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XOP Seat platform design ideas

WhitDVT

WhitDVT

New Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2020
Messages
38
I am new to saddle hunting and I have decided to make my own platform using an XOP seat. I am looking for some good design ideas from someone with some experience on this. Thanks


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Tons of old post on this. Just research the older threads
 
I have been wading thru all these old posts and trying to find a design or get feedback on which design has worked the best. Whether mounting the platform low, similar to a predator or mount mid post? I’m just looking for some recommendations from people who have built some of these before.


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Check out the posts about @SloMo 's scooter platform. Lots of good stuff in that thread and it all applies, just a different "seat" used.

SloMo`s DIY Saddle Hunting Platform

Hey guyz. Someone suggested a new thread for this platform and here it is. It seems like quite a few of you are liking the size and portability of this build not to mention cost savings over a purpose built platform. Also , suggested improvements are welcome . This platform is smaller and...
saddlehunter.com
 
I have 2 XOP seat platforms and 2 scooter seat platforms. I prefer the scooter seat because it’s lighter and takes up less space. At the same time, I love the room and comfort of the XOP
 
I have finished my build but notice a good amount of flex from the platform. Has anyone ever cut down the xop seat to try to reduce the flex? I have two cut options. The green cut line would reduce the platform to 9.5” wide x 11” off the tree. The orange cut line would keep original width but reduce to 11” off the tree. I am concerned that the seat may fail with the amount of flex I am getting.
f927c018d12595ce2eb85ae427d8babe.jpg



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The XOP seat doesn't have teeth like a predator or what everyone calls a klemz style platform, thus there isn't going to be really a way to cam it down like you would a hang on stand, Klemz, or a Predator.

If you watch enough videos on YouTube, you will see the difference in each platform system. In my opinion you are going to get the best and most solid grab to the tree using the the method like Slowmo's builds.
 
I have completed my build based on Slowmo’s design and it is very solid to the tree. My concern is with the amount of flex in the seat when I stand on it. I feel reducing the size of the seat would help but was hoping/thinking someone might have tried this before.


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WhitDVT said:
I have completed my build based on Slowmo’s design and it is very solid to the tree. My concern is with the amount of flex in the seat when I stand on it. I feel reducing the size of the seat would help but was hoping/thinking someone might have tried this before.


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Click to expand...

did you end up cutting your xop seat then?
 
I`m doing another LW build using all commercially sourced parts from Dan O (the man) and Lone wolf . The ratchet straps I use are from ratchetstraps .com . All of the other sourced parts can be purchased at one time from Dan O . This newest video will be a a how to video which will include everthing you need to build one yourself. Where to drill , what size drill bits , bolt sizes , dimensions ,etc. If you choose to build a cam down style the mounting points may need to be tweeked a bit but otherwise the builds are identicle. I`ll post up when the vid is done which should be monday. As with every build I want to caution everyone that these builds are use at your own risk. I have never had a failure although I want to caution everyone that any platform can fail regardless of the mfg. I would not recommend cutting or otherwise structurally modifying a sand cast seat although it might work out just fine. Stay safe folks.
 
Last edited:
WhitDVT said:
I have finished my build but notice a good amount of flex from the platform. Has anyone ever cut down the xop seat to try to reduce the flex? I have two cut options. The green cut line would reduce the platform to 9.5” wide x 11” off the tree. The orange cut line would keep original width but reduce to 11” off the tree. I am concerned that the seat may fail with the amount of flex I am getting.
f927c018d12595ce2eb85ae427d8babe.jpg



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Click to expand...
I have used both style seats from both LW and XOP in building 30 plus stands . The XOP does flex a little . Its a thinner casting than the LW seat and compared side by side its barely noticable .My builds I went to a ratchet style strap to all but eliminate any movement in the platform and the flex was minimized. If you are interested , I have another how to video coming out Monday. It will detail a Dan O sourced build using all commercially available parts from him. Its a ratchet strap based build instead of the cam down style so popular right now . It`s also a rock solid platform with a proven history . Check it out as it mat give you some ideas. Stay safe.
 
SloMo said:
I`m doing another LW build using all commercially sourced parts from Dan O (the man) and Lone wolf . The ratchet straps I use are from ratchetstraps .com . All of the other sourced parts can be purchased at one time from Dan O . This newest video will be a a how to video which will include everthing you need to build one yourself. Where to drill , what size drill bits , bolt sizes , dimensions ,etc. If you choose to build a cam down style the mounting points may need to be tweeked a bit but otherwise the builds are identicle. I`ll post up when the vid is done which should be monday. As with every build I want to caution everyone that these builds are use at your own risk. I have never had a failure although I want to caution everyone that any platform can fail regardless of the mfg. I would not recommend cutting or otherwise structurally modifying a sand cast seat although it might work out just fine. Stay safe folks.
Click to expand...

looking forward to the video!
 
kongzilla said:
did you end up cutting your xop seat then?
Click to expand...

I did. I cut along the orange line and it does not seem to flex nearly as much. I do not see any need to cut the sides along the green line. I’m pleased with the result. I did a paracord cobra weave along the edge. I’ll post a pic Monday when I get a chance if you want.


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WhitDVT said:
I did. I cut along the orange line and it does not seem to flex nearly as much. I do not see any need to cut the sides along the green line. I’m pleased with the result. I did a paracord cobra weave along the edge. I’ll post a pic Monday when I get a chance if you want.


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Click to expand...

32a1fdd77ab1238d7298c99d476d9c9d.jpg



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