Talk me out of a JX3

[SILhunter]

Whelp you guys did a terrible job. I went ahead and ordered one. We will see how it goes.

I just started using one towards the end of last season after my knees couldn't take a regular saddle anymore, I think you will enjoy the comfort. One tip i'll give you that probably cost me a buck last year is set your tether as I high as you can reach which will allow you to swing around the tree easier. I also just got one of the JX3 climbing steps with the wide top and it looks like that will eliminate the need for a ring of steps and it carrys on the jx3 nice. Messing around with it last night it worked well to put the jx3 stick on then stack 3 teherd 1 sticks on it, gonna give it a go this weekend.

 

[samkeath058]

What's your setup?

I use a diy hawk helium one stick with a 4 step aider, 35’ of oplux, a wild edge step platform and a Cruzr archon saddle witch I plan on changing out to a buzzerd roost saddle, way more comfortable for me then the cruzr. If I was to buy a saddle from scratch again I would go strait to the buzzerd roost. My diy hawk one stick is only about 6-8” long so it fits in my dump pouch, but I’m also thinking of changing that out to the shikar mini stick also.

 

[Old Man Hunter]

I haven't read through all of the post but I will chime in anyway.
to the original poster--------I do own a JX3 and a Latitude Method original.
I've bow hunted and gun hunted out of both. The JX3 is the best thing ever especially gun hunting and for all day sits. The down side is some angles are harder to shoot a bow out of it from. While using my JX3 I have not used a platform with it yet but this year plan to some. Most of the time I just use the top double steps on my sticks. This is the only thing that creates some slight difficulty shooting a bow from some angles but can be worked around. Standing to shoot my bow from the JX3 without a platform takes some practice but with the platform it works much better for me. Now keep in mind I'm about to turn 65 with a knee replacement and a hip replacement one on each side of my body. This itself does increase the difficulty. This is the only issue I've had ;but it is workable. I'll give an example I was hanging on a large diameter tree probably 22" diameter at least. I was able to stay sitting swing to my left around the tree and shoot a doe that was at the 2 o'clock position to my original hanging position. I found that withe the JX3 having the fork that holds you off the tree you can maneuver very easily while sitting.
Now as to the standing and shoot a bow with out a platform it's just a balance thing not really a JX3 issue. Having a small platform is a game changer.

Someone on the first page said why hunt in the air from a lounge chase---because it's very, very comfortable. Someone else said they wouldn't use one due to it's too bulky-----that's not actually the case. to me I don't really pay any attention to it while carrying it in. Actually it make's toting in sticks much easier, I've even toted in a 40 pound bag of corn to put in a feeder at a camera with ease---remember I'm about to turn 65.

One advice I'll give you is lose the back pack when using the JX3. I with to a satchel like the Tom Teaser bag for turkey hunting last year with the JX3 this is a game changer. No bulk fits easily between the back panel and seat while going in, I don't carry much but I can easily carry extra clothes in this same area if the weather is going to turn colder to get wetter or to remove layers if it gets warmer for the carry out.

Sorry about the long post but I wanted to explain my personal issues and my personal likes for the JX3. It's by far the most comfortable tree stand hunting device I have hunted out of over the last 53 years in the deer woods. I do like my Latitude Method but it's not the JX3 comfort.

 

[Jmarzey]

Honestly, I could not talk you out of it if I tried. But, I do think that it depends on your style of hunting more than anything.

I got back into a club this year, and was able to set up presets all over the place. I have been using the JX3 almost exclusively for the last three weeks. I sat in the TX5 the other day for the first time this year..... and man it did nothing but make me love the JX3 even more.

I have been taking two lwcg singles with aiders on my mobile hunts and it has been awesome. They fit in between the frame and the seat, and get me to about 12 feet. For me, what I lose in mobility I gain in comfort. The JX3 allows me to be so much more still, and I get picked off way less. The JX3 and two sticks, weighs almost the exact same as my MR Pop up 28 with 4 sticks and a platform, so the weight difference is not there for me. Even on my mountain hunts, I can ditch the sticks, and sit at ground level up high, and the frame works well to pack deer.

I do think if I lived in a state where I had to bow hunt all year like some of you guys, I would not like it as much. Shooting a bow is doable but is troublesome at times. For us in the south, gun season opens in a few weeks and does not close until January. So for me, the JX3 is the ticket

 

[emerald ghost]

I think we can agree that you killing "mature bucks" is not a function of actually climbing the tree, but time spent sitting in it, right?

If we can agree on that, then assuming all other variables remain constant (your ability, the place you're hunting, weapon, etc.), then the more time you spend sitting in a tree should increase your odds of killing mature bucks., no?

