Blackbird Help Needed

**401Hunter** · 08-10-2014, 07:19

The BB was my first hammock purchase a couple years ago. After researching the market this seemed to be THE hammock to have. I purchased the standard size. I'm 6', 220-230lbs. I have since both made and purchased several other hammocks that I both use and demo for Scouting. So far I have in addition to my BB a couple HH, JRH BBBH, Clark TX 250 and a NX 250 on the way. I have to say, other than an occasional night, I haven't yet been able to say that I can consistently get a good nights sleep in the BB. I changed out the straps for Whoopies and that helped with faster hang angle changes, but I'm continually bothered with fabric tension under my left shoulder and head area. I'm not sure if the hammock may be too small and I should try the XLC. I seem to have the ridge line and hang angle dialed in properly. Any suggestions? Thanks.

**Trail Runner** · 08-10-2014, 07:37

I'm 6', 150lbs, and I found the Blackbird to be too short for me. I moved up to the XLC and that made all the difference. No shoulder squeeze and plenty of room to move about during the night. Plus with the XLC you can completely remove the bug net if desired and you have the option of getting a top cover.

**The Tree Frog** · 08-10-2014, 07:47

I am 6' 2" and 185. I don't get shoulder squeeze but after thinking I have it right, and moving around at night, I do notice some discomfort. I too am considering an XLC. I don't think I am too tall, but in reality, I probably don't know what I am missing.

We probably should request to try someone's XLC at a group hang to see if we notice a difference.

**401Hunter** · 08-10-2014, 07:59

Thanks Guys! I had a feeling the BB may be too short. I guess I'll try the XLC also. The top cover seems a nice addition to those models also.

**Loki** · 08-10-2014, 08:08

sold my BB and bought an XLC
Wonderful improvement

**401Hunter** · 08-10-2014, 08:28

Thanks Loki I think I'm right behind you on that.

**TallPaul** · 08-10-2014, 08:38

I have both the BB & XLC - my go to is the XLC. My daughter uses the BB. 6'1" 190.
As somebody else mentioned, you might go to a group hang - somebody would probably have one they'd let you try.

**401Hunter** · 08-11-2014, 12:06

Cha Ching. Just placed my order for the XLC. Can't wait to try it out.

**krshome** · 08-11-2014, 15:58

Weird I have had two BB a 1.1 double layer and a 1.7 single layer I'm 6'1" 225-230 lbs. and I'm very comfy in mine. The only problem I ever had was calf squeeze but I've worked around that. One thing that I found is that a channel end hammock is more comfortable to me than a whipped end hammock as far as calf squeeze never had a problem with shoulder squeeze on any hammock.