LWCG Ambush Platform

[EricS]

If it pops and creaks like the predators I had, it's going where they went. Away the heck from me.

I definitely prefer a little bark noise from a ROS to the pops and things that scream TREESTAND! to a deer.

I can see huge benefits for the platform for guys that climb with spurs or have to add puffy layers in the tree. It can be done from a ros but it’s slow and has to be planned out well. Bark noise could be squirrels,birds or anything else. Only one thing in the woods that goes tink or clank. The predator was pretty easy for me to quiet down. I’m sure this one will require similar tactics. Bow wax on the bolts will help. Where the rod for the tilt adjustment rests on the platform will need something once the rubberized coating wears off. I really like the concept of the way it adjusts. It’s stronger than the adjustment bolt on the predator. With the increase in torque and leverage from the larger platform it needs to be. @Vtbow have you contacted lwcg about yours?

 

[Nutterbuster]

I can see huge benefits for the platform for guys that climb with spurs or have to add puffy layers in the tree. It can be done from a ros but it’s slow and has to be planned out well. Bark noise could be squirrels,birds or anything else. Only one thing in the woods that goes tink or clank. The predator was pretty easy for me to quiet down. I’m sure this one will require similar tactics. Bow wax on the bolts will help. Where the rod for the tilt adjustment rests on the platform will need something once the rubberized coating wears off. I really like the concept of the way it adjusts. It’s stronger than the adjustment bolt on the predator. With the increase in torque and leverage from the larger platform it needs to be. @Vtbow have you contacted lwcg about yours?

I waxed, sprayed, massaged, and performed arcane rituals over my predator. It'd be good for a hunt or two, and then it'd be pop-city on the third outing. The adjustment bolt was an easy fix thanks to some epoxy and a strip of leather.

I'm interested to see how it handles this week. It may cause me to reconsider my stance on 2 previously discounted climbing methods, sticks and spurs.

Also, if I ever go with my hair brained scheme to train a Jack Russel to fetch wood ducks, it'll make a nice little platform for the little feller.

 

[barlow96]

I waxed, sprayed, massaged, and performed arcane rituals over my predator. It'd be good for a hunt or two, and then it'd be pop-city on the third outing. The adjustment bolt was an easy fix thanks to some epoxy and a strip of leather.

I'm interested to see how it handles this week. It may cause me to reconsider my stance on 2 previously discounted climbing methods, sticks and spurs.

Also, if I ever go with my hair brained scheme to train a Jack Russel to fetch wood ducks, it'll make a nice little platform for the little feller.

His feet will fall through the holes. You will have to put some kind of solid mat on it.

 

[kyler1945]

I waxed, sprayed, massaged, and performed arcane rituals over my predator. It'd be good for a hunt or two, and then it'd be pop-city on the third outing. The adjustment bolt was an easy fix thanks to some epoxy and a strip of leather.

I'm interested to see how it handles this week. It may cause me to reconsider my stance on 2 previously discounted climbing methods, sticks and spurs.

Also, if I ever go with my hair brained scheme to train a Jack Russel to fetch wood ducks, it'll make a nice little platform for the little feller.

I’ll only take you seriously if we get pictures of him riding on the platform, strapped to your back. And he has to have a cool hat.

 

[Nutterbuster]

I’ll only take you seriously if we get pictures of him riding on the platform, strapped to your back. And he has to have a cool hat.

Google it. It's a thing. I cant get a lab in my kayak. I can put a JR in the hatch...

 

[Vtbow]

I can see huge benefits for the platform for guys that climb with spurs or have to add puffy layers in the tree. It can be done from a ros but it’s slow and has to be planned out well. Bark noise could be squirrels,birds or anything else. Only one thing in the woods that goes tink or clank. The predator was pretty easy for me to quiet down. I’m sure this one will require similar tactics. Bow wax on the bolts will help. Where the rod for the tilt adjustment rests on the platform will need something once the rubberized coating wears off. I really like the concept of the way it adjusts. It’s stronger than the adjustment bolt on the predator. With the increase in torque and leverage from the larger platform it needs to be. @Vtbow have you contacted lwcg about yours?

