XOP Retrograde Tree Stand Review | Hybrid Saddle Platform

I this weeks video I go over the much anticipated XOP Retrograde Tree Stand
This stand was first unveiled at the 2023 ATA show and caused quite the hype leading up to an early release. Im pleased to review another tree stand for you and get ready to buckle up for a summer loaded full of reviews!
XOP Retrograde Tree Stand Review | Hybrid Saddle Platform
Thanks for tuning in! - Jayce "aka da Polack"!
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#xop
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Hanging Demonstration
01:00 Retrograde Intro
01:46 Stand Setup Overview
02:17 Platform Size
03:53 Dura Coat Finish
04:11 Frame Lock Seat
04:40 Seat
05:49 Is the Platform Too Small?
07:20 Using With A Saddle
09:30 What Comes In The Box
10:00 Platform Leveling
11:35 Bow Holder Holes
12:20 Using 2 Cam Straps
13:48 True Weight
14:18 Final Thoughts

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

One thing I missed, the seat has those bungees on it so they quick release and you can spin the seat around to use with your knees... totally missed that feature! Also just to point out, I do NOT think the stand is dangerous, Im just pointing out the way the cables are on that 14" width it could be dangerous if you feet hang up and u could potentially have issues.

[@kirkloos8141]

Another great review man. Awesome job as always.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you Kirk I appreciate that!!

[@jaytownsell5449]

Nice stand. Good price. Great review. Love my Beast Stand.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks Jay! What sticks you run on that beast stand?

[@NastyN8thegreat2]

I own both this and lw.5 was thinking of switching but after setting up 15 20 times off season 20 ft up i decided to give this to my wife and stay useing the lw.5

[@pathfinder5804]

Luv your reviews!!! Thorough and honest for sure. Now I’m way smaller then you 5’9 205 with 8 1/2 boot. I currently run an old school Loc-on WindWalker stand and it’s smaller then this stand width wise. It’s a bit of a mental block at first but once you get used to it not a problem. It definitely has its uses and not perfect for sure however. My issue is the WindWalker being designed 30+ yrs ago doesn’t lend itself to being totally rock solid in trees like some of these new stands. I think they were decades ahead of their time but there’s better options now. You’ve reviewed all of the stands I’ve been looking at and they really have helped. Think it’s between this and the .5. I currently use a mystery ranch popup 28 and my WindWalker fits right in it snug so I have to keep same dimensions if possible. Luv my saddle setup but find myself more comfortable in a hybrid setup most times. Again thanks for review!!!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

absolutely! Im glad it could help you in your decision!!

[@pinnaclemainehunters5414]

Great review. I might have pulled the trigger for this, and based on what you have to say I’d suspect I’d regret it. Especially the weight of it. I’ll stick with getting the .5 soon.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

id probably do the same.

[@mcparlandoutdoors1196]

Next year I will have 40 years from a treestand. I have a size 11 boots. I am good with the cable shuffle. I think on this one, I would have some problems. I will stick with the .5 lwcg. Great video review.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

40 years!!! Dang man u old lol 😆 J/K

[@yuriklaver4639]

Just received the XOP carrying system that goes with the tree stand. It's so small, it looks like it's made for kids. I'm gonna send it straight back.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

yikes..... that sucks

[@thebootbowhunting7413]

Great review as always. That seat cushion is the most interesting thing to me and which LWCG seat it might fit on. I hunted out of a .5 for 2 seasons and always wanted a bit more platform, got the 1.0 last season and thats about the perfect stand. I just dont know where this one fits other than a saddle guy who wants a treestand.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

One thing I missed, the seat has those bungees on it so they quick release and you can spin the seat around to use with your knees... totally missed that feature! You can flip it around and use it for a knee cushion. Totally missed that

[@public_land_outdoorsman]

Love it, just got mine

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

are you running it with a saddle?

[@public_land_outdoorsman]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors yea, hybrid saddle from Hangfree

[@ukjw2]

@@public_land_outdoorsmanafter using it some what is your opinion

[@JimmyGammons]

I wear a size 13 boot so I looked past this one after reading the dimensions. Still wanted to see what you thought about the stand. I am holding out for a beast stand but I have looked at the cold world from XOP. Great review!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thank you, if you run it as a saddle platform it might be better but yeah size 13 is gonna be tough!! Mine are 11.5 size boots

[@russmeyer3595]

This was a good honest review as always. I received the Cold World from XOP last week and am very happy with the size and weight. I am 178 pounds with a size 10 boot and the working area of the platform imo, seems really good. Based on only hunting 3 to 4 sits a year, the XOP checked all the boxes.