This is precisely how I land on the hybrid being such an effective tool. I don't come at it from a "i'm soft and lazy and NEED to be comfortable in the woods to kill a deer". I come at it from a "I spend a load of my time and money hunting. I walk A LOT looking for good spots to kill deer. Usually by the time I find these spots, I'm worn out mentally and physically, and have no desire to climb a tree. Knowing that I'll be comfortable, quiet, and still once I'm up there, gets me over the hump on the decision to climb and hunt."

I'm 100% confident that since 2018 I've spent more time carrying the JX3 than I have spent sitting in it. I'm 75% sure that it's at least double the amount of time. I don't do that because I like John, or like to suffer. I do it because I know that when I need to be in a tree for an extended period of time, whether or not my legs fall asleep, my back seizes up, my hips get stiff, my knees ache like fire, etc. - none of these things will stop me. Zero Chance.

And this is what I try to get people who are considering it to think about: Saddle hunting as a thing is just a tribal signal. It's just like every other cult or religion or movement. Doing something that doesn't really make sense, makes sense because it reinforces your loyalty to the team or the cause.

Of course, there are thousands of people, like you, who are hard. Whether it's their mental and emotional fortitude (which they're lucky to have inherited), or some physical makeup (also blind luck that imparted this on them), that is more conducive to sitting on two webbing straps for 8 hours without moving. My contention is that this subset of people who try saddles, is a tiny fraction of the total number who try saddles. The rest of the people either keep doing it because they think they're soft and don't get it, and end up fidgeting all day, or worse, not spending time in a tree; Or they sell it and go back to climbers and what not because the saddle is a torture trap for them.

I'm trying to tell people that I agree with you wholeheartedly - time spent in the woods is what kills deer. Yes, it's gotta be the right woods, on the right day, with the right conditions and equipment and ability and blah blah blah. But if you can't sit still, quietly, at the right time, in the right place, you'll kill less deer. I just don't think you are the most common type. I think you are the exception. I think most people sit in a saddle and are extremely uncomfortable, and have to spend a ton of time and money to maybe get slightly more comfortable. What I try to get them to see is that they can avoid that process with the JX3. They may decide that "it has too much going on" even though it has the same amount of ropes, straps as a regular saddle with a backband. Fine, you're out 50 bucks, and an afternoon in your backyard to figure that out.

If you are a stander, hunt from a hang on. If you are a "leaner" - you're a stander who's slightly softer and lazier - hunt from a platform and soft saddle. If you're what I think is a significant majority of people - someone who can't spend 8 hours, much less 2 hours, standing or leaning in a tree, or sitting on 2 - 2" webbing straps - quietly, without moving, and with the motivation to do it enough times to be successful, You might try a JX3.

FACT !

 

[woodsdog2]

EZV is inherently imprecise compared to pin(s).

JX3 is probably less precise for execution of archery form than some other options.

I'd roll the dice with one of them. Ain't the EZV.

I couldn’t get into the EZV either. My one pin system sighted in to hit from 0-32 yards works for me. I always hold low on the elbow. I did go to a SH dual up pin this year in case I get a chance at something further out. Typically my setups are in thick areas with close in shots.

 

[Lumberman]

I finally had the chance to give it a try last weekend. 3 hunts for 3-4hrs each.

1. Very comfortable. I could easily sit all day.

2. Pack ability was fine with 4 beast sticks, weight will not be an issues.

3. Still working on getting all my gear out and up in the tree. Probably just take some practice.

It was a very slow climb. Straps were in the weigh and confusing. I imagine that will get better.

Couple issues I’m having.

It always wants to point down in the front. I’m not sitting at a 90. Wonder if my long legs are causing a center of gravity issue.

Most importantly. The claw that comes out of the front is very creaky. Any time I move it makes noise.

Thought?

 

[Plebe]

I finally had the chance to give it a try last weekend. 3 hunts for 3-4hrs each.

1. Very comfortable. I could easily sit all day.

2. Pack ability was fine with 4 beast sticks, weight will not be an issues.

3. Still working on getting all my gear out and up in the tree. Probably just take some practice.

It was a very slow climb. Straps were in the weigh and confusing. I imagine that will get better.

Couple issues I’m having.

It always wants to point down in the front. I’m not sitting at a 90. Wonder if my long legs are causing a center of gravity issue.

Most importantly. The claw that comes out of the front is very creaky. Any time I move it makes noise.

Thought?

You may have to adjust (lengthen) your tether length to get to level.

 

[TNSTAAFL]

Couple issues I’m having.

It always wants to point down in the front. I’m not sitting at a 90. Wonder if my long legs are causing a center of gravity issue.

Most importantly. The claw that comes out of the front is very creaky. Any time I move it makes noise.

Thought?

The level thing sounds like just a tether adjustment to get to 90. Adjusting the fork can also help with this.

