XOP RUBICON: Tree Stand Impressions And Details (Can't Beat It For Cost?)

[@PhotoBob]

XOP is listening to hunters. They have made some awesome improvements over the last 3yrs. Really liking their newer offerings

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@PhotoBob I'm sure impressed so far

[@AntFinn88]

I got my cold world on sale. It was only like $280. I love that stand! It's only 7.5lbs too

[@NpisVwjNeejYias]

I bought one with the x2 4 sticks as well. Love how dead silent it was once setup.

[@SamkoTradBow]

James Wood just got the cold world and loves it

[@mrmichaeltscott]

XOP knows who to send it to 💯.

[@DontjeB]

Bought an XOP Vanish Evolution four years ago from Amazon for $150. It was an open box return, but in "like new" condition. Platform footprint is the same as the Rubicon, and comes in just 1lb heavier than the Rubicon; no sweat. It has served me very well. People need to wake up and stop throwing away thousands of dollars by feeding the glutenous hunting industry. I appreciate XOP keeping it real for the average middle class hunter that works hard for their money.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Agree xop is crushing it with great value products.

[@AntFinn88]

They also have the gamma backpack straps. It was on sale for $50. Definitely worth it. It has 3 compression straps that can attach your backpack to the back of the stand. I know you use parachord but the compression straps are very convenient. Especially if you had to pack something out with you.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Perfect

[@mattsweet7918]

Nice review Jason. You’ve sold me on it. Thanks for sharing.

[@SamkoTradBow]

I'm excited to work it hard and see how well it does. But I have high expectations and betvits gonna do excellent

[@adamlang6171]

I’ve found mesh seats to be less sturdy in the front of the seat during all day sits…which has led to more moving around to get comfortable. I have modified mine to increase the stiffness in the front, while still using the padding.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@adamlang6171 I'm gonna find out when I do all the all days sits with mine starting real soon

[@timetohunt1]

Looks like a great stand for the money. Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the field use results.

[@DixieBowhunter-m5g]

Looks like a great stand can't wait for your review after your Midwest hunt.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@DixieBowhunter-m5g so excited to put it thru it's paces.

[@calmlikeabomb1340]

Just bought one myself, can’t wait to give it a try

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@calmlikeabomb1340 very impressed so far

[@jimpeterson3806]

The mesh seat looks pretty narrow front to back. Like your tailbone would be more on the metal rod section. Anxious to hear your overall review after putting it through the paces!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@jimpeterson3806 sat on it for about 20 mins when I first got it. Very impressive so far. i will find out on this trip. But so far the seat is absolutely amazing

[@leafinitup1]

@@SamkoTradBow. Would the seat fit on the Lonewolf custom? (Brackets are the same size? ) Love my LWC, but I hate the seat & would switch it out if I could

[@SamkoTradBow]

@leafinitup1 id have to check but I doubt it as they are different types of sest posts. But lwcg does sell a mesh seat for all of there stands

[@robertwilliamson6958]

I’m glad you mentioned the versa button and batwing being so close together. That is my only minor gripe so far. Setting the stand a lot, I’ve noticed I’m not a super fan of where the strap ends up in relation to the points of the tree bracket if you get just a little angle on it. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, I really try to get my straps very level and very tight before setting them, but it’s a thing I’ve noticed.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep i can see thst being a spot to watch just by looking at the distance in pictures. But I do like how it fits between the straps on average to big sized trees. On small size trees I have not tried it yet but will report back when I figure out the best way to set it up on the skinny ones.

[@robertwilliamson6958]

@@SamkoTradBow I’m excited to see that review! I have one of these.

