View Full Version : WBBB XLC 1.7 DL - A Noobs Prespective
lesspayne
06-30-2013, 07:46
Short Review of the WBBB XLC 1.7 DL
First Impressions
OK so I got a chance right before the rain started to set up my new WBBB XLC 1.7DL, I am super impressed. First impressions are it is strong, soft and made better than any car camping tent I have ever owned.
Setting
I am a brand new ground dweller attempting to convert to hanging, this is my first hammock and first review so take it easy on me. My only option to hang a hammock in my back yard is between two clothes poles that only stand about 5'5". So I can set up a hammock but due to clearance issues I am not able to get into the hammock (wish my trees would grow faster). As a result this is just a setup and take down review, I will try to a better review when I take my first camping trip (maybe next weekend).
The Package
A couple of boxes where on my doorstop today, one I knew was my New Road underquilt. The second was a mystery to me so I opened it up and was surprised and very excited to see my new WBBB XLC 1.7DL and Superfly after only about 3 weeks of waiting. I was surprised because I didn't get a shipping notice or if I did it went to my Hotmail address that I can't get into anymore (I gotta stop using that account). So I posted the above link in the HF, gathered my new hammock and headed into the backyard to at least string it up. Its no fun having a new toy you can't play with.
The Hammock
The WBBB XLC comes in a blackbishop bag (I think that's what they call it; it's just a stuff sack that opens from both ends) and is available with either a cinch buckle or whoopee string suspension. It is also available in different weights of fabric, 1.1oz/sq.in. fabric or 1.7oz/sq.in. You can also get this hammock in a single or double layer. This hammock has a couple of design features that separate it from the competition. The first is the foot box that is supposed to keep the fabric from wrapping around you tightly. The second is a built-in storage shelf, good for storing small equipment. The XL stands for x-tra large its 11 feet long one foot longer then the orginal blackbird and the C stands for convertible, it comes with a bug net or an over-cover that completely detach, so if you want to go topless you can . So as I mentioned above I went with the 1.7 double layer with the cinch straps as my suspension as weight isn't that big of deal to me yet.
Setup
So shortly after receiving the package I immediately posted it's arrival on the HF and went outside to brave the heat to setup my new shelter. Using the cinch straps to hang the hammock was easy I'm sure I had it up in around 2 minutes and I have never set one up before. However, It was quite simple and just like he shows in his video. I Just opened one side of the bag, wrapped the strap around the pole, and secured it with a carabineer. Then I cinched up the end of the bag around the suspension, loosened the other end and walked the hammock to the other pole where I again wrapped the other strap around the other pole and secured it with a carabineer. Quite pleased at this point I decided to stake it out and snap a couple of photos. Now I have to be quick about taking these photos because there has been thunder in the background for about 20 minutes or so and the sky is getting dark with heavy clouds. Just as I finished taking photos and a quick video it started raining. Time to take it down.
Takedown
Now I'm under pressure to take down my new WBBB XLC 1.7 DL before mother nature completely soaks both me and the hammock. I must say it was just as easy taken it down as it was setting it up. I just unclipped the end that the bishop bag was hanging on and started stuffing it into the bishop bag till I got to the other pole where I just unclipped the hammock from the pole and cinched up the bag. It took about the same amount of time as the setup maybe less. I set up and took down my hammock for first time without letting the hammock touch the ground and I took it down before the impending storm soaked us to much. I was actually successful in getting my hammock down and it only got hit by a few drops of rain.
Final Thoughts
It has pleased me so far with the quality of workmanship and ease of setup and takedown. I also like the shelf storage option, it isn't to big but I think it will store my flashlight, knife, phone and other smalls quite nicely. I don't have much else to say about it at this point other then I am excited to get both my WBBB XLC and my Superfly tarp into the swamp so I can give them a proper test. That's about it for now, if someone would explain how to upload photos I will gladly post them, I just don't know how.
Up-Date: Pictures
The following photos are of the WBBB XLC 1.7 DL:
52247, 52248
These show the WBBB XLC from the footbox/shelf side
52249
Closes Up of the shelf
52250
From the top
52251
The suspension straps and the blackbishop bag
Thanks to the Shug for showing me how to post photos. For any noobies reading that are about to purchase their first hammock I strongly suggest that you watch his Hammock Hangin' How-To ... Essentials For Noobs. http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB8752777861C2AA8 This is a link to a ten or eleven part series, but the guy is a good entertainer and explains how to hammock camp and what you should and should not do very well. this can be found on the Hammock Forums under General Hammock Talk
I just received my first WBBB yesterday, June 29 (ordered May 8) and it is also the XLC 1.7 DL. Is your foot box made of the bug netting? Mine is and I am thinking it is a mistake. Shouldn't the foot box be made of nylon and an extension of the base of the hammock?
