How hybrid works?

[CP3]

I know I’m way behind, but can someone explain to me how the “hybrid” set up works with a small lock on?

Like, how are you setting up on the tree relative to where you think deer are coming from.

When you want to sit, how does that work as far as staying safely tethrd to the tree?

Would you use a ring of steps as well or side pressure off the stand?

I’m sure this has been discussed, I just can’t find it.

 

[Bowtie747]

So to answer your question. To me the best part is you can set it up however you want. You can face the tree or face the movement. I tend to use it like a saddle platform and face the tree.

I don’t use a ring of steps, to me you don’t need them. As you can just turn around on the platform to get the weak side shot.

I use a .5, you can do this with any stand you want. I use two straps just for the added security to prevent kick out. Do you need to? Probably not but might as well in my opinion.

I saved this part for last because it’s up to u and my opinion is simply that, mine. Im normally facing the tree in the saddle position. Either sitting or leaning. If I do want to sit I let out some slack, so yes there is slack in my system. Not a ton, some guys would argue it’s unsafe. I’ll leave that for you to decide.

For me, I love the system of a hybrid. It’s the best of both worlds to me. Comfort of the saddle and no weak side shot. Able to sit if u feel the need. Can use it as a frame so I don’t carry a big pack anymore. Just a small Fanny.

 

[CP3]

So to answer your question. To me the best part is you can set it up however you want. You can face the tree or face the movement. I tend to use it like a saddle platform and face the tree.

I don’t use a ring of steps, to me you don’t need them. As you can just turn around on the platform to get the weak side shot.

I use a .5, you can do this with any stand you want. I use two straps just for the added security to prevent kick out. Do you need to? Probably not but might as well in my opinion.

I saved this part for last because it’s up to u and my opinion is simply that, mine. Im normally facing the tree in the saddle position. Either sitting or leaning. If I do want to sit I let out some slack, so yes there is slack in my system. Not a ton, some guys would argue it’s unsafe. I’ll leave that for you to decide.

For me, I love the system of a hybrid. It’s the best of both worlds to me. Comfort of the saddle and no weak side shot. Able to sit if u feel the need. Can use it as a frame so I don’t carry a big pack anymore. Just a small Fanny.

Thanks for the response. So, in theory, you would just let out some line on your tether and turn around and sit down?

 

[Bowtie747]

Thanks for the response. So, in theory, you would just let out some line on your tether and turn around and sit down?

You’re on it. Then sometimes I let out enough line and i through it over my shoulder and lean into the tether. I hope this helps!

 

[HuumanCreed]

Here was my experience with a hybrid system if you want to read. But my opinion has not changed since then. I had use it again two more times and still believe its best to go big platforms or use a treestand as it is intended. Trying to get the best of both world does not work.

A .5 hybrid setup, a below average jack of all trades, but a master of none.

So I have used a DIY .5 hybrid for the first day of opening archery season. If you want the short read, I did not like it at all and do not see myself using it again. Just not for me. Keep reading if you want a detailed post. Spencer on Youtube has a video with some good points too if you want...

saddlehunter.com

 

[Bowtie747]

Here was my experience with a hybrid system if you want to read. But my opinion has not changed since then. I had use it again two more times and still believe its best to go big platforms or use a treestand as it is intended. Trying to get the best of both world does not work.

A .5 hybrid setup, a below average jack of all trades, but a master of none.

So I have used a DIY .5 hybrid for the first day of opening archery season. If you want the short read, I did not like it at all and do not see myself using it again. Just not for me. Keep reading if you want a detailed post. Spencer on Youtube has a video with some good points too if you want...

saddlehunter.com

Please don’t post anything negative about a product I like. Hahahaha jkjk I do like seeing everyone’s different opinions on here. I love the hybrid setup and it fixed a lot of aggregation for me. It’s a bummer it seems to add aggregation for you. Where did u end up after trying a hybrid setup and not liking it?

 

[elk yinzer]

What I like most is the flexibility. With a saddle platform I feel pigeonholed into facing the tree. Often the tree dictates how you set up, and the deer have different ideas. End a lot of hunts with a crick in my neck.

On the .5 I just stand and face where I expect deer to be. I find it comfortable just to stand for long periods. Idk maybe I'm weird but that's me, when I hunted out of a climber for 20 years I rarely sat. I'll sit or lean for spells on a long hunt just to switch it up. It works really well for me, definitely my forever system.

