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JX3 whale tail safety concern

sokraski

Active Member
SH Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2020
Messages
131
Location
Central Illinois
I have been debating if I should install the retaining bolt that prevents the whale tail from coming all the way out or leave it off in case there would be any reason for removal in the field. I was originally thinking about if packing meat or other items if the tail would be in the way while retracted. No problem, just extend it out. But then I figured it wouldn't be safe with it sticking up in case I fell or ran into something and jammed my head into the forks. I then retracted it as far as it would go and leaned my head back and still hit the forks. That was enough for me the leave the retaining bolt off and pull out the tail and put it in my pocket for traveling. Just wanted to give a heads up that others may want to think about doing the same. It would be a rare occurrence, but if the conditions are right and you head gets jammed backwards for whatever reason, those forks are definitely going to hurt your noggin!
 
I believe the square shaped guard that rests between you and fork would prevent any contact with your head.
 
I don't have a jx3 but I have been hurt the way your describing when I carried climbing sticks vertical on my backpack....I slipped and landed funny and pushed the stand of into my shoulder and neck cutting me pretty good....I would have never thought that it would ever happen cause the sticks weren't anywhere close to me and standoffs facing away from me but they obviously shifted whenever I fell down on a slippery log....If u are close to having contact I would be concerned
 
I believe the square shaped guard that rests between you and fork would prevent any contact with your head.

It doesn't. With it strapped to my back I just lean head back and the fork hits at base of skull. I'll take a picture when I get home tonight.
 
I would not remove it. I had the retaining clip fall out of mine once and I lost the fork in the field. They sent me a new one, but the JX-3 is basically not useable w/o it. I actually add a more robust cotter pin so it wouldn't fall out again.
 
I forgot my coffee sitting on the island earlier so I stopped back to pick that up and grabbed a couple quick pictures.
Screenshot_20200924-071311.jpgScreenshot_20200924-071319.jpgScreenshot_20200924-071325.jpg
 
I think this is exactly what I need to try. The more I thought about removing it while walking the less I like that idea for chance of loosing/forgetting it.
When you mold the instamorph. Could you drill a hole for some paracord and then tether the cover to the stand so it just hangs when not in use?
 
Instamorph is my plan too, maybe a slit in a practice foam golf ball... I don’t climb with the seat dangling because I don’t feel like swinging a calf / achilles into it, but hadn’t much considered my skull, good thought. I also make every effort to hang my sticks in such a way that they are perpendicular to my torso rather than aimed at me like spears.
 
Have you tried this in the field yet in an actual hunt? I usually have gear stuffed in the back (dump pouches in my case...others may have a pack). The fork doesn't actually sit that tight against to the back of my head. Try setting it up just like you would for a hunt and see if you still have a concern.
 
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