I"ve emailed and haven't heard back. Andre left me a number a couple days ago, when I emailed about the button issue, but I wanted to wait for the ambush to show up and inspect it before calling back. I'm going to call today.

 

[jspradley]

Man... this is all disheartening for something that cost that much cash.

 

[lawrence]

I really hate to say this, but the more I see "patented" or we were doing it first, or the excessively high prices, the more I like Tethrd, wildedge, out on a limb, and new tribe. And when the specs dont match up to what is published.. well enough said.

 

[justinredig]

I really want to like this platform but mine is creaking while lightly rocking on it in the tree...
I also notice that where the cylindrical adjustment bolt touches the platform is also worn down already and I've only stood on it once.

Unless something gets figured out soon on LWCG's behalf (besides just a new button) then I'll be using the ridge runner which is rock solid and has no noise at all...

 

[enkriss]

I really want to like this platform but mine is creaking while lightly rocking on it in the tree...
I also notice that where the cylindrical adjustment bolt touches the platform is also worn down already and I've only stood on it once.

Unless something gets figured out soon on LWCG's behalf (besides just a new button) then I'll be using the ridge runner which is rock solid and has no noise at all...

I think that the cylinder for the leveling is just killing the finish in that area.

mine is creaking to. That’s slop in the attachment point of the platform and post. Because it’s drilled on an angle.

 

[mattsteg]

I really hate to say this, but the more I see "patented" or we were doing it first, or the excessively high prices, the more I like Tethrd, wildedge, out on a limb, and new tribe. And when the specs dont match up to what is published.. well enough said.

Wasn't tethrd sending out patent letters over the summer?

 

[Vtbow]

I"ve emailed and haven't heard back. Andre left me a number a couple days ago, when I emailed about the button issue, but I wanted to wait for the ambush to show up and inspect it before calling back. I'm going to call today.

I just spoke with Andre directly. He was extremely apologetic and helpful and said I will have a return label on the way shortly. He was very patient with me, as I am exhausted after being up 22 hrs straight with a sick kid and unable to speak straight. He did mention they are NOT happy with their manufacturer and are in the process of switching to a new one because of quality issues, and that replacement versa buttons have already gone out the door to most people. Extremely pleasant to talk with, and assuming everything gets squared away here without issue, I will keep my eyes out for a "gen 2" ambush in the future and give it some serious thought. If the versa button was my only issue I would probably be keeping it, but the off axis pivot of the hole in the platform for the post is no bueno for me.

 

[Gamover06]

Feels like they tried to do a cash grab. You can not be the highest priced platform on the market and have this many issues: off-center drilling, center posts rubbing, versa button bending.....On the outside people will think its nitpicking but what people on the out side don't know is this is a group off people that have needed to DIY most of there platforms and saddles for years so they know quality and the need for things to be on point. We are standing 15 to 20 feet up and failure is not an option. Obviously not all the issue will result in failure but you are over $100 more expensive then the next closes platform and to show a lack of attention to detail is mind blowing. Did not see this coming from LWCG. The owners past reputation was so good and their price point seemed fitting until the product hit the consumer. Hopefully they will figure it out because a larger platform will fit a lot of peoples needs.

 

[Nutterbuster]

Feels like they tried to do a cash grab. You can not be the highest priced platform on the market and have this many issues: off-center drilling, center posts rubbing, versa button bending.....On the outside people will think its nitpicking but what people on the out side don't know is this is a group off people that have needed to DIY most of there platforms and saddles for years so they know quality and the need for things to be on point. We are standing 15 to 20 feet up and failure is not an option. Obviously not all the issue will result in failure but you are over $100 more expensive then the next closes platform and to show a lack of attention to detail is mind blowing. Did not see this coming from LWCG. The owners past reputation was so good and their price point seemed fitting until the product hit the consumer. Hopefully they will figure it out because a larger platform will fit a lot of peoples needs.

Cash grab? I ordered a platform that was in stock and shipped to me within a week. The button is crooked. They called and apologized to me before I even got a chance to b!tch about it, and are shipping the replacement part without even making me break it first...

Time will tell, but so far I'm having a hard time being too bent-out-of-shape about it.

 

[enkriss]

If they will replace mine with another they can guarantee to be drilled straight I will be okay.