The new xlc's footbox is made with bug netting to increase the outside view from inside the hammock. It may even help with airflow as well (I don't know personally because I haven't owned either one).
That makes sense. I just watched the video on the XLC and that was one of the changes made from the standard WBBB. I guess my only concerns are durability of the bug netting in the foot box and my foot directly against the bug netting tempting the mosquitoes.
lesspayne
06-30-2013, 18:16
That makes sense. I just watched the video on the XLC and that was one of the changes made from the standard WBBB. I guess my only concerns are durability of the bug netting in the foot box and my foot directly against the bug netting tempting the mosquitoes.
As I have not been able to get into mine I do not know if my feet would touch the bug netting or not, however in the video Brandon says I am supposed to hang the foot end high and slid closer to the head end of the hammock. This leads me to believe that my feet wouldn't be near enough for any skeeters to feast on my feet. I am planning short trip to the swamp next weekend or the one after that, pending weather. At that time I plan on doing a full review and I will keep this in mind when I update this post. Stay tuned.
That makes sense. I just watched the video on the XLC and that was one of the changes made from the standard WBBB. I guess my only concerns are durability of the bug netting in the foot box and my foot directly against the bug netting tempting the mosquitoes.
I've only seen one report of failure of the foot box so far, with many, many more very happy users. You should be totally fine. Mine's been plenty strong so far. And, if it ever does fail (due to workmanship, etc.), Brandon has a solid reputation for warranting those types of problems.
To the original poster - congrats on your first hammock - you chose my favorite gathered-end model! It's a great one. Thanks for a solid first review.
xcrazydx
06-30-2013, 20:42
Haha, there's no way I would get a hammock with a footbox made of bugnet material. I would rip it for sure and even if I didn't my feet would be up against it getting bit by bugs.
lesspayne
06-30-2013, 23:36
Update: The WBBB XLC 1.7 DL The Next Day
So tonight I took the WBBB XLC 1.7DL with me to visit some friends, they have mature trees in their backyard, so I got a chance to set it up and actually hang in it for about ten minutes or so. Setup went as quickly as it went yesterday, and in no time I found my self gently swaying in the light breeze in my new hammock.
Getting in the Hammock
So having strung my hammock, now properly from two trees, with the foot end approximately 7' high and the head end hanging right around 6', in between two pine trees approximately 16' apart, I unzipped my hammock and gave my friend a worried look (you know the "I'm about to bust my *** look") and sat down. The suspension creaked as it tightened but the hammock did not slid down from its perch. I was now sitting, very comfortably, in my hammock, with a big ole grin on my face. It was quite comfortable as I laid back across the fabric and used the hammock as a recliner. My friend was quite impressed as he urged me to lay down in the thing.
The First Lay
So I kicked off my crocs and stretched myself out into a roomy hammock. The first impression was how comfortable it was lying there on my back. I liked how you can see out the almost the entire hammock, expect on the right side where the shelf was, which I think is the only draw back to having the shelf. However I think the storage capacity and not having stuff hanging down in my face from the ridge line will be a plus and worth the disrupted view, I will make a better determination in the swamps as time goes on, but for now I like it. I pulled myself up towards the head end as per Brandon's instructions and found that I had plenty of head room and the fabric was a lot looser around me than I expected it to be.
The Footbox
The Footbox is what, in my mind anyway, places the WBBB in front of the competition. As there has been a lot of discussion on this thread about the footbox I will now attempt to address all the issues that have been mentioned. I had at least foot between the bug netting and my feet and about a half a foot above my feet to the netting with plenty of fabric under them for support. Seeing that this is the case I doubt any skeeters are going to be munching on my toes. When I rolled over onto my side, which I found to be a very comfortable position, the netting did not even touch my feet. The footbox is made with enough fabric to support your feet and not obstruct your view in that area of the hammock and the netting stays out of your way. The netting being in this position also allows for the breeze to pass through keeping you cooler in the hot Louisiana sun.
My Friends Thoughts
My friend was greatly impressed with speed of the setup and take down and after laying in it, he's sold on the idea of hammock camping though I think he is currently shopping for a similar hammock that is a little cheaper on the wallet, as he really likes the WBBB XLC he is not so keen on the price tag (I might get him to try a DIY as he is really handy).
Final Thoughts
This hammock appears to be well built, though a few camping trips will have to be made to put it through it paces in order to really get a feel for this hammock. So all in all I think I am going to be a hanger, possibly full time.