[@austinphillips9966]

Can’t go wrong with a beast stand I picked one up at the outdoor show best purchase I’ve made in hunting

[@LongtineBowhunting]

I feel like if it was closer to 300-350 their market would be a little better, but it seems this is a big step from their previous stands. Good review. I’m considering this or a .5 myself. I am 5’9 and currently run the 1.0

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I agree, its much improved from the evo and air raid. I also agree, if this was $300 it would be tuff to warrant spending more on a .5 or elevate. The .5 is a great stand. Had mine for 3 seasons now, no bends. No issues at all. Very stiff platform. I have no skin in the game, buy whatever suits you but if I had one stand to pic to go on a hunt for the rest of my life it would be a .5 with a .75 seat and a 22 inch post. Id stick with the 18" post at your heights. Good luck to whatever choice u make!!

[@LongtineBowhunting]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors I think I just want there to be the custom gear quality at the 350 mark. Not sure it exist quite yet. But this is headed that way.

[@jameshall421]

Too small for me. Tried the .75 and went back to the assault 2. I’m fat so having a wider platform is nice lol. Great review as always man!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

LWCG 1.0 is the one you needed to try I bet.

[@NastyN8thegreat2]

I'm 6 foot 3 240lbs it's fine yea it's small but it's light an sturdy if your up in your tree stand your not moving shuffling around anyways if you are you ain't gonna get a deer so jus sit still it's comfy I wouldn't recommend it for anyone's first stand you deffently want some exp up in trees with it being so small but for any exp hunter this is the best stand out there besides lonewolf .5

[@americanagothic7851]

This is exactly how I hunt, just not with that stand. Great review, I’m liking that stand but nice point about the cables!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks man 👊

[@calebwesaw1441]

I value your time and the effort you put in to these reviews. Some food for thought… do you think that Xop is actually as stiff as the .5? It’s a smaller stand and just based on the video It appears to have a good amount of flex. Maybe the same amount of flex or more than a LWCG .5 but in a smaller package.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Maybe Ill do a side by side comparison. Gotta remember im 260lbs. I FLEX everything lol

[@calebwesaw1441]

10-4 on that 260. I was honestly a little surprised is all. Keep pumping out the vids… solid work!

[@critter852004]

As someone with a smaller boot size (9) this is probably an ideal set up for me. I saddle hunted the past few seasons over using a tree stand. But I’ve noticed in my late season hunts in January even 20+ feet up, I was getting pegged by deer. But my cousin who was hunting from 10-12 feet up in a hang on has deer walk right by him within 10 yds. It made re-think neglecting a hang on entirely. It was either this or the .5, I might go this route due to price point.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

With those size feet id say your absolutely good to go!

[@TS1023TS]

The XOP Cold World looks awesome…they compare it to the .75

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

who's they?

[@mywisconsincabin]

I think it's a great stand for packing into complete nastiness. It's small, which is also perfect for that. I'm also not tall and don't have giant feet.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Snag one up!!

[@mywisconsincabin]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors I did already. :)

[@mywisconsincabin]

I actually ordered the Elevate Ultra as well, I'll do a side by side on those two.

[@masonoertli4099]

You said you really like the seat cushion but any issue with the 8x11 seat size? Going back and forth between the vanish evolution (12x14 seat) and cold world stand but worried about the seat size. Also wondering if the $200 is really worth the 3lb weight savings. First hang on stand purchase here.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

the seat is small, I'm used to a wider pad so I feel like overtime it might be ruff on the butt over several hours, I'm sorry I didn't sit in it that long. for the testing I did in it, it felt good.

[@kyleveitengruber2368]

Good job , I was hoping you check cold world too . ??

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Thanks, I have one now.

[@lestaylor8873]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoorsget on it and give us one of your awesome reviews (please)! I have a col world in my cart, and looking at reviews right now. I appreciate your honest reviews, without sugar coating the negatives. Keep up the good work.

[@arthurcarstens]

2 words: Beast Stand, nuff said!!!!!!

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Is that what you roll with??

