How hybrid works?

[HuumanCreed]

I guess technically I wasn’t a hybrid hunter, but a LW assault, LW stick, & RCH was my go to for yrs. I set the stand for mainly strong side to frontal movement & used the RCH for 360 shooting. In this application I don’t see the need for a saddle vs a RCH.

Often times I am pretty sure people forget why exactly we use all this gear that everyone talks about… to kill deer, and anything that can be an advantage…more versatile, to put me into a position to kill more, or better deer I am about, a hybrid approach is just that and anybody that thinks otherwise well I’m sorry to say is mistaken, a small tree stand like the .5 or whatever, in conjunction with a saddle gives a hunter many avenues of which to set up, seat… saddle.. face the tree.. don’t face the tree.. choice is yours, but you have the choice at least, having those options at your disposal during the grind of a long season while hunting multiple areas and varying terrain can be the difference maker between the success or failure of a season, no system is perfect, not one does it all, they all have positives and negatives, if I get a late invitation sometime to go on a hunt in a new area and have no idea what I’m getting myself into you better believe I’m bringing my .5 and saddle, the better question mite be why the heck somebody wouldn’t want more options, I guess if a guy hunts the same 6 trees every year well that mite explain it, rock on I guess, that never has worked for me.

I would agree with some points. Yes, the goal is to kill a deer. So the idea that is it always better to have options is generally correct. But sometimes when you introduce variables, you also add in other aspects that get in the way of what work fine in the first place. I'm using myself as example, before trying the hybrid, I was using a LWCG Ambush. Moving from the Ambush to a .5 added more noticeable cons compared to noticeable pros. The .5 gave me the ability to sit, built in kneepad, frame for heavy load, and more platform surface 'on paper'. Logically, that seem like a lot to gain for only an extra 3 lbs. but I found out that what on paper does not always translate to real situation.

- I found out that sitting in my saddle is more comfortable compared to the seat, so barely sit in the seat. On my all day sit, I use it maybe...10 minutes total.
- The kneepad option does not work for me because I'm too short and my knee rest against the edge. Highly uncomfortable plus I'm always being pinch by the cables.
- You need a really good quality harness for the .5 to make it comfortable to pack out heavy load, which add cost and weight. A addon shoulder/waist harness is nothing in compared to a purpose built frame like a MR or Eberlestock. The seat 'loadshelf' is not that big of a deal to be honest, as long as you secure the meat well, you don't really need the seat, tons of frame packs dont have a 'shelf' and work fine. But if you want, you can get a Mystery Ranch Backstrap and it would work fine on the Ambush with some buckles.
- The Ambush has more usable space closer to the tree. I can utilized almost all 16X14 surface of the Ambush compared to the .5 which have cables in the way. Yes, you can work around the cables, but I dont want to, I shouldn't NEED to. Red line is what you honestly 'need' for a saddle platform, the blue line is what the Ambush provides. I can spread my leg to a more comfortable width and not worry about kick out.


So I'm saying for me, it didn't add more benefits worth wide to me but I'm glad I tested it out. My perfect balance is getting the biggest functional platform you can get, yet I dont need the other options that does not work for me personally.

 

[raisins]

I get why other people like this. I would spend a very small amount of time sitting on a 0.5's seat, since I don't find sitting on small treestand seats to be comfortable. The only reason I considered a 0.5 is because the cable supports allow a much greater platform size to weight ratio compared to saddle platforms without cables. Once saddle platforms the size of a Predator XL or Mission are available in lighter weights (like 3 pounds), then I'll be able to stand and turn to the weak side easily and I'll never think about the 0.5 again. I'm guessing new materials or the creative use of support from underneath the platform (no cables to trip on) might help this out. Also, moving away from going straight to cast aluminum and instead using something stronger or even hollow aluminum. The Loc On Limit was designed a long time ago and only weighs a little more than the 0.5 and is larger because it uses hollow components/C channel/expanded metal.

If I had any desire to sit on a treestand seat, then I'd feel differently.

 

[Plebe]

- I found out that sitting in my saddle is more comfortable compared to the seat, so barely sit in the seat. On my all day sit, I use it maybe...10 minutes total.

- Not a con. Just not a pro (for you). It's there if you need it. Makes it easy to do things like, take pressure off your feet awhile, snap and zipper bib vents, loosen a bootlace, cam the platform, etc.

- You need a really good quality harness for the .5 to make it comfortable to pack out heavy load, which add cost and weight. A addon shoulder/waist harness is nothing in compared to a purpose built frame like a MR or Eberlestock. The seat 'loadshelf' is not that big of a deal to be honest, as long as you secure the meat well, you don't really need the seat, tons of frame packs dont have a 'shelf' and work fine. But if you want, you can get a Mystery Ranch Backstrap and it would work fine on the Ambush with some buckles

-This is a zero sum argument at best. You have to buy extras for every platform in order to achieve frame pack performance, usually in the way of an actual frame pack. I'd argue frame pack performance is achievable at a lower cost and weight with a hybrid setup, as the stand can act as a rigid structure (frame). Or a frame pack can be used just the same as you would with any other platform (such as an MR Popup, which imo benefits some from the .5 seat supporting the bag a little). As is, I'll certainly take a .5 over an Ambush&MR backstrap for carrying weight every time. An Ambush is dimensionally too small to manage a proper load (just like the Tethrd FAS pack, lol).

- The Ambush has more usable space closer to the tree. I can utilized almost all 16X14 surface of the Ambush compared to the .5 which have cables in the way. Yes, you can work around the cables, but I dont want to, I shouldn't NEED to. Red line is what you honestly 'need' for a saddle platform, the blue line is what the Ambush provides. I can spread my leg to a more comfortable width and not worry about kick out.

