• 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

Dryad Drey Vs JX3?

Fetz

Fetz

New Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2022
Messages
5
Hi all,
First time poster, looking at my first saddle hunting setup. Who has sat in both a Drey and a JX3 and which would you recommend?

My primary consideration is comfort. Unfortunately patience has always been a challenge for me, and when I get uncomfortable I have even less of it. For this reason I am considering these two systems as they appear to offer maximum comfort. Truly, I would like to get the dryad but I am having a hard time convincing myself it will be just as comfortable. While the JX3 incurs a weight penalty, it's only about 8lbs extra and its on a frame pack so for me, that is near negligible.
 
I have sat in both. Both are a good choice.
It just depends on you. I felt kinda clostraphobic in the JX3. It feels like it takes away some of your freedom. Probably doesn't. But it is super comfy. Little more to try and move around a tree.
Drey is almost infinite adjustability. Light weight. But comes with a fiddle factor.
At the end of the day, I still like the normal saddle personally.
I would base it on your hunting style. Long walks and lots of different places. Drey.
Pre set, short walks and easy in and out. JX3.
 
My understanding is a JX3 is 12+ lbs. My Dyad is 2 Lbs.
With a Dryad you can use a ROS or a platform. I dont think a JX3 can be used with a platform, but I could be wrong.
 
Just to clarify, what would you define "fiddle factor" as? I'm assuming you mean it takes some time to get dialed in with how the system works and know how to maximize comfort?
 
I have both and the only one that leaves the house is the JX3 Hybrid. The dryad is comfortable however you still have to put weight on your knees or your feet. If your number one consideration is comfort there is no better than the JX3 Hybrid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
GeoFish said:
My understanding is a JX3 is 12+ lbs. My Dyad is 2 Lbs.
With a Dryad you can use a ROS or a platform. I dont think a JX3 can be used with a platform, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

You can certainly use a platform with a jx3. I’ve done it. Many use a ring of steps because a jx3 doesn’t require as much of a platform for comfort.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
GeoFish said:
My understanding is a JX3 is 12+ lbs. My Dyad is 2 Lbs.
Click to expand...

You're correct. the 8lbs I'm referring to is difference in weight between carrying a JX3 and ROS vs the Dryad and a Platform

JX3
13.6lb saddle + 2lb ROS = 15.6lb

Drey
2.7lbs saddle (mutiny harness and ropes included) + 5.4lb platform (trophyline mission would likely be my choice) = 8.1lb

15.6lb - 8.1lb = 7.5lb difference
 
I have not even seen a JX3 in person. So what little I know is based off the videos and posts here. I hunted off a ROS for 2 years. I am going to a platform for comfort reasons. Sometimes I need to stand, put on or take off a coat, pee or just let the blood flow.
Something to consider, I have a Laz Boy recliner and a big screen TV. Can I sit for 4 hours without wanting to stand up and stretch, no.
 
GeoFish said:
I have not even seen a JX3 in person. So what little I know is based off the videos and posts here. I hunted off a ROS for 2 years. I am going to a platform for comfort reasons. Sometimes I need to stand, put on or take off a coat, pee or just let the blood flow.
Something to consider, I have a Laz Boy recliner and a big screen TV. Can I sit for 4 hours without wanting to stand up and stretch, no.
Click to expand...

This is a ROS problem? or JX3 problem?

I'm not going to say the JX3 is better, blah blah blah...

But a better analogy is sitting for 4hours in an adjustable seat (JX3)

vs

Kneeling for 4hours (Drey)

All that said, I prefer a platform too.

I also see pros and cons to Drey and JX3, ultimately it's about your preferences/requirements and the whole hunting system you build.
 
GeoFish said:
I have not even seen a JX3 in person. So what little I know is based off the videos and posts here. I hunted off a ROS for 2 years. I am going to a platform for comfort reasons. Sometimes I need to stand, put on or take off a coat, pee or just let the blood flow.
Something to consider, I have a Laz Boy recliner and a big screen TV. Can I sit for 4 hours without wanting to stand up and stretch, no.
Click to expand...