[@arthurcarstens]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors yes sir, when I hybrid that is it. The flex is not an issue with me. Tagged out last year in it here in Texas on public land

[@NastyN8thegreat2]

Lone wolf .5 is better but this is deff #2 lone wolf weighs less and has a bigger plateform

[@rodiemace3582]

Looks fine as a stand for guys with smaller boot sizes and looks really good for a hybrid setup. No stand will let you side load it like a platform.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah, I agree unless u ratchet strap the bottom. Just wanted to show that it did have some good bite on it when side loaded, I dont recommend side loading a tree stand. Just stand and shoot!!

[@168smk5]

As i am getting older, that platform is way to small to use as a dedicated treestand. Saddle hunting would be ok, but I don't use a saddle. Thanks for all the reveiws. Are you going to review the new Novix stand when it's available?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

The new raider? Id like to

[@littlewoody5539]

That stand for kids period !

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Or people with small feet.

[@pathfinder5804]

My WindWalker is smaller then this stand and works great!!!

[@kcoutdoorsmissouri4052]

Is there an easier way to add the second strap without having to come back down afrer toe hooking i hate that

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Some will put it on loose and then bend over and tighten it but honestly you can't get it that tight, It would be my advice to practice a bunch this summer and you will get really good at it and coming back down won't be that much of a burden.

[@chadreid1068]

Hey man are you going to get the new lone wolf custom gear crossover climber I want to see a review so bad

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Id like too, I used to hunt out of climbers primarily so I have some good experience with them.

[@chadreid1068]

I have a saddle set up. .75 lwcg set up and really want the new climber man I would be ready for any kind of deer hunt

[@chadreid1068]

Hey man here is you a idea... I cut the versa button off my predator platform and drilled it and put a harken cam cleat on it with a 3 step aider and now use it for a one stick...then repel down the tree with a mad rock. Be honest what’s your thoughts. It was hard to use the versa button to use this set up.

[@andrewgagner2927]

Older guy here so forgive me... have been running an old school Lone Wolf hand climber for 10 years or so... i get the benefit of saddles/platforms... but trying to understand the benefit of stands and sticks vs a lightweight climber? Not an attack, genuinely curious. Appreciate your time.

[@technicsthewild2115]

Its all about tree selection and ease of use. A small hang on can go in any tree. A climber needs to go in a tree fit for a climber.

[@andrewgagner2927]

@technics & the wild ah, yeah that makes sense.... any benefit beyond a saddle other than the expense of getting into the saddle game?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

a good minimalist saddle setup should be lighter than a hang on and sticks. So in theory you're more mobile. You gotta find a saddle that fits you really. That could mean buying and trying several models before you find the one....

[@reddawng43x91]

Man I think it’s exactly $100 too high imo! Me being 5ft9” 170lbs and shoe size 10 I think I would like this stand, but another $400 to save 5lbs I can’t justify

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

$350 would be a good price for it Id bet. Probably sell more too. $300 would be even better 🤣🤣

[@reddawng43x91]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors yes I agree!

[@shawnhemminger4179]

Have you done the cold war yet? I know it's picky but I dislike the color and straight lines XOP used.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Not, yet. Might try and do one soon!

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

To small for me. I like alot of room.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Yeah that 14" is tight. Whats your ideal dimensions?

[@SurvivalSavvvy]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors I run the XOP Air Raid Evolution which is 21.5 x 31 which I really like. Its heavier but I do not want to come out on my head

[@PennsylvaniaSasquatch]

This channel is the absolute best for equipment decisions.

[@adrock1978]

I dont think you gave this stand a fair shake. XOP set out to make one of the smallest lightest stands on the market, and they accomplished that for $100 less than the nearest competition. I wear a size 12 and i have no issues using the stand with my Alpha Burly boots on. I think XOP went for it when they designed the narrow platform. Its not "kind of" light or "kind of" small. Its definitely light and definitely small. Thats what I bought it for. I like that its no wider than the pack i strap it to. And $100 cheaper than the .5 is a lot. Thats half way to four decent climbing sticks. From the perspective of an extremely compact and lightweight stand, i think XOP nailed it. JMO

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I think for 100 more the .5 is a lot better option and far safer than potentially tripping over cables. Ive also recommended this stand to people who want something smaller, if they understand the downsides, I think its ok. You sound like a real hunter who hunts hard and have some agility to “shuffle” around the cables. Most hunters are NOT like this. Most guys should be in like 1,0 or cold world type of stand. My comments were for the 95% of the other guys, not us. Thanks for your opinion though, I value other inputs and ideas and not everyone wants to spend $500 on a stand, so they have this option which is nice. Thanks for watching. - Polack

[@adrock1978]

In my opinion you can't review a micro light stand and say that its small size is a downside. If you're a guy that needs a bigger stand you look for a bigger stand. You don't buy a tiny stand and then complain that there's no room. I think your review would be more accurate if you said the retrograde performs well for the niche it was designed for. Furthermore you compare it to the .5 which is not apples to apples. The .5 is bigger and it costs a lot more.

