LWCG .5 as a hybrid stand or an XL platform?

[RiverRun]

I have read a lot about people using the .5 stand and a saddle for a hybrid setup. Those of you who have run the .5 stand as a hybrid platform and have also used the any XL platform, which setup do you like better? Any disadvantages of the .5 setup?

 

[Plebe]

I have read a lot about people using the .5 stand and a saddle for a hybrid setup. Those of you who have run the .5 stand as a hybrid platform and have also used the any XL platform, which setup do you like better? Any disadvantages of the .5 setup?

Pros:

With the .5 seat cushion flipped to the bottom of the seat, the resulting knee rest beats any knee pads or standard "tree pad" hands down for me. It's weight is about on par with any XL platform plus knee pads, and you get the added benefit of a seat. It carries great with LWCG or other quality backpacking shoulder straps and belt; it transports gear great and eliminates the need for a bulky backpack (thanks to the frame-lock feature); it carries LWCG sticks great (if you run sticks).

Con:

You can't platform climb with it (no stick).

 

[RiverRun]

Pros:

With the .5 seat cushion flipped to the bottom of the seat, the resulting knee rest beats any knee pads or standard "tree pad" hands down for me. It's weight is about on par with any XL platform plus knee pads, and you get the added benefit of a seat. It carries great with LWCG or other quality backpacking shoulder straps and belt; it transports gear great and eliminates the need for a bulky backpack (thanks to the frame-lock feature); it carries LWCG sticks great (if you run sticks).

Con:

You can't platform climb with it (no stick).

10-4 Thanks Plebe

 

[Plebe]

I'm over 6' and the knee pad is about right for me. Those short of tibia might not get the same benefit. If you're under 6ft, you might want to get feedback from some smaller users.

 

[Jim DeSantis]

I'm really close to buying one for the reasons above. Last year was my first year saddle hunting and I can stand maybe 4 hours in a saddle, but it just not very comfortable to me. Figured for all day sits, the .5 would allow me to sit facing the tree and it doesn't weigh much more than a large platform.

 

[Patriot38]

The .5 seems like a great option. NOVIX also just released a similar stand. Check out the Helo if you haven't already. Its about 1/3 of the price. I've also been looking at the new Out on a limb stand as well. Hybrid set up would be nice for longer sits. I do enjoy my saddle but I've always thought it would be nice to sit down for a little bit.

 

[Brian_goes_hunting]

The .5 seems like a great option. NOVIX also just released a similar stand. Check out the Helo if you haven't already. Its about 1/3 of the price. I've also been looking at the new Out on a limb stand as well. Hybrid set up would be nice for longer sits. I do enjoy my saddle but I've always thought it would be nice to sit down for a little bit.

Novix stand is 10 pounds

 

[Plebe]

Novix stand is 10 pounds

9.2 bare stand...which is how almost all companies are listing them in that market share.

.5 = 5.7
Beast = 6.8
1.0 = 8.1
HUSH = 8.2
Lil' Ambush = 8.5
M7= 9.3ish
Chippewa Ghost = 10
etc.

I think it is hard to beat what the .5 offers as a hybrid, but these all have something to like.

One thing I like about the .5 is the 18" seat height which makes it low enough (for me) to use as a knee pad. For guys who want to spend more time sitting on the seat, that's maybe not as nice as a higher seat hight.

If I didn't have the .5 already, and didn't want to commit $500 to a stand, the Novix HELO would be high on my list. I would consider removing the seat (2lbs +), and adding a custom knee brace at a fraction of the weight, just because I'd rather sit in the saddle.

But really, the felt weight differential is probably not as significant as the delta % might suggest. You'd feel that difference alot more in something you carry with smaller muscles or out of symmetry, like a rifle.

We all make choices, I'll take a 1lb heavier platform over a Doyle's gear hoist every time.