Stand options
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Stand options
I hunt mostly in hill country and a few river bottoms (plan to do more river bottoms early season next year). Currebtly, I’m toting a sunnit viper I modified a little and it weighs 19#. Not bad there considering it’s self contained. But where I hunt there’s a lot of gnarly trees with good cover vs straight climable trees + cover. I’m considering the lone wolf assault 2. What I’d like to know of there’s any additional/special gear or pitfalls I need to avoid with ny setup? So far, all I knownis to by the package deal and get the stand with the sticks and quiver.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
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Re: Stand options
Great option. I don't have the LW but I do own the Vanish which is the XOP copy of it. Don't buy the XOP. Not the same quality. Spend the extra $50-$75 (depending) and buy the LW.
Emrah
Emrah
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Re: Stand options
Alpha and Assault 2 are great.
Alpha is longer and the 5 inches legroom really is nice.
I own both and love both.
I have no complaints about lone wolf stuff you may want to buy a better seat cushion and decent backpack straps.
Hunt comfort makes great seats and the lone wolf alphatech cushion is very nice.
Molle straps are good.
Alpha is longer and the 5 inches legroom really is nice.
I own both and love both.
I have no complaints about lone wolf stuff you may want to buy a better seat cushion and decent backpack straps.
Hunt comfort makes great seats and the lone wolf alphatech cushion is very nice.
Molle straps are good.
Never give up Freedom for imagined safety.
- MedicineMan15
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Re: Stand options
In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with an assault. You can pick them up for a pretty reasonable price used if you keep your eyes on places like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Although right now you can get $50 off a new one, so there's that.
I love my assault, and I like my lone wolf sticks, but I think I'd wait to see if you could get your hands on Dan's sticks. They are drastically lighter, seem more maneuverable in theory, and have steps on both sides where the L/W's only have one step.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with my set up. But with next season so far off, I'd probably try to find a used assault and see about Dan's sticks.
Here's my setup just for example:
https://postimg.org/image/p48aydxgx/
https://postimg.org/image/h006tx5zl/
https://postimg.org/image/ofzgfs6kh/
I love my assault, and I like my lone wolf sticks, but I think I'd wait to see if you could get your hands on Dan's sticks. They are drastically lighter, seem more maneuverable in theory, and have steps on both sides where the L/W's only have one step.
Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with my set up. But with next season so far off, I'd probably try to find a used assault and see about Dan's sticks.
Here's my setup just for example:
https://postimg.org/image/p48aydxgx/
https://postimg.org/image/h006tx5zl/
https://postimg.org/image/ofzgfs6kh/
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Re: Stand options
Generally, what’s the total average load out weight for early season vs this time of year for those of you using a LW? I’m a hiker and love playing the weight savings game so waiting is probably a good suggestion!
- pewpewpew
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Re: Stand options
I went against everyone’s advice here and bought two different climbers. I’ve sold them and now have a XOP vanish. There is a learning curve, but it’s the way to go. It allows you to get properly concealed.
I used to carry a backpack with hydration pack for my gear. I once saw Dan say he fits all of his gear in his pockets. I do that now. I’ve started hydrating pre-hunt, and don’t carry any water with me. That works out fine. It will suck if I have to track a deer and haul it out.
I’ve had a summit viper. I think it weighed around 20. My XOP and LW sticks probably weigh 22, but it carries better than the viper.
I used to carry a backpack with hydration pack for my gear. I once saw Dan say he fits all of his gear in his pockets. I do that now. I’ve started hydrating pre-hunt, and don’t carry any water with me. That works out fine. It will suck if I have to track a deer and haul it out.
I’ve had a summit viper. I think it weighed around 20. My XOP and LW sticks probably weigh 22, but it carries better than the viper.
- mag1
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Re: Stand options
If you are going to wait a bit, check out the saddle hunting stuff. It might be something that would work for the area's you are getting into. You would lose the weight of the stand, still need sticks to get up, and a linesman's belt, and tether. You would lose 10-13lbs in stand, but still need a decent pack to carry the sticks, though I think there are a variety of options. I'm just starting to look into them myself. Currently have 2 LW hangons.
- Jonny
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Re: Stand options
trapperjay wrote:Generally, what’s the total average load out weight for early season vs this time of year for those of you using a LW? I’m a hiker and love playing the weight savings game so waiting is probably a good suggestion!
I'd say 25lbs, give or take a couple will be your stand and sticks set up. You can go lighter by getting an older assault or a different stand (millenium m7 comes to mind). But you really start to sacrifice the advantages that a lone wolf or xop stand gives you.
My old assault (not the 8.5lb model) and 4 xop sticks was around 27lbs. Add my tether, belt, and a sweatshirt/thin jacket, and it was pushing 30. I really dislike the lone wolf sticks due to my large size so thats why I didn't get those sticks. I'm buying dans sticks when they come out. Hoping that cuts a good chunk of weight because the xop sticks are way overbuilt in the wrong spots (had one in my original set break). My xop silver was another 3-4lbs so I only used it once last year because of that
The addition (and proper placement) of a padded hip belt made carrying that stand around a breeze compared to my lighter but larger climber. Also investing in better clothes, and wearing less walking out is a big deal to. Much easier to walk when you are almost freezing than when you are soaking wet in sweat.
Ultimate weight savings is getting dan's stand and sticks when they come out. I simply don't have the money (or the need) for the stand right now. But the sticks I am for sure buying. I will either create a second set up with the xop sticks as a back up set, or will sell those if they have any demand and I can get something close to what I put into them.
You have a monkey Mr. Munson?
