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

Hi. Just dropped to the bottom to be…well….lazy.

I gun hunt out of my saddle in a camp that uses dogs.

I don’t take much up in the tree with me.

I do like to use a Predator platform and may purchase the bag to fit.

Has anyone used their Predator pack as a compression panel on the JX3?

Cold weather bulk is my nemesis.


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fawnzy said:
Hi. Just dropped to the bottom to be…well….lazy.

I gun hunt out of my saddle in a camp that uses dogs.

I don’t take much up in the tree with me.

I do like to use a Predator platform and may purchase the bag to fit.

Has anyone used their Predator pack as a compression panel on the JX3?

Cold weather bulk is my nemesis.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

The seat is the “compression panel”.

Strapping layers either in between seat and back frames, or on back of the seat is easy. Either with the leg straps, or with straps you add in any of the million ways available due to design.

Platforms make no sense to me with the hybrid, but some people like to stand up in tree for a while. Top of stick, and/or ring of steps is all you need. If you want to stand, the predator will help with that.
 
Has anyone attempted the 2 tether climbing method with the JX3? I was thinking I could sit into the tether with the fork against the tree, with the foot tether above the fork so it can be moved up the tree. Put your foot into the foot loop, stand up, move the tether up, then sit down again. Again, making sure the foot tether is above the fork. Does it sound doable, or too difficult while sitting down in the seat?

I also have a Tethrd Menace and I am considering wearing it to 1-stick or 2TC, with the JX3 seat folded up, then at height, hook up the JX3 and slip the Menace off and put it in my pack. I would rappel down with the JX3.

I hope my explanation makes sense, and apologize if it doesn't. Thanks.
 
Yes, I have tried 2tc with my jx3. I just used short moves. The only thing that gave me trouble is that I run a pouch on me right bridge molle, and having that much weight on the suspension system is not ideal for advancing top tether. Gotta make sure the fork doesn't get your ropes too. I have the gen1.

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I've been touting a 1-stick platform pairing with the JX3 lately, but today I took 3 sticks and a ROS. Testing out the new Bullman Platform steps. Just 4 on an OCB and I must say these are nice, as is the ROS in general. Very comfortable under foot and easy to maneuver on. Very light. A bit bulkier than aluminum steps, but not bad with only 4. No metal and no need to vet wrap. Sound like antlers clanging when they bump. Solid on tree with OCB and take side pressure well. Can stand to lean for a stretch no problem.

On the climb side three 24" sticks and a versa aider is such a simple way to get to almost 20 feet. I might have wasted a lot of time, money, and risk on the great 1-stick rappel experiment of '22. The weight difference is negligible, and I carried them using the vera aider as a sling clipped to a D loop on shoulder strap. Easy peasy.

Dropped my other bootie, dang it! My left toes are cold!

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I 2TC just like a diaper saddle. Only difference is that it's more comfortable because I actually sit down on the seat while making moves. I don't extend the fork while going up just to keep it out of my way.
 
After using a homemade moveable aider (climbing webbing w/ washing machine hose for a step), I ponied up the $40 for a versa aider. The aider I made works, but it's kind of a pain coming down. I like that the versa aider is always attached to me and moves with me up or down. I haven't received it yet, and our season ends in 9 days, so I likely won't get to use it this year, but I'm anxious to try it out. Thought about trying the 1 stick thing, but I'm not as agile as I was in my younger days.
 
ImThere said:
Still a little crush? 59 pages deep


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I can say confidently, that after 4.5 seasons together, this is a forever thing.

We've been through a lot. Yes, I requested she lose a couple inches on her waist. Yes, I basically changed everything about her wardrobe. There's been some broken bones, and some replacement parts. I still spend very rare time with a hang on, but I have no use for a soft saddle any more.

John doesn't pay me. I don't get free gear in the normal sense. I may get first dibs at buying something new. Or a prototype of a prototype to knock around. But I spend a lot of time in the hybrid, talking about the hybrid, thinking about the hybrid, and helping others with the hybrid. I think it's a fair trade. I don't claim to be without bias either. I am emotionally invested in this piece of gear. And if I'm being honest, the fellow who came up with it.

For those who haven't spoken to him, or spent a lot of time in the hybrid, I understand. But when you've done either or both, you'll see just how much time went into the design. I made mine a hauler, and removed any and all doodads because of exactly how I hunt. But every single major design concept is well thought out, and very refined. And not by a youtube star. By a bonafide killer. Each time I try to diminish one of the features or benefits of the hybrid, I end up coming full circle.

