LWCG 0.5 Full Season Review

[Plebe]

Will be a spring project. But I’m curious as well as to what weight is cut. I’m assuming a couple
Lbs. That’s a good chunk of aluminum. And the the attachment block weighs a lot also

Process Outdoors weighs the bracket and ratchet strap at 1lb 10oz.
Steve Davis in the comments says 2.2 lbs total weight removed including the weight of the aluminum spade.

Keep in mind the advertised M7 base stand weight is supposedly closer to 9.3 lbs than 8.5. I haven’t weighed mine, but that’s what I’ve read. So, assuming these numbers, you are removing about 9 oz from base stand weight by cutting off the spade. Adding two cam buckle straps (about 5oz each), versa buttons, bolts, you’re looking at roughly a 9.5 lb total package...if my math is correct.

This is very comparable to the LWCG 1.0. Platform is 1” longer on the 1.0 and 1” wider on the M7.

The .5 is in another weight class, but with a much smaller footprint.

For comparison, the M7 platform is 26 x 20.5 while the .5 is 23 x 16.5.

For a stand sitter, my feet already hang off the edge of the M7 quite a bit and the .5 is 3” shorter.

But as a hybrid system, the .5 provides a much larger platform than similar weight saddle platforms with some advantages (and disadvantages depending on user, system, and style).

I’m interested in 1. Larger platform 2. Built in cushioned rigid knee rest 3. System setup / Gear hauling possibilities

I can’t give a comparison of the M7 as a hybrid saddle stand, as I’ve only used the M7 as a stand. I don’t use it much, but like a lot about it.

Also, I don’t have a .5 to compare to it...but will in a couple weeks...thanks Yinzer.

 

[rakbowhunter]

I know you have to stop somewhere, but for chits n gigs, why not throw the XOP vanish evolution out there. 1lb more weight at nearly 1/4 the cost of the 1.0 I'm not a big guy, so the platform size isn't a worry for me. My goal would be to find the smallest, lightest stand possible while maximizing comfort. I don't find any of the LW style seats that comfortable myself, which is why I'm looking at the M7. I'd like to try a M7 with a slumper type seat mod, but don't want to spend the money and not like it!

 

[Phopkins]

I know you have to stop somewhere, but for chits n gigs, why not throw the XOP vanish evolution out there. 1lb more weight at nearly 1/4 the cost of the 1.0 I'm not a big guy, so the platform size isn't a worry for me. My goal would be to find the smallest, lightest stand possible while maximizing comfort. I don't find any of the LW style seats that comfortable myself, which is why I'm looking at the M7. I'd like to try a M7 with a slumper type seat mod, but don't want to spend the money and not like it!

I got an M7 in late November, seems plenty comfortable but I haven't logged much time in it. It's light enough for my use and it seems extremely stable and quiet. Seems like a great deal for 200 bucks with safety rope.

 

[Jimmy Wallhanger]

I just got the $100 a $500 soft card at LWCG and pulled the trigger on a .5

I can't stand trying to shoot the offside shot. Its a joke where I hunt all that movement. I keep getting picked off on a saddle.... way more then a regular stand. I may just ditch the saddle and go beast stand and sticks. Honestly a 360 degree shot where I hunt just does not happen.... Im not in the midwest with hundreds of deer everywhere. Im in thick swamps where 20 yards is a long shot and theres NEVER 360 degrees of shooting.

Only advantage saddle has for me now s the portability which is huge and the only reason I have not ditched it. I can walk into my spots with my bow strapped to my pack, which make it possible fo rme to get into the really nasty stuff.

 

[rakbowhunter]

I got an M7 in late November, seems plenty comfortable but I haven't logged much time in it. It's light enough for my use and it seems extremely stable and quiet. Seems like a great deal for 200 bucks with safety rope.

When you get tired of it, let me know. I'll make the trek up and take it off your hands!!

 

[Phopkins]

When you get tired of it, let me know. I'll make the trek up and take it off your hands!!

I don't see getting tired of it. I do think you'd like one.

 

[Phopkins]

I just got the $100 a $500 soft card at LWCG and pulled the trigger on a .5

I can't stand trying to shoot the offside shot. Its a joke where I hunt all that movement. I keep getting picked off on a saddle.... way more then a regular stand. I may just ditch the saddle and go beast stand and sticks. Honestly a 360 degree shot where I hunt just does not happen.... Im not in the midwest with hundreds of deer everywhere. Im in thick swamps where 20 yards is a long shot and theres NEVER 360 degrees of shooting.

Only advantage saddle has for me now s the portability which is huge and the only reason I have not ditched it. I can walk into my spots with my bow strapped to my pack, which make it possible fo rme to get not the really nasty stuff.

