Xop Invader Saddle Platform | Detailed Review

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I did make one mistake in this video the platform is made in China, Soft goods are sewn and made in Vietnam. XOP reached out to me after I posted this video and let me know that.

[@smau990]

No comment on the fracture?

[@pensnut08]

I really appreciate your honesty!! THANK YOU!!! I think we are seeing what the "race to be the lightest".... Just like xbows racing to be the fastest, the lightest, the narrowest, the smallest etc.... And limbs are blowing up...

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Your welcome. I always keep it real on here and give a true honest opinion. Sometimes people can't handle that... Unfortunately

[@kirkloos8141]

This is why I subscribed and recommend your channel. Always keeps it real and respectful. Awesome job brother!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I appreciate that. All I want to do is be a good contributor to the saddle hunting community. Thanks for stopping by!

[@vitalgroundoutdoors]

Solid review! Valid points presented in an unbiased manner with a level of professionalism. I think you did what most people would do on a platform and again highlighted the good and the bad!! Keep doing you man really respect how you present everything!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you sir!!

[@PhillipSells-u2e]

I mainly One Stick but I've been looking for a lightweight platform to use with multiple sticks for cold weather hunts. I was looking hard at purchasing the XOP Invader. I'm glad you made this video I'm probably going with the Arsenal RZR. Thank you and I appreciate your honesty and keep the videos coming

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Your welcome and good luck!

[@pinnaclemainehunters5414]

As it’s know by many, you are one a lot of guys look to for the real deal. I have zero interest in this new wave of xop but have watched all you’ve put out. Maybe I don’t want it but someone does and I can send them this way to at least assess for themselves. I feel like I know you enough to say if that someone had a failure and was injured or worse..you might not like doing these reviews but you’d like it and yourself ALOT less if you didn’t put this out there and the worst happens. Keep doing you bub. We all appreciate it

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you I appreciate this! That's what it's all about for me. I dont wanna see someone waste there money or get hurt!

[@threatcon5]

I really appreciate your honest review.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brysonturner2481]

The cracked welds were there before you noticed, I seen them earlier in the video and wasn’t sure if it was just the coating and then a couple minutes the video flipped script… Great review!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@darrenbowers3267]

You always keep it real and do a great job congrats to you I value your reviews and honesty!!! Darren

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks for watching! good luck this season!!

[@Lonebowhunter]

Great video bro! Thanks for keeping it honest as always !! Keep up the great work

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks! Will do!

[@jordanthompson1799]

Thank you for this video.. I just ordered lattitude saddle kit and was very tempted to order this platform, as the lattitude is out of stock.. After seeing this. I wont. However i do have an xop air raid evolution tree stand and have no issues.. Crap happens with companies but im a bigger guy myself and that exactly what im afraid of entering into saddle hunting..

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah, They actually re-designed the platform after my video, so it seems like the new one is better but they have a track record of inferior products for about a decade now. Id tread softly.

[@AERIALASSAULT1]

Putting it out was the right decision. I questioned the button height and the amount of platform behind the post at ATA. I wasn't a fan of those features either. Although they did have a explanation that made sense at time

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks man, You know as much as me how hard it is to post negative reviews sometimes....

[@kyleveitengruber2368]

Thanks for putting this out . There grown ass men, they ll handle it .

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Your welcome. Will see so far im not so sure about that....

[@ukjw2]

Thanks. You are one of the few reviewing their stuff who isn’t supported by them. Or maybe you are but it’s a very honest review. The lack of reviews is pretty concerning when I see the inconsistencies you pointed out. I have one of their vanish stands and it weighs like 15% more than they claim. Same with their foldable sticks

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

So here is the thing I've learned. Most of the early reviews almost elusively were people who got the platform for free, I won't name names but it's pretty alarming how many of them there are. You can tell who these people are by their alarming bias. Also offering discount codes on there channels for the products. That's essentially XOP buying a positive review. I dont have any relationship with XOP, they actually hate me because I tell the truth and offer honest options on my channel. So far I've heard of 3 other of these platforms failing in the field, so it's surly an issue they need to address. Usually XOP's method of thinking is we sell 10,000 platforms and had 10 failures, that's not too bad... and maybe by a percentage they are correct but that's one too many failures for me.

[@ukjw2]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors I have a feeling that this is why they are sold out. They were sold out even before Black Friday. I was mostly debating the retrograde vs .5 but I just couldn’t find many unbiased reviews. Actually close to 0. Yours and maybe 1 other on a message board. Kinda odd since they have been out a while. I grabbed the .5. But money is a factor and the x2 sticks did have some solid reviews so I got those as well.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

The x2 sticks are nice, I have saw some steps snap in half on the Facebook forums so please tie off when you use them. As you would any stick....

