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

[neonomad]

Spent some solid time leaning in the Hybrid this weekend, in addition to the standard and crazy comfy sitting mode. If you slide the seat up your legs a bit the Hybrid works almost exactly like a soft saddle when leaning. It helps to extend the backrest way back before standing. A great change of pace, and easy to pivot and maneuver to look around, change vistas, and of course adjust for shot angles. When you want to sit again simply slide the seat down your legs and let that magical fork eat. Adjust backrest as needed.
Lean or sit. The Hybrid does both beautifully...especially with the wide top stick platform.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

What’s the gizmo you’re carabinered into?

 

[jbogg]

What’s the gizmo you’re carabinered into?

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[Plebe]

What’s the gizmo you’re carabinered into?

AOKWIT 9 Rescue Figure, Upgrade 8 Descender​

AOKWIT 9 Figure Descender

Has anyone used one of these for repelling before? I find it strange I’ve never heard of one if they actually work.

saddlehunter.com

 

[TNSTAAFL]

What’s the gizmo you’re carabinered into?

Ya, I decided to bring the Figure 9 this weekend after using the F4 for most sits. No real good reason. Just wanted to remind myself what I liked and disliked about it relative to others. The F4 is going back on the ResTech for next weekend.

The 9 was a little harder to keep from being clangy while 1-sticking, and the rappel was less smooth than I remembered. Gotta pull on that lever pretty far. Works fine but I think the F4 is preferable.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[jbogg]

Ya, I decided to bring the Figure 9 this weekend after using the F4 for most sits. No real good reason. Just wanted to remind myself what I liked and disliked about it relative to others. The F4 is going back on the ResTech for next weekend.

The 9 was a little harder to keep from being clangy while 1-sticking, and the rappel was less smooth than I remembered. Gotta pull on that lever pretty far. Works fine but I think the F4 is preferable.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I considered the F4, but instead of pulling on the lever like a safeguard it looked like one needed to compress it. I was concerned that there might be a possibility of it accidentally getting pressed against the tree as I walked my way around the tree for a shot at the 2:00 o’clock position with my recurve. I push my tether as far up the tree as I can. I like the looks of it, and would like to try it at some point.

 

[MattMan81]

The thing I'll say is, if you try it, don't give up before trying it with the JX3 wide top stick. So much better than a ROS or other sticks or platforms.

My exclusive season continued with the rifle opener this weekend. Hiked way back, up and over a mountain trying to escape crowds and find good buck cruising territory. The Hybrid hauled my Fanatic coat and bibs pretty well. My shoulders were feeling it by the time I found my set, but once settled I thought "What shoulders?" It was a crazy comfy full rut sit. The deer didn't cooperate, but I was comfortable waiting for them. I just gotta get that head rest so I can really fall asleep.

The 1-sticking routine with the wide top is like butter now. Tether to the right side. Stick rope on an angle. 2 hands on the stick posts while climbing the 3-step aider. Easy peasy.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

I don't walk far. Preset private. So I'd be DRT climbing my way up. Probably not use it for early season. But man all day sits this time of year are tuff. I love my cobra. But after 4 hours I ask my self... Wouldn't I be more comfortable in a jx3? Or a pac seat?

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I don't walk far. Preset private. So I'd be DRT climbing my way up. Probably not use it for early season. But man all day sits this time of year are tuff. I love my cobra. But after 4 hours I ask my self... Wouldn't I be more comfortable in a jx3? Or a pac seat?

I hear ya. I still say, regardless of climbing method, there is nothing better for your feet when paired with the Hybrid than the JX3 wide top stick. Insert whatever "icing on the cake" metaphor works for you.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I considered the F4, but instead of pulling on the lever like a safeguard it looked like one needed to compress it. I was concerned that there might be a possibility of it accidentally getting pressed against the tree as I walked my way around the tree for a shot at the 2:00 o’clock position with my recurve. I push my tether as far up the tree as I can. I like the looks of it, and would like to try it at some point.

While possible, I don't think an accidental pressing of the lever is very likely. I tie off below it while hunting so the rope can't slip even if it did happen.

My slight concern was while rappelling. If you over-squeeze the handle the rope can slip thru pretty quickly, especially if you skip a hole to improve 1 hand tending functionality. In a panic situation it is hard to force yourself to stop squeezing. That is where the break hand in a proper rappel position is key. I also like that concern for such slippage causes me to force myself to go slowly. I ease down the tree like an old man sinking into a warm bath (bonus points for reference).

All of the devices have tradeoffs and issues. None are designed for this task and all create legitimate safety concerns. Use at your own risk, or better yet don't use.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[MattMan81]

I hear ya. I still say, regardless of climbing method, there is nothing better for your feet when paired with the Hybrid than the JX3 wide top stick. Insert whatever "icing on the cake" metaphor works for you.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

True. And opening day of firearms season is tomorrow. I like to try and sit all day. I will be dreaming about that thing I'm sure after a few hours. I grabbed that used one. I can only hunt tomorrow. But have some time next week with Thanksgiving. So hopefully I can use it then. My daughter is also big enough to use it. So if anything she can chill with it and a crossbow next season. Who knows. Might have to find another!

 

[BuffaloBill]

I hear ya. I still say, regardless of climbing method, there is nothing better for your feet when paired with the Hybrid than the JX3 wide top stick. Insert whatever "icing on the cake" metaphor works for you.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

Do you just use the wide top stick? I was pondering getting the set. I know they’re not exactly light but they seem to integrate well.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Do you just use the wide top stick? I was pondering getting the set. I know they’re not exactly light but they seem to integrate well.

