Still a little crush? 59 pages deep
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I can say confidently, that after 4.5 seasons together, this is a forever thing.
We've been through a lot. Yes, I requested she lose a couple inches on her waist. Yes, I basically changed everything about her wardrobe. There's been some broken bones, and some replacement parts. I still spend very rare time with a hang on, but I have no use for a soft saddle any more.
John doesn't pay me. I don't get free gear in the normal sense. I may get first dibs at buying something new. Or a prototype of a prototype to knock around. But I spend a lot of time in the hybrid, talking about the hybrid, thinking about the hybrid, and helping others with the hybrid. I think it's a fair trade. I don't claim to be without bias either. I am emotionally invested in this piece of gear. And if I'm being honest, the fellow who came up with it.
For those who haven't spoken to him, or spent a lot of time in the hybrid, I understand. But when you've done either or both, you'll see just how much time went into the design. I made mine a hauler, and removed any and all doodads because of exactly how I hunt. But every single major design concept is well thought out, and very refined. And not by a youtube star. By a bonafide killer. Each time I try to diminish one of the features or benefits of the hybrid, I end up coming full circle.
There's a penalty up front for getting soft saddles out of your noggin. And you'll obviously feel like you're encumbered if you're used to sitting in a hang on with nothing in front of you. And it does take about 20-35 more seconds of thought and set up time getting a couple details right. But once you're used to it, I just don't see how anyone would want to hunt in a soft saddle. I know there are edge cases. But I can tell you I've completely given up on them. I scout and hunt with the hybrid all the time. The weight is simply a non factor given all the other benefits. Like I said - I'm totally out on the soft saddle. And if I don't put my hang on in a tree before the end of the season, it's going up for sale too. It doesn't make sense keeping it for the 2-5% chance I'll use it. The hybrid is that dominant for me.
I will be adding a climber base to my kit, because of my move to Tx. Too many scenarios where I may need to get up a planted pine tree. It doesn't make me happy, but it is what it is.
Other than that, I'd just like to say that the hybrid has increased my happiness intake from hunting. I wish I had taken a more aggressive approach over the last couple years in getting involved in some sort of commercial way. I've had a hand in selling dozens of them both directly and indirectly. I'll settle for hearing people, privately of course, say "you were right. I get it now."