[@zacchurch502]

Thanks for the honesty!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I gotta keep it real!! Thanks for stopping by!

[@markschultz3218]

Great review, I'm glad I found it as I was considering this platform.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Glad I could help!!

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

Thats why I am subbed to you because I want to hear the truth not the fluff.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you, I really appreciate it. It's hard some times to wanna post negative reviews because the other side always wants to discredit you or make excuses. Im #260 lbs much under the #350 lb rating. Thanks for the comment!

[@worldstarbinky]

Great video this definitely made me change my mind on xop im a big guy as well and im not going to risk it breaking on me, I currently have their edge platform and i was looking for a lighter one great review

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Glad I could help!!

[@michaelkendrick7738]

Back when I was saddle hunting, about to get back into it, I would hang my platform. Once the platform is tightened onto the tree you should stand on top of the I-Beam. With one foot squat down (or whatever it takes) to grab the front of the platform with your other foot. Pull up on the front of the platform with your foot. The platform will drop an inch or so. Now stand onto the platform to level it out. That should tighten down the strap and not give any issues with it kicking out. I hope that makes sense.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah its called "toe hooking" I didnt toe hook it because the numb nuts at xop said not too, and I followed there instructions explicitly and it still broke. Now they wanna say I jumped on it to break, no way. They run a shady business.

[@JamesKrauss-if9dq]

Hey Polock , I have a question for you brother? What are you thoughts on XOP ? Are they safe ? And what are you thoughts on the cold world hang on stand ? I know they had safety issue in the past.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Hey, sorry for the delay, the cold world stand seems to be safe so far. I have heard of no failures on that stand in 2023. Good luck!

[@benclark5373]

Thanks for the video. I wonder why there was weld there in the first place

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah, lots of pressure right there.

[@travislee5417]

Thanks for doing these reviews. Relieved you had your tether attached.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah me too, falling from any height can be dangerous.

[@djt6753]

Appreciate your detailed review and your quite helpful in your comments. Since I am new to saddle hunting and am currently in market for a good platform. Not factoring in cost or weight what would you recommend as the top rated platform that you have tested/reviewed? Keep up the good work!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

EDP, Onyx, Predator, Fix

[@jefferyiles371]

I feel like kick out is due to to deep V. It makes the post almost in the center of the platform and creates a teeter-totter effect

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I think so too after talking to many others in the industry.....

[@spline8518]

I have used the xop edge for the last 2 seasons it is heavy but is a soiled buy !! Just mu 2 cents . Stay a way from this new version until it gets sorted out !!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

The edge is built like a tank

[@brent8052]

Great video!! I have XOP Edge, I love it

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks man!

[@michaeldrout7900]

I just got mine. Good to know what to watch for

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

good luck!

[@pop4725]

Good honest review, thank you

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Your welcome. MERRY CHRISTMAS

[@danielcowell8346]

I really like your reviews and appreciate them. That being said, you didn't cam the platform the way it states to in the manual. So when you stepped on the back corner while it was improperly cammed, it flung up lord knows how fast and with how much force, and the platform isn't built to sustain that impact. As for the cam strap wear, i did stealth strip it before i used it and no issues with wear. And the low button, they said they tested it in every possible position on the post and that was spot that proved to be the best. Again, I like your reviews and appreciate the channel! Keep up the good work!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Well funny thing, the manual us different than the online post they made on how to properly cam it. So which one do you do?

[@danielcowell8346]

You're right! I apologize. You didn't follow the VIDEO instructions, and those are the ones I had in my head. I just looked at the manual,and it didn't say anything about the lifting up. That's how I've been setting mine. Man, I hope you didn't tweak anything when that thing flipped on you. I haven't had any issues with mine. Camming it according to that video anyway. I really like mine. But stuff like this does make you second guess. Mismatched instructions aren't a good thing. Ever. Sorry again for the false accusation.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

@@danielcowell8346 no worries, i hope yours works out for you 😊

[@TheSouthernObsession]

Was this review before XOPs video on how to set this platform on a tree? Cant toe hook the platform with their design have to pretty much do the opposite.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Whats funny is the instructions that came in the box explicitly said to toe hook it, which I never did anyway because u cant toe hook it because the geometry is off for toe hooking.

[@TheSouthernObsession]

@MichiganGreatOutdoors gotcha I bought one recently and they sent me an email for the video of them attaching one to the tree. It made sense for their design to pull it up the tree to cam it. Just noticed in the video you kind of pushed it down before you jumped on it lol.

[@personalprojectile]

Spot on. And astm means nothing. Sometimes is just an audit of their process. Sometimes its a repeatable standardized test. There isn't a standardized test for tree platforms.....

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

yup!! Saddle platforms have no safety standards!!

