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JX3 Hybrid - Questions for Interview with John

kyler1945

kyler1945

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2016
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Location
Willis, TX
Ok guys, I'm not affiliated with the company in any way, so I think this is legal. I'm going to be doing a video/podcast/interview/Q&A with John - the fellow behind JX3 Outdoors. I've been hunting with the Hybrid almost exclusively since he introduced it. I've shared lots of that experience here, but I think there is a lot missing from the public space in regards to JX3. Like -

Who is John Reed? How did he come up with the hybrid? Why did he come up with the hybrid? What happened to the Guido's Web? What are some of the features or benefits of the hybrid that most folks aren't considering? For folks on the fence because of the weight or bulk of the hybrid, what information should they be considering when they make a decision to buy it or not? What changes or features are incorporated in the new version of the hybrid? Why is there only one size of hybrid? Can you shoot 360* around a tree in a hybrid? How does it compare to a traditional stand? How does it compare to a minimal saddle? What is current delivery? What type of platform is recommended for the hybrid?

I need y'alls help - besides his visit to the early saddle get togethers, this will be his first real chance to give us the story. So any questions, comments, thoughts, complaints, whatever, drop them here. I have a loose outline of how I want this to go, but hopefully most questions will be answered. I'll likely pick a handful on top from here to ask at some point as well.

Mods - if this is not legal, let me know. Again, I am not affiliated with the company. I'm just a guy who loves the hybrid, really likes John, and wants to share what I think are the features and benefits of a great product from a great dude.

I'm thinking I can pin him down in the next week or two. Fire away!
 
Excited to see this. Just picked one up on classifieds and showed up Saturday so no questions yet. I’m sure after I set it up more and get a few hunts in I will have some thoughts. Thanks for the content so far on the JX3.
 
I'll be watching.

This is kind of specific, but I once saw a pic of a new fork design (I think you might have posted it) that had basically two more "tines" coming off the right and left of the main fork. That seemed like a real interesting improvement to help move around the tree. I'm just curious why that didn't make it into the revised JX-3? Didn't work out planned?
 
Also...

I totally respect a guy producing a quality product and just letting it sell itself...not worrying about marketing and raising his overhead etc. But, Id be interested to hear if he's ever thought about increasing his marketing and production capabilities.....it would probably increase his profits, but also his headaches....
 
I just got the new version of the JX3 Hybrid a couple of weeks ago. I love everything about it, except the leg straps. They are horrible to adjust and I need to adjust them every time I either pack up the hybrid or use the hybrid in a tree. Are there any plans to fix this issue?

Also, what accessories are planned and when will they be available.
 
Swampman said:
I just got the new version of the JX3 Hybrid a couple of weeks ago. I love everything about it, except the leg straps. They are horrible to adjust and I need to adjust them every time I either pack up the hybrid or use the hybrid in a tree. Are there any plans to fix this issue?

Also, what accessories are planned and when will they be available.
Click to expand...

What specifically is horrible about the adjustment? Pictures would be helpful. Do you have a specific change you're looking for?
 
The only way to adjust the buckles is by using the slider on the webbing. I have to fiddle around using two hands to do this and it is very difficult when you are wearing it. I don't think I have been able to get it adjusted perfectly yet. Then when I pack up after the hunt it is again very difficult to adjust right to hold your load tightly.

A good fix would be to have buckles that can be adjusted by simply pulling on the end of the strap to tighten down like most straps. IMG_2856.jpgIMG_2857.jpgIMG_2858.jpg
 
Swampman said:
The only way to adjust the buckles is by using the slider on the webbing. I have to fiddle around using two hands to do this and it is very difficult when you are wearing it. I don't think I have been able to get it adjusted perfectly yet. Then when I pack up after the hunt it is again very difficult to adjust right to hold your load tightly.

A good fix would be to have buckles that can be adjusted by simply pulling on the end of the strap to tighten down like most straps.
Click to expand...

Got it. Thanks for the details.
 
Maybe in the off-season I’ll consider selling mine for what it’s worth and then getting into a 2020, but having been in one for the 2019 season I really like it. Few things off top of my head:

(1) Does John shoot as well or better out of the JX3 at ideal position vs the range. Seems to be the case for me, wondered if it’s my imagination.