Stay tuned to this thread as I will answer questions that are posted and continue to update this post as I use and test out my new hammock.
Haha, there's no way I would get a hammock with a footbox made of bugnet material. I would rip it for sure and even if I didn't my feet would be up against it getting bit by bugs.
Depending on how tall you are, your feet typically aren't up against it. If you lay in it the way recommended by Warbonnet (foot end hung higher and shifting your body more toward the head end of the hammock). Unless you're pretty tall, it wouldn't be an issue.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion and shouldn't ever go with a hammock you aren't comfortable with - just wanted to clear it up as a great choice for many folks.
lesspayne
07-01-2013, 07:30
To the original poster - congrats on your first hammock - you chose my favorite gathered-end model! It's a great one. Thanks for a solid first review.
After I laid in it for just a few minutes last night I can see why it is your favorite gathered end hammock, very comfortable. And your welcome, though it's my first hammock and I have nothing to compare it to so I'm not sure how much my opinion counts.
xcrazydx
07-01-2013, 18:52
Depending on how tall you are, your feet typically aren't up against it. If you lay in it the way recommended by Warbonnet (foot end hung higher and shifting your body more toward the head end of the hammock). Unless you're pretty tall, it wouldn't be an issue.
You're certainly entitled to your opinion and shouldn't ever go with a hammock you aren't comfortable with - just wanted to clear it up as a great choice for many folks.
I know I would rip it to shreds. But cool idea for those gentle folks who want a view.
warbonnetguy
07-02-2013, 11:18
We will make an XLC with a solid fabric footbox on request, but the net ones seem to be doing fine so far. Generally that fabric is above your feet, in addition you should be able to position yourself such that your feet aren't pressing into the netting at all, there should be plenty of room to do that.
I'm kinda confused about all the concerns over this honestly... because most(all?) of the netted hammocks i've ever tried or seen (every single model of netted end-gathered hammock that i know of on the market... besides the standard blackbird anyway) incorporates mosquito netting that is attached directly to the edge of the hammock body at your feet (normally attached all the way around the edge of the hammock body) yet it only seems to be a concern regarding the XLC. Why is this not a concern when your feet push up against the netting of an HH or a dangerbird? Attaching netting directly to the body of the hammock is one of the most common practices out there, yet everyone is somehow worried about this all of a sudden with the XLC, even though most brands have been doing this all along and i've never heard of any issues along these lines in all my years reading this forum.
lesspayne
07-02-2013, 12:17
We will make an XLC with a solid fabric footbox on request, but the net ones seem to be doing fine so far. Generally that fabric is above your feet, in addition you should be able to position yourself such that your feet aren't pressing into the netting at all, there should be plenty of room to do that.
I'm kinda confused about all the concerns over this honestly... because most(all?) of the netted hammocks i've ever tried or seen (every single model of netted end-gathered hammock that i know of on the market... besides the standard blackbird anyway) incorporates mosquito netting that is attached directly to the edge of the hammock body at your feet (normally attached all the way around the edge of the hammock body) yet it only seems to be a concern regarding the XLC. Why is this not a concern when your feet push up against the netting of an HH or a dangerbird? Attaching netting directly to the body of the hammock is one of the most common practices out there, yet everyone is somehow worried about this all of a sudden with the XLC, even though most brands have been doing this all along and i've never heard of any issues along these lines in all my years reading this forum.
This had never crossed my mind or has even come up in any of the study's that I have done prior to buying this hammock. Until it was posted by XLCrazyDx, I did not know this was even a issue. The only issue that I found was some people getting bitten on the buttocks :eek: through the bottom of the hammock which is why I went with a double layer. After laying in it for a short time (10 minutes) I had absolutely no issues with the bug net and I am confident no matter how much I might toss and turn that this won't be an issue. I did have a chance to lay in a HH about 2 months ago and the reason I went with the WBBB is because my head was almost touching the netting and it wrapped my feet up tight (though with a HH made for 7' people I'm sure those issues would be resolved). Again I am planning on going into the swamps for a proper overnighter and will report my findings after a full night in the hammock.
To Brandon.
I think your work is superior to any manufactured tent that I have purchased and look forward to many good nights in my hammock thanks.
TallPaul
07-02-2013, 12:49
In all the reviews on the XLC and my own experience owning one, I've not read of actual problems or experienced them myself with the bug netting on top of the footbox. I was just in my XLC a bit ago and looked at where my feet were in relation to the netting and had absolutely no concern. My feet rest on the hammock fabric, with the netting well above my feet.
Hopefully people understand the concerns posted above are just one persons feedback (which you are entitled to give) and from the sounds of it more theoretical in nature.
