I actually prefer the XOP with the built in leveling for the rope - just simplifies one more thing. Although, I am building a smaller platform based upon my first design but using rope and a ropeman 1 for the platform adjustment. I actually tested this platform out some more this weekend and it is definitely the one I plan on carrying most of the time. It is quiet, semi lightweight, ample foot room and rock solid when set right. Also, it is like standing on a mini lonewolf - I can turn completely on the platform 360 degree. It basically took all the good points from all the other platforms I have built and put them all into one.... now if I could get XOP to build a 12 inch stick with leveler.........
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DaveT1963 Ultimate Platfor m
- Thread starter DaveT1963
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I actually prefer the XOP with the built in leveling for the rope - just simplifies one more thing. Although, I am building a smaller platform based upon my first design but using rope and a ropeman 1 for the platform adjustment. I actually tested this platform out some more this weekend and it is definitely the one I plan on carrying most of the time. It is quiet, semi lightweight, ample foot room and rock solid when set right. Also, it is like standing on a mini lonewolf - I can turn completely on the platform 360 degree. It basically took all the good points from all the other platforms I have built and put them all into one.... now if I could get XOP to build a 12 inch stick with leveler.........
I was thinking the same thing after watching your video. If only they made the stick shorter with the leveling that would be money.
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I had a chance to climb with this platform coupled with a five step aider and my metolius safe tech sit drag combo. It worked better than expected. Walk up the aider, step on the platform, step on the top of the ibeam and move the tether, hop off the platform, and move the platform. Repeat. A couple additional ovservations:
1.) The rope size is critical. My rope was a little loose. You definitely want a rope size that wedges into the leveling grooves, especially for one "stick" climbing. I need to experiment with different ropes.
2.) The casting on the XOP seat is far superior to a lone wolf. It is coated with no sharp edges. The coating seems to dampen noise.
3.) The XOP bat wing really tears up the trees. When I got done, it looked worse than spuring a tree.
4.) Boat buckle works a lot better than the lone wolf strap for the bottom. The Jim step knot also works well but the platform was cleaner when using the versa button.
5.) Don't forget to remove the leveling bolt on the seat. It's a source of unnecessary noise.
1.) The rope size is critical. My rope was a little loose. You definitely want a rope size that wedges into the leveling grooves, especially for one "stick" climbing. I need to experiment with different ropes.
2.) The casting on the XOP seat is far superior to a lone wolf. It is coated with no sharp edges. The coating seems to dampen noise.
3.) The XOP bat wing really tears up the trees. When I got done, it looked worse than spuring a tree.
4.) Boat buckle works a lot better than the lone wolf strap for the bottom. The Jim step knot also works well but the platform was cleaner when using the versa button.
5.) Don't forget to remove the leveling bolt on the seat. It's a source of unnecessary noise.
You guys are geniuses. This is exciting!!! A platform and climbing system all in one that you can stand on and relieve all stress from legs and hips using a lightweight saddle. Hey Bass how many feet can you move each time? And isn't it hard getting on the platform from your aider steps? Love to see a video of this climbing technique. I assume these are parts from the XOP Air Raid?
Dave great video and update to the original platform and your right standing on screw in steps for hours is not nearly as comfortable as a platform that's for sure. Glad to hear all the parts are readily available that is great! My old Chippewa Wedge Loc had a similar leveling system with the cable and it did come in handy many times but I'm sure the rope is quieter. Thanks again for sharing really appreciate it!
Roger
Roger
Yes XOP Air Raid parts. The rope I found best was the 8mm rope Red uses for his tether on another post. Fits like a glove. I still use my 3 sticks as I am old and 5 step aiders are for the younger guys
Nah, I am just usually close to buck bedding and don't want a lot of movement and the aider with me in it looks like a circus act. Total weight of my pack, saddle, sticks, platform and bow is around 20 pounds - I can deal with that
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2-3' per move depending on how much you stretch
Dave do you think it's possible to shorten the I beam or do you think that would make it prone to twist easier on the tree? Is anyone using other steps in conjunction with the platform to be able to move around the tree more?
Thanks,
Roger
Thanks,
Roger
You could shorten it by cutting it down to the adjustable cut out section but don't think you would save much. Yo could also use a lighter rope. I am leaving mine full length, I weighed it this morning with straps and everything and it was 5.6 pounds. I know that it a little heavier then other platforms but for the adjustability and the sturdiness it is worth the 2+ pounds. Even my lightest platform made with the original seat is a tad over 3 pounds with strap and all and it has no ability to really level on a tree. Since I do a ton of scout and set up during the season I often do not know what tree I will be in so I prefer to have a platform that will work in any tree I run across. I am making one right now with the ropeman1 adjustment I talked about in the video.... with that you can cut the I beam down to what ever height you want and just run the rope through one of the many openings in the I beam (keeping in mind a 45 degree angle is best on the rope to platform for leverage) I will bet I can get id down to 4 pounds and if I used a regular lone wolf seat (which is smaller) I can get down to 3-4 pounds. Keep in mind the XOP seat is bigger - more foot room, so it also weighs a little more - you could always go with a reg lone wolf seat and cut down some more weight.
