Blackbird or XLC?

**saluki** · 08-12-2014, 11:09

I',m a noobie to hammocks, after years of tenting it. Warbonnet products seem to have a very high reputation for quality and service, but I'm not sure which hammock would suit me best. I weigh about 250 lbs, and am 6'2'. Would the Blackbird in a double layer 1.7 do for me? Or do I need to go to the XLC? What's the advantage of using "whoopies" vs webbing straps?

**rhjanes** · 08-12-2014, 12:28

Check WB site for your weight. He has it posted what they support. The XLC is LONGER, which with your height, might be good. the other item is the XLC has a removable bug net and you can get an optional "winter cover". The regular Blackbirds, the bug netting can't be removed. It can be unzipped on one side and then rolled back to the other side and out of the way.
Whoopies are like twine/rope adjustments. The webbing straps are, just that. They use a Buckle feature for adjust ability. They both work just fine. I switched out to Whoopies, then to UCR (utility Constrictor......think the Chinese finger toy). they all work. Some is just what you are comfortable with.

**Loren** · 08-12-2014, 12:31

Woopies are lighter than buckles. Buckles are apparently easier to setup though. You save 3oz going woopies (says so on the warbonnet site).

I say XLC because of your hight, we are about the same size and I came to the same conclusion. I went with the DL 1.7 because I don't like riding that close to tolerances (AKA if I weigh 245 I don't want something that maxes at 250).

**mikej** · 08-12-2014, 14:14

I'm the same height as you and have the XLC. It's very roomy. I will say I ordered mine with whoopies, but I am now using adjustable webbing. I found the whoopies frustrating. Can't go wrong with the XLC.

**BananaHammock** · 08-12-2014, 14:34

I have the WBBB and my father in law was uncomfortable in it as he is 6' 4". I am only 6'. I would go with the XLC and enjoy the room rather than being cramped.

**saluki** · 08-12-2014, 14:59

Thanks all. I think I'll go with the double layer 1.7 XLC. To start with I'm going to rig a tarp I already own and see how that works.

**Mumbles** · 08-12-2014, 22:30

Double layer XLC would be my recommendation. That is my preference, right up until the time I first lay in a Ridge Runner. Now that gets all the hang time and I'm selling the XLC for lack of use! Good luck.

**K0m4** · 08-13-2014, 01:59

I went from the regular blackbird to the XLC, as while the BB is comfy for me, I found that oftentimes my feet were at the very end of the footbox. I'm 186cm, and in the xlc I have all the room I want.

**karma_kid** · 08-13-2014, 06:29

Originally Posted by saluki

Thanks all. I think I'll go with the double layer 1.7 XLC. To start with I'm going to rig a tarp I already own and see how that works.

You will not be disappointed!! ....or at least I hope not! Enjoy, and report back after a hang!

**saluki** · 08-13-2014, 09:05

Originally Posted by saluki

Thanks all. I think I'll go with the double layer 1.7 XLC. To start with I'm going to rig a tarp I already own and see how that works.

One more thing - as miuch of my camping is in the Fall and cooler weather, what about ordering the winter top cover? Does the WTC zip up the entire hammock? In place of the netting or in addition to it?