If not I will be pissed and will also cancel my stick order.

 

[Vtbow]

Cash grab? I ordered a platform that was in stock and shipped to me within a week. The button is crooked. They called and apologized to me before I even got a chance to b!tch about it, and are shipping the replacement part without even making me break it first...

Time will tell, but so far I'm having a hard time being too bent-out-of-shape about it.

As bummed and disappointed as I am about the quality, and having really been looking forward to hunting on it this weekend, I am happy with how they handled the situation. Though Andre used the excuse of "growing pains" as a new business, he owned up to all the issues , is taking responsibility, agreeing their is an issue, and is being proactive in fixing it. That means its wasn't just a money grab, he wants to deliver good product. If it was a money grab, they would have just waited for things to break, not acknowledged an issue, taken the money they made and invested it in some other product(or gone hunting), and then rolled out a " New" Ambush, without mention of there being any issues with the first. And then say there was nothing wrong with the first one, no matter what continues to happen...

 

[jspradley]

I do want to amend my previous comment to note that I do admire the way LWCG seems to be handling it, the owner of the company calling customers personally to try to make things right is above and beyond what is expected so kudos on them!

 

[Gamover06]

OK...I know it wasn't a cash grab. Wrong choice of words. I know they want to be in this market but I just cant see how they didn't look over the product better before they sent them out. This is not their first rodeo they have been in this business for years and they should have known better. For them to have a fix instantly feels like it was known problem and they should not have been sent out. It is nice to know that they are taking care of the first problem instantly and calling people to let them know.

 

[tedk]

Ahh man, guys, I hate to say it but I’m really disappointed too. Just took it out in the yard to compare to the Assassin. Other than the thinner profile and slightly lighter weight, the assassin is better in every way. My bolt bent immediately. Camming it over requires it to be in just the right position - with the assassin, I just pulll it tight, cam it down, and if it isn’t sturdy, I step on the step and lift it with my other foot and re-cam - - rock solid every time. The ambush moves, pulls the top standoff off, creaks. You can’t do the step adjustment like the assassin. The fit of the post is too tight and the friction is already wearing away metal - after putting it on two trees and spending 15 minutes with it. The leveling adjustment is lousy - it binds up half way through the adjustment and won’t turn any more. Also, not as good a solution as the old simple lone wolf approach.

Also, does anyone know why there are three holes drilled on the left side of the platform and not matched on the right side? Surely there is a reason for this - it can’t just be a mistake???

My assassin is great. I don’t know that I will use this one. Heading out for an evening stand in an hour - and, well, the assassin is getting the call.

Like someone else said; I don’t mind paying premium price for my hunting gear; but I expect premium quality. This isn’t it. Thinking seriously about returning it. Disappointed - really wanted to love this and follow up with an order for a couple sets of sticks (full and mini) - now don’t know if I can do that. I suppose I should contact them.

 

[kyler1945]

Ahh man, guys, I hate to say it but I’m really disappointed too. Just took it out in the yard to compare to the Assassin. Other than the thinner profile and slightly lighter weight, the assassin is better in every way. My bolt bent immediately. Camming it over requires it to be in just the right position - with the assassin, I just pulll it tight, cam it down, and if it isn’t sturdy, I step on the step and lift it with my other foot and re-cam - - rock solid every time. The ambush moves, pulls the top standoff off, creaks. You can’t do the step adjustment like the assassin. The fit of the post is too tight and the friction is already wearing away metal - after putting it on two trees and spending 15 minutes with it. The leveling adjustment is lousy - it binds up half way through the adjustment and won’t turn any more. Also, not as good a solution as the old simple lone wolf approach.

Also, does anyone know why there are three holes drilled on the left side of the platform and not matched on the right side? Surely there is a reason for this - it can’t just be a mistake???

My assassin is great. I don’t know that I will use this one. Heading out for an evening stand in an hour - and, well, the assassin is getting the call.

Like someone else said; I don’t mind paying premium price for my hunting gear; but I expect premium quality. This isn’t it. Thinking seriously about returning it. Disappointed - really wanted to love this and follow up with an order for a couple sets of sticks (full and mini) - now don’t know if I can do that. I suppose I should contact them.

It’s how they drill the platform to post connection hole