One Stick/Rappel/SRT tips/tricks for JX3 Hybrid?

[TNSTAAFL]

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[TNSTAAFL]

Another one for 1-sticking with the Hybrid, but not using the JX3 stick.

Great tips.

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[TNSTAAFL]

Excuse me while I continue this conversation with myself.


But seriously I was thinking today about how a really high tether is typically preferred by JX3 users and I wondered if anyone who 1-sticks with the Hybrid had tried climbing higher than the desired hunting height, setting the rapel rope (and pull down rope), and then rappelling down to the preferred height before setting the stick/platform/ROS? You could have a really high tether (beyond normal reach) this way. I wonder if it would help with maneuvers or if diminishing returns are steep beyond normal reach level?

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[TreeRecon]

What is the recommended short bridge option for the JX3 for SRT ascents?

JX3 have a pre-made one, but having both that and the long one attached seems like it would be awkward and/or cluttered.

Anyone had luck with an Amsteel adjustable Utilibridge instead of the stock/short JX3 bridges? I've seen some comments around that Amsteel isn't recommended for bridges, but it does seem to be a common option with a number of respected saddle companies, like Cruzr, offering an amsteel bridge option.

One concern with an amsteel bridge is that girth hitching it to a bridge loop can reduce strength of the amsteel by up to 50%. Most amsteel bridges have a main line of 1/4", which is rated at 8000 lb (35.6 kn). So half of that is 4000 lbs (17.5 kn), which still seems reasonable. However, if you instead girth hitch the prussic loop, which is typically 3/16" amsteel on a utilibridge (5400 lbs/24kn), the girth hitch could be down to 2700lbs/12kn, which seems borderline life support rating. Note: I'm assuming the main line has a spliced loop and you use that to girth hitch in. Also assuming the prussic is a full bury loop, but that means where the two buried ends meet, you have a single line....and if that spot is in the wrong place (middle of girth hitch) strength could be 1/2 of the single line load. I suppose the easiest way to avoid the strength issue is to girth hitch the main line and use a biner to attach the prussic.

Thoughts anyone? kyler1945?

Life support climbing is 10% of breaking strength. So if you have a 6000lb mbs rope, you shouldn't exceed 600lbs on it. This addresses any concerns with strength loss from knots or girth hitching. So if you're using a quality climbing line, your only focus on knots should be tying them properly.

On a separate note: Amsteel was never intended for climbing purposes. I think saddle hunters are the only ones that use it this much for that purpose

 

[woodsdog2]

Reviving this thread to get some interaction specifically about using the JX3 platform/climbing stick as a 1-stick.

Swamp & Stomp has a video demo on it that is pretty helpful. Will try to post here.

Did my first attempt last night. I'm a somewhat experienced 1-sticker (1.5 seasons) but I was more awkward than expected last night. Managed it all but wonder if others have any tips or tricks. Mostly struggled with the attachment method as I am used to cam cleats.

2nd hunt using the platform stick as a platform and that thing rocks! It's hard to explain why but it just works beautifully in conjunction with the Hybrid. Makes pivoting super smooth, controlled, and quiet. Way better than various ROS I've used. Also way better than various platforms I've used. If you are a Hybrid user and haven't tried the JX3 stick with platform I really think you should. It also packs beautifully on the back, no strapping required.

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@TNSTAAFL What’s your climbing method with the JX3 and their platform step? It seems huge to me (the platform step).

 

[TNSTAAFL]

@TNSTAAFL What’s your climbing method with the JX3 and their platform step? It seems huge to me (the platform step).

I have one hunt using all 4 sticks with the platform top (normal lineman belt routine and no aiders). Easy peasy up and down. Packs well but heavy and a bit noisy.

2nd hunt was 1-sticking with just the wide top platform stick. Packs awesome. No weight issue. Just a little awkward resetting stick each time but I think I need to work on optimal height/reach for move, and getting more to the side of the stick before pulling it up.

The wide top performs beautifully as a platform paired with the JX3. When I first saw it I thought no way, but you have to ty it to realize how such a stupid simple design as a bent piece of tubing is exactly what the Hybrid needs for smooth and easy pivoting for all shots around the tree. Way, way better than an ROS IMHO. Plus I no longer have to mess with packing & unpacking, installing & removing an ROS. The stick top is 1lb, so no weight penalty compared to ROS also. Total stick weight is 3ish lbs so in line with most 1-sticks that include a platform top.

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[kyler1945]

I have one hunt using all 4 sticks with the platform top (normal lineman belt routine and no aiders). Easy peasy up and down. Packs well but heavy and a bit noisy.