If I want to go super light I will stand on top of my helium stick and just use one )1 stick climbing method). Might add 1 or 2 jim stepps for those sits.
If I want to go super light I will stand on top of my helium stick and just use one )1 stick climbing method). Might add 1 or 2 jim stepps for those sits.
Thanks Dave for the quick reply and I really wasn't too worried about the weight I was just concerned if cutting it down might make it not as stable on the tree. The original setup you did looks great and would work pretty much anywhere I wanted to setup so it was more out of curiousity than anything else. The last mod you did I was late to the thread and by then it was hard to find the parts so I'm glad you were able to come up with this one where the parts are still available!
I never tried the Jim Stepps I have been using the Grizzly screw in steps, most of my spots are preset, but I can agree 150% that standing on a platform is more comfortable than standing on the steps. Thanks again for the tips I really appreciate it and I think I will try making one of your platforms.
Roger,
PS Your killing me with you videos of you shooting your Caribow Recurve my shoulder just can't handle it anymore but man I miss shooting traditional bows! BTW you're right it is quiet and you shoot it very well! Good luck with it this season!
So far I am blessed not to have bad shoulders - although they get a little tender after a long bout of shooting. I do have chronic tennis elbow both sides so that flares up from time to time. I cannot imagine not being able to shoot my trad bows - it would totally change the game for me. I hunted one season with a hoyt cyberteck (sp?) due to a back injury while lifting - I did not like it at all and I really sucked at it (too much to remember at crunch time for my simple mind). Best of luck on your season and shoot straight
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Played with this one again over lunch. A couple questions:
1.) I know you mentioned it in your video, but have you tried Amsteel with this one yet? The static rope is a little "spongy" under my weight.
2.) Have you tried any v brackets on the beam instead of the XOP wing? Even when I cam lock it with the ears, I still get some side to side play when leaning off it. Maybe I just have too much cheeseburger on my breath but I'd guess it really firms up if you have your contact points a little further out. The XOP wing digs in but rocks on the apex.
3.) The XOP v brackets look intriguing. Anyone have experience working with the XOP v brackets?
1.) I know you mentioned it in your video, but have you tried Amsteel with this one yet? The static rope is a little "spongy" under my weight.
2.) Have you tried any v brackets on the beam instead of the XOP wing? Even when I cam lock it with the ears, I still get some side to side play when leaning off it. Maybe I just have too much cheeseburger on my breath but I'd guess it really firms up if you have your contact points a little further out. The XOP wing digs in but rocks on the apex.
3.) The XOP v brackets look intriguing. Anyone have experience working with the XOP v brackets?
Nope stuck with the 8mm rope I had..... if you take all weight off the platform there is some give - probably all ropes will. But I have also noticed that with cables. I have not had any problem with leaning and give due to XOP v bracket. I have some lone wolf batwings I could try and see how that compares but wont happen until after this weekend (Hotter then Hell 100 bike ride ) I do not like the original lone wolf brackets as they bend under my weight. If you don't like the rope, you might consider trying some webbing or aircraft cable both would probably work. For me it is working as is so I probably wont change it much more before hunting season starts.... I may add a Kong Duck at some point to it but probably going with what I have - running out of time to try new things lol
this is the rope I am using - http://www.treestuff.com/store/catalog.asp?category_id=127&item=1675
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Never thought of webbing. Thanks for the thoughts!
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Seat, beam, two wings, two buttons. 5 lbs on the nuts.
Dropping one button saves you an oz.
Two lone wolf straps at 6.9 oz each plus rope for leveling puts it at 6 lbs even.
Nice little set up.
I may try mounting the seat in the small hole below the leveling system unless you tried it already.
Then I could eliminate the rope and one versa button. Maybe add a fixed double step to versa button hole.
Dropping one button saves you an oz.
Two lone wolf straps at 6.9 oz each plus rope for leveling puts it at 6 lbs even.
Nice little set up.
I may try mounting the seat in the small hole below the leveling system unless you tried it already.
Then I could eliminate the rope and one versa button. Maybe add a fixed double step to versa button hole.
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Do it. I agree. I really want a beefier wide wing
Are you talking about making a newer batwing? I thin you have to have two contact points... the XOP one is heavy duty but in stead of an in line contact point it was curved like a tree it would be better.... but I'd keep the beefiness. If you can make some is but a couple