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

[kyler1945]

cool...thanks....will look forward to the more detailed review.

My belt question wasn't about the JX3 saddle....but about the backpack system, which I presume also has a waist belt? Is it just web or does it have padding? Most backpacks have padded hip belts.

no belt. It’s designed to be used with the hybrid. Through the straps that come with it, you can make it a normal setup without the hybrid though, think of the bino harnesses that have an actual harness behind you.

it isn’t a frame pack. It’s designed to carry 10-15lbs of stuff. So a waist belt isn’t a need.

 

[pesqimon]

I see now. Pretty slick. With the pack system does it change the way the seat is secured upright? Hard to say but one of the pictures makes it seem like the seat is fastened on the shoulder straps now.

 

[Grip]

Wow, 46 pages! That took me a minute to get through. Some great info in all those pages though. I received my JX3 Mid hunting season, 2020. I played with it in the yard one time before taking it to the woods. Hind site being 20/20 I should have spent a little more time in it, but I was pretty pumped to get it out there. Being a treestand guy for the last 30 years I found out the hard way there is a bit of a learning curve to the saddle style of hunting. No slam to the JX3, Its my first and only saddle. I'm guessing I would've been in the same boat with any saddle. Due to that learning curve and just defaulting to what I know, I haven't hunted out of it much. But every time I do I always tell myself "This thing is awesome, I should hunt from it more often".

I started reading this thread and got motivated to get back in it. I also got some great Ideas. @kyler1945 It would've never dawned on me to strap things under the seat! Great freaking idea! Thanks to everyone else that has posted about their set up and mods as well. They really have my wheels turning on some future tinkering.

So yesterday I took some time get a few things rigged up on mine (including my field dressing kit under my seat) I hunted from it.
Again, I still have a lot to learn but I really love the safety and comfort of the JX3. Especially since my HSS harness and lifeline saved my life this season when my cables broke on one of my stands. The JX3 is well thought out and well made. You know Jon is bowhunter, and after speaking with him a couple times I realized he is a great guy to boot.

So here is my situation. I am lucky enough to be able to hunt 100% private land, and they are not large parcels. So the entire wt. discussion trying to shave a pound here or there is not an issue for me. I rarely have more than a 1/4 mile walk to get to my spots. I do know this, when I'm loaded up hiking in, The JX3 plus my gear is WAY lighter and more comfortable to pack in than any of the treestands I own, plus gear. Especially my Summit climber. Great stand but a pain to pack in.

So here is my short list on what I need to work on to go from using my JX3 a few times a season to it being my main hunting platform.
1. Shooting my bow from the hybrid. I need to spend time this off season practicing from the saddle. As I said 30 years of shooting flatfooted only goes so far compared to shooting from that saddle. This is just for my comfort and confidence level.
2. Climbing. Right now I have only hunted from it in trees preset with sticks or steps. I have some WE Stepps and an aider So I either need to practice and get more comfortable using them or, I need to get on the 1 sticking train. Mostly because the idea of repelling down seems, well, awesome. Either way I need to get that figured out.

Once our season closes here in the Buckeye state I think I am gonna make a video showing my set up and my 2 thumbs up review on the JX3 Hybrid.

Oh, and if add that headrest I saw on Jon's webpage, I will never kill another deer again, unless it wakes me up on its way in.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

So I'm on go round #2 with the Hybrid.

1-sticked up and down last time. Hope to rappel this time around.

Working on 1-stick and feet options. I didn't really like the ROS other than weight/bulk last time. I think it added to feeling trapped in the Hybrid. I like to stand once and a while, to stretch and to just know that I can.

I know platforms don't pair well with the JX3 given where your feet typically end up when sitting in preferred small diameter trees. Anyone have experience with smaller, closer to the tree platforms such as a monarch on top of a stick with the JX3? How about a UP 1-stick? Alternatively, anyone use a Treesuit? Maybe I could pair that with 2TC. Anyone 2TC with a Hybrid?

