JX3 Hybrid w/ Bridge Only

I’m a disable Veteran and thrive on spending time in the stand deer hunting to relax. Before my injuries, I sat lock-ons with no issues, but just couldn’t sit long after my last deployment and back injury. I moved to saddle hunting with a back band and that made a significant difference. This year I bought and started hunting the JX3 and I can’t believe the difference. I have the support where it’s needed and can adjust pressure with back angle and seat height adjustments or simply moving to a leaning position. The tree fork or whale tail is absolutely great because it spaces you away from the tree and let’s you sit without your knees crammed into the tree to support your body in a seated position. And you don’t have to wear knee pads or bring a cushion. I can move around the tree for a shot just as easily as a traditional saddle and it only took a little practice to figure out the best movements for each shot. Many people want to complain about the weight, and it is heavier, but it boils down to what your end goal is. If you want the lightest set up because you’re a minimalist then this isn’t for you. If you want comfort, then you’re right on target. A 20’ stick ladder and three sticks with aiders will get you to the same height but they each have their own place. One is better in a certain situation. Than the other. It’s the same with a traditional saddle and the JX3. I have and have had several traditional saddles and there is no way any can compare to the comfort of the JX3. That’s because they are not intended to be the same. As far as weight is concerned in my case, it’s heavier but by design gives me better load support on my back when walking in. It is essentially set up like a frame pack so it distributes the load better. I could walk further and more comfortably with the JX3 verses a traditional saddle and a normal soft pack. Another issue I have heard about the JX3 is the fiddle factor. I absolutely admit that it was awkward and slow the first time I climbed and set up. The climb, weight, and size weren’t the issue, it was the location of components and difference in setup. I had developed muscle memory of where my linesman rope and loops were. My bridge didn’t meet to be connected when ready to tether off. I knew where to reach to get anything I needed and had my routine established and natural. Setting up the JX3 for the first time was like setting up my saddle with boxing gloves on. However, just like when I started saddle hunting the more I practiced and went through the motions the better and more comfortable I became. Now it is becoming natural and I am building that same muscle memory. I really don’t see it as a big deal at all now. Bottom line is I don’t live in an area that requires walking miles upon miles into hunt and I no longer have the physical ability even if I did. I do easily walk one to two miles in with no issues and I’m way more comfortable doing so. I also have the comfort level in the tree to sit all day which I have done for the past week while the rut was kicking off. This year is the first in 15 that I have been able to sit all day in a tree. Before I would almost be locked up after sitting for more than 3-4 hours. Saddle hunting allowed me to continue hunting but the JX3 has allowed me to do it aggressively like I used to and I’m very thankful for that. If you’re able to climb a tree and want the most comfortable sit for a saddle style hunt then I don’t know of anything that can compete.