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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: RAU on January 11, 2019, 12:36:54 PM

Title: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: RAU on January 11, 2019, 12:36:54 PM
Anyone see the new stand and sticks combo? Not available yet and priced way way out of my league ($349 for 4 sticks and $499 for the stand)  but man is it slick
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 01:15:42 PM
I drew up pretty much that exact same stand 10 years ago when I was in Iraq and had downtime. Pretty interesting to see several of the ideas I sketched out make it into the woods. I had several different tree brackets drawn up, now it seems like everyone is using a receiver bracket of some sort. I still have a stick design that no one has made, but when I checked with the TMA and found out how much liability insurance you need... yeah, I might make one for myself but that's it lol.  He hits on the main reason I never pursued that stand design.... it's EXPENSIVE to machine out a forged aluminum billet. With a forging though you can make just about any size or weight rating that you want or need. He'll sell a bunch of these to the lightweight crowd, and to the film guys. That setup is light and compact, and quiet. Just comes at a high buy in.

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: jonsimoneau on January 11, 2019, 03:37:11 PM
I've still got one of the original Lone Wolf Assault stands with four sticks. I've got a ton of regular hang on stands in the trees through the season but I'm always coming across situations in the season where I need to get into a certain location like right now! My old Lone Wolf has worked flawlessly for this. In fact probably 8 of my last ten deer were taken out of that stand even though I had other fixed stands nearby.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: bigbadjon on January 11, 2019, 03:53:11 PM
I'd have to wait for the saquatch friendly version but that is a sweet setup.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 03:58:22 PM
I didn't even hear him give a weight rating on that one, but i'm guessing it's 300-350. Would be simple, but expensive, to machine one out of thicker billet. You can have anything with enough money lol

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Gdpolk on January 11, 2019, 08:50:48 PM
That looks like some nice improvements to the Lone Wolf product line in my opinion, both to the stand AND sticks systems.  Having them integrate quietly is HUGE.  The coating will probably wear off over time but fixes the BRIGHT raw aluminum finish (I spray paint camo mine for this) and makes it quiet which is a plus.  Their little hooks add function and versatility without bulk and weight.  The load shelf looks nice; that will allow a mobile hunter to use the stand more effectively as a pack frame without investing into an expensive external frame pack such as a Mystery Ranch, Exo, Stone Glacier type of rig. 

I'm not saying I will be buying one but it certainly has my attention.  I would like to see it offered in their medium platform size first though.  I don't like a super tiny place to keep me from falling.  To be honest, I'm sure it won't be inexpensive but one fantastic mobile stand is worth more to me than multiple cheap ladders that get overhunted and potentially stolen on public lands. 

I've been waiting for the day that Lone Wolf or XOP makes a stand quite similar to these but uses carbon fiber for the platforms with bolt in aluminum V-brackets for the trees and stainless hardware.  To me this with a little friction tape on the part where you feet goes would really be nice.  It would be more quiet than metal, lighter than metal, as strong as metal, not conduct cold like the metal, and not be as bright as a metal stand but offer ALL of the mobility and versatility of their product line.  If carbon fiber technology can hold up in super cars, motorcycles, whitewater personal watercraft boats, and mountain bikes over the long haul, I'm pretty certain that it would be MORE than capable of being a great material for a stand.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 09:32:05 PM
I think the only reason no one has made a carbon stand is because  it would be prohibitively expensive.  Even this machined Lone Wolf would be cheap in comparison to a carbon stand. It would be awesome, but a very niche kind of item.

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Gdpolk on January 11, 2019, 11:09:50 PM
Quote from: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 09:32:05 PM
I think the only reason no one has made a carbon stand is because  it would be prohibitively expensive.  Even this machined Lone Wolf would be cheap in comparison to a carbon stand. It would be awesome, but a very niche kind of item.

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I completely understand it would be expensive, just like it is for high end bicycles, canoes, kayaks, rifle stocks, knife handles, etc yet there seem to always be those sportsmen and sportswomen who will save and pony up the cash to make it happen.  When you consider that TONS of guys pay a few grand a year for a lease plus maintenance costs plus a 4-wheeler plus all the typical expenses to go hunt it adds up to a very expensive hobby. For the public land mobile hunter on his own two feet, even a carbon fiber stand would be inexpensive relatively speaking to the high maintenance lease hunting that TONS of guys do, except the mobile hunter could have his pick of any tree in tens of thousands of acres country wide. It's all a matter of perspective really.