I'm thinking if I can keep the weight/bulk minimal and multi purpose the climb and platform and then rappel out I might like this better. Pricey options to test out though, so looking for experienced feedback.

 

[kyler1945]

So I'm on go round #2 with the Hybrid.

1-sticked up and down last time. Hope to rappel this time around.

Working on 1-stick and feet options. I didn't really like the ROS other than weight/bulk last time. I think it added to feeling trapped in the Hybrid. I like to stand once and a while, to stretch and to just know that I can.

I know platforms don't pair well with the JX3 given where your feet typically end up when sitting in preferred small diameter trees. Anyone have experience with smaller, closer to the tree platforms such as a monarch on top of a stick with the JX3? How about a UP 1-stick? Alternatively, anyone use a Treesuit? Maybe I could pair that with 2TC. Anyone 2TC with a Hybrid?

I'm thinking if I can keep the weight/bulk minimal and multi purpose the climb and platform and then rappel out I might like this better. Pricey options to test out though, so looking for experienced feedback.

I thought about two treesuit platforms in place of a ring of steps. Never tried it, because four or five squirrel steps is just too awesome paired with the hybrid.

I understand what you're saying about wanting to stand up. I just throw my linemans belt around the tree and pull myself up and tight to tree and lean back into that. If a deer decides to show up I can still work around the tree - albeit I'll need to be slow and quieter with the lineman's rope on tree.

But really, if you need or want to stand, hybrid might not be for you. On all day sits, I'll get down out of the tree for 15-20 minutes, stretch, use restroom, do some squats, eat a sandwhich, whatever. I can stay in a tree all day - that's the beauty of the hybrid. But we're talking deer not missiles. Its ok to be comfortable and do what you want.

I've been right on the edge of messing with 2tc. haven't done it yet.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I one stick with a small platform on my stick. I add 3 squirrel steps to the set up depending on tree size .
A small platform does allow you to stand
I used a scout last fall and got an UP platform to try this week

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[Hardly_Hangin]

I one sticked this year with the scout platform - the JX3 is just so dad gum comfy i never really felt like standing up in it. To me the scout worked well with the hybrid - in a traditional saddle its too small for long sits for me, i get too much foot fatigue but in the hybrid its a good pairing.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I one stick with a small platform on my stick. I add 3 squirrel steps to the set up depending on tree size .
A small platform does allow you to stand
I used a scout last fall and got an UP platform to try this week

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Thanks for the feedback. It's good to hear that some have had success pairing the Hybrid and small stick-top platforms. Let us know what you think of the Hybrid/UP combo when you feel comfortable weighing in on such. I assume you got the flat UP version. Correct?

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Back hanging in the JX3 today doing some warm weather climb and rappel practice. Version 2.0 is pretty sweet. I don't love that it got heavier than the original, but I'm not sure I can feel the difference on my back to be honest. I do like the upgraded buckles. A couple of observations to point out for any who are interested in the hybrid and like hearing about stuff like this:

1) The Hybrid is very comfortable and natural to rappel out of. Having that backrest at that comfortable sit and lean back spot was perfect to begin your descent and just push your heels against the tree while slowly walking down. The firm seat also just seems to put you in a natural rappel position, and you don't have to engage all kinds of muscle groups to contort/control your body. Super comfortable, controlled, and confidence inspiring. I notice that a lot of saddle hunter rappel videos show people postured too vertically, and the Hybrid encourages you to hold a more proper horizontal position. Just remember to put your heels against the tree.