Deadwood
07-02-2013, 18:23
In all the reviews on the XLC and my own experience owning one, I've not read of actual problems or experienced them myself with the bug netting on top of the footbox. I was just in my XLC a bit ago and looked at where my feet were in relation to the netting and had absolutely no concern. My feet rest on the hammock fabric, with the netting well above my feet.
Same here. My 14's fit the box and don't touch the netting.
Black Foot
07-02-2013, 18:32
In all the reviews on the XLC and my own experience owning one, I've not read of actual problems or experienced them myself with the bug netting on top of the footbox. I was just in my XLC a bit ago and looked at where my feet were in relation to the netting and had absolutely no concern. My feet rest on the hammock fabric, with the netting well above my feet.
Hopefully people understand the concerns posted above are just one persons feedback (which you are entitled to give) and from the sounds of it more theoretical in nature.
I have had the same experience with my XLC, I'm 6' and my feet don't touch the netting.
warbonnetguy
07-03-2013, 12:00
No offense to those that were concerned about this, i only mentioned it because i have heard this many times since the XLC came out, not just this one instance.
6'-6" here, and many nights so far in my XLC. Why this issue of ripping the netting near the footbox has even come up is beyond me. There is no tension applied to the netting when laying in the hammock. You would have to physically push your foot up through the netting, which would take some effort.
With Brandon's reputation, I'm surprised that anyone would think that he would release a hammock that he thought would fail. Does anyone really think that there was no testing before release?
xcrazydx
07-03-2013, 16:26
6'-6" here, and many nights so far in my XLC. Why this issue of ripping the netting near the footbox has even come up is beyond me. There is no tension applied to the netting when laying in the hammock. You would have to physically push your foot up through the netting, which would take some effort.
With Brandon's reputation, I'm surprised that anyone would think that he would release a hammock that he thought would fail. Does anyone really think that there was no testing before release?
I've ripped many bug nets and mesh panels. It doesn't matter how many tests are done, stuff happens and I'm rough on gear.
I know that I couldn't be trusted with the xlc, you gentler folks might have it last a lifetime. Just food for thought.
I've had mine for a while and have had no concern with the netting on the foot box. It's held up well and has been a sound investment. The XLC is a great hammock. Spent a week in Michigan's UP with heavy insects and it worked splendidly. I got the best nights sleep I've ever had in the backcountry. Thanks Brandon for a great product.
Big guy here, absolutely no problem with the netting in the footbox. I think it's just a question of having it set up correctly and laying enough toward the head end. Fantastic hammock, no plans to change at all.
lesspayne
07-05-2013, 23:19
Going for a short overnighter this weekend, I plan on posting an update when I get back.
lesspayne
07-07-2013, 21:06
My First Hang
The arrival
I chose to stay at Lake Fausse Pointe backpacking site #5 which is about a half a mile from one of the trail entrances. It was around 12PM when I hiked into camp. The weather was hot, humid and the afternoon thunderstorms were building. The Superfly was the first to be setup, followed by my WBBB XLC 1.7 DL.
The Setup (Superfly)
The Superfly takes a little longer than I anticipated to setup. Staking out the 12 tie-out points took a little time, about 10 minutes or so. The undergrowth was thick and full of thorns so I was going a bit slow.
The Setup (The Blackbird XLC)
I set up the WBBB under my tarp and it went up quite easily and took all of 2 minutes or so. I had the foot end around seven feet high and the head end around 6 feet high with trees about 16 feet apart.
The Storm
About 3PM it started storming. I sat under the Superfly next to my hammock and video recorded the rain for a bit while I had the tarp in porch mode. I moved a small bench that was by the campfire under my tarp to keep my gear off the ground. After it started to really rain I had to stop filming and drop the tarp from porch mode to "A-Frame" mode (not sure of the terminology there) due to water collecting on top of the tarp. The tarp keep my hammock and gear dry though I am going to have to apply seam sealer to the tie outs again as I don't think I did a very good the first time as I noticed one of them leaking.
The First Hang In My Blackbird XLC
So after the storm things cooled off a bit so I fiddled around camp and ate something before calling it night. I unzipped the bug net took off my crocs and sat indian style in the hammock so I could zip it up. After stashing my light, phone and hat on the shelf, I clipped my water bottle to the ridge line and laid out in a very roomy hammock. I slid myself down to the head end and stretched my feet out. Other than some fabric draping down around my feet if I laid straight (which I did for only a couple minutes or so, it wasn't so comfy for me in that position) the netting around foot box posed no problems, the fabric easily moved away and I found it to be a nice view. After tossing and turning for about a minute or so I found that on my back with my left leg straight and my right foot placed around my knee so my legs look like a figure 4 was comfortable and I slept well without tossing and turning until I had to go to the bathroom. After relieving myself I found myself sleeping on my left side which again I sleep peacefully until morning. I slept in a t-shirt and running pants but was still able to feel how soft the fabric was. Overall it was probably the best night of sleep I ever had.
