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It's just...a little crush... - Review of the JX3 Hybrid Saddle

Ontariofarmer said:
I never used a blind before... I just sat behind a tree with my guidos attached to the tree at ground level. A large tree works well for cover with decoys in front of you. That said I ordered a ghost blind... then I have more options as to where to set up... I do not need a large tree.

When attached to the tree I sit inches from the ground and push back to stand and shoot keeping most of my body behind the tree. I have shot several turkeys at 10 yards or less while sitting behind the tree.
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awesome, gonna have to try it, thanks!
 
kyler1945 said:
I have gotten to the point where I don't have to take off the hybrid unless I'm layering up. I'm pretty sure I can accomplish that in the tree too, but still working out the way to lash layers to it that I can undo and get in front of me in the tree. Getting close. But it can be done. One of my favorite things is just wlaking up to a tree and climbing. It took a while to get dialed in. For now, when it's cold and I have to layer, I get dressed and ready to climb a couple hundred yards from tree.
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That’s awesome. Have you had time to video start to set climbing?
You use sticks? Steps or spurs?


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ImThere said:
That’s awesome. Have you had time to video start to set climbing?
You use sticks? Steps or spurs?


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I have video'd a couple climbs with the gopro, but I get sky lit bad. I need the camera above me somehow haha, but I can't do that without climbing first.

I climb with stepps or bolts. either I can grab without taking the hybrid off.
 
Sounds cool. I can’t wait until Saddleplooza. To see one in person.


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What's the status on buying a new one? I think I missed that thread.
 
Friends,
I've been able to put the Hybrid through the works this hunting season and I have really come to love it.
At 10 lbs, the hybrid is the most comfortable saddle out there. Weight of the hybrid, 4 muddy sticks and my pack will be close to 20 - 22 pounds but with the way the hybrid is built, the weight feels half that. I also do not take the hybrid off to prepare to climb unless I'm packing in extra clothing. Simplicity of the hybrid is well worth it.
I have hunted on the ground with the hybrid in seat mode and hanging off the base of the tree and it's comfortable.
I have my system down to where I only have my weapon to pull up after I'm at height. My bag is attached, repelling rope is attached and I'm attached.
Now if I could figure out a way to have my weapon attached I'll be a happy puppy..
As I repell I will stop at each muddy to disconnect it from tree and then I will lay each stick in my lap until I'm at the base of tree.
At this time I will stack, strap and stash the muddys, pull down repell rope, daisy chain rope and stash it, pick up weapon and head back to my Rambo bike. Oh, I keep my bow in the bow holder that is assembled to the hybrid as I repell, that is sweet.
As I have come to learn the hybrid it's easy to acknowledge what John Reed has said it to be, a safe, comfortable and easy saddle to work with.
I really hope you all get a chance to try the hybrid at saddle palooza this year, it's a Cadillac!
 
I have one on order. Has anyone tried carrying wild edge steps in one and going up without taking it off?
 
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I think they will be soon. I think they wanted to release a few get feed back and then make a few small changes Call and pre order to get yourself on a list I did that before they were released and I am glad I did


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Hey I finally got a chance to hunt out of my JX3 last week. I really like it & I think it has a definite place as a viable option for long sits. First impression out of the box was a little heavy but it carries well & hunts lite...... I think its super comfortable. This isn’t a traditional saddle though, more of a stand feel but w/ a lot more mobility. One of my complaints was I’m 6’6” the shoulder straps when adjusted ended up putting the chest strap at my chin & felt like it didn’t fit well. I called & didn’t leave a message but sent an email , inquiring whether they would consider making tall sizes like old web. I immediately got a call back & talked w/the owner. He walked me through how those adjustments were built in & I was able to lengthen it out. Super customer service then we talked saddle hunting & saddle hunter. He mentioned that production will improve but rather than take payment in advance & get crushed on here like Tethrd, he would rather you be on a waiting list for a built to order piece & you pay when ready. Like many custom items. Great guy we talked hunting & saddle technique for about a 1/2 hour. Anyway all said would recommend to anyone, but I will say it’s a different saddle experience.
 
So is he selling them as he makes it? Or making a bunch and then gonna sell by the waiting list?


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My bad I didn’t ask, we got down a rabbit hole talking saddle stuff. He did say that they were happy w/the feedback & gonna keep rolling. Has some new accessories in the works for cold weather.
 
kyler1945 said:
It's really 10lbs. And I've addressed the weight as compared to minimal saddles on several occasions and from several perspectives.

For my style of hunting, it works rather well. I walk really long distances, oftentimes scouting most of the day, to set up for evening sit. I think I've made 3 sits on public land less than 1 mile from where I park my truck or bike. If I kill a deer, I have very little desire to leave and come back. If I'm filming, I currently have a cheapo 20.00 allen kid size backpack with the film gear in it. That's it, everything else straps on the hybrid. I'm very close to not needing even that little tiny pack. So for me, the weight difference versus the Kestrel is about 3lbs. Because if I'm using the kestrel, I'm toting in my MR Popup to carry my gear and potential kill. Honestly, I have a difficult time choosing between the two. I have a couple of spots that dictate one or the other, but both function well.

If I'm not packing deer out (I do hunt close on occasion, and some flat open ground, but it's rare), Much of the advantage of the hybrid goes away. However, It's significantly more comfortable than minimal saddles. And it is slightly easier to maneuver and shoot out of than the web. But the disadvantage of the weight disappears when your close - It doesn't really matter.

Another big advantage to me with the hybrid is a platform becomes purely a luxury. You have hardly any weight on your feet unless you stand/lean to shoot. I'm personally comfortable on ring of steps even in kestrel but some guys require more comfort of a platform. That goes away with the hybrid-along with the weight - which is what this post is about.

Fact of the matter is, the weight difference, when taken into context of many hunting scenarios, is negligible or irrelevant. There are some that it makes less sense than other options. But I'm finding those fewer and farther between the more I consider it and spend time hunting with the hybrid.
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Thanks for the detailed description. Sounds like we have similar ideas when it comes to hunting. I don’t film, but I usually hunt 1 - 3 miles from the truck on National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains and I am not dragging any critters out of there. As a result I use a Freighter pack with meat shelf and everything comes out in one trip. Because of distance and the steep topo I stopped using my climber a couple of years ago, but I really miss being up off of the ground especially during bow season. My current pack weighs 7lbs empty so being able to ditch the pack for a 10lb treestand with great back support that doubles as a pack is a no brainer. I have tried other saddles but due to an old back injury I could never stay comfortable for long. I am really hoping the JX 3 is the solution I have been searching for. Looking forward to trying one at Saddlepalooza in a couple of weeks.
 
Sounds like a good fit, esp if you can ditch the frame pack & it’s way lighter/more comfortable than a climber.
 
Bigterp said:
Sounds like a good fit, esp if you can ditch the frame pack & it’s way lighter/more comfortable than a climber.
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Is the metal tree fork long enough to keep your knees away from the tree? I am 6’ 5” and that was one of the things I did not like about traditional saddles. I am definitely a sitter and not a leaner.
 
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