2) Use the "fork", Luke! One thing I picked up watching Mr. John's various videos where he is so smooth and controlled maneuvering around the tree for various shots was how he seemed to extend his fork all the way out when setting up. This was something I didn't do when I owned version 1.0 and I wonder if that caused some of my issues. Granted, this was a climb & rappel practice session, so I didn't spend a lot of time practicing at height, but I did a little. Extending the fork all the way obviously puts you further from the tree. This had a few positive effects. Most importantly it increased (or is it decreased?) the angle of my bridge and tether, moving it away from my chest/face. Having it too much in my space was one of my big hang ups the first time. It felt much less so this time around. Second, it helped my feet/legs not feel like they needed to hug or wrap the tree, and therefore I could find comfort just resting my feet on the top of my stick. I plan to try to use a small stick top platform which has yet to arrive, but seeing my stick work as a foot rest gives me confidence that this doesn't have to be a ROS paired system (which I am not a ROS fan). I also think an extended fork helps you smoothly pivot to change shot angles. Again, I didn't mess with this much, but I will this Summer. Mr. John sure makes it look smooth.

3) Stick packing change. Last time I just strapped the sticks to the top/back using the leg straps, and I didn't like how that worked. My sticks don't stack in line like Beasts so they don't fit neatly up against the seat like that. I remember it being awkward to pack, forced me to take the Hybrid off to pack up, and added too much weight yanking back on my shoulders. This time I used an idea I picked up off a @DaveT1963 video where he used a simple paracord sling and a small biner clipped to a D-ring on my right shoulder strap (Thanks Dave!). My 4.5 lbs of three double-step sticks felt like nothing clipped here. Granted, they are a little in your bubble riding there, but as Dave noted they are easy to push/pull/pivot to adjust as you are working your way through the woods, and again, the weight was not only nowhere near as bad as I remember last time, I think it actually countered some of the weight of the JX3 on my back. I am hoping to go the 1-stick rappel route this time around, but it is also cool that I could use this paracord sling method to carry multiple sticks if I want to.

 

[Jay_Disarray]

Sold my soul, and joining the JX3 train. It should be here Tuesday.

Super excited as my main issue with saddle hunting (my cruzr especially) wasnt the hip pinch, but pressure on either my feet or the knees. I'm really hoping it will help allow me to be more still while sitting and hopefully be more successful.

 

[kyler1945]

Sold my soul, and joining the JX3 train. It should be here Tuesday.

Super excited as my main issue with saddle hunting (my cruzr especially) wasnt the hip pinch, but pressure on either my feet or the knees. I'm really hoping it will help allow me to be more still while sitting and hopefully be more successful.

Don’t sell your soul! Just sel your soft saddle! Much cheaper. Well; I don’t know these days…. Maybe the soft saddle will get a better return!

 

[Old Man Hunter]

I know you will like it after you work with it for a little bit. It's different than a standard style saddle but it is very nice. I've had mine going on 4 years and love it, I've killed deer with firearms and bow out of it. I can sit in it for extended periods of time with not leg or hip issues. I've had a knee replacement and hip replacement which should say something about the comfort of the JX3. I also have a Method that I really like but for pure comfort the JX3 is hard to beat.

 

[Jay_Disarray]

Don’t sell your soul! Just sel your soft saddle! Much cheaper. Well; I don’t know these days…. Maybe the soft saddle will get a better return!

im just being dramatic, looking forward to it. should be an adjustment from my diaper style ones for sure.

I've had a knee replacement and hip replacement which should say something about the comfort of the JX3

thats one of my main reasons for switching, tired of mashing my knees into the trees just isnt cutting it anymore. if im going i have to be comfortable

 

[parkersdad]

im just being dramatic, looking forward to it. should be an adjustment from my diaper style ones for sure.


thats one of my main reasons for switching, tired of mashing my knees into the trees just isnt cutting it anymore. if im going i have to be comfortable

You will love the Hybrid. I have two of them, A first generation and a second generation. that is my theory as well. If I’m not comfortable I’m not hunting out of it.


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[Jay_Disarray]

so this has been my personal thought process, my current setup is a cruzr xc, 2 shikars with single aiders, 1 shikar mini with aider and monarch platform both of which are attached to a predator pack that contains my ropes and knee pads, small stuff is also inside there. I love my current setup, and it has been the best thing i have used so far, that is my gods honest truth. I know theres more to hunting than gear, its an element of it. I practice a scent regimen, scout to the best of my ability and skills, etc.

