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Im on the fence.

Robert loper

Robert loper

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2017
Messages
1,772
Location
NJ
Well. Here i go again.
Once again Ive been really at this year trying to make the saddle work for me. Got stands up for sale ( im keeping one though)
Its been super tough when your figuring it out on your own. Or at least trying to.
My biggest thing with a saddle is tree selection. Having enough cover is the most importance to me.
I definitely dont want to be trimming a bunch of limbs while climbing and setting up. Cutting anything is not legal anyway.
There seems to be a ton of little things that take awhile to figure out , I do get that.
Like anything, stuff takes time.
I have been off and on stand / saddle since i think 07.
Im older now so lighter for me the better.
I’ll be honest i admit the best gadgets out there are the ropeman 1’s and the Kong duck. In my opinion 2 must haves
Especially for noobies.
my saddle is an older one
(trophyline from 2007)
I did do a few videos on my channel and gave my reviews of how i feel.
The last few sundays i have had a friend come over a few times and show me a few things that has has helped tremendously .
For me the combo of A ROS along with a platform will help tremendously.
i still may and probably will try a few hunts with Just the RoS.
Im hoping the straight ROS is comfortable enough for me.
I've tried just the platform but i can not get around the tree with just the platform.
So the ROS is either way
( combination or just by itself) for me a must.
I will be trying to do another video on the outcome of the decisions or how i feel with the couple new additions.
Its hunting time so im pretty much concentrating on tree time.
I really want to make it work try to get to 100% saddle.
im gonna go full bore the rest of year and just try to adjust and adapt however i can.
 
You should post the link to your channel. Here is mine. :)
www.youtube.com

billj139

I am just an old guy having fun tree climbing and playing with sewing machines. Both these things grew out of an interest in saddle hunting from a tree saddl...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
Robert loper said:
Here it is
www.youtube.com

The Buck Psych

Just an average guy trying to chase Big Tail. Honest No B-S and what works for me in my pursuit of big boy Whitetails. What works for me may not work for you...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
Click to expand...
Wow. A lot of videos. I will try to view them all. I hope they're short. Most Youtubers seem to watch for 1.5 minutes.
 
bj139 said:
Wow. A lot of videos. I will try to view them all. I hope they're short. Most Youtubers seem to watch for 1.5 minutes.
Click to expand...
I like to describe what I’m saying and get into a bit of detail.
They are all under 15 minutes
 
Have a saddle. Use a saddle when it makes sense for you to do so. Have a stand. Use the stand when it makes sense to do so. Have a ground chair. Use it when it makes sense to do so.

Tools are not results. They are just tools.

If climbing trees with limbs bothers you, don't. If trimming branches at setup height bothers you, don't. Just because you can do gymnastics in the tree in a saddle doesn't mean you should, or have to have that much freedom of movement every hunt. Sometimes the right setup will only allow a small shot window with you not moving. A saddle can do that every bit as good as a stand can.

I'm a big fan of the Hybrid - it eliminates the need for a saddle, a stand, a platform, and in many cases a ground chair. A few small steps for a ROS - I'm partial to squirrel steps, and you're in business.

The only learning curve unique to saddle hunting is getting comfortable. Hybrid eliminates that too. But if you invest time up front in getting that right, a saddle is no different than a stand from ease of use. And way better to carry where big boy deer live.
 
kyler1945 said:
Have a saddle. Use a saddle when it makes sense for you to do so. Have a stand. Use the stand when it makes sense to do so. Have a ground chair. Use it when it makes sense to do so.

Tools are not results. They are just tools.

If climbing trees with limbs bothers you, don't. If trimming branches at setup height bothers you, don't. Just because you can do gymnastics in the tree in a saddle doesn't mean you should, or have to have that much freedom of movement every hunt. Sometimes the right setup will only allow a small shot window with you not moving. A saddle can do that every bit as good as a stand can.

I'm a big fan of the Hybrid - it eliminates the need for a saddle, a stand, a platform, and in many cases a ground chair. A few small steps for a ROS - I'm partial to squirrel steps, and you're in business.

