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

Has anyone tried removing the bag from their pop up pack? It looks to remove easily. I am looking for a easy way to switch from my mantis to my jx3 without alot of hassle. Its not the lightest option I know.
 
Picked up a JX3 ± a week ago. I am using it with a LWHC. Been practicing with it in the yard, a lot and did take it on one hunt (was likely premature). The more I practice with this system, the more I am gaining confidence. Moreover, it's so comfortable, I am pretty sure that if I put the seat back in the lounge position I would easily fall asleep. I've practiced moving around the tree, getting 360 shot angles and actually shooting my bow from those angles so that I can do it when the actual time comes. Unfortunately for me, my backyard trees are mostly larger diameter trunks than I might actually hunt. To overcome this what I have realized is that I have to climb up a little higher than hunt height, set my tether, than ease my platform down just a foot or so, so that my tether height is actually out of reach by a few inches. I think as many have suggested on here, the JX3 does better with a higher tether height...and I am finding that to the be true.

When I get to hunt, I usually have a whole day, but whole day sits aren't usually all that productive in the deer woods, in my experience. So, one of the things I REALLY like about this system (thanks for the recommendation JBogg) is that I can climb to hunting height, whether that's 10 feet or 20 feet. Set up, hunt. But, then very easily come down and have everything ready to roll. All I have to do is disconnect the LWHC and put it over my head and fold up the JX3 seat to the hook and I am hiking to a new spot (or back to the truck). Super quiet and while it is significantly heavier than the traditional saddle, it pales in weight when compared to the climber I was using.

Made a few personal mads by adding a MOLLE pouch on one side that holds my pull-up system, grunt tube, rattling sticks, hand warmers, and whatever else I need; added a MOLLE bottle holder on the other side which hold my coffee, hot cocoa, or water.
 
splatek said:
Picked up a JX3 ± a week ago. I am using it with a LWHC. Been practicing with it in the yard, a lot and did take it on one hunt (was likely premature). The more I practice with this system, the more I am gaining confidence. Moreover, it's so comfortable, I am pretty sure that if I put the seat back in the lounge position I would easily fall asleep. I've practiced moving around the tree, getting 360 shot angles and actually shooting my bow from those angles so that I can do it when the actual time comes. Unfortunately for me, my backyard trees are mostly larger diameter trunks than I might actually hunt. To overcome this what I have realized is that I have to climb up a little higher than hunt height, set my tether, than ease my platform down just a foot or so, so that my tether height is actually out of reach by a few inches. I think as many have suggested on here, the JX3 does better with a higher tether height...and I am finding that to the be true.

When I get to hunt, I usually have a whole day, but whole day sits aren't usually all that productive in the deer woods, in my experience. So, one of the things I REALLY like about this system (thanks for the recommendation JBogg) is that I can climb to hunting height, whether that's 10 feet or 20 feet. Set up, hunt. But, then very easily come down and have everything ready to roll. All I have to do is disconnect the LWHC and put it over my head and fold up the JX3 seat to the hook and I am hiking to a new spot (or back to the truck). Super quiet and while it is significantly heavier than the traditional saddle, it pales in weight when compared to the climber I was using.

Made a few personal mads by adding a MOLLE pouch on one side that holds my pull-up system, grunt tube, rattling sticks, hand warmers, and whatever else I need; added a MOLLE bottle holder on the other side which hold my coffee, hot cocoa, or water.
Click to expand...

I've been using the JX-3 all year and love it. I've been using beast sticks to climb. I was interested in the hand climber method but wasn't sure that would really work with the JX-3. I was picturing that when you put your weight on the tether to pull up the HC, the seat would come up and kind of get in the way. Does this not happen?

BTW, I've never fell asleep in a treestand in my life but one afternoon my own snoring woke me up in the JX-3! Of course, I didn't see any deer that day....
 
dlist777 said:
I've been using the JX-3 all year and love it. I've been using beast sticks to climb. I was interested in the hand climber method but wasn't sure that would really work with the JX-3. I was picturing that when you put your weight on the tether to pull up the HC, the seat would come up and kind of get in the way. Does this not happen?
Click to expand...

I haven't had a problem with this method. It takes a bit of practice. Not sure how others do it, but I use my arms to keep distance between me and the tree - I actually think the seat bottom provides a nice firm stable platform from which to push and pull the climber up. Of course, I've never tried this from a traditional tree saddle.