There's a penalty up front for getting soft saddles out of your noggin. And you'll obviously feel like you're encumbered if you're used to sitting in a hang on with nothing in front of you. And it does take about 20-35 more seconds of thought and set up time getting a couple details right. But once you're used to it, I just don't see how anyone would want to hunt in a soft saddle. I know there are edge cases. But I can tell you I've completely given up on them. I scout and hunt with the hybrid all the time. The weight is simply a non factor given all the other benefits. Like I said - I'm totally out on the soft saddle. And if I don't put my hang on in a tree before the end of the season, it's going up for sale too. It doesn't make sense keeping it for the 2-5% chance I'll use it. The hybrid is that dominant for me.

I will be adding a climber base to my kit, because of my move to Tx. Too many scenarios where I may need to get up a planted pine tree. It doesn't make me happy, but it is what it is.


Other than that, I'd just like to say that the hybrid has increased my happiness intake from hunting. I wish I had taken a more aggressive approach over the last couple years in getting involved in some sort of commercial way. I've had a hand in selling dozens of them both directly and indirectly. I'll settle for hearing people, privately of course, say "you were right. I get it now."
 
kyler1945 said:
I can say confidently, that after 4.5 seasons together, this is a forever thing.

We've been through a lot. Yes, I requested she lose a couple inches on her waist. Yes, I basically changed everything about her wardrobe. There's been some broken bones, and some replacement parts. I still spend very rare time with a hang on, but I have no use for a soft saddle any more.

John doesn't pay me. I don't get free gear in the normal sense. I may get first dibs at buying something new. Or a prototype of a prototype to knock around. But I spend a lot of time in the hybrid, talking about the hybrid, thinking about the hybrid, and helping others with the hybrid. I think it's a fair trade. I don't claim to be without bias either. I am emotionally invested in this piece of gear. And if I'm being honest, the fellow who came up with it.

For those who haven't spoken to him, or spent a lot of time in the hybrid, I understand. But when you've done either or both, you'll see just how much time went into the design. I made mine a hauler, and removed any and all doodads because of exactly how I hunt. But every single major design concept is well thought out, and very refined. And not by a youtube star. By a bonafide killer. Each time I try to diminish one of the features or benefits of the hybrid, I end up coming full circle.

There's a penalty up front for getting soft saddles out of your noggin. And you'll obviously feel like you're encumbered if you're used to sitting in a hang on with nothing in front of you. And it does take about 20-35 more seconds of thought and set up time getting a couple details right. But once you're used to it, I just don't see how anyone would want to hunt in a soft saddle. I know there are edge cases. But I can tell you I've completely given up on them. I scout and hunt with the hybrid all the time. The weight is simply a non factor given all the other benefits. Like I said - I'm totally out on the soft saddle. And if I don't put my hang on in a tree before the end of the season, it's going up for sale too. It doesn't make sense keeping it for the 2-5% chance I'll use it. The hybrid is that dominant for me.

I will be adding a climber base to my kit, because of my move to Tx. Too many scenarios where I may need to get up a planted pine tree. It doesn't make me happy, but it is what it is.


Other than that, I'd just like to say that the hybrid has increased my happiness intake from hunting. I wish I had taken a more aggressive approach over the last couple years in getting involved in some sort of commercial way. I've had a hand in selling dozens of them both directly and indirectly. I'll settle for hearing people, privately of course, say "you were right. I get it now."
Click to expand...
After the 45 second sit in your “crush” I would agree it is irrefutable how much more comfortable the JX3 is than any saddle I have purchased or made. The weight is negligible with my hunting style because I carry a badlands 2200 every time I go in the woods. I will definitely pony up the dough for a hybrid after I recover from Christmas shopping
 
kyler1945 said:
I can say confidently, that after 4.5 seasons together, this is a forever thing.

We've been through a lot. Yes, I requested she lose a couple inches on her waist. Yes, I basically changed everything about her wardrobe. There's been some broken bones, and some replacement parts. I still spend very rare time with a hang on, but I have no use for a soft saddle any more.

John doesn't pay me. I don't get free gear in the normal sense. I may get first dibs at buying something new. Or a prototype of a prototype to knock around. But I spend a lot of time in the hybrid, talking about the hybrid, thinking about the hybrid, and helping others with the hybrid. I think it's a fair trade. I don't claim to be without bias either. I am emotionally invested in this piece of gear. And if I'm being honest, the fellow who came up with it.