(2) This is a kinda muddled question / comment... when folded the side straps become a shape that my mind never quite grasps, and it bugs me a bit that so much of that attachment potential is kinda wound up and only fully available once you’ve flipped it open. Are we possibly underutilizing potential around the outside of the bottom seat or something? Has he seen some clever storage solutions? Same question for stash of sticks.

(3) On Gen 1 any thoughts on where to best position the seat base wear spots... hook behind the base or let it slide while you sit. I do not know. Good way to mention this years fancy new wear pads.

(4) A thread has discussed this, but confirm a mild soap / rinse / dry for scent control, for those who might care?

EDIT: Whenever I config my rig I look at all the molle loops and imagine there some cooler storage methods I haven’t thought of. Fyi unlike you I pull my small pack up once I’m set up because I like to climb light and especially if I’ve brought a camera arm my pack weight is a little more than I like climbing with or fooling around with reaching over my shoulder.
 
Would definitely like to hear about the transition from Guidos Web to JX3. I talked many different times to Butch who owned Guidos Web. And I know do to an illness in Butch's family he sold the company. I am assuming John bought it and redeveloped the web into the JX3. It is neat that no changes to the straps that mount to the seat and bridge were made.
 
The original guidos had almost a "game vest" style pocket built into the back instead of the 3 independent "pockets". Has there been thought or is there a chance there will be a big pocket built into the back in the future?
 
Any future plans for a JXLite (not the slim)? I tried it out a Saddlepalooza 2019 and it is just too heavy for my taste, no matter how it packs or carries. Maybe a version with an optional back band like other saddles with a lighter seat...
 
First thing first, love the JX3! All day comfort for this big guy. Can't wait for rut. Couple things I noticed after a few uses: I have my dump pouches attached to the rear mollies and have to "fold" them up to close it. I also had to carry a back pack strapped to it for warmer clothes, water, calls, etc. Couple thoughts, maybe some mollies on the waist belt itself for dump pouches and a "cargo" net on back for stuffing clothes and other items. Would love to hear what accessory ideas he's got.
 
Bwhana said:
Any future plans for a JXLite (not the slim)? I tried it out a Saddlepalooza 2019 and it is just too heavy for my taste, no matter how it packs or carries. Maybe a version with an optional back band like other saddles with a lighter seat...
Click to expand...

This got my mind wandering... if you told me for an extra hundred dollars or whatever there’s a six pound JX3 whoo man that would be fun.
 
Extending on @Swampman's thought, I think it might be easier to tighten/loosen the waist belt if it included ladder buckles, similar to those on the shoulder straps. The function would be the same - tighten the belt by pulling the tag end of the strap toward the cobra/waist buckle or away from your waist. Loosen by lifting up on the ladder buckle tab. Forgive me if this exists on the newer JX3 version, as I received mine in 2019 and flat out love it.

@neonomad - I like where your wandering mind is at! If there was a way to shave a couple pounds without losing the overall functionality, I'd be all over that!
 
Fork design - specifically the "extra" ones on the side of the plate

marketing strategy/direction of company

leg loop buckle design/function

waist belt buckle design/function

all things storage and attachment and accessories

care/cleaning

transition from GW to JX3

options in sizing


I'll address the weight topic, I don't think we need to wait for John to answer, although I'll get his input at well.

Pretty simple - you could probably shave a pound, maybe 1.5 , by going to a carbon back and frame. It would probably increase cost by double, if not more. I don't think you'll see many folks who are going to pay 6-700 for a saddle. But we've been wrong before about what folks are willing to pay I guess. The problem here is startup costs - you're talking carbon mold for the back, 5 digits up front. And to avoid glued joints at the bends, which will increase weight and assembly time, probably carbon mold for the frame too, another 5 digits. Unless you're going to have tens of thousands of folks buy them, that's a big gamble. I'm sure adding some context on how the design came to be what it is, will help here too.

I'm confident someone is going to come out with a commercially available tree seat/bosun/treesuit type saddle at some point, besides what's already available in the boat and climbing world. Why? You can't eliminate the discomfort that comes with a minimalist saddle. You can reduce it, you can distract from it, but you won't eliminate it. Some folks don't mind it, some folks deal with it. But it's there. I'll inquire if John has any plans to go after that segment of the market.

