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It's just...a little crush... - Review of the JX3 Hybrid Saddle

7bru said:
Yeah its quite different with the tree and bridge strapping. Notches or indentions in the fork a bad idea?

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My hybrid came with indentions drilled in the fork. Does yours not?
 
I spoke with John yesterday. He says you can crank down on the knob. He says it won't break.

He mentioned about drilling detents. I might later on.

Excellent be customer service

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7bru said:
I got mine today. First time in a saddle. Question with all the adjustments. Pretty straightforward but it appears you need to keep the waist belt somewhat tight so you dont slide in the seat.

Front pants pockets are now useless or am i missing something.

I have watched read and surfed everything that i could find about this product before it arrived. Everything is spot on.
I see why everybody buys the ropeman 1.

What length is popular setting for the fork.?

Thanks in advance.

Bru

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Once you get comfortable w/it a few things you’ll notice
You won’t miss access to your front pockets
You really don’t need the waist belt but it’s there if you do, if the seat is level your not sliding out.
Find somebody near you to compare & contrast a traditional saddle b/c the JX3 is not one. Plus if you’re new to it some best practices will be huge boost to your learning curve (&wallet)
 
Thats what john said. I think i will keep mine clipped up til i get some sits in.

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Just so guys can see different setups. I have two trees prepped with screw in steps. The rest will be with sticks. With steps on the right and left of the tree you can put your feet on them or extend for comfort. It is also really comfortable to just have your feet under you


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Here is a video of me switching my feet between positions and the hybrid stays put using only the fork. I love the fact that I do not have to use my knees or feet as a pressure point. This will allow me to sit in comfort and sit longer hours.
 
parkersdad said:
Here is a video of me switching my feet between positions and the hybrid stays put using only the fork. I love the fact that I do not have to use my knees or feet as a pressure point. This will allow me to sit in comfort and sit longer hours.
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I practiced shooting out of mine again yesterday. I have added two Cranford screw in steps on either side of the tree combined with my Lonewolf hand climber. Using the Tree Fork to pivot around the tree for a shot is effortless. This is going to be a long 6 1/2 weeks until September 14.
 
I have spent a fair amount of time tinkering with the hybrid. I suspect I’ll be making the majority of my hunts this year with it. It’s essentially a 3lb weight penalty for me, and I’m in complete comfort for a sit. I love the idea of the kestrel, and I’m sure it will get used here and there. But I can’t see much upside at this point.
 
kyler1945 said:
I have spent a fair amount of time tinkering with the hybrid. I suspect I’ll be making the majority of my hunts this year with it. It’s essentially a 3lb weight penalty for me, and I’m in complete comfort for a sit. I love the idea of the kestrel, and I’m sure it will get used here and there. But I can’t see much upside at this point.
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I agree 100%. I can’t believe more people don’t open their mind to the hybrid when buying a saddle. For 3 pounds worth of extra weight I can sit in the comfort of a summit Viper


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parkersdad said:
I agree 100%. I can’t believe more people don’t open their mind to the hybrid when buying a saddle. For 3 pounds worth of extra weight I can sit in the comfort of a summit Viper


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For most people the weight penalty is a little greater. I carry a 5lb frame pack and 2lb kestrel every hunt 10lb hybrid -7lbs. If you’re taking a fanny pack or a lightweight backpack it’s more like a 5-6lb weight penalty.

I agree though - I’ve been meaning to do a ‘target acquisition speed’ video with the kestrel and the hybrid. Basically have set targets at different locations around my tree and compare the time and effort to make shots at each angle/position. It would be a time consuming video, but I suspect the results would show that any difference is negligible. I think folks biggest hang up with it is it looks confusing and complicated, and may interfere with shooting.
 
parkersdad said:
I agree 100%. I can’t believe more people don’t open their mind to the hybrid when buying a saddle. For 3 pounds worth of extra weight I can sit in the comfort of a summit Viper

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I bought a used JX-3 while I was waiting on my Kestrel Flex. I love it and will be using it full time this upcoming season. But, it does kind of go against this whole minimalist saddle ethos. Honestly, when I compare my JX-3 plus ROS to my Millenium M60u plus bracket, RC harness, and straps I'm not really saving all that much weight vs. a hang on. I never carried a frame pack like Kyle does so it's a pretty big weight penalty vs. the Kestrel Flex.

For me though, the comfort is the real thing. Forget about hip pinch....focus on staying awake. Being able to sit still is really important and the JX-3 will allow for longer more enjoyable sits. Also, the weight is well distributed with the belt.
 
parkersdad said:
However do you do not need a platform to put your feet on. That is 3 pounds worth of weight savings right there. You can use the top of your stick or step that you have to have anyway


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No platform and no pack and easy to carry and comfortable and easy to sit still... The weight penalty feels like not much because it is easy to carry. It is certainly easier than any hang on or poorly made pack or a kestrel that wants to fall off my butt.

I will be using the flex and Jx 3 this season. Time will tell which I prefer. Last season once I got the Jx 3 I used it more than my kestrel or mantis... Both are sold because of that fact. Don't use it I may as well sell it.
I did use the kestrel more than the mantis though because it was more comfortable
 
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