I mean, I get what you're saying, but by that logic I'd argue I routinely sit in a crashworthy helicopter seat for 4+ hours... and I'd much rather be sitting in a recliner. Another reason I'm prioritizing comfort, I already spend way too much of my life letting my butt go numb.
 
I’ve hunted a lot from both & it’s a lot closer weight wise if you have a bigger pack with a minimalist saddle. With my JX3 I ran a really small pack & with its built in frame pack it really carried sticks & deer well. My preference is a popup or treehouse & a lot less saddle with a drey attached as a backband for longer sits. Just personal preference though…….
 
Fetz said:
You're correct. the 8lbs I'm referring to is difference in weight between carrying a JX3 and ROS vs the Dryad and a Platform

JX3
13.6lb saddle + 2lb ROS = 15.6lb

Drey
2.7lbs saddle (mutiny harness and ropes included) + 5.4lb platform (trophyline mission would likely be my choice) = 8.1lb

15.6lb - 8.1lb = 7.5lb difference
Click to expand...

I'm not going to say a JX3 is "also a pack" but it can haul.

Your other gear choices may close that weight differental, or not.

For example, NOT: you're the type who hikes in fully dressed with all your gear in pockets including 2TC.

For example, CLOSE: you need a frame pack (internal or external)to haul your sticks, platform, and cold weather gear. You like to have layers to swap. You want stuff in a waterproof bag. Add 4-7lbs.
 
It does not say on your profile where you are from. But their may be a member here close to you that has a JX3 you can try.
I think Dryad has a 30 day return if you dont like it.
 
Well I'm from Central IL... but I am stuck in South Texas until after the season opens. Round these parts I get strange looks if I even talk about hunting from a tree.
 
Fetz said:
Well I'm from Central IL... but I am stuck in South Texas until after the season opens. Round these parts I get strange looks if I even talk about hunting from a tree.
Click to expand...

If I am reading it correctly, JX3 also has a 30 day return policy. Nothing like trying it.
 

For those concerned about the weight of the JX3 Hybrid

I've edited the original content of this post. I screwed up my math in the handwritten stuff in later posts, but I correct it. In this post I've updated the weight of my setup based on the completed modification of the hybrid. You can check out how I have my hybrid set up right now here...
saddlehunter.com

I cannot speak to the soft saddle you’re referencing.

But I have loads of information on this site that should have you eyes wide open to the hybrid.

As always, like the fellas already said - “it depends”.

Buy both used, try them for a season, sell the one you don’t like next summer. You’ll be out 20.00 for shipping and maybe lose 20-30.00. Paying 50.00 to manage your expectations more appropriately than overvaluing internet stranger’s advice is cheap!
 
GeoFish said:
My understanding is a JX3 is 12+ lbs. My Dyad is 2 Lbs.
With a Dryad you can use a ROS or a platform. I dont think a JX3 can be used with a platform, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...
You can use the JX3 with a platform but it wouldn’t do anything extra for you. A ROS is lighter packs down smaller and is equally effective with the JX3
 
GeoFish said:
My understanding is a JX3 is 12+ lbs. My Dyad is 2 Lbs.
With a Dryad you can use a ROS or a platform. I dont think a JX3 can be used with a platform, but I could be wrong.
Click to expand...

I have used Jx3 with lwhc and diy caming platform and the Hawk Spyder Platform Stick


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I have both. If you have bad knees or feet, jx3. If you walk far, dray. My opinion only. I just bought a single panel to try, and may attach the dray to it to test it out. I have 2 seasons of jx3 experience, and I need a thin seat pad because of an old tailbone and spinal injury. I need a season in the dray to really have a locked up opinion.
37025297371f1f3a7802710e25dd0d59.jpg


Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top