I can lean for quite a while, and the flat monarch is plenty big for the width of trees i can access and my size 12 feet. I feel like i still make a bit of movement, i can be a fidgety guy, especially while leaning out from a tree, and trying to hold perfectly still. sometimes in long shadows in the late evenings my entire shadow moves a large area on the ground. i want to be able to sit perfectly comfortably.

the jx3 has the versatility of being able to carry 3 full shikars, and if i chose to, my mini and monarch. we will see how i feel in it, and depending on height needed. i hunted from a stick top my first season, with an old neoprene trophyline, which cupped excellent. I can easily make do if all that is really needed is just a place to rest your feet. It will all fit either on or inside of the pack frame of the jx3, which should be much more comfortable than carrying them on the predator pack (still not a bad way to carry them tbh).

I know there are good deer populations where i hunt, and i consistently see them while driving around, I want to increase my odds by finding the most comfortable and portable setup i can which in turn will allow me to get deeper into unexpected places and be perfectly still.

 

[Aeds151]

Looks good

 

[Hogwild2004]

i’m a JX-3er of a couple years now. I’ve had a few hiccups with tuning it in but I’ve never (seriously) looked back. Not for everyone but its definitely proven itself as a solid addition to many hunters deer-slaying toolboxes. Seriously - what other saddle product has 46 pages of reviews?! Wow.

 

[Arkie]

Sold my soul, and joining the JX3 train. It should be here Tuesday.

Super excited as my main issue with saddle hunting (my cruzr especially) wasnt the hip pinch, but pressure on either my feet or the knees. I'm really hoping it will help allow me to be more still while sitting and hopefully be more successful.

I’ve cut down the gear I have to the “essentials” and one of the JX3s I owned made the cut. You can’t argue that any other saddle is as comfortable. I will likely use a Stand more this season, but I’m sure the JX3 will see plenty of time outside as well. There’s no comparison in comfort or how much less I fidget in the hybrid. I’ve had 2 ACL/MCL/Minuscus surgeries and the hybrid is very easy in the knees.


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[Jay_Disarray]

After ordering I realized had a few questions about the current version of the JX3, so I gave John a call.

My concerns were
"Are the buckles metal" - a video I had seen had plastic buckles, not a deal breaker but something to upgrade in the future. They are metal

"What is the bridge attachment method" -the bridge with it is a sling that gets girth hitched onto one side of the bridge loops. I like that as I often use my own bridge.

"what are the carabiners" - I guess they are made specifically for JX3. He stated they were tested to 25kn. Does anyone have more insight into this?

One question I did forget to ask, what are the ropes? They are 11mm, but it doesn't have any specs or rope branding. TIA

 

[Hogwild2004]

After ordering I realized had a few questions about the current version of the JX3, so I gave John a call.

My concerns were
"Are the buckles metal" - a video I had seen had plastic buckles, not a deal breaker but something to upgrade in the future. They are metal

"What is the bridge attachment method" -the bridge with it is a sling that gets girth hitched onto one side of the bridge loops. I like that as I often use my own bridge.

"what are the carabiners" - I guess they are made specifically for JX3. He stated they were tested to 25kn. Does anyone have more insight into this?

One question I did forget to ask, what are the ropes? They are 11mm, but it doesn't have any specs or rope branding. TIA

I really like the JX-3 carabiners (black), have no concern with their strength, and their closure mechanism is smooth/secure. Not sure who the manufacturer is. I generally run a larger/more substantial carabiner up top.

JX-3 ropes are good (though 11mm is pretty thick) but I was able to sell mine in the classified section since I already had plenty of my own. I do like the stopper ball they put on it.

Bridge is pretty lengthy and does get in the way when you’re switching between strong and weak side shots, but I’m going to try slimming down the profile by wrapping it with webbing and a buckle. JX-3 sells a short bridge on their website that should have been made an option instead of having to drop another $30-$40. If you have a bridge you like, stick with that.