I was really hoping for something new out of Lone Wolf this year. It seems to me that their product line has become stagnant since the departure of Andrae D'Aquisto. I was able to spend some time in the XOP booth at the ATA show talking with Andrae's son Cody who seems like great guy, and the improvents they have made to Andrae's original designs are excellent. Cody also mentioned that there are further improvements coming to the run and gun platforms while the guy in the Lone Wolf booth said that they are playing with ladder stands for the future. I was wondering, although very similar setups, has any one used both the Lone Wolf and XOP run and gun setups and what can you say about your experiences? I am looking into buying an XOP Vanish and a set of sticks as I already have an Alpha with and set of Lone Wolf sticks.
I only have experience with XOP products. I do own a Lone Wolf Alpha Tech F1 but I'm very aware that, that stand is much different than any of the other Lone Wolf stands so I'll only tell you my experience with the XOPs. The XOP stands I own are the Vanish and Air Raid. I also own 2 sets of climbing sticks. In my experience with the XOP stands I will say that I like them very much. They are easy to setup, fairly lightweight, very quiet, and offer the same features that Lone Wolf has in their setups for a better price. I also like the green color (although it doesn't matter in hunting). The stands are very comfortable. I've spent many all day sits in my Air Raid. As far as the climbing sticks, I also like them very much. They are heavier than Lone Wolf's but I do like the features they offer in the 1/4 turn locking mechanism, the larger steps, and are a little longer than Lone Wolf's. In my opinion I would recommend both the sticks and stands.
I’ve only hunted out of the silver which was replaced by the air raid. Overall I like my lonewolf stand better and xop sticks better even though they are heavier. Both great stands Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
If you currently have the Alpha, you will be really disappointed in the Vanish. IMO there isn’t really much you can do to improve the LW stands without sacrificing something that makes them great. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've actually hunted from the Assult multiple times which as you know is the same model as the Vanish. I like that it's a little lighter and smaller and think that it definitely has it's own scenarios that it can be beneficial. I think there is room for improvement on the lone wolf stands such as improving the stackability of the sticks and the metal versa buttons are a big positive as well on the XOP. It also features a much thicker seat and it mounts a little better. I enjoy my lone wolf system but think that I may like the XOP a little better.
I couldn't agree more! I can't recall anyone saying they were "disappointed" with LW for any reason. God bless Lone Wolf.
I have used both. 2 seasons ago I bought the XOP Vanish XT. It was one of the prototypes but the finished approved model. Got it from Cody at XOP. I killed a buck out of it and had no issues using it. Its a very nice stand. However, I ended up sending the xop sticks back as they were a lot heavier than the 4 lone wolf sticks I currently had. The problem I have is carrying my stand/sticks together so I ended up buying a lone wolf assault to try out the stick quiver for a season. Works great, however much improvment needed still in the way people stack/carry them I think. I just dont know how as i've thought through this a ton. I ended up selling my XOP vanish to someone but honestly would have no issue getting another one. If i didnt have my lone wolf and needed a stand. I would most likely buy the XOP to save some money as they both get the job done in my opinion.
You're a member here for a cool week and you're already calling folks names? Impressive. Oh, it's input, not imput.
Thank you sir!! This was the kind of response I was looking for, actually speaking from experience. Thank you again.
The difference between the stands themselves is like splitting hairs. It's simply personal preference as they are basically the same stands. The XOP sticks weigh a bit more but have a bit more to offer than the Lonewolf as mentioned above.
In related news...I just bought a literal crap ton of Lone Wolf Alpha Tech F1 stands. too good of a deal to pass up.
I saw that deal, I almost purchased one but wouldn't say I really "need" another stand but would certainly "want" one. True story though, wife said no.
I bought....a lot....and Told my wife it was the hunting version of buying bitcoin. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Truth be told I’ve never owned one before. Platform design is different than the classic Lonewolf. The seat is big and comfy though. The strap system is just like all the others and that’s what I really like about them anyway Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
