Think I have it figured out to hunt

[kelly.jayp]

I have bought a lot of crap getting ready for this LOL. Got a good test drive today in the backyard. After a stupid test hanging from a pull-up bar in the garage 2 days ago when the kestrel first arrived and on a tree at ground level yesterday - I made a couple of mods I expected I would. Replaced both blakes hitches (which locked up very tight) with the 2 rope man I had already picked up. Then shortened the bridge to about 27" fixed. Climbed to 16 feet with the Stepps and set a 3 stepp platform, set tether at eye level and with wearing the saddle low I was really comfortable and had great mobility on the Stepps on a 12" diameter tree. Set a target and got some practice arrows into the Block rather nicely. Man I love this set up and it felt GREAT. Looking forward to a first harvest. Many thanks to AeroHunter and Boudreaux for an awesome product and all the great recommendations from the forum gurus on setting up. The Ropeman definitely did not suck. What a difference. Now I need to practice in the dark and start trying the aider. And I'm sure buy more crap someone will post about.... money well spent so far!


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[redsquirrel]

Good stuff!

 

[g2outdoors]

The Ropeman most definitely does not suck. Good read!

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[Gusarch]

Waiting on my complete kit. What size rope man fits the ropes supplied by New Tribe?

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[redsquirrel]

Waiting on my complete kit. What size rope man fits the ropes supplied by New Tribe?

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You want a ropeman1.

 

[Gusarch]

I kind of figure I'll end up with a fixed bridge, I'm kind of a set it and forget it kind a person. Do you think using a rope man on the bridge is worthwhile, or just use the Blake's till I find what works... Or do you find staying adjustable has its advantages?

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[redsquirrel]

I kind of figure I'll end up with a fixed bridge, I'm kind of a set it and forget it kind a person. Do you think using a rope man on the bridge is worthwhile, or just use the Blake's till I find what works... Or do you find staying adjustable has its advantages?

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I like a fixed bridge. Once you find your length there is no need to change it. (Unless you climb SRT)

 

[kelly.jayp]

I kind of figure I'll end up with a fixed bridge, I'm kind of a set it and forget it kind a person. Do you think using a rope man on the bridge is worthwhile, or just use the Blake's till I find what works... Or do you find staying adjustable has its advantages?

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Most guys on here will tell you there is no advantage to a ropeman on a bridge. Very few from what I have read adjust the bridge in the tree. I would put a Ropeman on the tether and linemans belt to replace the blakes hitches that come with it. You can leave the carabiner on the bridge and experiment with lengths by re-tying the knot that connects to the carabiner until you find a length you like. After that you can just leave it so the side is removable or you can tie it straight to the loop to make it fixed. Fixed means you will need to step thru it before buckling though. Not a big deal to me

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[Erniepower]

Most guys on here will tell you there is no advantage to a ropeman on a bridge. Very few from what I have read adjust the bridge in the tree. I would put a Ropeman on the tether and linemans belt to replace the blakes hitches that come with it. You can leave the carabiner on the bridge and experiment with lengths by re-tying the knot that connects to the carabiner until you find a length you like. After that you can just leave it so the side is removable or you can tie it straight to the loop to make it fixed. Fixed means you will need to step thru it before buckling though. Not a big deal to me

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I like to tighten my bridge for walking in and rapelling down. Haven't used the srt yet this year, but it is good for that too.

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[EricS]

I lengthened my bridge yesterday since it’s rifle season here and there’s not much to get in the way of. Absolutely have to get some good knee pads. So far I’m really enjoying the kestrel. Liking the stepps also. If I had it to do again I would probably get the set of 10 instead of 8. And I would probably get longer rope on the bottom three stepps. With the kestrel and the stepps you have a setup that will pretty much work anywhere. Not the fastest way up the tree but is quiet versatile.

 

[g2outdoors]

I don't see how people hunt out of a saddle without knee pads. They are essential for me.

 

[EricS]

Most of the trees I’ve hunted this year I could straddle. Couldn’t do that just below the fork I setup in last night. Rolled up Sitka pullover worked good enough to make me really want a set.

 

[g2outdoors]

How many hunts do you have with the Kestrel now? You prefer it over the SD?

 

[kelly.jayp]

I don't see how people hunt out of a saddle without knee pads. They are essential for me.

you need to add the podcast to your signature now!

 

[EricS]

I prefer it over the sit drag. I’ve only had two actual hunts in the sit drag and ten in the kestrel. The sit drag will probably be my go to setup next year during bow season. The kestrel isn’t that thick or heavy but you have a couple years experience down here now and know how something just a little thicker can be brutal when it comes to being hot. When I was younger and hunted hard during bow season it was short sleeves or just the netted leafy suits without a underlayer. That was pre thermacell when deet was my only friend. I felt safe in the sit drag but I don’t think I would have felt safe getting through the learning curve of the stepp ladder while wearing a sit drag. I plan to have at least a few presets with no aiders or other acrobatic forms of climbing for next bow season and it will be all sit drag at least until the highs are in the low 80s.

 

[redsquirrel]

I don't see how people hunt out of a saddle without knee pads. They are essential for me.

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