BTW, I've never fell asleep in a treestand in my life but one afternoon my own snoring woke me up in the JX-3! Of course, I didn't see any deer that day....
Click to expand...

Hahaha. Yeah, this thing is freaking comfy...maybe too comfy....
 
That second version looks much better (less bulky) what is the weight of it? I may just have to get one and give it a review - your video may have convinced me. I absolutely hated the original guidos web because of the weight, bulkiness and all the straps - this look like a much better design (just the retracting whale tail is a vast improvement)
 
The weight is 9.5 pounds with the ropes. I love mine. The adjustable whale tail is a game changer. I carry one muddy pro stick and I can climb just about any tree I want to


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
parkersdad said:
The weight is 9.5 pounds with the ropes. I love mine. The adjustable whale tail is a game changer. I carry one muddy pro stick and I can climb just about any tree I want to


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Click to expand...

is that for the skinny version
 
I'm about 40 hunts in with the JX-3. The only minor 'complaint' I have is the lineman's loops. They are a bit small and far back. I didn't really notice it until late season. When I'm all bundled up like the pillsbury dough boy it gets hard to hook and unhook. I think I'm just going to add a climbing rated loop / runner and girth hitch it to have a longer connection point. Otherwise, I got nothing but good things to say.....

I am a xbow guy though...a compound might present different issues.
 
dlist777 said:
The only minor 'complaint' I have is the lineman's loops. They are a bit small and far back.
Click to expand...

One time after reaching back to my side I thought I was hooked up, but it turns out it was just my belt loop. Luckily I didn’t put much weight on it before I caught my error. Just kidding! But I see your point.
 
DaveT1963 said:
is that for the skinny version
Click to expand...

He is currently not producing the skinny model per my conversation with Jon one week ago. He may not produce it for more than a year. This weight I posted is for the regular size. I’ll caution with the smaller size you cannot open your legs with the smaller hybrid. I like to sit with my legs open for comfort


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
dlist777 said:
I'm about 40 hunts in with the JX-3. The only minor 'complaint' I have is the lineman's loops. They are a bit small and far back. I didn't really notice it until late season. When I'm all bundled up like the pillsbury dough boy it gets hard to hook and unhook. I think I'm just going to add a climbing rated loop / runner and girth hitch it to have a longer connection point. Otherwise, I got nothing but good things to say.....

I am a xbow guy though...a compound might present different issues.
Click to expand...

Great idea, I had the same issues
 
DaveT1963 said:
That second version looks much better (less bulky) what is the weight of it? I may just have to get one and give it a review - your video may have convinced me. I absolutely hated the original guidos web because of the weight, bulkiness and all the straps - this look like a much better design (just the retracting whale tail is a vast improvement)
Click to expand...

I'll say this on the narrower model - John spent a whole bunch of time and thought and effort designing the hybrid. He didn't just cook it up one night over a beer. The width of the seat is a real advantage for most folks because you can sit with your legs open and on either side of the tree. That wasn't an afterthought - he made it that way on purpose. I have really long legs but I'm narrow. I am right at the edge of starting to feel bound up in the narrow model. Basically, I'm goldilocks and it's the just right bed. I do suspect it will work better for really small guys. Not just short, but small. If you're 5'8, but weigh 200+lbs, well, you still will do better in the big one.

It does not weigh any less, as it's only missing a four inches of tubing that the standard model has. Well, maybe an ounce or two. The adjustable fork is definitely a significant upgrade over the web. I don't have an issue with the lineman's belt, but I can see how it is a little bit of a hassle for folks with a little more belly.

It weighs more than a web, but it is significantly less "strappy". The web never bothered me, but the hybrid is less cumbersome. You'll drop 2-4lbs of weight though because you won't need/want a platform. It would put your feet back under the seat, which will get uncomfortable. I could see some utility in a platform if you just want to stand up for some reason, but I have tried to find a use while sitting in the hybrid, and I can't. Part of the reason is how deep the seat is. With the web, the seat was shorter front to back, so you could actually get some use out of a platform.

I have completed as many all day or close to all day sits in the hybrid as I had in the kestrel. I had no complaints about the kestrel, it fit me perfectly, and I could spend all day in a tree. But it is not the same, or even close. The hybrid puts you in a tree, sitting still, in extreme comfort. I've carried my kestrel only twice this year, and it was to prep trees on a scouting mission, no weapon. The hybrid is my go to now, and I don't think twice.