I usually put my stick on the backside of the tree. And use the lower strap, with that I can put my full weight in side pressure and it's not going anywhere.

 

[HuumanCreed]

Please don’t post anything negative about a product I like. Hahahaha jkjk I do like seeing everyone’s different opinions on here. I love the hybrid setup and it fixed a lot of aggregation for me. It’s a bummer it seems to add aggregation for you. Where did u end up after trying a hybrid setup and not liking it?

Its actually being used by my 8 year old son. Its actually the perfect size for him. We only do backyard observation of the deer. He tried saddle but could not stop moving or swinging around. But can sit more still in a seat. I might need some type of shooting pole attachment so he can rest a crossbow when he is ready.

 

[elk yinzer]

Can use it as a frame so I don’t carry a big pack anymore. Just a small Fanny.

Yeah, this is also a huge part of it for me.

Saddle platform 3 lbs + frame pack to carry 4 lbs = 7 lbs

.5 is the frame of the pack to carry it = 7 lbs.

Weight being equal give me the extra foot room all day.

 

[Cbigbear]

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.

 

[CP3]

I’m going to try it. Mainly because I may sit on the stand more than “saddle” because I’ll be looking to take my first deer with a trad bow. But I’d still like to have the saddle options.

 

[Shed84]

Sometimes the tree u have to be in has limbs in the way that doesn't give u a good traditional saddle set up. Let's say the only open spot on the tree u have to be in is facing the spot u have to shoot. I will not set up facing the tree and have the deer movement directly behind me. With hybrid it opens up more tree options to be in the absolute best tree and best spot on that tree to have the best shot opportunity.

 

[BuffaloBill]

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.

I think it’s for people that REALLY want to be a saddle hunter and can’t go back to strictly stand hunting for fear of being ostracized.

 

[Plebe]

I think it’s for people that REALLY want to be a saddle hunter and can’t go back to strictly stand hunting for fear of being ostracized.

Funny, you've been high on the JX3 HYBRID.

 

[BuffaloBill]

Funny, you've been high on the JX3 HYBRID.

It’s still a saddle, barely, but it is.

 

[Topdog]

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.

 

[Cbigbear]

I would agree that a hang-on is more advantageous in tree selection and setup. However, the saddle is more beneficial in packing and getting to & from the tree. For these reasons I don’t see any advantages to the hybrid setup.

 

[Plebe]

I would agree that a hang-on is more advantageous in tree selection and setup. However, the saddle is more beneficial in packing and getting to & from the tree. For these reasons I don’t see any advantages to the hybrid setup.

I'm 6'3". A 23" long hang-on is a non starter at my height.

But, in hybrid use, the 23" long DS .5 offers me:
-a larger deck than any production saddle hunting platform that I'm aware of.
-a built in knee rest.
-more sitting comfort than any hang-on with a cast metal seat.
-more sitting options than a hang-on/RCH or a saddle/platform/ROS
-a relatively small transport profile (2" shorter than a Badlands Superday backpack. 4" narrower than a JX3 Hybrid).
-ideal load management (platform close to the body reduces felt weight. shelf and hook support small backpack. sticks attach rigidly).

 

[Plebe]

It’s still a saddle, barely, but it is.

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).

 

[Ontariofarmer]

The hybrid is easy to carry, more comfortable,easier to set up, easier to climb with and quieter than any hang on or climber.
Compared to a cloth saddle, I don’t need a backpack, I can carry sticks on it, it is more comfortable, it is easier on your knees, and I don’t need a platform. I have bad knees so this is the deal breaker for anything else.

And you can sit very very still for a very very long time in a hybrid. It is better than any other saddle for that.

I use or have used all three but over 90 % of the time I use a hybrid.

It takes time and practice to love it, especially if you are a long term user of anything else. Why, it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks. If you are used to something else that setup is already perfected in your eyes. I have tried to sell the saddle or hybrid concept to old dogs but they are set in their ways.
Example, Dan Infalt or John Eberhardt are old dogs that have methods that work well for them and others. I respect both and learn from both. Both are fairly set in their ways. I expect neither would use a hybrid.
The young guys on Hunting Public will try anything but because they are young and fit they don’t need the comfort of a hybrid.
Love their show

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