• The SH Membership has gone live. Only SH Members have access to post in the classifieds. All members can view the classifieds. Starting in 2020 only SH Members will be admitted to the annual hunting contest. Current members will need to follow these steps to upgrade: 1. Click on your username 2. Click on Account upgrades 3. Choose SH Member and purchase.
  • We've been working hard the past few weeks to come up with some big changes to our vendor policies to meet the changing needs of our community. Please see the new vendor rules here: Vendor Access Area Rules

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

ric039

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
9
4
3
37
After spending two days reading through this thread and getting to page 25 and then doing a quick search, I don't think this has been asked yet, but I apologize if it is a repeat, but I couldn't keep slogging through it all :D

I've noticed in a couple of the videos that the fork marked up the tree some. Does it dig in significantly, or does it just scuff up the outer bark? I'd be slightly concerned about ringing some trees which can kill them off, and since I hunt public land mostly, I imagine a ranger wouldn't be too happy at seeing the tree significantly damaged.
 
Last edited:

EricS

Well-Known Member
Vendor Rep
SH Member
Dec 14, 2016
5,464
7,752
113
43
Georgia
After spending two days reading through this thread and getting to page 25 and then doing a quick search, I don't think this has been asked yet, but I apologize if it is a repeat, but I couldn't keep slogging through it all :D

I've noticed in a couple of the videos that the fork marked up the tree some. Does it dig in significantly, or does it just scuff up the outer bark? I'd be slightly concerned about ringing some trees which can kill them off, and since I hunt public land mostly, I imagine a ranger wouldn't be too happy at seeing the tree significantly damaged.
I guess if you practiced in the same tree every day you could eventually cause significant damage but less than a climber. You would never cause significant damage over the course of a hunt.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ric039

Ontariofarmer

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 25, 2015
5,258
5,097
113
After spending two days reading through this thread and getting to page 25 and then doing a quick search, I don't think this has been asked yet, but I apologize if it is a repeat, but I couldn't keep slogging through it all :D

I've noticed in a couple of the videos that the fork marked up the tree some. Does it dig in significantly, or does it just scuff up the outer bark? I'd be slightly concerned about ringing some trees which can kill them off, and since I hunt public land mostly, I imagine a ranger wouldn't be too happy at seeing the tree significantly damaged.

The fork will dig into a tree and mess it up if you move much. I don’t move much in my Jx3 so I don’t see it as an issue. Wild edge steps or a climber can do the same thing.
Also most rangers won’t climb up and check.
There can be a lot of damage if you move a lot but you won’t move, you will likely snooze.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
 

ric039

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
9
4
3
37
I've got a couple more questions. I am an AOH and haven't found a mentor, so I am learning all on my own from YouTube and this forum pretty much. If I sound like I don't know much about hunting, its because I don't :D

I know early on in this thread it was mentioned that a platform wasn't needed with the JX3, but now that its been out for a couple seasons I was curious how many of you have taken shots from this while still in the seated position? I am on a budget so the chance to not buy a platform or ROS is appealing to me, but seems like taking a shot from the seated position without something to stand on iscounter to most conventional shooting forms.

I plan to climb with wild edge steps, so I suppose I could just stand on the top step as long as the deer cooperates and shows up on the side to make that okay?
 

bowhuntr09

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Jul 28, 2018
2,375
3,111
113
57
Midlothian, VA
I've got a couple more questions. I am an AOH and haven't found a mentor, so I am learning all on my own from YouTube and this forum pretty much. If I sound like I don't know much about hunting, its because I don't :D

I know early on in this thread it was mentioned that a platform wasn't needed with the JX3, but now that its been out for a couple seasons I was curious how many of you have taken shots from this while still in the seated position? I am on a budget so the chance to not buy a platform or ROS is appealing to me, but seems like taking a shot from the seated position without something to stand on iscounter to most conventional shooting forms.

