Thank you for this review. I have been looking hard at sticks and was just about to pull the trigger on the skeletors. Now I think I may have reconsider. The only down fall for me on these is the cam strap.
You can look for my reply on other comments comparing the two sticks. It really is a tough call. The skeletors have the better attachment method for sure and are more packable but the XOP sticks are ruggedly built and are cheaper. Especially if you can find a coupon code like some viewers have.
Definitely thinking about getting these. Not because of the price, but because they are rated for 350 lbs. I'm not near that but I've seen many videos of people talking about bending other companies sticks, where I haven't heard many people say the same with these.
Have you checked out the tethrd grit sticks? Seems like their answer to the xop with all the benefits of the skeletors. Looking to pick up a set between these 3 and and curious of your opinion
I have not had a chance to check out the grit sticks other than reading the specs online. The XOP sticks are cheaper (I have heard there are some coupon codes as well). However, if you don't replace the cam buckle straps you will end up being slightly heavier than the *advertised weight of the grit sticks and about the same as skeletors. If you replace the cam buckle straps you will probably be around the same weight as the Grit but you will probably eat up your cost savings buying replacement attachment methods. I guess you could leave the cam buckle straps and end up slightly heavier than the Grit sticks for less money... Personally, I think the Dynalock tab on all of the Tethrd Sticks is the best attachment method on the market. For that reason, I might be tempted to go with a Tethrd offering if there isn't any real price advantage. (A coupon might put the advantage toward XOP) BUT...I really like the way the skeletors fold. It makes packing a lot easier, and the angle steps feel really good on my feet. I own both skeletors and XOP X2 sticks and the Skeletors still were my stick of choice last hunting season. If you aren't an ounce counter, and a few extra dollars isn't going to break you, I would probably lean toward the skeletors. Just personal preferences. I think you will be fine no matter what you choose.
@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks for the reply, I actually found them when I was looking for the skeletors which are currently out of stock. I was considering them based on the tetherd features. I may try to hold out for the skeletors
Definitely considering these. I like the extra standoff. As a 6'2", 240 guy, I need the extra room. That's why I'm also going with the Trophyline Mission Platform as its one of the largest platforms. Same weight as XOP but much bigger.
If you had to choose between these and the skeletors which would you choose if price wasn’t an issue? I really like the Amsteel attachment system the skeletors have but the stand off spacing of these look appealing.
It is a really tough call because they both have areas of strength and weakness. The Skeletors have the best attachment method on the market (in my opinion). They also pack up smaller with the standoff design and folding step. The XOP sticks are cheaper, but you will have to pay extra for a better attachment method. I did see someone post a coupon code that may make the XOP sticks have a bigger price advantage. XOP sticks have the weight advantage if you change out the cam buckles. The XOP sticks are beefy being rated for 350 lbs. While the XOP sticks do have a lot of foot room, the Skeletors really do as well. The two companies achieve foot room with different methods that definitely play a factor into how it feels on your feet, but the reality is that compared to other sticks I have tried, both of these have generous foot room. I see myself gravitating toward the skeletors for the attachment method and packability. However, if price and weight and beefy build quality are what you are after, then the XOP sticks are the way to go. I don't think I would make foot room the deciding factor.
Hi mate love your channel, I have the older xop sticks taking them apart when side stacked, I find if try to twist them apart it’s much easier and quieter, I grab one step and push down the other stick and step down with my thumb, I do the same sort of thing on the opposite side to assist making sure your not fighting against yourself and preventing the sticks hitting each other …
If you look in the side by side locking slot (on the slide lock) theres ridge that holds it locked to the stick, if you file that ridge off your slide lock will still hold your stick securely but not be so difficult or loud to remove from each other
Just picked a set of these up. Initial impression is that yes they are super lightweight. The 5" standoff is excellent and the cleats really bite hard into tree providing little to no movement at all. The downfall is the clips that hold the sticks together have to be in a precise location in order to get them to stick. Maybe in time they will snap and unsnap easier but being new its a complete pita!! The sprayed on sand texture while great for grip is absolutely terrible when trying to pry the sticks apart. I'm talking one slip and it's bloody knuckles. I own a few sets of sticks and these are by far the noisiest of them all. The lightest metal to metal contact and these things sound like a tuning fork. I realize there's a mod for filling with foam to help with this. Also because of the plastic retaining clips need to move its literally impossible to cover the entire stick with stealth strips. Not really what I expected from Xop.