2nd hunt was 1-sticking with just the wide top platform stick. Packs awesome. No weight issue. Just a little awkward resetting stick each time but I think I need to work on optimal height/reach for move, and getting more to the side of the stick before pulling it up.

The wide top performs beautifully as a platform paired with the JX3. When I first saw it I thought no way, but you have to ty it to realize how such a stupid simple design as a bent piece of tubing is exactly what the Hybrid needs for smooth and easy pivoting for all shots around the tree. Way, way better than an ROS IMHO. Plus I no longer have to mess with packing & unpacking, installing & removing an ROS. The stick top is 1lb, so no weight penalty compared to ROS also. Total stick weight is 3ish lbs so in line with most 1-sticks that include a platform top.

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I found that the top stick/platform set up replaced ring of steps for me too. I put a climbing sling as a one step aider. I stop my climbing method level with that aider, and that adds (or subtracts depending on how you look at it) 3’.

It’s such a simple stick to attach and then use as platform.

Did you see video of how I pack mine on back of hybrid ?

 

[TNSTAAFL]

I found that the top stick/platform set up replaced ring of steps for me too. I put a climbing sling as a one step aider. I stop my climbing method level with that aider, and that adds (or subtracts depending on how you look at it) 3’.

It’s such a simple stick to attach and then use as platform.

Did you see video of how I pack mine on back of hybrid ?

I did see that video. Thanks for making that. I'm intrigued by lots of potential for that marine grade shock cord. Need to pick some up. I do like how the stick packs as designed though. Your point about your method creating a stable set down on the ground is great. I'm thinking of keeping my gear strap in my pocket and when I get to the bottom of the tree quickly strap it at head height and then hang the Hybrid from it to keep it off the ground (scent & mess). This is mostly for the post hunt when I need to repack the stick as it unpacks easily without Hybrid removal. Pre hunt when changing or adding layers at the tree. I wonder if you're shock cord would be better for securing layers to the back than the strap accessories. I find them a bit fiddly and frustrating.

For climbing, I'm using a sling for now, as that is what I have on hand. 3 step aider en route from OOAL and I'm hopeful that will improve 1-sticking ease. I liked the one I had on my foldable Monarch stick.

What do you think of my idea to climb a little high, then rapel down a little to increase tether height?

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[kyler1945]

I did see that video. Thanks for making that. I'm intrigued by lots of potential for that marine grade shock cord. Need to pick some up. I do like how the stick packs as designed though. Your point about your method creating a stable set down on the ground is great. I'm thinking of keeping my gear strap in my pocket and when I get to the bottom of the tree quickly strap it at head height and then hang the Hybrid from it to keep it off the ground (scent & mess). This is mostly for the post hunt when I need to repack the stick as it unpacks easily without Hybrid removal. Pre hunt when changing or adding layers at the tree. I wonder if you're shock cord would be better for securing layers to the back than the strap accessories. I find them a bit fiddly and frustrating.

For climbing, I'm using a sling for now, as that is what I have on hand. 3 step aider en route from OOAL and I'm hopeful that will improve 1-sticking ease. I liked the one I had on my foldable Monarch stick.

What do you think of my idea to climb a little high, then rapel down a little to increase tether height?

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If you’re already rappelling then I don’t see any downside. Assuming you hook up your pull down rope while you’re up there.

Steep angle will potentially cause bridge interference for shorter hunters.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Climb #3 using JX3 Wide Top as a 1-stick.

Installed and used OOAL 3-step aider and this made a huge difference as anticipated. I can now easily reach down with my leg/foot to the 3rd step (rather than raise it awkwardly to a 1-step sling). That helps set the stick and get my body aligned with the tree and stick. The two vertical posts of the JX3 stick greatly help with stability also. That is an easy to overlook advantage of the design for those used to single post sticks like myself. No fear or issue being on a multi aider. Easy two step climb to get on the actual stick and re-set everything.

Rope attachment is still more fiddly than a cam cleat but I'm getting better at it.

And the wide top stick continues to impress as a platform. I finally feel like I can maneuver on the Hybrid the way John does in his promotional vids. Smooth, quiet, and easy! I never really felt that way on a ROS.

I also tried some leaning today the way I typically hunt in a soft saddle. Works great. I reclined the backrest way back and didn't even put shoulder straps back on, just kept tension on the bridge. I put my heels on the stick and my toes on the tree and it was quite comfy, and again, very maneuverable. I could easily walk all the way around the tree and shoot 360.

While sitting with the fork into the tree is the most comfortable, the ability to push off and lean gives the cheeks a break and can help with shot opportunities considerably.

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