[@reddawng43x91]

Anyone want to trade a helo for a vanish evo ? I’ll throw in a new qwick hang bracket and some cash 💵! The seat height difference in the 2 stands is why I ask. Need the shorter height post of the helo

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Nope lol 😆

[@reddawng43x91]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors loll

[@ronaldols8975]

Did you weigh it?

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

6.2 lbs bare, 6.7 lbs with seat.

[@ronaldols8975]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors thank you sir

[@melvinsacromentoe]

I feel like if you are a guy that can’t stay comfortable for a long period of time and likes to switch between saddle and sitting it makes some sense. But it doesn’t make sense as just a treestand or just a saddle platform

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I agree, definitely primarily a saddle platform in my book

[@ryannoel8978]

I feel Like I woke up to a nightmare where stands are $400

[@technicsthewild2115]

Not all of them:) You can still get a 10.5lb XOP Vanish for $200 delivered to your door. Still all aluminum and lifetime warranty. Shaving weight costs money.....

[@TheJoeml85]

They shouldn’t even market this as a hang on i hunted out of it one time akd couldn’t even draw my bow back in it one thing shooting from the side it put my feet way to close and then if a deer came out in front of me when I’d go to draw my elbow hits the tree selling it to get the cold world

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

Well thats heartbreaking 😩😩 what will you change it too?

[@TheJoeml85]

@@MichiganGreatOutdoors probably the cold world the cold world world and lwcg .75 are basically identical but 150 bucks cheaper i liek the beast stand fee of my buddies are running them but i don’t wanna pay almost 650 for a stand haha

[@jpzografos331]

Dude that thing as noisy as hell! You could get a .5 for like 100 bucks more and it would be way better

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I agree

[@davidrussell631]

Of course standing between two things to trip you up is dangerous. Think like this. Say you’re gonna hunt on the ground and you’re picking a tree to lean against. You pick one with roots or saplings placed like those cables to stand between. Nope. This stand is silly. If I’m a saddle hunter I’m shaking my head and it’s preposterous that any experienced stand hunter would consider this stand. It’s ridiculous.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

good visual on the tree roots.

[@v-y8901]

You should retract your comment that it's not safe. Just because you have big feet and are clumsy tangling your feet in the cables doesn't make it unsafe. 🙁 It's a bad choice of words.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

No, I think its potentially unsafe due to this. Size 12 boots arent that big. People need to be aware of the cables. My comment was spot on. 👌

[@The.whitetailproject]

🇺🇸>🇨🇳

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

USA 🇺🇸

[@bowhuntingsoul2149]

XOP so desperately wants to put out a well thought out/quality product but they fail every time. And this “hybrid” crap manufacturers are selling now is extremely dangerous. These stands are not meant for side loads, but that doesn’t stop manufacturers wanting to cash in at all costs.

[@MichiganGreatOutdoors]

I dont think they advertise it as being side loadable. Just wanted to show it being side loaded, I think it actually did well side loaded though.

[@joedafcik6072]

Great job flushing out the lwcg fan boy above 🤣

[@bowhuntingsoul2149]

@@joedafcik6072 who? Me?

[@joedafcik6072]

@@bowhuntingsoul2149 take it for what it's worth... Having hunted from a stand for 33 years and a saddle for nearly 20 I find your comment comical. But hey.... You keep rockin fella. Btw. We haven't seen one accident from side loads . They have all been from diy and mods. If you hunt from a saddle correctly you can have your whole platform kick out and all that will be hurt is your pride. If you are dumb enough to side load a tree stand hard then you deserve to have your pride take a shot.

[@joedafcik6072]

@@bowhuntingsoul2149 also as polack said a hybrid stand is in no way advertised to be side loaded. This is something you assumed without any real knowledge. This is a perfect hybrid stand. These stands are meant to be used with a saddle and use the tree as cover from behind it and or sit as a regular stand. Honestly.... Before you call something dangerous you should try it. Cause I actually have and speak from REAL experience.