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XOP Climber seat as climber and platform?

Spurs and and an XOP Platform comparison:

Spurs are much more expensive and more weight and bulk.
They are also more dangerous with a higher learning curve.

Spurs won't be quite as limiting as far as tree diameter.
Spurs might be faster (if you are good at it).
Easier to pass branches with spurs.

Climber is easier to keep quiet but with skill, spurs aren't bad.

XOP climber allows you to stop and hunt at any point up or down. You can adjust your position up down or around the tree wherever you want to.
XOP climber doesn't squeak. It might crumble bark occasionally though.

The biggest nuisance with the climber is getting the strap adjusted for
The tree. Thing is, you can tighten the strap after you get up to height (that is MUCH harder on a conventional climber setup).



clint6760 said:
I love the idea of having a platform that also doubles as a climbing method. I would love to try it out but doubt I buy one. I just don't know how it would compare to Spurs and xop platform.
Click to expand...
 
Are you guys able to unload your tether and walk around on the xop? Im a leaner and my platform needs to be stable holding 200lbs minimum. Im probably pushing 240lbs dressed with boots.
 
I was thinking about this last year but decided to stay with the sticks but know this just peaked my interest again. Might have to try it with my Web.
 
I'm probably gonna try it too. Looks like they might be sold out on xop website. I could always sell it I'm sure if I don't like it

So you need something for your feet while climbing. But some are also using a strap to keep the platform solid?
 
I don't use anything extra with my XOP and it is very stable. I usually am between leaning and standing for my entire hunt. It's also easy to turn around if need be. I highly recommend sitting in the saddle and pulling the harness up to you instead of trying to use it like a traditional climber. I did this on my first hunt and it was a disaster. I do have to adjust it a couple of times on the way up but this is not very difficult. I weigh 200 and it supports me and all my crap very well.


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sb220 said:
How much does that xop weigh? Cant find it listed anywhere
Click to expand...


Just weighed mine... actually weighs 5lbs... i have a couple straps with buckles, and a large gear tie on it though... so maybe true weight closer to 4.5...

Heres how i pack mine... cant even tell its on pack...

20161111_115003.jpg
 
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kenn1320 said:
Are you guys able to unload your tether and walk around on the xop? Im a leaner and my platform needs to be stable holding 200lbs minimum. Im probably pushing 240lbs dressed with boots.
Click to expand...

Put my full weight on mine all the time. No problems so far.


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Look back on page 2 or so on this thread and I have a pic of my straps.
I just tied webbing around it and though the sides. I clipped a daisy chain onto it.
Now I have a light rope with a loop at the end and I just attach it to my main carabiner.

Pulling on the leash opens up the webbing making it easy to get your feet under the straps.
 
got my xop in a couple days ago and have been out on it twice now. This thing has potential and so light.

I got up to 30' my first climb, but it was very slow going. After watching some vids last night I realize that when LW users wedge their feet into the side of their stands it locks their heels down. I added a LW cam strap to the outside corners and pull it tight across the front of my ankles, then a bungee across my toes.
With it solid against my feet it was so much easier and quicker today. I was probably around 40' without realizing it in 10-15 minutes and readjusting the strap halfway up was probably 1/3 or more of that time. I'm thinking of cutting down an extra LW stick to make a mini out of it. Hang the stick, step onto it, lineman belt and adjust platform or get past limb. Its the free dangle that sucks.

Did my first rappels also :sunglasses:. Don't think my new 35' rappel rope is going to cut it for this climbing method. Had to climb down ten feet before I could use it today. Guess I need 50'

IMG_0867_zpsykhr5ydt.jpg
 
My LW seat/climber/platform is 4.4 lbs with my rope stirups and bungee.

DD706698-D29E-450C-BBCF-49E14113B6AB_zpsulqzmlfm.jpg
 
yeah this is definately going to be my scout setup
 
You use the seat like the bottom portion of a climbing stand and use your tether/harness as the top portion? Is it annoying to move the tether up the tree for the entire climb?
 
sb220 said:
got my xop in a couple days ago and have been out on it twice now. This thing has potential and so light.

I got up to 30' my first climb, but it was very slow going. After watching some vids last night I realize that when LW users wedge their feet into the side of their stands it locks their heels down. I added a LW cam strap to the outside corners and pull it tight across the front of my ankles, then a bungee across my toes.
With it solid against my feet it was so much easier and quicker today. I was probably around 40' without realizing it in 10-15 minutes and readjusting the strap halfway up was probably 1/3 or more of that time. I'm thinking of cutting down an extra LW stick to make a mini out of it. Hang the stick, step onto it, lineman belt and adjust platform or get past limb. Its the free dangle that sucks.

Did my first rappels also :sunglasses:. Don't think my new 35' rappel rope is going to cut it for this climbing method. Had to climb down ten feet before I could use it today. Guess I need 50'

IMG_0867_zpsykhr5ydt.jpg
Click to expand...

Rather than modding a stick, you might consider a Jim stepp.
 
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