For those who haven't spoken to him, or spent a lot of time in the hybrid, I understand. But when you've done either or both, you'll see just how much time went into the design. I made mine a hauler, and removed any and all doodads because of exactly how I hunt. But every single major design concept is well thought out, and very refined. And not by a youtube star. By a bonafide killer. Each time I try to diminish one of the features or benefits of the hybrid, I end up coming full circle.

There's a penalty up front for getting soft saddles out of your noggin. And you'll obviously feel like you're encumbered if you're used to sitting in a hang on with nothing in front of you. And it does take about 20-35 more seconds of thought and set up time getting a couple details right. But once you're used to it, I just don't see how anyone would want to hunt in a soft saddle. I know there are edge cases. But I can tell you I've completely given up on them. I scout and hunt with the hybrid all the time. The weight is simply a non factor given all the other benefits. Like I said - I'm totally out on the soft saddle. And if I don't put my hang on in a tree before the end of the season, it's going up for sale too. It doesn't make sense keeping it for the 2-5% chance I'll use it. The hybrid is that dominant for me.

I will be adding a climber base to my kit, because of my move to Tx. Too many scenarios where I may need to get up a planted pine tree. It doesn't make me happy, but it is what it is.


Other than that, I'd just like to say that the hybrid has increased my happiness intake from hunting. I wish I had taken a more aggressive approach over the last couple years in getting involved in some sort of commercial way. I've had a hand in selling dozens of them both directly and indirectly. I'll settle for hearing people, privately of course, say "you were right. I get it now."
Click to expand...

Ok wait. Move to Tx? I thought you were moving to Colorado?
Dang I guess I have fell out of touch.


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ImThere said:
Ok wait. Move to Tx? I thought you were moving to Colorado?
Dang I guess I have fell out of touch.


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My brother and I have the place in Colorado. I wish I could move there.

Alas, baby mama and work keep me in Texas!
 
Good deal. Congratulations buddy. I’ll be in Tx next week working in Grand Prairie.

John is a genuine good dude. Talked to him quite awhile at saddleplooza some years ago.


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I tried one of these a few years ago but have to say I didn't give it a fair trial. Just got one last week and used it this past weekend and this one will be staying with me for a long time. A ring of steps works well but has anyone used their new wide top climbing stick yet?
 
kyler1945 said:
I can say confidently, that after 4.5 seasons together, this is a forever thing.

We've been through a lot. Yes, I requested she lose a couple inches on her waist. Yes, I basically changed everything about her wardrobe. There's been some broken bones, and some replacement parts. I still spend very rare time with a hang on, but I have no use for a soft saddle any more.

John doesn't pay me. I don't get free gear in the normal sense. I may get first dibs at buying something new. Or a prototype of a prototype to knock around. But I spend a lot of time in the hybrid, talking about the hybrid, thinking about the hybrid, and helping others with the hybrid. I think it's a fair trade. I don't claim to be without bias either. I am emotionally invested in this piece of gear. And if I'm being honest, the fellow who came up with it.

For those who haven't spoken to him, or spent a lot of time in the hybrid, I understand. But when you've done either or both, you'll see just how much time went into the design. I made mine a hauler, and removed any and all doodads because of exactly how I hunt. But every single major design concept is well thought out, and very refined. And not by a youtube star. By a bonafide killer. Each time I try to diminish one of the features or benefits of the hybrid, I end up coming full circle.

There's a penalty up front for getting soft saddles out of your noggin. And you'll obviously feel like you're encumbered if you're used to sitting in a hang on with nothing in front of you. And it does take about 20-35 more seconds of thought and set up time getting a couple details right. But once you're used to it, I just don't see how anyone would want to hunt in a soft saddle. I know there are edge cases. But I can tell you I've completely given up on them. I scout and hunt with the hybrid all the time. The weight is simply a non factor given all the other benefits. Like I said - I'm totally out on the soft saddle. And if I don't put my hang on in a tree before the end of the season, it's going up for sale too. It doesn't make sense keeping it for the 2-5% chance I'll use it. The hybrid is that dominant for me.

I will be adding a climber base to my kit, because of my move to Tx. Too many scenarios where I may need to get up a planted pine tree. It doesn't make me happy, but it is what it is.


Other than that, I'd just like to say that the hybrid has increased my happiness intake from hunting. I wish I had taken a more aggressive approach over the last couple years in getting involved in some sort of commercial way. I've had a hand in selling dozens of them both directly and indirectly. I'll settle for hearing people, privately of course, say "you were right. I get it now."
Click to expand...

My favourite too


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