[@DouglasMiller98]

Love XOP. I’ve got a cold world stand that I love, otherwise I’d definitely be picking up on of these rubicons. Great review!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@DouglasMiller98 heard the cold world is fantastic too

[@smplatek]

I was able to find one on sale for 179$ An absolute steal. So comfy I almost fell asleep before sun up

[@SamkoTradBow]

Excellent deal

[@deerslayertv1139]

They guys at XOP were awesome nothing bad to say about them. But I tried this stand out and it would not hook/bite into a tree on the platform side. If I didn’t have that issue I would of loved the stand

[@Southeastbowhunter]

I just bought this stand and I love it to. Only thing I didn’t like about it was the top versa button is to close to the stand off. The stand off was biting in to my cam strap unless I really got it set perfectly and then it was still almost touching it. I lowered the versa button down the post a lil bit and man I honestly feel like this is one of the best stands I’ve ever owned and def the cheapest!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep the versa button location is close to the bracket. But love how they chamfered the bracket and rounded it so the strap fits over it. the beast stand was the same way but the bat wing was crazy sharp and you had to be very careful

[@bradleyhermes304]

I owned 2 XOP Vanish stands, the same platform as the Rubicon but cast seat. The only thing I didn't like was the narrow V for the teeth on the platform. On wider trees it only contacts on the outside 2 teeth and I observed some wobble. I switched to the Air Raid that has a wider notch, larger platform, and only 1.5# heavier on my scale.

[@jimowens381]

XOP is very hard to beat for the price. I just hope they don't decide they are some kind of "premium" company and start going crazy on their prices

[@Bubakarrr]

Try the xop X2s as well if you are open to new sticks. They are my favorite sticks out of the many I’ve used. Or the x3 in your case since you like full sized sticks

[@SamkoTradBow]

Glad you are loving the XOp sticks

[@DanielMohammed-bb4gq]

Awsome videos ! Cant help but wait until your next one comes out helped me alot . And settled my mind on alot of things i wasnt sure of ! One question i have for you hope you can steer me right dorection in this . I have been using a saddle since it become the hype but i can not get myself to enjoy jt the way i used to woth my old wimdwalker stand . Should i go back to what i know and what feels good to me or keep trying to use something bc eveyone saying its better ? I know it’s a stupid qeustion but woth your experince i feel like you would be truthful . Thank you

[@SamkoTradBow]

@DanielMohammed-bb4gq never a stupid question. And peer pressure sells and convinces the vast majority of people to do things. Also the reason many of my videos go against the current "grain". People want saddles, I hate saddles. People want mini sticks, I hate mini sticks. People say a expensive stand is better than a cheaper one, People say fancy clothes are mandatory, People say we need to shoot narrow broadheads, etc. The list goes on and on. Find what works best for you and use it without giving one second of thought to what others are doing. Your experiences is all that matters for your hunting. And trying to keep up with the Jones is a vicious loss of originality, and originality is what makes use the best we can be

[@DanielMohammed-bb4gq]

Thanks awesome to hear that comming from a guy like yourself ! Keep up the great stuff really does help the younger generation. God bless

[@george2099]

Nice stand for the money! I will stay with my Assault 2stand the seat on the X0P is nice but i like keeping the seat up and leaning on it some times. Don't think it would work for that and the smaller V on it and 1.0 isn't the same as the Assaults2. Hope you have a great 3 week hunt!! Thanks again

[@SamkoTradBow]

@george2099 i still believe the assault is the best stand made. But for the money and features of this stand it very well could be my second favorite. I can not wait to put it thru it's paces on my trip to see how it proves itself

[@SchaferMagnant]

How do you like the seat height? If the measurements are measured the same, it’s not quite as tall. Other than that it looks great!!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@SchaferMagnant seat height was very comfortable for me

[@Bad_BowHunter]

My favorite feature is that all their stands, sticks, harnesses, and saddles are weight rated for 350lbs.

[@plram3054]

I like this guy.

[@silentassassin1108]

I got one as soon as they came out. Only had 2 sits in it and am enjoying so far. Do you ever use the second strap on the lower button?