I've had several guys with 8-20x $65-100 ladder stands tell me that my two Lone Wolfs were "way too expensive for a single stand."  I bought them both used for a bit less combined than only the hang on/sticks would have ran new which makes my total investment significantly less than what's pretty common around here and I never have to sit the same tree twice. I never have to hunt a burned out spot. I never have to take time off of hunting to make a weekend to hang or pull stands. Since going mobile I've never had another stand stolen. It's quite liberating really.

I could see some value in having a SOLID, versatile, quiet, adaptable, go anywhere, hang anywhere stand that comes in at 1/3-1/2 the weight of a typical hang on for a mobile hunter in hill country. It would absolutely be a niche item for a niche market and one that folks probably slowly worked their way up to in pricing but I can also see it as a viable market opportunity that currently NOBODY is touching..
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 11:15:46 PM
Quote from: GDPolk on January 11, 2019, 11:09:50 PM
Quote from: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 09:32:05 PM
I think the only reason no one has made a carbon stand is because  it would be prohibitively expensive.  Even this machined Lone Wolf would be cheap in comparison to a carbon stand. It would be awesome, but a very niche kind of item.

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I completely understand it would be expensive, just like it is for high end bicycles, canoes, kayaks, rifle stocks, knife handles, etc yet there seem to always be those sportsmen and sportswomen who will save and pony up the cash to make it happen.  When you consider that TONS of guys pay a few grand a year for a lease plus maintenance costs plus a 4-wheeler plus all the typical expenses to go hunt it adds up to a very expensive hobby. For the public land mobile hunter on his own two feet, even a carbon fiber stand would be inexpensive relatively speaking to the high maintenance lease hunting that TONS of guys do, except the mobile hunter could have his pick of any tree in tens of thousands of acres country wide. It's all a matter of perspective really.

I've had several guys with 8-20x $65-100 ladder stands tell me that my two Lone Wolfs were "way too expensive for a single stand."  I bought them both used for a bit less combined than only the hang on/sticks would have ran new which makes my total investment significantly less than what's pretty common around here and I never have to sit the same tree twice. I never have to hunt a burned out spot. I never have to take time off of hunting to make a weekend to hang or pull stands. Since going mobile I've never had another stand stolen. It's quite liberating really.

I could see some value in having a SOLID, versatile, quiet, adaptable, go anywhere, hang anywhere stand that comes in at 1/3-1/2 the weight of a typical hang on for a mobile hunter in hill country. It would absolutely be a niche item for a niche market and one that folks probably slowly worked their way up to in pricing but I can also see it as a viable market opportunity that currently NOBODY is touching..
There you go... get on it! I think a honeycomb cf platform would be the bees knees

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Tajue17 on January 12, 2019, 06:36:39 AM
not sure if someone mentioned this but I really wish LW would of used the double rungs for the tops of their ladders so your not putting all your weight on one rung with one foot when hanging the stand,,, sometimes I'd screw in a tree step next to the top ladder step though that I used for my other boot and it doubles as a hanger for anything,,  still though I'd love to see another fold out peg for the top.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Sapper1980 on January 12, 2019, 03:48:15 PM
Great stands...been using my climber for 10 or 15 yrs now.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: bear mike on January 12, 2019, 09:12:27 PM
Very nice but I'll bet they will be costly I have No complaints about my assualt and my three sticks. use a good set of backpack straps and a molly waist belt and it carries very well even with my backpack straped on it doesnt bother me to walk in a mile plus
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: KSdan on January 13, 2019, 07:16:22 PM
Just realized that Lone Wolf Treestands is DIFFERENT than this new company called Lone Wolf Custom Gear.  Interesting back story. . .  I wonder how that all plays itself out.  Hmmm
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Macatawa on January 15, 2019, 04:54:02 PM
When I hunted deer in Northern Michigan I used the STIX ...great quality but expensive. 
well worth it tho...
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Gdpolk on January 15, 2019, 05:12:00 PM
Quote from: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 11:15:46 PM
Quote from: GDPolk on January 11, 2019, 11:09:50 PM
Quote from: sneakybow on January 11, 2019, 09:32:05 PM
I think the only reason no one has made a carbon stand is because  it would be prohibitively expensive.  Even this machined Lone Wolf would be cheap in comparison to a carbon stand. It would be awesome, but a very niche kind of item.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I completely understand it would be expensive, just like it is for high end bicycles, canoes, kayaks, rifle stocks, knife handles, etc yet there seem to always be those sportsmen and sportswomen who will save and pony up the cash to make it happen.  When you consider that TONS of guys pay a few grand a year for a lease plus maintenance costs plus a 4-wheeler plus all the typical expenses to go hunt it adds up to a very expensive hobby. For the public land mobile hunter on his own two feet, even a carbon fiber stand would be inexpensive relatively speaking to the high maintenance lease hunting that TONS of guys do, except the mobile hunter could have his pick of any tree in tens of thousands of acres country wide. It's all a matter of perspective really.

