All day setup for a new big guy

[NoleShooter]

Greetings all!

TLR - I'm 6'2" 280lbs and looking at the JX3 paired with XOP sticks for hunting pine trees in N Florida/S Georgia. Stability, all day comfort for my size, and ease of use are the three key priorities. Should I be considering something different?


First, I have to thank everyone for the content on this site. I've been able to find a ton of information on every topic with little effort. I've been using a climber (summit 180 max) for the last seven years or so with limited success.

I hunt primarily Florida public land and like to get away from the roads and parking lots, but I have found lugging that thing in to be noisy and exhausting. I get to the tree sweating like a pig and it seems no amount of bungie cord can truly stop it from clanking while walking and setting up. Climbing is also cumbersome and noisy.

I'm sold on saddles, but trying to decide on a setup. I hunt mostly Florida/Georgia pine trees (straight, about 1-2 foot thick) and I'm really looking for the most comfortable setup possible. I only get a few hunting opportunities each year (i.e. days off of work not on family vacation) so I like to sit all day. I hunt with bow and rifle.

I'm 6'2" and about 280 (about a 40 inch waist). I am uncomfortable with heights, meaning I get up the tree but strongly prefer whatever I'm using to feel very sturdy. A setup that is simple and feels Rock solid is first priority. The pine trees tend to sway in the wind, which can be very unsettling 20+' in the air.

Saddle: JX3 Hybrid seems to offer the most comfortable setup and solid build. I wouldn't be walking more than a couple miles, so it seems like I could just wear it in and pack my sticks on the back.

I've also looked at the kestrel flex and Tethrd Phantom, but both seemed to be more minimalist, especially considering my size.

Sticks: XOP. I am a big guy and I want sticks that give plenty of grab for my feet (size 12, very often in snake boots because Florida).

I'm also looking at hawk helium's, but reviews seem to indicate the XOPs offer more material to grab onto and secure to the tree better (see earlier part about heights).

If my priority is all day comfort (especially considering my size) and getting up the tree confidently. Should I be considering something else or reconsider either of these choices?

Thanks for your time.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[BigB]

Greetings all!

TLR - I'm 6'2" 280lbs and looking at the JX3 paired with XOP sticks for hunting pine trees in N Florida/S Georgia. Stability, all day comfort for my size, and ease of use are the three key priorities. Should I be considering something different?


First, I have to thank everyone for the content on this site. I've been able to find a ton of information on every topic with little effort. I've been using a climber (summit 180 max) for the last seven years or so with limited success.

I hunt primarily Florida public land and like to get away from the roads and parking lots, but I have found lugging that thing in to be noisy and exhausting. I get to the tree sweating like a pig and it seems no amount of bungie cord can truly stop it from clanking while walking and setting up. Climbing is also cumbersome and noisy.

I'm sold on saddles, but trying to decide on a setup. I hunt mostly Florida/Georgia pine trees (straight, about 1-2 foot thick) and I'm really looking for the most comfortable setup possible. I only get a few hunting opportunities each year (i.e. days off of work not on family vacation) so I like to sit all day. I hunt with bow and rifle.

I'm 6'2" and about 280 (about a 40 inch waist). I am uncomfortable with heights, meaning I get up the tree but strongly prefer whatever I'm using to feel very sturdy. A setup that is simple and feels Rock solid is first priority. The pine trees tend to sway in the wind, which can be very unsettling 20+' in the air.

Saddle: JX3 Hybrid seems to offer the most comfortable setup and solid build. I wouldn't be walking more than a couple miles, so it seems like I could just wear it in and pack my sticks on the back.

I've also looked at the kestrel flex and Tethrd Phantom, but both seemed to be more minimalist, especially considering my size.

Sticks: XOP. I am a big guy and I want sticks that give plenty of grab for my feet (size 12, very often in snake boots because Florida).

I'm also looking at hawk helium's, but reviews seem to indicate the XOPs offer more material to grab onto and secure to the tree better (see earlier part about heights).

If my priority is all day comfort (especially considering my size) and getting up the tree confidently. Should I be considering something else or reconsider either of these choices?

Thanks for your time.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

I wish I had purchased something with a double step vs the single step. I have Flex saddle and love it. My biggest disappointment was the XOP sticks. I’m sure others love them and don’t get me wrong they work great, rock solid. Just realized for me a double step would probably been better for climbing.

 

[judd1980]

Regarding size on the flex, I just received mine and am about your size. My size two flex fits great. I looked at the jx3, but for me, it seemed like the traditional saddle would allow for more maneuverability.