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Re: Stand options
I'd forgotten about the saddle but I have watched a couple of videos on that setup too. It looked like it was going to end up bulky once adding sticks and some type of platform. I am definitely open to it though.
It should definitely pay to wait and really think it through--and of course I would like to see what Dan comes up with.
It should definitely pay to wait and really think it through--and of course I would like to see what Dan comes up with.
- checkerfred
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Re: Stand options
I have the assault II but added the hunt comfort seat....my bony but just couldn't handle the stock cushion for longer than an hour. I love it if hunting a bed or something but in hill country this year, I've hunted the ground 90% of the time. I bow hunt from the ground with a crossbow however. Drawing back on a deer is tough from the ground. It just got to be too much work carrying in and packing out in steep ridges day after day. In swamps, I'll still stand hunt some but even then I gravitate to ground hunting.
The Assault II is great as far as lock ons go however, It's small so it can be put into tight spaces between limbs. I'd def add the molle II hip belt and shoulder straps. They actually fit on mine like they were made for it. I have LW sticks but the one's Dan is coming out with look nice esp the weight. I will likely go to a saddle next year however just to shed the 14 lbs of the stand.
The Assault II is great as far as lock ons go however, It's small so it can be put into tight spaces between limbs. I'd def add the molle II hip belt and shoulder straps. They actually fit on mine like they were made for it. I have LW sticks but the one's Dan is coming out with look nice esp the weight. I will likely go to a saddle next year however just to shed the 14 lbs of the stand.
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Re: Stand options
I’m in the same boat as you, looking for my first mobile hang on set up. I sat on the Alpha this past weekend and I can’t imagine losing 4 inches of length with the assault. Tons of people (including people much taller than me) use the assault though and like it so it must just be something you get used to. I wish I could find an assault to sit on before making my decision though just so I know what it’ll feel like.
As for sticks, there’s no question I’m waiting for Dan’s sticks even tho I’d really like a set now to finish up the 2017 - 2018 season. Dan’s sticks should save at least a pound per stick compared to all other competitors.
The saddle thing is interesting for sure, I need to research that a little bit.
As for sticks, there’s no question I’m waiting for Dan’s sticks even tho I’d really like a set now to finish up the 2017 - 2018 season. Dan’s sticks should save at least a pound per stick compared to all other competitors.
The saddle thing is interesting for sure, I need to research that a little bit.
- Bowonly
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Re: Stand options
My assault II with 4 lw sticks, 3rd hand bow holder and molle shoulder and waist straps weighs a little over 24lbs on a digital scale.
I'm 6', 225, size 13 boots. The platform of the assault is small but more than adequate for me. I favor the ability to tuck the smaller stand into tight spots in the tree. LW Sticks are solid but the steps could be bigger. They can get slick with muddy boots and crooked trees.
I'm 6', 225, size 13 boots. The platform of the assault is small but more than adequate for me. I favor the ability to tuck the smaller stand into tight spots in the tree. LW Sticks are solid but the steps could be bigger. They can get slick with muddy boots and crooked trees.
Take someone hunting or fishing.
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Re: Stand options
ajandrs wrote:I’m in the same boat as you, looking for my first mobile hang on set up. I sat on the Alpha this past weekend and I can’t imagine losing 4 inches of length with the assault. Tons of people (including people much taller than me) use the assault though and like it so it must just be something you get used to. I wish I could find an assault to sit on before making my decision though just so I know what it’ll feel like.
As for sticks, there’s no question I’m waiting for Dan’s sticks even tho I’d really like a set now to finish up the 2017 - 2018 season. Dan’s sticks should save at least a pound per stick compared to all other competitors.
The saddle thing is interesting for sure, I need to research that a little bit.
Your comfort on the Assault depends on how comfortable you are in a tree stand. I'm not super happy being on a little metal grate 18 feet in the air so I thought I would need the Alpha. But BECAUSE I'm not totally comfortable up there is why I like the Vanish (Assault) just fine. Counter intuitive right?
Well I'm a "tree hugger" up there. I like the safety of being close to the tree. Even if I had those 4" of extra room there's no way I'd be brave enough to venture "way" out there lol!
Emrah
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Re: Stand options
Whew, I’m glad I haven’t made a decision yet. Here’s one of the big drawbacks for me, may even be a non issue, but hard to convince myself...I’ve seen a few videos lately of guys putting one knee on their seat while lifting the platform with the the opposite foot/leg. The stand obviously ‘seats’ better on the tree and gets stable BUT I can’t see me doing that, period, even tethered so close I’m kissing the tree.
Is this standard setup procedure? If so, hang-ons may not for me then...?
Is this standard setup procedure? If so, hang-ons may not for me then...?
- mag1
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Re: Stand options
trapperjay wrote:Whew, I’m glad I haven’t made a decision yet. Here’s one of the big drawbacks for me, may even be a non issue, but hard to convince myself...I’ve seen a few videos lately of guys putting one knee on their seat while lifting the platform with the the opposite foot/leg. The stand obviously ‘seats’ better on the tree and gets stable BUT I can’t see me doing that, period, even tethered so close I’m kissing the tree.
Is this standard setup procedure? If so, hang-ons may not for me then...?
It should be standard procedure for a LW stand with one strap. It is unbelievable as to how solid the stand gets when you cam lock it. When you do it, you should have your harness all hooked up, or at least have your linemans belt set, as long as the stand is set the way it should be before you hop on, and then cam lock it, you are golden. If you have access to someone with a LW hang on, and are nervous about cam-locking, try one when the stand is only 1' off the ground to see how it works, you'll be comfortable doing it at 10'/20'/30'.
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