[@tray22]

I have one of the XOP Edge and while it is heavy it appears to be the same type design and the button is much higher. I tried to convert it to a rop mod with a cam cleat. That was a failed attempt with the exact same kick out issue you experienced. I also either had it to tight or not tight enough. I have nearly retired my XOP Edge with the exception of duel hunts with my kids in gun season where I am in the same tree as a kid on a hang on platform or ladder. Cause for concern that your welds broke that is really not good.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

nope, im not impressed at all. XOP did let me return it and then once the video came out they were pretty nasty with me about it. I dont think I'll ever buy another stand or platform from them. I have the new sticks and they seem fine so far.

[@Cloud9Outdoorz]

I thought I’d like the rough texturing for grip. But it’s rough on my pack and anything that rubs on it…I have to carry it in a little carry pouch so it doesn’t destroy my pack

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah it's too gritty. I could see it destroying a cinch strap in no time

[@mcparlandoutdoors1196]

That platform makes me a little nervous even being what you call a beanpole size guy. I do like the big v cut to fit all size trees. I will pass on this platform. Great info brother.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

You and me both!

[@jameshall421]

Appreciate you brother!! Saved me some more coin. Keep it up

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Glad to help

[@DominickAlan]

The onyx looks like its the strongest of all three platforms you showed. Do a review on the trophy line onyx ?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah I need to get one out soon! The onyx is an absolute beast.

[@paulstark5475]

What would your go to lightweight platform be? I’m 185-190 size 11 for reference

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Super light Latitude x wing, tethered predator or LWCG fix.

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

Been looking for a light weight chair to shoot bow from the from the ground. I am leaning toward the Helinox Café Chair at 3lbs and sits higher. Pricey but its the closest I have come to backpacking. Everything else is 10lbs. Suggestions?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Is this for ground blind hunting? That Helinox looks really nice. Im sorry Im dont have a ton of experience ground hunting.

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors Yeah to be able to setup fast and move. Every chair I look at is either to low or weighs as much as a truck. Even 3 lbs is heavy I have a few of there chairs but they all sit to low to use the bow. This Cafe is new and it sits higher. I take the zero hiking all the time and its 1lb. So I am taking a hit of 2lbs. My pack weight is 35lbs without food and water. So If I take this chair something has to go.

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors I just bought $180.00 YIKES!.... Comes in on tuesday I will try shooting my mathews from it and see how it works if not it will go back. I bought the brown one

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Let me know how u like it! I wanna get something like that soon. I just bought a Tidewe see through pop up blind.

[@kyledobson1607]

Take a look at the Waldrop Pac Seat. Has tons of adjustments. I mainly treestand hunt but use it for blinds, during gun season, and when I need to sneak in somewhere when I don’t have a lot of time.

[@RedBeardedPredators]

Love the truth man! Thanks for sharing!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I always keep it real on here and give a true honest opinion. Sometimes people can't handle that... Unfortunately

[@RedBeardedPredators]

Yeah, I hear you there, I’ve got the xop edge platform, the edge weighs more then the invader, but is feels very sturdy and the design is much better. I’d rather carry the extra couple pounds and be safer. I agree with you, there’s really nothing to hold that platform together on the end part. I’d like to get the .5 LWCG hybrid set up at somepoint. Hopefully soon…

[@OneWheelLess]

I saw that thing flexing in the first shot and my first thought is “that thing is gonna fail”. I’m 215, I wouldn’t trust it either. There’s so much flex in that thing it’s gonna fatigue and fail. Maybe they can fix the design

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

They should!! Its a disaster waiting to happen in my opinion

[@reddawng43x91]

The platform folding concerns me more than the cracked welds

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Me too. The post is too far forward in the platform creating a fulcrum effect.

[@goinwithgus7986]

I’m right around the 300 mark and had one of the XOP single sticks break on me. Thankfully I was low to the ground. I like the idea of their products but find it hard to believe the weight rating of 350.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

yes, something seems off to me. They have a lot of failures

[@Big_Bow_Nerd]

I also had the old xop sticks break on me. Scared the hell out of me. But the newer xop sticks are very nice and tough. I was going to pick up this platform but now I think I’ll just stick w my old xop platform. It’s a bit of a tank but it’s solid and I’m happy with it

[@Mach1daddy]

Jason, I’m 6 foot 4 inches tall. 290 pounds and size 15 boot. What is the best platform for a big guy?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

That Trophyline Mission, Or Onyx would be a great setup for you. They're a little heavier than most but built like a tank! I highly recommend them both.

[@joshlasure3384]

What about EDP?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

oh man, the EDP is great, its smaller though so with your size boot it might be tuff. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpO6ZWlumc-dr9k I had one for a while and I actually regret selling it. Trophline has a KZbin channel with some videos on it. You might wanna check them out!!