In my part of the midwest (central Illinois) there aren't any 360 degree shots or deer behind every tree. We've got honeysuckle thickets that make seeing deer 40 yards away in November difficult.
I agree that weak side shots have to much movement involved and I'm going back to hangons and ladderstands for presets.

 

[Gbk68]

He makes nice gear but way overpriced imho.

With the amount time/effort and money we all put into hunting. Another couple hundred is WELL worth it...if the item makes us more comfortable or help us see more deer etc. ymmv

 

[kyler1945]

In my part of the midwest (central Illinois) there aren't any 360 degree shots or deer behind every tree. We've got honeysuckle thickets that make seeing deer 40 yards away in November difficult.
I agree that weak side shots have to much movement involved and I'm going back to hangons and ladderstands for presets.

how do you shoot a deer behind you on the right side of the tree in a hang on?

 

[Phopkins]

how do you shoot a deer behind you on the right side of the tree in a hang on?

As I said it's plenty thick here so the places you can't shoot because of the brush would determine how you set your stand up.
I just put a stand up Saturday and there are 3 lanes to shoot to, all 15 yards or less and I had to cut brush to open 2 of them.
180 degrees with no shot and I'm okay with that because the cedar tree I'm in gives maximum concealment, very unlikely getting picked off in that one.

 

[TK161BOONER]

I use one strap on the top button and have no need to use the bottom strap. I kneel on the seat and toe hook the platform and have no issues so i would suggest for you to try that.

I do the exact same thing and only use one strap on the top. I never had a issue and problem, hung my stand 170+ times while hunting and had zero issues.

 

[Hillclimber]

I mean, you just can't beat that .5.

 

[MIbowhunter49]

I do the exact same thing and only use one strap on the top. I never had a issue and problem, hung my stand 170+ times while hunting and had zero issues.

I never had any issue until I did. Top strap gave way muy rapido, and the bottom strap slowed the tilt of the stand enough to allow me to bear hug the tree.

I will ALWAYS use the bottom strap if given the chance.

 

[TCaltagirone]

I mean, you just can't beat that .5.

No you cant, paired with the saddle and one stick climbing method its awesome!

 

[Squirrels]

how do you shoot a deer behind you on the right side of the tree in a hang on?

Well that’s easy for me! Now, behind me on the left is the more difficult one. I’m in that discriminated group, just like you!

 

[Shooter78]

No you cant, paired with the saddle and one stick climbing method its awesome! View attachment 41826

Hey man - what bag is that under the seat??

 

[TCaltagirone]

Hey man - what bag is that under the seat??

Its a Kifaru belt pouch, theres tons of pouch options that will work but i have plenty of kifaru ones and the wolf grey matches the stand nicely. In it i keep my bow/gear hanger, extra cam strap and my tether. I use a kifaru sherman pocket for my other items such as rapel rope, release, rangefinder, headlamp, limb saw etc.

 

[Shooter78]

Its a Kifaru belt pouch, theres tons of pouch options that will work but i have plenty of kifaru ones and the wolf grey matches the stand nicely. In it i keep my bow/gear hanger, extra cam strap and my tether. I use a kifaru sherman pocket for my other items such as rapel rope, release, rangefinder, headlamp, limb saw etc.View attachment 41828

Slick set up man - I will be picking up a .5 soon . All season I hemmed and hawed over grabbing one. Sorta thought I was nuts for even considering this "hybrid" set up. But seeing so many of you doing it and enjoying it pushed me over the edge lol

I'm planning on running mine with spurs most of the time. And throwing most of my small goodies under the seat ( calls, knife , light etc... ) No pack then. Should be a super lightweight and compact system. Only 9 months till the bow opener.... lol

 

[TCaltagirone]

Slick set up man - I will be picking up a .5 soon . All season I hemmed and hawed over grabbing one. Sorta thought I was nuts for even considering this "hybrid" set up. But seeing so many of you doing it and enjoying it pushed me over the edge lol

I'm planning on running mine with spurs most of the time. And throwing most of my small goodies under the seat ( calls, knife , light etc... ) No pack then. Should be a super lightweight and compact system. Only 9 months till the bow opener.... lol

Yeah i fought it for the longest time because i thought i was nuts wanting to use a saddle with a hang on vs a platform. But the reality is i move too much on platform and find myself being more still in the hang on and the ability to have a seat to rest my legs is huge for me. I have no issue doing all day sits in it either.

 

[Shooter78]

Yeah i fought it for the longest time because i thought i was nuts wanting to use a saddle with a hang on vs a platform. But the reality is i move too much on platform and find myself being more still in the hang on and the ability to have a seat to rest my legs is huge for me. I have no issue doing all day sits in it either.

Yes, I love the thought of being able to have so many options... lean against the tree, sit on seat then the normal saddle things.

Have you considered putting a third hand bow holder on it?