I plan to climb with wild edge steps, so I suppose I could just stand on the top step as long as the deer cooperates and shows up on the side to make that okay?
With stepps you could use 2 or 3 stepps and make a platform. Stepps can be very high in the fiddle factor though so make sure you get some and practice with them before you plan to actually hunt. I didn’t keep mine long before deciding they weren’t for me.
 

ric039

New Member
Oct 22, 2019
9
4
3
37
With stepps you could use 2 or 3 stepps and make a platform. Stepps can be very high in the fiddle factor though so make sure you get some and practice with them before you plan to actually hunt. I didn’t keep mine long before deciding they weren’t for me.
Good idea, but I only have 4 which I imagine I will need all of them for getting into the tree, unless I can come up with some upside down acrobatics to do a one stepp method
 

kyler1945

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 4, 2016
6,921
13,745
113
38
Willis, TX
LOCATION
Willis, TX
If your intention is to stand for all shots, or a majority of your time in a tree, I wouldn’t buy a hybrid. A platform and standard saddle will be more effective. I’ve shot hundreds of shots out of hybrid sitting down. And hundreds leaning. I’d only take leanibg shots if needed to get proper angle on shot window. The whole point of the hybrid is to sit down and sit still.
 

Bigterp

Moderator
Staff member
SH Member
Sep 11, 2017
7,037
12,451
113
49
Baltimore, Maryland
I've got a couple more questions. I am an AOH and haven't found a mentor, so I am learning all on my own from YouTube and this forum pretty much. If I sound like I don't know much about hunting, its because I don't :D

I know early on in this thread it was mentioned that a platform wasn't needed with the JX3, but now that its been out for a couple seasons I was curious how many of you have taken shots from this while still in the seated position? I am on a budget so the chance to not buy a platform or ROS is appealing to me, but seems like taking a shot from the seated position without something to stand on iscounter to most conventional shooting forms.

I plan to climb with wild edge steps, so I suppose I could just stand on the top step as long as the deer cooperates and shows up on the side to make that okay?
The jx3 was born for a ROS the way the fork sits against the tree comfortably puts a foot on either side. I don’t find it as comfortable with a platform. Even when I climb w/LWHC is still get a couple steps off to one side so I can straddle..... that’s my setup. I’ve not had to stand to get the shot yet, 2 with ML & 1 bow all seated.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plebe and jbogg

Ontariofarmer

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 25, 2015
5,258
5,097
113
I have stood with a JX 3 on a ring of steps to get a shot with a crossbow. I often push out from the tree to create distance between me and the tree Now I have a hickory creek bow that will not be necessary. I don't use a platform with a JX 3 but often use the top of my stick and a few squirrel steps.
 
Last edited:

GTel

Well-Known Member
Nov 9, 2019
233
316
63
I've got a couple more questions. I am an AOH and haven't found a mentor, so I am learning all on my own from YouTube and this forum pretty much. If I sound like I don't know much about hunting, its because I don't :D

I know early on in this thread it was mentioned that a platform wasn't needed with the JX3, but now that its been out for a couple seasons I was curious how many of you have taken shots from this while still in the seated position? I am on a budget so the chance to not buy a platform or ROS is appealing to me, but seems like taking a shot from the seated position without something to stand on iscounter to most conventional shooting forms.

I plan to climb with wild edge steps, so I suppose I could just stand on the top step as long as the deer cooperates and shows up on the side to make that okay?
I suggest you try both and choose what you like better. The ROS is all that's needed for sitting/leaning and with a bunch of practice, you can get good at offside shots from them. The platform had less of a learning curve for my offside shots, and I found it much easier to stand up on one to temporarily unload your prusik, but I prefer not to carry one and it's not really helpful for anything else. And neither are simple to hang at first and it will probably feel awkward for a bit. I see a not so distant future where I leave some cheap platforms in preset trees in addition to the ring of bolts I leave there for the best of both worlds.

Sent from up in a tree
 
  • Like
Reactions: Plebe

parkersdad

Well-Known Member
Jan 7, 2015
695
716
93
On smaller trees all you need is the top of a stick. The larger trees I have a stick and one step on each side of it. That is all I have ever used and it is extremely comfortable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 

Ols

New Member
Dec 14, 2019
24
7
3
38
How is everyone bringing their stocks up with them? Where are you connecting to the jx3 and what are you using to connect? Pictures would be awesome if you have any.
 
