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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Group Forum: BWCA Hanging :: Black Bird XLC
 
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1BigPaddle
04/10/2013 03:55AM
 
I just got my XLC on Monday, I hung it up in the basement and took a good nap. I have to say the extra length and width was great. I'm 6'4 and as much as I enjoyed my first WBBB I have to say the XLC is alot more comfortable for me.
 
The Lorax
02/26/2013 07:52AM
 
I knew it was just a matter of time before someone here got one. I look forward to your review.
 
NickMc
02/25/2013 06:07PM
 
I am excited for you. I have 2 blackbirds and love them. I have been looking for an 11 footer for a while now due to the heel pressure I have in almost all 10 footers. Let us know. How tall are you?
 
RainGearRight
03/28/2013 10:48AM
 
Finally got a shipping notice today, wish this snow would melt so I don't have to trudge through it to set the hammock up.


Well, it was estimated to arrive Saturday, which never happen, but today on my door step is a little white box from Warbonnet. After some errands I'm gonna hang this sucker along with my Superfly and throw an underquilt on it. Maybe take a nap:) ill take some video but it will be a little rough as its my first attempt at a video review. Ill check back in later.
 
The Lorax
04/03/2013 08:27AM
 
I'm 186lbs and 6 feet tall. I fit just great in the WBBB. I would imagine a taller person might like the extra length, especially if there is pressure (which I personally do not experience) at the calf area.


Perhaps you just have to play with it a bit more. It sounds like it's different in enough ways to NOT hang like the WBBB. It sounds like the main concern is the amount of netting and might need to be hung with more sag? Maybe with more sag, the sides will wrap up just a little more and keep those shoulders out of reach of the netting?
 
RainGearRight
02/25/2013 10:30AM
 
Ordered Brandon's new bb XLC last night. Looking forward to less fabric, more netting and more length. I didn't opt for the cover as I don't winter hang yet, which I think that is is made for. Being able to take he netting off will be great once the bugs are gone in the fall or for warm afternoon naps.


Ill do a little review here when it arrives.
 
1BigPaddle
03/04/2013 07:53AM
 
I cant wait to order mine! My wife said I can have an early birthday present! I really enjoy the wbb now, but an added foot to it will be even better!
 
The Lorax
04/02/2013 02:16PM
 
I have heard from others that you must be extremely careful with all the extra netting.It really opens them up to air circulation and visibility once in the hammock.


My BB's are just fine the way they are and I see no need to try out a different unit. The trend is towards longer hammocks though. It seems to be gaining popularity and what the makers are looking at offering to expand their lines.
 
RainGearRight
04/02/2013 11:47AM
 
I strung the XLC up yesterday at the in laws. The ground was frozen, suprise so I didn't get to tie out the shelf and zipper side netting. I laid in it, felt like a black bird only a bit bigger. I tiny amout a calf pressure that I know I could get rid of with a few adjustments.


I'm not sure I like the extra netting. It seemed like it could possibly tear if one is not carefull while moving around. I caught myself grabbing the netting when I went to adjust my lay. The netting itself unzipped easy enough but at but ends the zipper makes a 180* turn. I feel like this could be a weak point if your are changing from netting to cover to neither. I don't plan on taking the netting off very often so this shouldn't be a issue for me but could be for some. One other point I don't like is there is only one zipper which starts at about your head. I liked have the dual zippers for opening up the netting.


Quality of stitching is what you would expect from WB. No problems there. Looking forward to the big thaw so I can spend some more time with it.
 
RainGearRight
04/02/2013 03:33PM
 
quote The Lorax: "I have heard from others that you must be extremely careful with all the extra netting.It really opens them up to air circulation and visibility once in the hammock.



My BB's are just fine the way they are and I see no need to try out a different unit. The trend is towards longer hammocks though. It seems to be gaining popularity and what the makers are looking at offering to expand their lines."




I might have got caught up in the hype machine:). The biggest appeal was the extra length, I probably just should have asked Brandon to make me a 11' blackbird.
 
OBX2Kayak
02/25/2013 07:07PM
 
Looking forward to your review. Congratulations.
 
iowasilverback
04/08/2013 08:54AM
 
I have several hammock, what do you mean by extra netting? How is it different from the blackbird 1.7 double layer
 
RainGearRight
04/08/2013 09:25AM
 
There is a section of fabric on the black bird, between the bug net and hammock body. It's about even or eight inches and makes up most of the foot box. On the xlc it's been changed to netting.


I spent the weekend in the hammock, under a deck in Brooklyn Park. Once I was able to stake it out and get it hung right it was excellent. Used my HG incubator and had a few problems with it slipping off my left shoulder but a quick adjustment and I was back to sawing logs. A few of the quilt hooks would sure help. I really liked the incubators fit otherwise and just might use it more often.


Got some steady rain and the superfly kept me nice and dry.
 
KevinL
02/25/2013 05:42PM
 
You will be like a kid at Christmas waiting for that package to arrive ;-)
 
RainGearRight
02/25/2013 07:13PM
 
Kevin- I've already checked my email five times today hoping for a long shot shipping notice, I'm thinking three weeks of waiting at least.


NickMc- I'm 6' 1". I get occasional calf pressure in my BB so I'm hoping the extra foot takes care of that. I've heard good things about 11' gathered ends


OXB- ill be sure to have my wife take lots of pics of me sound asleep :)