[@SamkoTradBow]

I have not used the bottom strap on any stand in my life. But doesn't mean it's not a good thing to do. Will help with any chance of kick out and 2 straps is be6ter than one

[@pathfinder5804]

I was gonna buy this stand until the Coldworld went on sale for $299 and I got a discount code for another 15% off so to my door was $255. Yes a tick smaller but a bit lighter too. Now I do have some complaints on the Coldworld 1-the grippy paint is great for traction but tears clothing up or anything it touches. FYI stealth strips don’t stick to it. 2-the seat is comfortable but not as comfortable as the mesh would be. Other than those two things I have NO complaints!!!! I have about 20 sits from 2hrs to 5hrs in it and even though seat isnt optimal it work fine. I also saddle hunt and have used a rock harness in stands for 20yrs so getting butt relief and honestly back relief is as easy as raising the tether level to head high and I can suspend like I’m hybrid hunting. I know it’s not made in USA but for half the price it’s hard to beat!!!!! This rubicon is gonna be a purchase I make to have a 2nd or 3rd stand setup in case I switch trucks or in case I’m taking a camera man or even as a stand to sit behind the kids ladder stand. Hell in case something breaks on my primary setup. Your right Jason $220 is impossible to beat. 3 basically for price of 1 LWCG, Beast or Elevate. Great video for a Great product.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@pathfinder5804 James Wood has the cold world and really likes it too. I'm very excited to put this stand thru it's paces on some all day hunts and see how it does

[@ashdonovan7705]

What sticks are you going to use with that stand? Can’t wait for the full review.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@ashdonovan7705 my original lone wolf (now novix) sticks i always run. I will never, for the rest of my life run a different stick

[@davidrussell631]

The mesh seat looks nearly identical to the Millennium M7 seat, which is surprisingly comfortable. The only downside for me was I couldn’t comfortably turn my butt to face any other direction than facing forward.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@davidrussell631 my first mesh seat but I think I'm gonna love it

[@donaldbuckner2935]

Thanks for the review. There you go again helping me spend my money! lol

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@donaldbuckner2935 😂😂

[@basshawg]

Just got mine.

[@kevinanderson4610]

I’m very interested to see what you think after you put this thing through its paces. I’m in the market for a backup stand that doesn’t cost $500. I have a 1.0, however my versa buttons are different than yours. They are similar in shape, but have rounded edges and bolt on. I did ask LWCG about the seat loosening and they told me to tighten the bolt. I guess they didn’t understand what I was saying.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@kevinanderson4610 so excited for this this stand. I do really like my 1.0 too. But the cost vs quirks is annoying. Would be like owning a Porsche thst rattles, squeaks, and clunks. Still fast to drive but annoying for the money.

[@jeffreybagwell1894]

I love my xop air raid

[@robertfletcher2641]

Millennium has a nice seat

[@cameronkoble943]

Maybe a self climbing stand video sometime?

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@cameronkoble943 i don't use them

[@dustinquinn3343]

That tight v on the xop= kick out. Got rid of mine was awful in that regard. Everything else was fine.

[@SamkoTradBow]

Same v size basically as a lonewolf custom gear 1.0. Like I showed in the video

[@dustinquinn3343]

@SamkoTradBow I had the vanish I believe. Not sure how they can drop the ball on something so simple to test. Keep up the good videos, good luck hunting buddy.

[@Pro-ez9eb]

I’m very intrigued. I hate that i spent twice as much on the Retrograde. It’s been love/hate. Minimalist, so lightweight, but almost too small. The texture is so aggressive I had to add some foam for wearing it. It’s so abrasive I’ll be impressed if my straps last one season.

[@markb8360]

Same finish as the x2 sticks. To me, this is too abrasive for a stand. When I throw it over my shoulder I don’t need it abrading my jacket. The grit is especially not needed on the underside. The cold world and retrograde are XOPs attempt at ultralight billet stands, but not for me. I’m really happy with the vanish evolution except for the sloppy seat. The rubicon looks like it solves that issue.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@Pro-ez9eb the finish on the rubicom is smooth. It has cast in dimples for traction on the platform

[@autopeep24]

Great review I think lone Wolf custom gear is making replacement mesh seats

[@SamkoTradBow]

@autopeep24 they do and I bet it's amazing. But the cost to replace the seat on mine to a mesh is also what it cost to buy this rubicon on sale

[@RobertEatonOutdoors]

I got my Rubicon in last week. I ordered one after watching your last video recommendation on the XOP. After watching this video, I'm glad I ordered one. I can't wait to try it!

