Private Land Saddle Conversion Question

[fishbones]

I currently hunt private land and have 10 hang on stand setups up currently.
My hunting buddy is left handed so I have been looking for a better setup for both of us to use, its hard to setup stands good for both a right hander and a left hander.
We are both thinking of switching to saddles. I was hoping I could run by you guys what I am thinking to see if I it sounds like a good plan.

Saddle: I am leaning towards the JX3 right now since it seems the most comfortable for longer sets and since its only 40 acres I dont have to worry about weight etc. Is this the best saddle for private setups and with my bad lower back?
Sticks: currently use 20' gavity forward sticks for all my hang ons, the plan was to use them for my saddle presets, use the top step for a platform since the JX3 appears to not really need a platform, then a couple bolts to help us move around the tree.
Safety: I use the HSS lifelines on all my stands and was thinking of using them with the saddle. My thought was to connect my linesman loops to the HSS Lifeline when ascending just like I do with my current RC harness, then when at height, setup my tether, connect to bridge and possibly leave my connection to the HSS Lifeline for a secondary connection.

I appreciate any help in advance, never saddle hunted but one of our buddies does and loves it and in my scenario I think it will position both of us, righty and lefty, in for better shots and concealment.

 

[Squatch]

I currently hunt private land and have 10 hang on stand setups up currently.
My hunting buddy is left handed so I have been looking for a better setup for both of us to use, its hard to setup stands good for both a right hander and a left hander.
We are both thinking of switching to saddles. I was hoping I could run by you guys what I am thinking to see if I it sounds like a good plan.

Saddle: I am leaning towards the JX3 right now since it seems the most comfortable for longer sets and since its only 40 acres I dont have to worry about weight etc. Is this the best saddle for private setups and with my bad lower back?
Sticks: currently use 20' gavity forward sticks for all my hang ons, the plan was to use them for my saddle presets, use the top step for a platform since the JX3 appears to not really need a platform, then a couple bolts to help us move around the tree.
Safety: I use the HSS lifelines on all my stands and was thinking of using them with the saddle. My thought was to connect my linesman loops to the HSS Lifeline when ascending just like I do with my current RC harness, then when at height, setup my tether, connect to bridge and possibly leave my connection to the HSS Lifeline for a secondary connection.

I appreciate any help in advance, never saddle hunted but one of our buddies does and loves it and in my scenario I think it will position both of us, righty and lefty, in for better shots and concealment.

Ur on the right track
I did the same thing as I used to stand hunt also
The saddle will set u free
Explore options before buying jx3 to see what best fits u
I have sat all day many times in the current offerings
They’re not as uncomfortable for that type of hunt as u may think


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[splatek]

I can't say enough good things about the JX3. That thing is not only comfy, but super well engineered. And packing it in and out is a breeze - I've gone in over 2 miles with mine and it's not bad at all. Now is it the lightweight, ultralightweight that a regular saddle is, no. Also, most shooting in the JX3 is done sitting, at least the way I use it. you can stand up in it, but it's a little clunky and you have to adjust a few straps, etc so it's not the thing that can be done on the fly as an animal walks past like a traditional saddle.

The beauty of a saddle (any brand) IMHO, is that if necessary you can change trees within minutes.

 

[Tr33_n1nj@]

The thing with those 20 ft ladder sticks is that they are touching the tree and the ground and usually have a pivot point. So if you are up top and move your feet on the top step there can be movement and noise at ground level (unless it’s grown into the tree). I’d recommend using something else as the top step/foot platform. But to climb the tree it will work.
Also either tie off or bring your lifeline up with you if you are staying attached to it the whole time so it’s not dangling down at ground level.

 

[Outdoorguy86]

Where are you located? I think a good idea would be to find a local saddle hunter and maybe ask to try out there saddle so you get a feel for the comfort of each brand. I’m sure you can find a JX3 owner somewhere around.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

A couple thoughts on sharing a stand with a left hander...
If the stand is preset and left in place, one of you will most likely have to shoot weak side shots (if the deer walk where we think they will walk). Lots of guys have no problem shooting weak side and other guys don't shoot as well on the weak side.

If you set stands like a Predator (and the tree is relatively straight) then each hunter can set the stand on the side of the tree that best suits their shooting style.

If you use a ROS, then there really should be no issues with right versus left hand shooters.

I've never had an interest in the JX3 so I can't comment on how it would be for setting a tree for both R and L handed shooters, but unless the tree has a substantial lean, I don't see a major issue to accommodate shots for both hunters.
Last thought...you could always set 2 stands on a tree. 180 degrees opposite sides.
There is a flood of great saddles and slings on the market right now. If the JX3 suits you, then go for it. But I wouldn't choose one just to accommodate being able to hunt trees set for both L and R hand shooters.

