your constantly pulling it down so you can sit to pull up the platform. With my Size 2 Kite, no problem at all; the Kite stays put. John goes "Bongo style" and hangs off the side of the tree and adjusts the platform with no ill effect. In the end, you have to make your setup work with what you have. If the leg straps give piece of mind and security, run em! But as you'll see in the video John is putting together, falling through and completely out of a saddle of any kind is really tough to do.
 
I’d really like if saddle companies offered size recommendations based off of the measurement around the largest part of your butt and hips. We’re all different shapes, but in my opinion the measurement of ones waist has the least to do with how these saddles fit, at least in America. The funny part is even with the ‘order a size bigger if you’re in doubt’ mantra around here, folks are still ordering the smaller sizes. The measurements of the different models and sizes are now published on this site. You can quickly and easily verify the surface area of your own rear, and see how the two fit together. I’d highly recommend this approach over ordering based on waist size. You can have a size 1 waist and a size 2 butt....bedsides bringing all the girls to the yard, you’ll be more comfortable in a size 2 or large or whatever.

I’ve been alternating between the kestrel and Jx3 every other hunt to try and offer a compelling picture of the two side by side. It seems like the deer like the smell of my kestrel more - I haven’t been able to close the deal in the hybrid yet.

Looking forward to doing a similarly detailed comparison of the two, and accompanying video.

Not sure how entertaining you folks are live, but my guess is entertaining enough based on your writing skills. Get a camera on for some live action of these comparisons! You won’t disappoint.
 
George Clark said:
@Adrena123 and I use the same method. actually John is putting together a video showing how we do it, without leg straps. With the Mantis, climbing with the lone wolf hand climber without leg straps (and with) is annoying. Your constantly pulling it down so you can sit to pull up the platform. With my Size 2 Kite, no problem at all; the Kite stays put. John goes "Bongo style" and hangs off the side of the tree and adjusts the platform with no ill effect. In the end, you have to make your setup work with what you have. If the leg straps give piece of mind and security, run em! But as you'll see in the video John is putting together, falling through and completely out of a saddle of any kind is really tough to do.
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Good to know, thanks. I use a Kestrel exclusively and was wondering how the Mantis would work, I'd certainly like to go to the lighter weight Mantis but this gives me pause.
 
George Clark said:
@Adrena123 and I use the same method. actually John is putting together a video showing how we do it, without leg straps. With the Mantis, climbing with the lone wolf hand climber without leg straps (and with) is annoying. Your constantly pulling it down so you can sit to pull up the platform. With my Size 2 Kite, no problem at all; the Kite stays put. John goes "Bongo style" and hangs off the side of the tree and adjusts the platform with no ill effect. In the end, you have to make your setup work with what you have. If the leg straps give piece of mind and security, run em! But as you'll see in the video John is putting together, falling through and completely out of a saddle of any kind is really tough to do.
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BONGO STYLE BABY
 
If anyone wants to trade a size 2 kite for a Kestrel size 1 Im in! Comes with an amsteel bridge and I’ll throw in a tether.
 
denots said:
Yeah that things like an anvil. I bet it can really take a pounding!
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HA! :tearsofjoy:
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Great review. It can be said enough...everyone is different and no one saddle is the best for everyone. I’ve tried a Mantis (sold), sitdrag, and Modified Anderson. Most comfortable for me is the Anderson go figure lol.
 
I do wonder where the person that designed the anderson/big buck sling went. Is a patented design? Now that there seems to be more of market, add a real bridge, lineman loops, maybe aluminum rings, waist band, and adjustable seat depth....could be something.
 
George Clark said:
I do wonder where the person that designed the anderson/big buck sling went. Is a patented design? Now that there seems to be more of market, add a real bridge, lineman loops, maybe aluminum rings, waist band, and adjustable seat depth....could be something.
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I just bought another one from a guy on here for my son. He said it was brand new. His Dad bought it and threw it in hunting equipment and never used it. Well he was spot on. Got it Wednesday and it is mint. Not a mark on it. I thought about replicating it. Doesn’t look too complicated.
 
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