I bought the whole set given the small price delta, but I've only used the whole set once. Maybe if I was going to go up and down the same tree over a weekend I'd use them all. Pretty heavy load altogether, yet they pack well. 1-sticking with the wide top is just too easy to want to take more sticks.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[kyler1945]

Do you just use the wide top stick? I was pondering getting the set. I know they’re not exactly light but they seem to integrate well.

If I take the wife I make her carry the whole set hahaha!

I use the top stick and usually have other climbing methods. I use a single step aider.

 

[woodsdog2]

@kyler1945 did you one stick climb with the JX3 Top Stick and the Sladder? Explain what you did a few posts ago with the sladder.

 

[BuffaloBill]

I bought the whole set given the small price delta, but I've only used the whole set once. Maybe if I was going to go up and down the same tree over a weekend I'd use them all. Pretty heavy load altogether, yet they pack well. 1-sticking with the wide top is just too easy to want to take more sticks.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

There’s a guy selling a JX3 and the sticks localish for $450. Trying to get him to split them up.

 

[kyler1945]

@kyler1945 did you one stick climb with the JX3 Top Stick and the Sladder? Explain what you did a few posts ago with the sladder.

So far,

All my hunts this season have been to set the sladder, climb up into top stirrups, pull bottom up and attach above me, climb into those stirrups, pull JX3 top stick with one step aider off my back, set it and hunt.

Height has varied from 14-18’.

Then I just climbed down. No rappel gear needed.

I walk up to tree and climb, and climb down and walk away from tree. I bundle sladder on top stick and either carry it or attach to back of hybrid like shown in my mods threads and video.

It’s stupid simple. And fast. And quiet.




If I needed to hunt higher, I could add a second step to the aider on the stick, or do one stick move. Or use the sladder as intended and rappel.

So far, I haven’t needed to. My intention is to cross that bridge when I get there.



Climbing trees is secondary to killing deer for me. This allows maximum utility and minimum bull$hit.

 

[jbogg]

I figured you JX 3 fans would appreciate this. I couldn’t get it done with my Recurve this year, so I grabbed the rifle and headed up to National Forest Friday early afternoon. Was blessed with a nice bear showing up early enough that I had plenty of daylight left to break it down. It wasn’t fun, but I packed it all out on the JX 3 Hybrid, and saved having to make a second 3 mile round trip to the truck. I was solo, but use a wire gear tie to attach my phone to a tree for photos.

 

[kyler1945]

I figured you JX 3 fans would appreciate this. I couldn’t get it done with my Recurve this year, so I grabbed the rifle and headed up to National Forest Friday early afternoon. Was blessed with a nice bear showing up early enough that I had plenty of daylight left to break it down. It wasn’t fun, but I packed it all out on the JX 3 Hybrid, and saved having to make a second 3 mile round trip to the truck. I use a wire gear tie to attach my phone to a tree for photos, but I was solo.
View attachment 95331
View attachment 95332

You sure that hill isn’t too steep to climb with the JX3 weight? And all those straps?! Seems like it’s too much going on to hunt deep…

 

[jbogg]

You sure that hill isn’t too steep to climb with the JX3 weight? And all those straps?! Seems like it’s too much going on to hunt deep…

I just turned 60. If I can do it, anybody can. As we know the fact that the JX 3 packs itself, eliminating the need for a back pack is a huge benefit that gets lost in the discussion. I’m at a little over 20 pounds not including food or water, and can carry it all day.

 

[Plebe]

I just turned 60. If I can do it, anybody can. As we know the fact that the JX 3 packs itself, eliminating the need for a back pack is a huge benefit that gets lost in the discussion. I’m at a little over 20 pounds not including food or water, and can carry it all day.

I’m not sure just anybody can, you certainly look very able and fit. I do think the JX3 carries pretty well. Not as well as some frame packs I’ve used, but not so far off as to chuck that conversation. I think most people won’t get it down to 20lbs though, especially with the newer models.

For example, I’m at about at 20 lbs with just the JX3 saddle and outerwear:

JX3=13lbs
Bibs=3.5lbs
Jacket=3.25lbs

There’s 4lb frame packs now that will really haul…add a couple-few pounds for a saddle and your starting weight is simply much less.

I think the JX3 really sells itself on hunting comfort, and the other benefits are there to have. But it’s still a bit heavy overall for really hard hikes.

 

[jbogg]

I’m not sure just anybody can, you certainly look very able and fit. I do think the JX3 carries pretty well. Not as well as some frame packs I’ve used, but not so far off as to chuck that conversation. I think most people won’t get it down to 20lbs though, especially with the newer models.

For example, I’m at about at 20 lbs with just the JX3 saddle and outerwear:

JX3=13lbs
Bibs=3.5lbs
Jacket=3.25lbs

There’s 4lb frame packs now that will really haul…add a couple-few pounds for a saddle and your starting weight is simply much less.

I think the JX3 really sells itself on hunting comfort, and the other benefits are there to have. But it’s still a bit heavy overall for really hard hikes.

I have the Gen 1 so maybe it’s lighter than the newer models. Also, so far this year we haven’t had any real cold weather so I’m sure my cold weather clothing would add a few pounds.