I just got in from a hunt where i walked about 1.5 miles up and down some pretty steep hills slipping and sliding in the mud with the hybrid and ooal sticks. I'm guessing the total weight was about 25-27lbs with all my crap. The same setup for me with the kestrel/frame pack would only weigh about 4-5lbs less. It's a worthwhile tradeoff in my opinion.

I switched to a saddle over a hang on because I can't sit comfortably for a long time in a hang-on. The angle of my back and the tree is fixed, and that doesn't work well for me. The advantage of a saddle is that i can lean back or forward as one position gets uncomfortable. That's why I really like the hybrid - i can sit all day, and the only thing i do to change positions is lean seat back more or less. It's as simple as pulling on two straps or releasing some slack on them.

The harness of the hybrid is exactly the same as the previous web harness. But the adjustments are simpler and less clunky.

I think you'll like it if you understand the differences between it and a minimal saddle. It's definitely the most enjoyable way to sit in a tree I've experienced in 15+ years of hunting, and it's not close.
 
The linesman loops, and the leg straps tend to want to slide off pack when folded up are really only complaint, and those are minor. . Rest of it gets easier the more times you do it. I have used this thing at ground level almost as much as at height. The versatility is pretty awesome and the comfort is awesome. I can’t wait to customize little more in off season
 
kyler1945 said:
I'll say this on the narrower model - John spent a whole bunch of time and thought and effort designing the hybrid. He didn't just cook it up one night over a beer. The width of the seat is a real advantage for most folks because you can sit with your legs open and on either side of the tree. That wasn't an afterthought - he made it that way on purpose. I have really long legs but I'm narrow. I am right at the edge of starting to feel bound up in the narrow model. Basically, I'm goldilocks and it's the just right bed. I do suspect it will work better for really small guys. Not just short, but small. If you're 5'8, but weigh 200+lbs, well, you still will do better in the big one.

It does not weigh any less, as it's only missing a four inches of tubing that the standard model has. Well, maybe an ounce or two. The adjustable fork is definitely a significant upgrade over the web. I don't have an issue with the lineman's belt, but I can see how it is a little bit of a hassle for folks with a little more belly.

It weighs more than a web, but it is significantly less "strappy". The web never bothered me, but the hybrid is less cumbersome. You'll drop 2-4lbs of weight though because you won't need/want a platform. It would put your feet back under the seat, which will get uncomfortable. I could see some utility in a platform if you just want to stand up for some reason, but I have tried to find a use while sitting in the hybrid, and I can't. Part of the reason is how deep the seat is. With the web, the seat was shorter front to back, so you could actually get some use out of a platform.

I have completed as many all day or close to all day sits in the hybrid as I had in the kestrel. I had no complaints about the kestrel, it fit me perfectly, and I could spend all day in a tree. But it is not the same, or even close. The hybrid puts you in a tree, sitting still, in extreme comfort. I've carried my kestrel only twice this year, and it was to prep trees on a scouting mission, no weapon. The hybrid is my go to now, and I don't think twice.

I just got in from a hunt where i walked about 1.5 miles up and down some pretty steep hills slipping and sliding in the mud with the hybrid and ooal sticks. I'm guessing the total weight was about 25-27lbs with all my crap. The same setup for me with the kestrel/frame pack would only weigh about 4-5lbs less. It's a worthwhile tradeoff in my opinion.

I switched to a saddle over a hang on because I can't sit comfortably for a long time in a hang-on. The angle of my back and the tree is fixed, and that doesn't work well for me. The advantage of a saddle is that i can lean back or forward as one position gets uncomfortable. That's why I really like the hybrid - i can sit all day, and the only thing i do to change positions is lean seat back more or less. It's as simple as pulling on two straps or releasing some slack on them.

The harness of the hybrid is exactly the same as the previous web harness. But the adjustments are simpler and less clunky.

I think you'll like it if you understand the differences between it and a minimal saddle. It's definitely the most enjoyable way to sit in a tree I've experienced in 15+ years of hunting, and it's not close.
Click to expand...

thanks for the info. I'll keep an open mind lol , I assure you this ain't my first saddle rodeo ;)
 
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