 

[bj139]

With a regular cloth saddle you can stand on your platform and just twist around with your back to the tree and shoot. It gives you more options. This may be possible on a JX3 but it does not look like it is. Perhaps JX3 owners will comment.

 

[dlist777]

I hunt a private parcel with the JX3. Last season I had pre set sticks and beast sticks for when I wanted to hunt a tree that's not pre set. I also brought squirrel steps on an OCB and set them each hunt (either on preset sticks or on my beast sticks). It worked well. Yes, you could add a safety line on each preset as well.

This year I'm going with bolts. I'm pre setting bolts as both my climbing method and ROS. Because you're sitting in the JX3 bolts work fine as a ROS....to help you move around the tree.

The JX3 is great and very comfy for full day sits. I used to use Millennium hang ons and the JX3 is even more comfy imho.

If you do this, it doesnt matter where your sticks or bolts are set. Just climb to the top...get on your ros with LB attached and move around to whatever part of the tree gives you your best shot. Set your tether and get comfy.

The JX3 advertises itself that you dont need a ROS. I find you do. Others may disagree.

 

[fishbones]

Thanks guys great info, sounds like I am on the right track.
I was thinking of doing bolts above the gravity forwards and around the trees for presets.
I am concerned about using that top step like
Tr33_n1nj@ mentioned as my only gripe about those things is the noise. The foot rest areas are U channel shaped with cut outs for traction but its hollow and if you drag your boots on them they make noise to the point of I was thinking of spray foaming them this summer to quiet them down.
I was hoping to hit the hunting shows this spring to try a few saddles out but they shut them down due to c-19 crap.
I am located in SE Michigan, property is in Jackson County Mi. if anyone knows of a retailer close by to try them out id appreciate it.
I am a little on the stocky side, 5-8 225lb so I was thinking the JX3 might be a little more comfortable but there are many others I like for sure, any recommendations appreciated...... thanks again for the help!

 

[Bigterp]

Based on the scenario you described I would just have you & your hunting buddy each carry in a ring of steps to set each hunt. If used those sticks & they are noisy I definitely would not wanting to be shifting my weight at the moment of truth on those..... now for the jx3 vs conventional saddle scenario I own both & each have their own use. I love my kite for quick hunts or any hunt less than 3-4 hours ( or stupid long hikes in) . I use my jx3 when it’s long sits or real cold & gun hunts....... you can use either in any scenario & many do just my personal preference. You could both buy a different style & get a feel for what you like.

 

[fishbones]

Based on the scenario you described I would just have you & your hunting buddy each carry in a ring of steps to set each hunt. If used those sticks & they are noisy I definitely would not wanting to be shifting my weight at the moment of truth on those..... now for the jx3 vs conventional saddle scenario I own both & each have their own use. I love my kite for quick hunts or any hunt less than 3-4 hours ( or stupid long hikes in) . I use my jx3 when it’s long sits or real cold & gun hunts....... you can use either in any scenario & many do just my personal preference. You could both buy a different style & get a feel for what you like.

thank you Bigterp, sounds like a good idea.
I was eyeing that Cruzr XC saddle and the JX3, both seem to have pretty long lead times right now so which is why I am looking to finalize my plan so I can get an order in and have some time this summer to practice.
Can you recommend a good set of ROS?
On a side note, putting platforms at presets would get real expensive in a hurry but I thought about converting my hang on stand bases, not sure if anyone has done that yet or not I guess not necessary if we each carry a set of ROS

 

[splatek]

With a regular cloth saddle you can stand on your platform and just twist around with your back to the tree and shoot. It gives you more options. This may be possible on a JX3 but it does not look like it is. Perhaps JX3 owners will comment.

I have a JX3 and a trophyline and a DIY sitdrag and whatever you can do in the traditional saddles (trophyline, sitdrag) you can do in the JX3. It takes practice, but heck it takes practice in a traditional saddle setup, as well. The one thing about the JX3 that I have noticed and others have mentioned elsewhere is that the tether height usually has to be higher than what you would use on a traditional saddle setup. For me, that makes bow shooting a bit more challenging. But I could shoot my crossbow or rifle out of it easily. This year with a trad bow I am not sure how it;s going to work out.

 

[fishbones]

I have a JX3 and a trophyline and a DIY sitdrag and whatever you can do in the traditional saddles (trophyline, sitdrag) you can do in the JX3. It takes practice, but heck it takes practice in a traditional saddle setup, as well. The one thing about the JX3 that I have noticed and others have mentioned elsewhere is that the tether height usually has to be higher than what you would use on a traditional saddle setup. For me, that makes bow shooting a bit more challenging. But I could shoot my crossbow or rifle out of it easily. This year with a trad bow I am not sure how it;s going to work out.