Sep 7, 2019
98
145
33
65
As to bringing up my sticks while climbing, I use 3 LW sticks, two of them I have tied a small paracord loop to the top that I fasten to one of the D loops on my JX3 on each side. Having one on each side of my saddle keeps them from hitting together and making any noise. Once onto of the first stick I take the second stick off of a D loop and place it on the tree then repeat. Now keep in mind that I have replaced the top step on each of my LW sticks with a double step from Eastern Woods Outdoors. This way I can put both feet on top of the stick which allows me to place the next stick higher. I have an aider attached to the bottom of each stick also. With the 3 sticks and aiders I can easily get around 16' sometimes higher if I stretch it out some.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Owl74

Owl74

Active Member
Jan 2, 2019
107
110
43
How is everyone bringing their stocks up with them? Where are you connecting to the jx3 and what are you using to connect? Pictures would be awesome if you have any.
Ols, I one stick and rappel down. If I used multiple sticks, I'd more than likely utilize the D hooks with paracord as Old Man Hunter suggested. You could also use these belt versa-hangers from Genesis 3D printing. The belt on the JX3 is 1.5 inches, so these could work: https://genesis3dprinting.com/products/belt-style-versa-hanger
 

whatever

New Member
Feb 20, 2018
17
6
3
68
Ols, I one stick and rappel down. If I used multiple sticks, I'd more than likely utilize the D hooks with paracord as Old Man Hunter suggested. You could also use these belt versa-hangers from Genesis 3D printing. The belt on the JX3 is 1.5 inches, so these could work: https://genesis3dprinting.com/products/belt-style-versa-hanger
Haven't tried it yet but plan on it soon . Just a few ( million ) questions. Stock bridge with JX3 ? Type of stick ? Aider ? Rappel device ? Any info that might save me a step would be appreciated. . I have a cut down helium with a diy aider 40' of oplux and a safeguard. With an autoblock I plan on starting with. Might not work but guaranteed fun to watch first attempt
 
  • Like
Reactions: Owl74

Owl74

Active Member
Jan 2, 2019
107
110
43
Haven't tried it yet but plan on it soon . Just a few ( million ) questions. Stock bridge with JX3 ? Type of stick ? Aider ? Rappel device ? Any info that might save me a step would be appreciated. . I have a cut down helium with a diy aider 40' of oplux and a safeguard. With an autoblock I plan on starting with. Might not work but guaranteed fun to watch first attempt
That should work great. As far as bridge goes, I'm running an adjustable one with Samson Predator and a prusik. I'm also running 40ft of Predator. I coil the rope up inside the back frame. I pull out just enough to use as a tether on the way up and use a Petzl quick link to get it around the tree (learned that trick from kyler1945's excellent one stick/rappelling video he made):
 

whatever

New Member
Feb 20, 2018
17
6
3
68
That should work great. As far as bridge goes, I'm running an adjustable one with Samson Predator and a prusik. I'm also running 40ft of Predator. I coil the rope up inside the back frame. I pull out just enough to use as a tether on the way up and use a Petzl quick link to get it around the tree (learned that trick from kyler1945's excellent one stick/rappelling video he made):
Yes THANK YOU I have watched that video several times and have played with my set up at one step above ground level it seem a constant struggle to keep the quick link from pull the teacher down anytime there is the least amount of slack in the teather. I'm sure I'll figure it out as I get more time. I've tried a few different bridges out of tubular webbing trying to figure most comfortable. A smarter.guy would have made an adjustable bridge. Don't know why I bother as comphy as I get in this thing I'm just going to be sleeping anyway l can do that at ground level
 

TNSTAAFL

Well-Known Member
SH Member
May 16, 2018
1,844
2,880
113
53
I use my tether and LW Handclimber as my climbing method so I have been paying attention to tether wear, but so far there is very little wear with probably 20 - 25 hunts in the Hybrid.

I don't know why I never thought of trying my LWHC when I had a Hybrid. Would be lighter than my sticks, pack better, and give the option to fully stand once in a while, which my hips always seem to desire after a couple hours sitting.

Do you still use this method? How does the climbing go? I've used the LWHC with a soft saddle so I know that drill. Anything different with the Hybrid?

How is the combo at hunting height?
 

splatek

Active Member
Aug 27, 2019
167
192
43
49
I don't know why I never thought of trying my LWHC when I had a Hybrid. Would be lighter than my sticks, pack better, and give the option to fully stand once in a while, which my hips always seem to desire after a couple hours sitting.

Do you still use this method? How does the climbing go? I've used the LWHC with a soft saddle so I know that drill. Anything different with the Hybrid?

How is the combo at hunting height?

I think Bogg does and I do as well.
It's pretty simple. Climbing is just like with an old climber, but instead of moving a top part of a climber you are moving your tether. It's pretty seamless. But shooting a trad bow out of it... challenging.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jbogg