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Platform whoopie sling alternative

Is the XOP cam buckle strap the same and the lone wolf strap? Its cheaper!
I'm currently using a spare piece of rock climbing rope with a stepp knot... it works ok but I get allot of stretch from the rope needing to adjust it ...
 
Thedevine said:
Is the XOP cam buckle strap the same and the lone wolf strap? Its cheaper!
I'm currently using a spare piece of rock climbing rope with a stepp knot... it works ok but I get allot of stretch from the rope needing to adjust it ...
Click to expand...

They are virtually identical. I have both... the XOP cam buckle strap is a different type of webbing I think it's tubular polyester whereas the lone wolf is non-tubular. Performance wise they are, for all intents and purposes, exactly the same.
 
d_rek said:
They are virtually identical. I have both... the XOP cam buckle strap is a different type of webbing I think it's tubular polyester whereas the lone wolf is non-tubular. Performance wise they are, for all intents and purposes, exactly the same.
Click to expand...
Thanks.. I wonder if the XOP being tubular has more stretch to it vs. the lone wolf strap?
 
I'm definitely switching to that strap. I hate the rope, I'm pouring to sweat by the time I get it fixed to cam over. It's a bear to use


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I spent some time yesterday using the lone wolf strap with buckle and the rope and stepp knot without the whoopie loop. I was expecting the strap w/buckle would be easier and more reliable than the rope but when I tied the knot correctly, the rope was easier. It was a close comparison until I tried the strap with a twist in the strap and the strap actually tore in half at the buckle when trying to cam it over. I was very surprised and a little concerned for anyone using the strap. For those of you using the strap, make sure it lies flat on the tree without any twists or your hunt might be over before it starts. The rope and stepp knot is what I'll be using.
 
Thill said:
I spent some time yesterday using the lone wolf strap with buckle and the rope and stepp knot without the whoopie loop. I was expecting the strap w/buckle would be easier and more reliable than the rope but when I tied the knot correctly, the rope was easier. It was a close comparison until I tried the strap with a twist in the strap and the strap actually tore in half at the buckle when trying to cam it over. I was very surprised and a little concerned for anyone using the strap. For those of you using the strap, make sure it lies flat on the tree without any twists or your hunt might be over before it starts. The rope and stepp knot is what I'll be using.
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Dang. That's not very encouraging. If you look at those cam buckles they are studded im guessing between the twisting and camming action it was able to chew up the strap a little?


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d_rek said:
Dang. That's not very encouraging. If you look at those cam buckles they are studded im guessing between the twisting and camming action it was able to chew up the strap a little?


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Click to expand...

Yes, I would guess that about 1/4th of the strap was twisted in the buckle and the torque from trying to cam the platform over was enough to tear it in half. Something to keep in mind when setting up in the dark.
 
Thill said:
I spent some time yesterday using the lone wolf strap with buckle and the rope and stepp knot without the whoopie loop. I was expecting the strap w/buckle would be easier and more reliable than the rope but when I tied the knot correctly, the rope was easier. It was a close comparison until I tried the strap with a twist in the strap and the strap actually tore in half at the buckle when trying to cam it over. I was very surprised and a little concerned for anyone using the strap. For those of you using the strap, make sure it lies flat on the tree without any twists or your hunt might be over before it starts. The rope and stepp knot is what I'll be using.
Click to expand...

Wow! Good info.
 
I was actually thinking about swapping mine but after this I think I'll stick with what I got. It takes a few adjustments to get it right but at least I know it won't break or make noise lol. Thanks for the heads up!


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I like the stepp knot for camming over the platform, but I did find it clumsy to get set sometimes. I added a versa button below the platform and use the LW strap to get the post attached to the tree first. Then deal with the am steel and stepp knot. I find it easier not having to worry about dropping the platform. once it is cammed over I adjust the LW strap to be a little tighter now that the platform is locked down onto tree. I guess the LW strap is more weight to carry but I do not mind. Double safe as well.
 
Jefferson10940 said:
I like the stepp knot for camming over the platform, but I did find it clumsy to get set sometimes. I added a versa button below the platform and use the LW strap to get the post attached to the tree first. Then deal with the am steel and stepp knot. I find it easier not having to worry about dropping the platform. once it is cammed over I adjust the LW strap to be a little tighter now that the platform is locked down onto tree. I guess the LW strap is more weight to carry but I do not mind. Double safe as well.
Click to expand...

I am thinking I might try this next. I did order a versa button to use I just have to install it. That's my biggest issue with the whoopie sling is have to hold the platform in place while I fudge with it.
 
d_rek said:
I am thinking I might try this next. I did order a versa button to use I just have to install it. That's my biggest issue with the whoopie sling is have to hold the platform in place while I fudge with it.
Click to expand...
Putting the versa button below the platform is not a good place if you plan on using just the versa button but to just hold it in place it works great. The am steel with stepp knot is super tight, I could never get a LW strap that tight using the versa button. But like you said trying to hold the platform and mess with the knot is a PIA.
 
d_rek said:
Do you try to cam over with the stepp knot or just set your platform then tie your knot?

I found similar level of frustration with trying to cam over the stepp knot, but didn't have a chance to test just tying the knot on the tree.
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Cam it over with the stepp knot. Played around with mine the day going tho different side trees and trying both methods. Using the sliding loop avg about 3-4 tries to get it right and the stepp knot 1-2 times to get it right. I think with some practice I could get it (the tension) right on the first try every time

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Here's the best way I found to hang the platform. With your Lineman Belt strapped ABOVE where you want to attach the platform, hang the platform from your LB with some type of cord. I use a Nite Ize gear tie. With the platform hanging from my LB, I have both hands free to position it where I want and tighten the rope/buckle.

Make sense?
 
Kindergarten artwork.
4f59a0826778a66cf568c3f3c7f72f86.jpg


Sent from my Galaxy S8.
 
Jefferson10940 said:
I like the stepp knot for camming over the platform, but I did find it clumsy to get set sometimes. I added a versa button below the platform and use the LW strap to get the post attached to the tree first. Then deal with the am steel and stepp knot. I find it easier not having to worry about dropping the platform. once it is cammed over I adjust the LW strap to be a little tighter now that the platform is locked down onto tree. I guess the LW strap is more weight to carry but I do not mind. Double safe as well.
Click to expand...
I did that last year. It is easier in the dark for sure. Strap it on and then do the JIms Stepp knot
 
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