Thanks for the info.
Have you tried a shorter or adjustable bridge, seem slike that would help for shooting a bow.

 

[bj139]

I have a JX3 and a trophyline and a DIY sitdrag and whatever you can do in the traditional saddles (trophyline, sitdrag) you can do in the JX3. It takes practice, but heck it takes practice in a traditional saddle setup, as well. The one thing about the JX3 that I have noticed and others have mentioned elsewhere is that the tether height usually has to be higher than what you would use on a traditional saddle setup. For me, that makes bow shooting a bit more challenging. But I could shoot my crossbow or rifle out of it easily. This year with a trad bow I am not sure how it;s going to work out.

I saw videos of people standing on their platform and turning around so their tether was over their collarbone. Then they had nothing in front of them to impede shooting in that direction. It sure looked easier than hanging at a 45 degree angle from the tree. I shoot an xbow so it is easier to get into a suitable position to shoot than a trad bow.

 

[Bigterp]

thank you Bigterp, sounds like a good idea.
I was eyeing that Cruzr XC saddle and the JX3, both seem to have pretty long lead times right now so which is why I am looking to finalize my plan so I can get an order in and have some time this summer to practice.
Can you recommend a good set of ROS?
On a side note, putting platforms at presets would get real expensive in a hurry but I thought about converting my hang on stand bases, not sure if anyone has done that yet or not I guess not necessary if we each carry a set of ROS

I have ameristeps which are no longer available (but that’s just what I have, doing it over again I’d buy squirrel steps from @DanO ) you could get away with modifying a platform from existing tree stands that you have but the issue I see is rightly vs. lefty setups. That’s why I was leaning ROS & you can both setup to what’s most comfortable......

 

[BlueCollarBowman]

I currently hunt private land and have 10 hang on stand setups up currently.
My hunting buddy is left handed so I have been looking for a better setup for both of us to use, its hard to setup stands good for both a right hander and a left hander.
We are both thinking of switching to saddles. I was hoping I could run by you guys what I am thinking to see if I it sounds like a good plan.

Saddle: I am leaning towards the JX3 right now since it seems the most comfortable for longer sets and since its only 40 acres I dont have to worry about weight etc. Is this the best saddle for private setups and with my bad lower back?
Sticks: currently use 20' gavity forward sticks for all my hang ons, the plan was to use them for my saddle presets, use the top step for a platform since the JX3 appears to not really need a platform, then a couple bolts to help us move around the tree.
Safety: I use the HSS lifelines on all my stands and was thinking of using them with the saddle. My thought was to connect my linesman loops to the HSS Lifeline when ascending just like I do with my current RC harness, then when at height, setup my tether, connect to bridge and possibly leave my connection to the HSS Lifeline for a secondary connection.

I appreciate any help in advance, never saddle hunted but one of our buddies does and loves it and in my scenario I think it will position both of us, righty and lefty, in for better shots and concealment.

If i was doing it all over again I would of done my best to try out as many saddles as possible before making a decision. As far as having pre set rigs clearly speaking for myself I stared look at spots differently than when I hunted from stand. I’m no longer looking for that meaty tree that I’d feel safe in my stand I’m now rather looking for good cover as well as the ability to utilize 360° of the tree.

As far as having presets on the farm I’ll be hunting I’ve toyed around with what a lot of guys on the forum do is using installing I bolts in trees as having a climbing method such as bolts or steps left in and ready to go for conditions

Like you stated weight isn’t an issue on small piece of private the weight reduction just going to a saddle is more than enough

Just my 2cents


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[fishbones]

Ok, got my JX3 on order, 4 weeks out according to John.
Trying to decide on my minimalist saddle, Cruzr CX, Tetherd, Arerohunter, lots of good choices for sure.

Question, I really like the looks of the squirrel steps, do they make any like that in which you can bolt them to the tree for presets?
I was thinking one less thing to do and also about keeping noise down when getting setup.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Ok, got my JX3 on order, 4 weeks out according to John.
Trying to decide on my minimalist saddle, Cruzr CX, Tetherd, Arerohunter, lots of good choices for sure.

Question, I really like the looks of the squirrel steps, do they make any like that in which you can bolt them to the tree for presets?
I was thinking one less thing to do and also about keeping noise down when getting setup.

If you are willing to "bolt" a Squirrel Step to the tree, then why not just use bolts? You can get a dozen of them for less than the price of one Squirrel Step.

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[Ontariofarmer]

Treehopper

www.treehopperllc.com

These steps bolt into the tree

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[fishbones]

If you are willing to "bolt" a Squirrel Step to the tree, then why not just use bolts? You can get a dozen of them for less than the price of one Squirrel Step.

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I was thinking something flatter like OntarioFarmer posted would be easier on the feet.