- The .5 has more space away from the tree. This has advantages too. Field of view and shooting opportunities when facing the tree increase the further one is from the tree. I particularly enjoy the ability to turn unobstructed and to maintain consistent shooting form during archery hunts. Milage may vary. Certainly walking the tree or straddling the tree are more obstructed, but doable if one wants or needs to. Kickout hasn't been a problem for me, maybe two straps solves it for you. I have folded an Ambush by pressuring behind the post. Nothing is perfect, right?

- The kneepad option does not work for me because I'm too short and my knee rest against the edge. Highly uncomfortable plus I'm always being pinch by the cables.

-This certainly can be a problem, except, in your case, when you say .5, are you referring to your modified LW Assault?




If so, you could try it with a tubular aluminum post cut shorter so you could use the seat as knee rest. You could also make a cable spreader to reduce the leg pinch (I've seen this mod done to LW hang-ons). Of course it's at your own risk, but you're already using a cut up treestand platform, so there it is.

It's understandable that a hybrid setup might not be your preference, and good to circulate the issues. We all benefit from that discussion from gear selection to problem solving. Better yet, maybe a purpose built hybrid design will come, in time, addressing some of those issues. But you can't say hybrid doesn't work. Just that it doesn't work for you as well as you'd like.

 

[elk yinzer]

We could save our keyboards some wear and just acknowledge everyone's personal preferences are different, or yinz can keep on Eberharting.

 

[HuumanCreed]

We could save our keyboards some wear and just acknowledge everyone's personal preferences are different, or yinz can keep on Eberharting.

Dont take away one of my joy in life!

- Not a con. Just not a pro (for you). It's there if you need it. Makes it easy to do things like, take pressure off your feet awhile, snap and zipper bib vents, loosen a bootlace, cam the platform, etc.

I see your reasoning, I guess differed on how we define con/pro. You are right if we just break down each aspect. Having the ability to seat is not a con, just not a pro. My point was that having the seat option brings more cons then pro (for me), as in I dont use the seat enough to offset the addition of the weight and increase movements when transitioning from saddle position to tree stand position.

-This is a zero sum argument at best. You have to buy extras for every platform in order to achieve frame pack performance, usually in the way of an actual frame pack. I'd argue frame pack performance is achievable at a lower cost and weight with a hybrid setup, as the stand can act as a rigid structure (frame). Or a frame pack can be used just the same as you would with any other platform (such as an MR Popup, which imo benefits some from the .5 seat supporting the bag a little). As is, I'll certainly take a .5 over an Ambush&MR backstrap for carrying weight every time. An Ambush is dimensionally too small to manage a proper load (just like the Tethrd FAS pack, lol).

Many ways to crack an egg here I supposes. I carry the Ambush in the meat shelf right now. Sometimes I consider permanently attaching the PU frame+backstrap to the Ambush but that's something for the off season tinkering. I'm not sure how to address the cost issues because honestly we dont always think logically here....god knows I spend more money then logical. But just because the .5 can be use as a frame, does not mean it can be as good as a dedicated frame. You can spend the money and effort to achieve it yes, but you wouldn't need to.


If so, you could try it with a tubular aluminum post cut shorter so you could use the seat as knee rest. You could also make a cable spreader to reduce the leg pinch (I've seen this mod done to LW hang-ons). Of course it's at your own risk, but you're already using a cut up treestand platform, so there it is.

-True, I have consider trying to use a shorter tube, but then I would get the opposite problem of the seat being too low, causing my knee to bend at a below 90 degrees, which is very uncomfortable. LWCG realized this issue, that's why they are offering LONGER posts for sale as one of the main complaint was that the post was too short for some people.

It's understandable that a hybrid setup might not be your preference, and good to circulate the issues. We all benefit from that discussion from gear selection to problem solving. Better yet, maybe a purpose built hybrid design will come, in time, addressing some of those issues. But you can't say hybrid doesn't work. Just that it doesn't work for you as well as you'd like.

True, it has work for a lot of people. Totally agree that if it work for you, the few extra lbs is worth it. Nothing is perfect.

I would completely be on board with the hybrid setup if someone can built a hang-on with these new features, but then again by itself that would be a great hang-on.

-Technology that completely remove the cables.
-Make the seat post telescopic.

 

[BuffaloBill]

I wasn't saying the JX3 Hybrid isn't a saddle. I was pointing out that you're gravitating to a piece of equipment that makes it's name by combining multiple elements (Saddle, Frame, Ground seat).

The logic of saddle hunting with a .5 isn't so different (Saddle, Frame, Platform, Tree seat).

My Prius is also a hybrid. Guess I am a hybrid guy.

 

[Plebe]

I would completely be on board with the hybrid setup if someone can built a hang-on with these new features, but then again by itself that would be a great hang-on.

-Technology that completely remove the cables.
-Make the seat post telescopic.

I worry that a telescoping seat post may produce noise. Maybe there's a design where it can ride in a slot and adjust into a grove to be tightened or something, idk.

But I don't follow the argument. If you already only use the seat less than 10min per hunt at it's proper height, because your saddle is more comfortable, then you gain way more than you lose by shortening the post on your build for a functional knee pad.

Sounds like you are describing something like an ambush with an extra long post and knee rest/rut roost style seat. My dining room chairs are 17". Maybe a 16" post with a rut roost style seat/knee pad that folds down but also locks into place (like the M7 seat can) would work for you. Then, why not just ditch the post and add something like a rut roost or LW tree seat, lol.

Anyways, glad I'm tall. .5 Hybrid is a-ok

 

[CP3]

I acquired a Novix Helo today. I have the luxury of leaving it as a preset. Quick and easy.

I’ll do some testing with it. I may even be able to squeeze some late season action with it this year.