I personally don't see the weight as an issue. Especially having made some western hunts now. I've come to realize we're pretty soft when it comes to carrying things in the whitetail woods haha! But really, if you walk less than a half mile to get to your hunting spot, carrying 15lbs of gear is no different than 30. I'm sorry, but we're talking about a difference of about 10 calories burnt. For longer walks, weight can definitely be an issue for some folks. What I can say from experience, is that I walked my butt off the last couple seasons, with the hybrid on my back for most of it, and it never bothered me. Something like 250+ miles, mostly flat, but a big chunk with some nasty elevation changes. For the way I hunt, I will be carrying the hybrid or a frame pack. So the weight difference between my kestrel setup and the hybrid is about 3lbs. I typically hunt ROS either way, but if you added a back band and platform to the kestrel setup, you're now closer to even. If you add winter layers, sticks, cameras, etc, the % difference continues to drop. It's relative, not absolute. Walk a mile carrying 0lbs versus 10lbs, you'll notice the difference. Walk a mile carrying 40lbs versus 50lbs, I doubt you'll be able to really tell.

At the end of the day, it does weigh more. It won't magically weigh less. Saddle hunting, like everything else in life, is about tradeoffs. I'm pretty sure once people hear John's story, and how the hybrid came to be, there will be more than a few who were on the fence about weight jumping to the dark side.
 
My JX3 setup is still 6 pounds lighter than my climber and affords me to get into any tree I want for the most part. I am going to mess around with a shorter bridge to get more of the "bulk" away from me getting a shot off. Not that its bad because its not but I think I could get the offside shot better.....maybe not we will see.
 
kyler1945 said:
Fork design - specifically the "extra" ones on the side of the plate

marketing strategy/direction of company

leg loop buckle design/function

waist belt buckle design/function

all things storage and attachment and accessories

care/cleaning

transition from GW to JX3

options in sizing


I'll address the weight topic, I don't think we need to wait for John to answer, although I'll get his input at well.

Pretty simple - you could probably shave a pound, maybe 1.5 , by going to a carbon back and frame. It would probably increase cost by double, if not more. I don't think you'll see many folks who are going to pay 6-700 for a saddle. But we've been wrong before about what folks are willing to pay I guess. The problem here is startup costs - you're talking carbon mold for the back, 5 digits up front. And to avoid glued joints at the bends, which will increase weight and assembly time, probably carbon mold for the frame too, another 5 digits. Unless you're going to have tens of thousands of folks buy them, that's a big gamble. I'm sure adding some context on how the design came to be what it is, will help here too.

I'm confident someone is going to come out with a commercially available tree seat/bosun/treesuit type saddle at some point, besides what's already available in the boat and climbing world. Why? You can't eliminate the discomfort that comes with a minimalist saddle. You can reduce it, you can distract from it, but you won't eliminate it. Some folks don't mind it, some folks deal with it. But it's there. I'll inquire if John has any plans to go after that segment of the market.

I personally don't see the weight as an issue. Especially having made some western hunts now. I've come to realize we're pretty soft when it comes to carrying things in the whitetail woods haha! But really, if you walk less than a half mile to get to your hunting spot, carrying 15lbs of gear is no different than 30. I'm sorry, but we're talking about a difference of about 10 calories burnt. For longer walks, weight can definitely be an issue for some folks. What I can say from experience, is that I walked my butt off the last couple seasons, with the hybrid on my back for most of it, and it never bothered me. Something like 250+ miles, mostly flat, but a big chunk with some nasty elevation changes. For the way I hunt, I will be carrying the hybrid or a frame pack. So the weight difference between my kestrel setup and the hybrid is about 3lbs. I typically hunt ROS either way, but if you added a back band and platform to the kestrel setup, you're now closer to even. If you add winter layers, sticks, cameras, etc, the % difference continues to drop. It's relative, not absolute. Walk a mile carrying 0lbs versus 10lbs, you'll notice the difference. Walk a mile carrying 40lbs versus 50lbs, I doubt you'll be able to really tell.

At the end of the day, it does weigh more. It won't magically weigh less. Saddle hunting, like everything else in life, is about tradeoffs. I'm pretty sure once people hear John's story, and how the hybrid came to be, there will be more than a few who were on the fence about weight jumping to the dark side.
Click to expand...

Agree with all above... and when making a ‘lightweight’ comment like I did I always imagine the blood pressure spike of someone busting butt designing and trying to get units shipped off the dock w the current version.

That said, 5 years from now might we be hanging from more lightweight hybrid types, maybe with a section of carbon fiber for back support? Possibly!

All in all though I’m happy to keep putting hours in exactly what I already have, and just keep fiddling / dialing it in, it’s awesome.
 
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