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New XOP Air Raid Evolution

6.8K views 42 replies 13 participants last post by  1canvas  
#1 · (Edited)
I just received my new Air Raid Evolution that I ordered on a Black Friday sale, that was quick shipping. First, this isn’t the same Air Raid Evolution stand previously, it’s much better. I have bought quite a few XOP stands over the years, about every two or three years I would order one, every time the quality has improved. The last stand I bought two years ago was an Air Raid Evolution stand also and the quality was great, I was very happy with it, but it’s not the same stand I received.
This new stand with a production date stamp of 10/23 is outstanding, the casting is flawless, from the platform to the I beam, to the seat, flawless. The fit and finish is great too. The seat pad is much different than any I ever had from XOP, the foam is firm and comfortable, unlike the old seats that smash down easily.
The new straps are beige instead of the bright green 👍. I was glad to see that little plate gone from the platform that the seat adjustment casting hit on the last Air Raid Evolution.
I am extremely happy with this stand, both with the quality and the looks. I’m sure glad I ordered one, I almost didn’t. This casting is second to none.
I am glad to see this quality coming from XOP.
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#3 ·
Did they pay you for this glowing review
If you’re buying a new stand every couple of years, are you selling the old one or adding it to your fleet
I like to share both positive and negatives on any products I buy, it is my way of giving back to this forum and the members here who helped me many years ago, and still do to this day. I have saved a lot of money from recommendations of creditable members on this forum.
As to your first comment, don’t take my word on it, just don’t buy it.
I do buy and sell gear all of the time, that and improving products I buy, that’s part of the fun I have with bowhunting 😉.
 
#8 ·
What is the actual weight on this stand, Chuck? I saw you had your Millennium M60u up for sale and then taken down? Did you sell it or decide on keeping it?

As you likely noted, I've gravitated to saddle hunting this fall and liking it a lot. It is 'different' but in a good way for me. My entire saddle seup.....platform, pack, contents and three (soon to be four) Latitude carbon sticks w/couple amsteel aiders is 15#.....while wearing in the saddle. I've yet to get a shot while saddle hunting, but hope that will occur late archery season.
 
#9 ·
Hunt ready the XOP TO is 12lb, the M60u is 16lb on my fish scale. The issue I had with the Millennium was the seat frame width shooting my recurve while seated, the long string angle would hit the seat frame shooting off the side at 10 yards and closer. I mostly shoot seated if I can. That Millennium stand is extremely comfortable with the seat and foot rest so I thought I should keep it, at least until I try the new XOP a bit. The new XOP seat cushion may be the deciding factor. I still hunt with a compound and even a crossbow if my body is not letting me draw a bow, so I would use the Millennium for those if I don’t sell it.
Being that I have to cart my gear in and out every hunt weight is no longer an issue for me.
 
#14 ·
Thanks for the review 1canvas! I just ordered a Vanish yesterday to lighten my load. I'll be going from a LW Alpha (14#) to this which is supposed to be 10#. I'll be losing some platform but hopefully still be ok. I'm now considering which sticks to combine with it. I'm torn between the Latitudes and the XOPs. Still a little nervous about the composites. But between a local hunting buddy and Alaska at Heart, I'm hoping they can give me a long term review on the Latitudes.
 
#15 ·
Did you order from the XOP site to get the latest model. As far as light sticks go the Tethrd Skeletor are a very good choice. I would have to wait on composite anything, they can have issues we just ain’t seen yet. I don’t want to be a part of a research and development team. Things start happening those companies close down like old tree stand companies did and warranties and court litigation from injuries go away also.
 
#20 ·
How does the loop connect?

I just use it to hang the stand. On my mobile set up I use amsteel daisy chain 3/16ths. They'll pull a semi truck, but sometimes the loops will just not cooperate. So I bring the EZ hang not just for hands free hanging, but also a gear strap after the stand is hung, or as a back up stand strap just in case I can't get the daisy chain tight. It's an MVP candidate
 
#30 ·
Anybody use the XOP bracket system they sell. Hate hanging it without a bracket. Not terribly heavy but when hanging on the side a tree like a squirrel trying to hold stand and get strap around the tree and on the button is a challenge.

glad they got a better seat cushion. I had several 4-5 hr sits in November and was pretty uncomfortable.
 
#31 ·
I had a couple and a there are a few problems using them. One is they are heavy to carry around. Secondly the stand often doesn’t slide out very easy sometimes getting stuck. Third is they don’t lock to the tree as well as the bracket. The hook and loop works so much better, it’s lighter and quieter, and also easier. I have used that for years on my Lone Wolf stands and then XOP.
 
#33 ·
The one thing I had to do was to cut the seat adjustment bolt down because I would hit the grate when the stand was folded up. I cut one nut thickness (1/4” I believe) off the bolt, I still get plenty adjustment but now the bolt doesn’t hit the grate when folded.