Some Photos from the inside.
52535
52536
Concerns
1. After tossing and turning to find a comfortable position I found the fabric crumpled up under me and my face right against the bug net. To solve this I just readjusted the fabric underneath me after I was comfortable.
2.After my bathroom break I was admiring the craftsmanship of the hammock when I ran across a small piece of fabric that looked stretched. The area was slightly translucent. I have not contacted Brandon about it yet as I am don't think it will affect the hammock. I think it is a small blemish in the fabric and nothing more. If anyone feels I should pay it more attention, please enlighten me as to the reason it would concern you and what might of happened.
3. The price tag at $265 seems a bit steep however some well made tents can cost you upwards of $500
Conclusion (WBBB XLC 1.7 DL)
A very comfortable and well-made hammock that is easy to setup and takedown. It took almost a month to receive the hammock, but seeing as how it is handmade and the craftsmanship is exceptional, I found the wait worthwhile. I hope there are always trees around so I never have to pitch my tent again.
Conclusion (Superfly)
Great tarp kept me and my gear dry. However I thought it was a bit overkill for an overnight trip and will probably leave it home unless I am spending more than one night in the same location or I expect the weather to be at its worse. For overnighters a simple hex fly with four tie outs will work.
TallPaul
07-08-2013, 12:27
On your comment about water pooling on the tarp... If you have your tarp in porch mode, keep one end higher than the other. I just saw Shug repost this somewhere and used it during a rain storm here this weekend and it worked great.
lesspayne
07-08-2013, 14:47
Thanks paul. Thats a great idea.. good ole Shug. I will try this next time out as I really enjoy having the view in the storm.
Look into a no sew pole mod on that super fly, best thing I ever did! Saves 4 tie outs, and takes seconds to do!
lesspayne
07-08-2013, 22:28
Look into a no sew pole mod on that super fly, best thing I ever did! Saves 4 tie outs, and takes seconds to do!
That is with the tent poles over the ridge line right? I was thinking of doing something like that. Still weighing the pros and cons of carrying tent poles.
It's 2 poles, not much weight with high end ones at all, but for a try go get Coleman fiber glass replacement kit and give it a try. One kit will do the job to let you know how it works and the kit is 7-8 bucks online I think. DIY doesn't get any easier. With multiple kits you can cut the poles into shorter sections and make them even easier to pack too. I think my final kit I ended up cutting them down to 15"sections.
lesspayne
07-08-2013, 22:59
Got some pictures?
Thanks paul. Thats a great idea.. good ole Shug. I will try this next time out as I really enjoy having the view in the storm.
Yessir....water will run right off.
Shug
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3054/2490008991_68f480cee5_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shugsbackpacktrips/2490008991/)
lesspayne
07-09-2013, 00:09
Nice setup Shug, hopefully it'll rain next weekend so I can try it out.
lesspayne
07-14-2013, 10:34
Update
I took the Superfly out yesterday and laced it up in the backyard. I set it up in a few different configurations and found that pinning the doors back to the side tie-outs via a mini-biner worked well to eliminate having to use the doors, yet they there and can be quickly deployed should the wind really pick up. I will have to retest this in the field vs. a smaller hex with no side tie-outs and see which one I prefer.
The video for set of the WBBB XLC says that the cover is included with the bug net. Can anyone clairify this for me?
The video for set of the WBBB XLC says that the cover is included with the bug net. Can anyone clairify this for me?
The top cover (if that's what you're referring to) is extra and has to be ordered at the same time as the XLC.
This review has pretty well solidified my choice on what to get as my primary hammock setup and tarp. Thank you much, I was a bit torn on what hammock I wanted. Done deal now. :)
This review has pretty well solidified my choice on what to get as my primary hammock setup and tarp. Thank you much, I was a bit torn on what hammock I wanted. Done deal now. :)
Out of curiosity, what are some of your other choices?
To the OP...great series of reviews/updates!
OutandBack
12-29-2014, 13:57
Out of curiosity, what are some of your other choices?
To the OP...great series of reviews/updates!
Here's a good place to start your research.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php/2-Hammock-Gear-Manufacturers-and-Services
Look into a no sew pole mod on that super fly, best thing I ever did! Saves 4 tie outs, and takes seconds to do!
Would you mind linking the pole mod set up that you are using?, i'm also interested in this for my superfly, thank you.