I've had several guys with 8-20x $65-100 ladder stands tell me that my two Lone Wolfs were "way too expensive for a single stand."  I bought them both used for a bit less combined than only the hang on/sticks would have ran new which makes my total investment significantly less than what's pretty common around here and I never have to sit the same tree twice. I never have to hunt a burned out spot. I never have to take time off of hunting to make a weekend to hang or pull stands. Since going mobile I've never had another stand stolen. It's quite liberating really.

I could see some value in having a SOLID, versatile, quiet, adaptable, go anywhere, hang anywhere stand that comes in at 1/3-1/2 the weight of a typical hang on for a mobile hunter in hill country. It would absolutely be a niche item for a niche market and one that folks probably slowly worked their way up to in pricing but I can also see it as a viable market opportunity that currently NOBODY is touching..
There you go... get on it! I think a honeycomb cf platform would be the bees knees

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I've thought about it but I already have enough on my plate without starting a new business. I work full time as an occupational therapist, am a knifemaker at night, and still make time for God, family, and friends. Getting into a third industry would mean having to let either Polk Knives go (not my preference) or cutting out family/friends/church (NOT an option).
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: Orion on January 17, 2019, 10:29:37 AM
Interesting Observation KDan.  I recognize the guy doing the video.  Can't remember his name, D'Agistino, D'Angelo, or something like that. He was the original owner of Lone Wolf.  He sold it.  Later, one or more of his kids started XOP, which is pretty much a copy of the Lone Wolf.  And now, it appears he's back making Lone Wolf type stands again, at least playing on that name. Interesting.  I suppose the patent, if there ever was one, has expired.  Maybe he bought back into the Lone Wolf Company. Maybe a copyright or breach of promise/contract lawsuit is in the offing.   :dunno: Regardless, this latest iteration appears to be well thought out and well made stand.
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: KSdan on January 17, 2019, 08:22:29 PM
Jerry- It really will be interesting to watch. . .  Agree on the innovation of the new stand and sticks. 

Agree it was a D'Acquisto kid who developed XOP.   How does that work in the family??   Now also note that this New Lone Wolf Custom Gear has a logo almost identical to the Original Lone Wolf Treestands- but it is ever so slightly different. 

Gosh this will be interesting to see play itself out.  Maybe the Oringinal LW is going under. ???   And honestly, I can't help but be a bit suspicious of the new guys and the way this is unfolding.  Hmmmm
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 17, 2019, 08:28:42 PM
There was a thread on another forum that explained the whole backstory. They started XOP as a lower cost version of the original LW stand once the original patent expired. The new company isn't affiliated with the original LW, and the new stand is machined from a forging and not cast.  Guess it is kinda like Chevy/GMC. I can probably find and copy paste the story if need be.

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: sneakybow on January 17, 2019, 08:43:49 PM
This is from the other thread:

This is a new venture. There are 3 treestand companies that the D'Acquisto clan has been part of:

Lone-wolf Hunting Products, the original lone-wolf. Andre started that company and patented the first cast platforms. He sold the patents but retained the lone wolf name if he wanted to use further.

XOP. When the original lone-wolf patents were up, XOP brought Cody D'Acquisto in to run the operations and dad, Andre, for more ideas to improve his original.

Lone Wolf Custom Gear. Andre and Cody's newest venture, with the 1,000 dollar mobile set ups.

I believe LWCG and XOP are in collaboration on something's. LWCG has nothing to do with LWHP as far as I know.

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Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: KSdan on January 17, 2019, 08:58:41 PM
That's all helpful guys.  Thanks. 

Dan in KS
Title: Re: Lone wolf custom stand
Post by: J-dog on January 21, 2019, 09:21:47 AM
Are thru talking like 900 total sticks and stand? I want one, have the climber I LOVE but this is the ultimate run and gun stand. Be hard to part with the $$$ though as the climber really covers my needs but kinda always need more options! Right?