[@micahroberson1234]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors have you ever tried the ridge runner 2.0? Im the same size as evil, and Im loooking for a platform and sticks. Im pretty sure I want the xop x2's

[@cardinalcrazy09]

Are yiu sure that is waterjet? It looks to me like it might be plasma cut. In my experience waterjet usually looks better wuality than that

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

That's what they told me.

[@Sparky513]

I sanded my xop x2's, cause they was tearing up everything VERY FAST. Great for climbing bad for everything else. They were tearing up my bag, ropes, aider, straps legit everything it touches. They should have just done the top parts where you stand, but a very light sanding knocks off the rough parts and keeps the paint on, I an going to paint mine anyway, going to keep some of the tan and add green and brown, try to camo them up a bit. Ps I used 80 grit real light sanding followed with a sanding block (fine or medium), took me about 45 min to do all 4 if that, did 1 everytime I went out to smoke a cig and thats how ling it take to do one around 9 min kinda moving fast about 15 taking your time

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah, I dont know why they added the grit to evertthing. It was tearing up the seat on the retrograde stand.

[@Sparky513]

@MichiganGreatOutdoors yea I was worried about my eberlestock X2 backpack that I just got, it's the green suede feeling versions (didn't know that when I ordered lol) but didn't want them to mess my bag up or aiders. Thi king of painting them camo to try and blend more into a tree, have you ever done this if so would you recommend a certain type of paint to use

[@bulletsandbroadheads]

Will pass on this. I see changes or possible recall

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I guess will see what happens....

[@seang2501]

I just ordered one today and now I’m thinking I might be just cancel the order

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

SO I have publicly heard that at least 2 other platforms have cracked in the same spot, I saw these on the online forums, XOP wants to publicly discredit my video and they claim I stomped and jumped on the platform to make them look bad which is 100% false. Even to this day their main pro staff guy tries to discredit my video and claim I jumped on the platform. If you are a lighter guy you might be ok, but I saw the bugets sportsman also un-cam the stand and he is like 170lbs so I think its a flawed design and there are better options available, but at the end of the day its your money and you should spend it how you like. XOP will surely warranty any damage for life. Good luck!!

[@Saddlehntr]

😮

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

yeah.... I think it need some work.

[@reddawng43x91]

Xop will 100percent send u another platform no questions for life tho

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yes, they refunded my money. I sent the platform back.

[@ukjw2]

Now we know why they are sold out of these

[@xarrow81]

Good review and solid facts! But lets be real, you know your big ass shouldn't be using them little platforms 😅 Playing

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I use others with no problems..... This one is just too thin on material I believe.

[@Rooster_king]

3:54 Is that broke or notched? Looks strange.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Keep watching....

[@Rooster_king]

Finished watching yikes!

[@KrisCavacco]

Nothing to do with the button being to low, has to do with where the pivot point of the platform is, if you put pressure on platform behind the pivot point that will happen every time pivot point on other platforms is closer to the tree so it’s harder to put pressure behind the post, just my opinion.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I agree with you now after I made this video and talking to other O.G. type saddle hunters, they all said the exact same thing.

[@chattahoocheeoutdoorsman4865]

I was looking at getting a retrograde. After seeing this, I'll pass and stay with my Helo.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I made a video on the stand.kzbin.info/www/bejne/laTYfXidoNmSmZo Id recommend the stand over this platform in a heart beat. Good luck.

[@markadevereaux]

The real deal. You earn credibility by telling the truth.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you!

[@Jase-E]

Well that's junk. Thanks for the honest review. The skeletonized the platform WAY too much.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I tend to agree. Super disappointed in the design. They took to much material out....

[@critter852004]

Damn, that’s a shame. But for the same price you can get a Trophyline EDP or Mission which are made in the USA as you know. I always push guys towards TL platforms due to the price and how solidly they’re made. I run the mission all season long due for comfort reasons.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Trophyline platforms are the strongest on the market for sure!! Ive never heard of one failing ever!!

[@pop4725]

I’m not going near that thing , Tethrd Predator all the way

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I had a tethrd predator for a while, Zero issues with that platform!!

[@wecatchfish9531]

Chinese junk. Plenty of great platforms made in the US.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

There sure is.

[@samuelbarlowe2460]

Wow. Another one bites the dust. Looks cheap

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

yeah, not good on this one....

[@michigangrownoutdoors7254]

People got mad at me for saying it but this is what happens when you have a bunch of 1/2 dedicated guys sitting in a boy me making mobile gear for hunters who hunt in conditions not an office. Not surprised kne but I knew it was just time. Sucks it happened to you tho man. Hope XOP listens and takes care this and it’s customers.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

they should field test more. I dont think they do much of any....