well I have both and have done some serious hiking with both on my back. here are my reviews. lone wolf has easy hang hook, xop doesn't. when I pack the xop it kills my spine because the platform has a flat beam running right where it lays on your spine. I pack my lone wolf stands and never had it hurt my spine like xop's. xop seemed a bit heavier. I absolutely HATE the xop seat!!!! that seat is too thick and it gives me an unstable feeling while sitting. I am considering buying lone wolf seats for my xop stands. then the xop would be a lot better. as far as color I love the xop color. I love the xop price on sale at field and stream for $149.00. other than that they are both great stands. my field testing consists of 2.5 mile bike ride and a .75 hike. hope this helps.
The wide seat on the sit nd climb made all the difference in the world for me. I hated the standard I had because it was too narrow. I personally think Lone wolf needs some healthy competition. Their products are getting stale. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have an XOP and have 0 complaints. Got mine on sale for $149. The cost savings made up for the very minute differences that the lone wolf I don't have might have. I'm also not a super hardcore hunter that walks 2 miles back into a swamp or have to carry my stand in every hunt. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
XOP does have a quick hang system now. Has 3 slots on it but no real description. Went out and looked at my stand, I was wrong earlier, I do have the cast backbone. Guess it was the sticks I was thinking of. Anyhow, looking at the quick hang XOP offers, looks like it has a basic T slot and on the back of the I beam a cast in T. Seems simple enough, except that you are dealing with China and inconsistencies. A form fit like that needs to be kept to tight tolerancing, China will not hold that. I can guarantee it. So the only other option is to open up the tolerance to the bracket to accomodate the inconsitencies in castings. That's a bit risky in my book. I'll stick with the straps when I do get it hung.
My issue with the sit and climb is weight. All this time has past and we cant keep decent stands under 20lbs? If Im using a climber, Im hiking it in. And wont but a 20lb stand that's mediocre at best as far as comfort. And cost as much as a tripod stand. I have no experience with this stand, but if I buy a climber, based on stats and appearance of comfort, this is leading the pack right now. https://x-stand.com/product/the-x-scape/
Perfect response. Check out the top threads in the bow hunting section... Do a search and I guarantee you will find 5+ other threads relating to those. It's a public forum. "Ad nauseam" is going to happen no matter the topic or subject. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've heard rage broadheads open up better from XOP stands, but Lone Wolf's usually have a short track and larger exit wound.
For someone on the budget, XOP would be the answer of the 2. I do feel like LW offers the better product though.
I also seem to have a harder time getting my XOP to lock in and be rock solid. the XOP seems to be a bit more spongy in the base. I tighten the top strap as tight as I can and still doesn't have that locking effect. maybe with their easy hang system it will help. maybe my straps are stretching and have a break in period? I did notice that dove tail part on the riser of the XOP but didn't realize they had the easy hang system at that point.
You will love that stand. My wide sit and climb is my favorite climber hands-down. It is so comfy and still quiet and packs flat Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No squashing intended. Simply providing links to threads that are duplicates of this one. If I wanted to squash it I'd just lock and/or delete it. Easy there killer. Getting a little dramatic, aren't we? For the record, I've always been corrective.
Since I can only assume this is in regards to my comments on previous threads I believe I said they're essentially the same stand - one made in the US under strict quality standards, and one made in China. Take it for what it's worth.
OK kids, no need for an internet hair pulling contest! As I said. I'll be really interested to follow XOP for a few years. If they move their production to the U.S., and still keep the prices low, I'll be seriously considering them. I simply do not trust tree stands built in China. I can attest to the crappy quality assurance when I bought my first Lone Wolf when they were built in China. Not good at all. Simply put, thats my *** sitting on it 20ft up in a tree. Competition however will be good for any company, especially Lone Wolf, that has had a patent on that cast platform for so long. Any you're right about Justin. I met the guy a couple years ago at a show. He had the audacity to hang out and talk to me for quite a while, like we've known each other for some time. Weirdo....
He stood still long enough to talk for awhile? Every time I've met him he was bouncing around off the walls like tigger.
Their prices are already going up. The ones you can get cheap at places like Field Supply are still their old design. As they make changes their newer models keep getting more expensive. So I doubt if they move to the US the prices will be low. They have some good ideas though. I like their new sticks a lot. I hate that thick seat that people count as a plus though. Just sitting on a stand at the store it felt "wobbly" for lack of a better word.
I would love to tout about Lone Wolf's dedication to make their product in the USA. Simple fact is they sold out and tried to go the way of China just like everyone else. It took poor quality and customer backlash to force them to bring production back to the states. So I don't give them a great deal of credit for being "Made in the USA." I do however Love my Lone Wolf Alpha II and sticks. It's without a doubt the most solid, stable and quietest stand I've ever used. I've never used the XOP stands so I can't speak for them, but I do like some of the innovations they are offering for both the stands and the sticks. I think Lone Wolf kinda got caught resting on their laurels and didn't really add much innovation to their stand over that last several years and they run the risk of losing their share of the high end market to competitors like XOP or Leverage.