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@RobertEatonOutdoors i bet you are gonna love it

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

Just got my new bear grizzly recurve and shot about 10-15 arrows this evening. When I’m done shooting for the day do I need to unstring the bow? Or is it ok to be strung until tomorrow when I shoot some more? Basically when do I need to unstring it? I don’t want to cause any damage…..thanks brother!

[@SamkoTradBow]

It's fine to leave it strung. It's fiberglass limbs so won't hurt anything. I only un string my bows when I need to for travel

[@greeneyesfromohio4103]

@@SamkoTradBow - oh really wow, ok cool! So I was trying to determine my exact draw length by marking my arrow with 1” increments and coming to full draw and having my girlfriend record it on her phone to see exactly what length I was drawing….I thought I was around 27” but I was only around 25.5”!!! I thought theirs no way that’s true so I did some investigating and here’s what I found….when I first strung the bow it was brand new, never been shot. I measured the brace height and it was exactly 7.5” which is perfect. Well after shooting 10-15 arrows I measured it again and it was 6 and 7/8ths I couldn’t believe the string stretched that much during the breaking in process. That being said, was my draw length drastically reduced because my brace height was no where close to the recommended 7.5”?? Thank you so much man! I seriously appreciate you helping me!!

[@markfletcher5457]

Cool review.

[@dario_d9005]

I picked up a rubicon last month and only used it once on a hunt but I found that the stand off was too close to the versa button. I need to play with it more but it was kind of annoying in the woods. Curious to hear if anyone else noticed this. Otherwise comfortable stand

[@dario_d9005]

Commented too early, you touched on this in the video. The tree I was in was probably 10” in diameter. I may throw the post in the drill press

[@SamkoTradBow]

Yep the versa button is very close to the bracket. But love how they chamfered and rounded the bracket to accommodate it. I'm excited to test it more. But on a small diameter tree I can see it taking an extra few seconds to make sure you get the strap set right to work with the bracket

[@dario_d9005]

@@SamkoTradBow so I got curious and I ended up drilling a 1/4” hole right above the top leveling bracket slot. It’s about an inch under the stock versa button hole. I think it will be much better now.

[@hunterslifestyle625]

I just bought this stand two weeks ago after watching your original lone wolf stand reviews. I love the cold weather seat personally, I don’t wish the tree bracket teeth were sharper but it bites really well regardless. Super sweet stand I’m 100% satisfied especially for the money, I’d rather 2-3 stands than 1.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@hunterslifestyle625 love hearing that. I'm gonna run it hard on my trip and see how it does. But I'm expecting to love it

[@kayakdan7013]

Could you explain how it's comfortable to have your butt/legs just on those metal sides? I've seen these seats, but with no padding, it just looks uncomfortable. But, with that pad at least you have options...and the seat looks wider too.

[@SamkoTradBow]

First time I've ever been on a mesh seat. All I can say is it's absolutely amazing comfort wise.

[@chr103yod]

I would buy a Novix. They are made in the USA not China.

[@SamkoTradBow]

novix doesnt make a stand I like today. so not an option for me.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Rubicon looks stronger thicker material.

[@SamkoTradBow]

It's well built for syre

[@budbrown9504]

Is it made in china. If so no thanks.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@budbrown9504 yes. Just like 99% of everything in our lives today.

[@beaverwithachainsaw]

There are plenty of US made deer stands. TV's? Not so much.

[@SamkoTradBow]

@@beaverwithachainsaw and yet I have not found on of those usa made stands that impress me as much as this ones does.

[@rickm5853]

skinny hunters only