On the creaking noise I have a similar experience. Was wondering what the veterans had done about that. Only thing that works so far is cranking hard on the knob to tighten it up.

Sent from my SM-S901U using Tapatalk

 

[Cajunyankee]

I'm still running the original Mantis and thinking about trying a different saddle. After a couple of sits this weekend, I don't know if I'm getting older or what, but it just doesn't seem as comfortable as I remember. It's been great but is also getting old. I would imagine there is some kind of usable life, correct? Thinking about giving the JX3 a try. Watched a ton of videos and reviews. Really looking for some not so good reviews. Who has it and doesn't like it. Why don't you like it?

I'm old school. Run 4 beast sticks, platform and 8mm tether. NO fancy climbing or repelling out of a helicopter or jump suit or any of that stuff. Safety is my number 1 priority.

The mantis is the most uncomfortable saddle I have tried.

 

[devildog]

I finally had the chance to give it a try last weekend. 3 hunts for 3-4hrs each.

1. Very comfortable. I could easily sit all day.

2. Pack ability was fine with 4 beast sticks, weight will not be an issues.

3. Still working on getting all my gear out and up in the tree. Probably just take some practice.

It was a very slow climb. Straps were in the weigh and confusing. I imagine that will get better.

Couple issues I’m having.

It always wants to point down in the front. I’m not sitting at a 90. Wonder if my long legs are causing a center of gravity issue.

Most importantly. The claw that comes out of the front is very creaky. Any time I move it makes noise.

Thought?

I had issues with my tree fork squeaking on some trees. So I started bringing bowstring wax with me and putting on the fork when in squeaks and it solved the issue.

 

[kyler1945]

I finally had the chance to give it a try last weekend. 3 hunts for 3-4hrs each.

1. Very comfortable. I could easily sit all day.

2. Pack ability was fine with 4 beast sticks, weight will not be an issues.

3. Still working on getting all my gear out and up in the tree. Probably just take some practice.

It was a very slow climb. Straps were in the weigh and confusing. I imagine that will get better.

Couple issues I’m having.

It always wants to point down in the front. I’m not sitting at a 90. Wonder if my long legs are causing a center of gravity issue.

Most importantly. The claw that comes out of the front is very creaky. Any time I move it makes noise.

Thought?

Fork creak typically means too much side force is being applied to the fork. It very rarely happens purely as an interaction with tree bark.

If you’re a big fella, it’ll happen more often.

If you’re side loading the fork always with your setup it’s gonna creak more often.

Video posted above is important. The fork should “elegantly” contact tree perpendicular to gravity.

Take an extra 45 seconds to set it up right when you get in tree, makes the sit more enjoyable.


Did you climb with seat folded up or dangling behind you?

 

[Lumberman]

Ok. I’m wondering if the very smooth bark tree I was hunting was part of the problems.

Sounds like I need to try a longer tether. Maybe that will help me sit at 90. Even when I put the claw in at 90 the first time I moved it would slide down. I’m probably 275 with gear on so I’m putting some weight on it.

I tried climbing both ways. Did some experimenting. As of now I’ll climb next time with the seat down and my backpack on over the saddle. Tried lifting my coat backpack, binos and bow all on the bow string at it was too heavy.

 

[kyler1945]

Ok. I’m wondering if the very smooth bark tree I was hunting was part of the problems.

Sounds like I need to try a longer tether. Maybe that will help me sit at 90. Even when I put the claw in at 90 the first time I moved it would slide down. I’m probably 275 with gear on so I’m putting some weight on it.

I tried climbing both ways. Did some experimenting. As of now I’ll climb next time with the seat down and my backpack on over the saddle. Tried lifting my coat backpack, binos and bow all on the bow string at it was too heavy.

Your seat needs to be perpendicular to gravity. That may not be 90* to you. Or the tree. Or your platform.

 

[kyler1945]

Note: every tree and person and circumstance different.

In most cases, tether as high as you can reach with the hybrid. This will give you the most utility of being able to pivot on the fork.

Reach as high as possible, tighten girth hitch.

Get to know your hitch/device, and the hybrid bridge, and what height to typically set it at while standing on your platform.

Note: it is best to set your hitch slightly too high and work down, rather than the opposite.

Set hitch roughly above where it should be to get you level.

Sit down. If your fork doesn’t contact the tree perpendicular to gravity, with your knees bent 90*, adjust.

As I said in that video - you should be able to pick up your feet, the and fork not slide up or down.

 

[Crawdaddy4]

I think we can agree that you killing "mature bucks" is not a function of actually climbing the tree, but time spent sitting in it, right?

If we can agree on that, then assuming all other variables remain constant (your ability, the place you're hunting, weapon, etc.), then the more time you spend sitting in a tree should increase your odds of killing mature bucks., no?