The only learning curve unique to saddle hunting is getting comfortable. Hybrid eliminates that too. But if you invest time up front in getting that right, a saddle is no different than a stand from ease of use. And way better to carry where big boy deer live.
Click to expand...
I agree 100%. Adapt to the situation.
whatis it that you are refering to a hybrid?
And im keeping a lw stand definitely. There are definitely scenerios for both
 
Robert loper said:
I agree 100%. Adapt to the situation.
whatis it that you are refering to a hybrid?
And im keeping a lw stand definitely. There are definitely scenerios for both
Click to expand...

jx3outdoors.com

JX3 Hybrid Hunting Saddle

The JX3 Hybrid hunting saddle is the deer hunter's all-in-one tree stand. The Hybrid hunting saddle keeps you mobile, lightweight and comfortable for all day sits.
jx3outdoors.com jx3outdoors.com


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You can search the forum here as there are a couple threads discussing adding steps to the strap on the platform. That’s currently what I do as it helps me get around the tree more efficiently but I only use them for that. I stand on the platform most of the hunt. I can perform most shots just pivoting on the platform but my two additional steps on the strap aid in the two most awkward shots for me.

You can see one of my steps in the pic. I usually put the left step a little further around the tree than pictured.

A8121C25-9732-4E10-BE75-B9BEF5661A91.png
 
Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches.
No platform required, only a ROS, no knee pads required, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........
p.s. I'm 63 and have been a Saddle hunter since the mid 80's using homemade JX3's and Guido's.
I've tried just about all the commercial saddles out there from the Anderson to the Cruzer but the siren song of the JX3 keeps calling me back.
 
JC3 said:
Come to the light, the JX3 tree saddle light..............
Don't be afraid, you will sit from dark to dark very comfortably, be able to snooze when you want, no dreaded hip pinch, no back aches.
No platform required, only a ROS, no knee pads required, built in pack frame for carrying all your needs.
Come to the light, the JX3 light...........
p.s. I'm 63 and have been a Saddle hunter since the mid 80's using homemade JX3's and Guido's.
I've tried just about all the commercial saddles out there from the Anderson to the Cruzer but the siren song of the JX3 keeps calling me back.
Click to expand...
Got a pic or link?
 
I currently just use a ROS and I haven’t gotten comfortable with it past a few hours. I am a big guy, so that may have something to do with it, as my feet are what gets uncomfortable. Hoping to get a platform in the future, as I really want this saddle thing to work. The saddle has so many obvious advantages over stands, if I could just get comfy.
 
Hossmiller said:
I currently just use a ROS and I haven’t gotten comfortable with it past a few hours. I am a big guy, so that may have something to do with it, as my feet are what gets uncomfortable. Hoping to get a platform in the future, as I really want this saddle thing to work. The saddle has so many obvious advantages over stands, if I could just get comfy.
Click to expand...
That's just what im trying to do too just get comfortable.
My knees are killing me because i have been using a cheapo pair of knee pads.
So i ordered a good pair from trophy line.
I also ordered the cays bag I'm super excited fir them both.
The platform i have is awesome but i had to do some work on it when i git home las night
It keeps popping and i found some metal to metal contact and traied yo muffle it.
we shall see what happens.
i think i will try ghe Ros a few sits if i ever get my treehopper steps i ordered lol.
but i will definitely keep you posted.
I’malso a big guy 265 and 46. So i dont need the ehole 30-35 lbs on my back.
thats the real reason im trying to make saddle work
 
Robert loper said:
Got a pic or link?
Click to expand...

6591e5e1be740a14a494bc34da932fb8.jpg
32aa131247c93209d3877126e554a607.jpg



Version one


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
I will admit when i first started the saddle thing this year. I really had problems with a few things.
finding the sweet spot, feet hurting, hip pinch, etc.
after several hunts after obtaining the ROS and using with platform. Also help from a friend.
i think im starting to fall to the saddle side.
its early. Ive ordered a few upgrades so we shall see.
 
Robert loper said:
Whats that thing weigh?
Click to expand...

Depends on what ropes you use and what version you have.

Ten to Thirteen pounds.

Weight savings. No platform 3-5 pounds
No pack. 3-7 pounds
No knee pads necessary

It carries well feels light.
I love the Cruzr XC for comfort but sold it recently. I cannot handle knees on the tree anymore. Bad 62 year old knees say I only want to use the JX3.

If I had young knees I would prefer the Cruzr XC for at least half my hunts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
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