I have been messing around with some second hand wild edge steps and have a ridge runner platform on its way.

This forum rocks for a FNG like me

 

[NoleShooter]

Regarding size on the flex, I just received mine and am about your size. My size two flex fits great. I looked at the jx3, but for me, it seemed like the traditional saddle would allow for more maneuverability.

I have been messing around with some second hand wild edge steps and have a ridge runner platform on its way.

This forum rocks for a FNG like me

Does the lack of back support hurt after a long sit?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[BigB]

Does the lack of back support hurt after a long sit?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

My very first sit was like 5 hours my left hip got sore. No back issues for me. My second sit was closer to 8 hours zero hip pain, no back pain but did notice feet getting fatigued. I am more of a leaner and was only my second time in the saddle. You have tons of adjustment and could take some time to figure out works for you. The make a back rest for the Flex saddle also. I don’t have one but could see it being comfy at times.

 

[dalton916]

Does the lack of back support hurt after a long sit?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Hurt? Nah, but it’s so much more relaxing and comfortable to have one.

 

[judd1980]

Does the lack of back support hurt after a long sit?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

Back band helps considerably.

 

[emerald ghost]

Greetings all!

TLR - I'm 6'2" 280lbs and looking at the JX3 paired with XOP sticks for hunting pine trees in N Florida/S Georgia. Stability, all day comfort for my size, and ease of use are the three key priorities. Should I be considering something different?


First, I have to thank everyone for the content on this site. I've been able to find a ton of information on every topic with little effort. I've been using a climber (summit 180 max) for the last seven years or so with limited success.

I hunt primarily Florida public land and like to get away from the roads and parking lots, but I have found lugging that thing in to be noisy and exhausting. I get to the tree sweating like a pig and it seems no amount of bungie cord can truly stop it from clanking while walking and setting up. Climbing is also cumbersome and noisy.

I'm sold on saddles, but trying to decide on a setup. I hunt mostly Florida/Georgia pine trees (straight, about 1-2 foot thick) and I'm really looking for the most comfortable setup possible. I only get a few hunting opportunities each year (i.e. days off of work not on family vacation) so I like to sit all day. I hunt with bow and rifle.

I'm 6'2" and about 280 (about a 40 inch waist). I am uncomfortable with heights, meaning I get up the tree but strongly prefer whatever I'm using to feel very sturdy. A setup that is simple and feels Rock solid is first priority. The pine trees tend to sway in the wind, which can be very unsettling 20+' in the air.

Saddle: JX3 Hybrid seems to offer the most comfortable setup and solid build. I wouldn't be walking more than a couple miles, so it seems like I could just wear it in and pack my sticks on the back.

I've also looked at the kestrel flex and Tethrd Phantom, but both seemed to be more minimalist, especially considering my size.

Sticks: XOP. I am a big guy and I want sticks that give plenty of grab for my feet (size 12, very often in snake boots because Florida).

I'm also looking at hawk helium's, but reviews seem to indicate the XOPs offer more material to grab onto and secure to the tree better (see earlier part about heights).

If my priority is all day comfort (especially considering my size) and getting up the tree confidently. Should I be considering something else or reconsider either of these choices?

Thanks for your time.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[emerald ghost]

I would recommend double steps, not staggered steps.
You can also purchase custom made tree stand off brackets and add them to your sticks. This will place the stick a little farther off the tree allowing you to get a better foot placement. (Dan O has some for sale)
Use a Linemans belt when climbing and keep moving your tether above as you ascend.
The JX3 is an unbelievably comfortable saddle, and if you will take the time to practice near home before the season starts it will become an easy transition.
I've added the Mad Rock Safeguard for descending and a Ropeman to my Linemans belt. Both of these items are great additions.

 

[MattMan81]

Your a few inches taller than me. I run a 40" waist as well. I did not find the JX3 as great as I thought. Some guys said it felt to big. I thought it felt small. I tried one and the bridge straps were digging in to my ribs. I didn't adjust a whole lot so not sure if that could have been corrected. To me I felt clostraphobic in it. If your not crazy about heights, it may be a good thing. But for me I like the free feeling.
It was very comfortable. I could see sitting all day with out any issues. But maybe send a note out of someone near by has one to try. Worse case you sell it on here. They dont last long when they are posted.
I may look back into it in the future. But for now I went with the standard Kestrel. It has some adjustable side straps. The kite looks similar except more breathable. You may want that in Florida. I haven't tried one. I tried a flex as well and I liked the Kestrel better. I hope to sit in a phantom this week at the outdoor show.
They all fit everyone a little different. But my flat butt enjoyed the Kestrel the most.