This is precisely how I land on the hybrid being such an effective tool. I don't come at it from a "i'm soft and lazy and NEED to be comfortable in the woods to kill a deer". I come at it from a "I spend a load of my time and money hunting. I walk A LOT looking for good spots to kill deer. Usually by the time I find these spots, I'm worn out mentally and physically, and have no desire to climb a tree. Knowing that I'll be comfortable, quiet, and still once I'm up there, gets me over the hump on the decision to climb and hunt."

I'm 100% confident that since 2018 I've spent more time carrying the JX3 than I have spent sitting in it. I'm 75% sure that it's at least double the amount of time. I don't do that because I like John, or like to suffer. I do it because I know that when I need to be in a tree for an extended period of time, whether or not my legs fall asleep, my back seizes up, my hips get stiff, my knees ache like fire, etc. - none of these things will stop me. Zero Chance.

And this is what I try to get people who are considering it to think about: Saddle hunting as a thing is just a tribal signal. It's just like every other cult or religion or movement. Doing something that doesn't really make sense, makes sense because it reinforces your loyalty to the team or the cause.

Of course, there are thousands of people, like you, who are hard. Whether it's their mental and emotional fortitude (which they're lucky to have inherited), or some physical makeup (also blind luck that imparted this on them), that is more conducive to sitting on two webbing straps for 8 hours without moving. My contention is that this subset of people who try saddles, is a tiny fraction of the total number who try saddles. The rest of the people either keep doing it because they think they're soft and don't get it, and end up fidgeting all day, or worse, not spending time in a tree; Or they sell it and go back to climbers and what not because the saddle is a torture trap for them.

I'm trying to tell people that I agree with you wholeheartedly - time spent in the woods is what kills deer. Yes, it's gotta be the right woods, on the right day, with the right conditions and equipment and ability and blah blah blah. But if you can't sit still, quietly, at the right time, in the right place, you'll kill less deer. I just don't think you are the most common type. I think you are the exception. I think most people sit in a saddle and are extremely uncomfortable, and have to spend a ton of time and money to maybe get slightly more comfortable. What I try to get them to see is that they can avoid that process with the JX3. They may decide that "it has too much going on" even though it has the same amount of ropes, straps as a regular saddle with a backband. Fine, you're out 50 bucks, and an afternoon in your backyard to figure that out.

If you are a stander, hunt from a hang on. If you are a "leaner" - you're a stander who's slightly softer and lazier - hunt from a platform and soft saddle. If you're what I think is a significant majority of people - someone who can't spend 8 hours, much less 2 hours, standing or leaning in a tree, or sitting on 2 - 2" webbing straps - quietly, without moving, and with the motivation to do it enough times to be successful, You might try a JX3.

I was actually considering a JX3 someone is selling in the classifieds.

Curious, do you use a platform or ROS with yours?

I find myself "leaning" most of the time because it's the best on my old back. Guess that's because I'm just "softer and lazier"? Curious if you ever/can stand or lean in the JX3?

 

[kyler1945]

I was actually considering a JX3 someone is selling in the classifieds.

Curious, do you use a platform or ROS with yours?

I find myself "leaning" most of the time because it's the best on my old back. Guess that's because I'm just "softer and lazier"? Curious if you ever/can stand or lean in the JX3?

The whole point of the hybrid is to sit still comfortably for a long time.

I used a ring of steps exclusively, but I’ve been using the hybrid stick platform more lately.

You can lean, and do everything you do in a soft saddle, in a hybrid.

Leaning or standing all the time would basically make the hybrid kind of pointless. But it can be done

 

[Crawdaddy4]

The whole point of the hybrid is to sit still comfortably for a long time.

I used a ring of steps exclusively, but I’ve been using the hybrid stick platform more lately.

You can lean, and do everything you do in a soft saddle, in a hybrid.

Leaning or standing all the time would basically make the hybrid kind of pointless. But it can be done

Do you carry a backpack in addition to your Hybrid? Also, what primary climbing method do you use with it?

 

[Coachschaller]

I was actually considering a JX3 someone is selling in the classifieds.

Curious, do you use a platform or ROS with yours?

I find myself "leaning" most of the time because it's the best on my old back. Guess that's because I'm just "softer and lazier"? Curious if you ever/can stand or lean in the JX3?

I have a platform with three steps around the attachment web. I use a ratchet strap on them.

 

[kyler1945]

Do you carry a backpack in addition to your Hybrid? Also, what primary climbing method do you use with it?

I use the versa pack system from JX3. Unless I’m carrying 2-3 liters of water, I use the bino harness and one small pouch only. Rarely use the big bag. I’m firmly in the don’t need a large pack camp and can’t understand the need for em to hunt deer really.

Lots of info on my system here in a couple threads I’ve started. Some YouTube videos too.

I climb different ways. Sticks, bolts, ropes. Sit on the ground.