What a great review and a fantastic touch point. Price versus value. All of the top tier products are TOP TIER priced and in my personal opinion those companies are way over charging for their products. I love a value priced product with good features that allow me to get in the game at a reasonable price. I think XOP does a great job of that with their products. Thanks for the honest value based review. I will look into these for sure as a result of your review.
I think these are some of the best value priced sticks in the market. While the hawk sticks may be the cheapest mobile sticks, the XOP sticks are lighter and tougher. Recently they were on sale for Black Friday making them even more competitive. My only real complaint is the attachment method which will cost money to replace.
What could you replace the cam buckle straps with? I have the x2 sticks as well. They are great sticks the only thing i dont like is the buckle straps.
1. Ultimate stick attachment method 2. Daisy chains 3. Whoopie daisys 4. Buckless method. Personally I would research the ultimate stick attachment method. You could by or do some research on making your own.
Perhaps if you used the side stack system it would be pre feasible since the locking pieces don’t really have to slide in that configuration. I know I have seen people only with stealth strips on the x2 a but not sure how they accomplished it or how they were using the stacking system.
I just put coban on mine and camo hockey tape last week to silence them. Forgot to leave the portion where they connected unwrapped. I could still use the slide lock to connect them even though it is a little tight. Hope this helps. Stealth strips should still work in my opinion.
I’m debating selling my tethrd one sticks for these sticks. Thoughts? I understand they’re slightly heavier. I would use amsteel daisy chain. See too many things on the internet’s abiut one sticks breaking.
I have no real experience with the one sticks outside of holding one a few times. For me they would be a dream stick, but if you have safety concerns then I would go with your gut. As for the attachment method, I have used daisy chains and found them to be a real pain and possibly a safety issue if you don’t get them tight enough. I would look into the USA (ultimate stick attachment method) or the USA Pro. Out of curiosity, how much would you be selling your one sticks for?
@@TheBudgetSportsmanI’m not certain at the moment. I messaged xop to see if they sell individual sticks. I want 5. Realistically I want to cover my costs for new sticks and that’s it. Mine are stealth stripped and foam filled. They’re dead silent.
That’s really a tough call. Skeletors win in form factor for packing and have (in my opinion) the best attachment method on the market. XOP win in weight rating (big boy capable), price and just barely in weight. By the time you pay for an upgraded attachment method for the XOP sticks, you probably will have lost your price advantage. At that point you would have a slightly lighter stick for about the same money. Both have great foot room that they achieve a slightly different way. I would call that a wash. Since I own both, I can say I’ve been using the skeletors for my main mobile setup. The slightly better packability and the really nice attachment method are priorities for me. If ruggedness and saving a few ounces is more important to you, then the XOP X2s might be the winner.
@@TheBudgetSportsman Thank you for the info.I currently have hawk minis which are ok but I use daisy chains to attach them which I do not really like. I thought about doing the xop's but I would want to get a better attachment system then the buckles. Which in turn like you said would make them about as expensive as the Skeletors which come with a better connection system. I believe I'm going to just go ahead and get the Skeletors. I also have the xop edge platform.. which I do like.. it's a very solid platform but thinking about selling it and getting the new xop platform. Would you recommend it over the edge?
I was wondering what size Daisy Chains work with the versa button on these sticks? I want to replace the cam buckles but don’t know which size chains would work with these sticks.
I just tested a set of Amsteel daisy chains from another set of sticks. I made them approximately 2” and they seem to work well. You could probably go a touch smaller but it might be more fiddly to get it over the button. The button is approximately 7/8” x 1-3/8”
@@TheBudgetSportsman Okay. I really appreciate you taking the time to get back to me with this information. Thank you very much! Keep up the informative videos. I love them.
Youre forgetting to increase the cost of the XOP sticks when you add on the aftermarket attachment... The price is now about the same for both while the Skeletors have better features.
I usually switch out the cam buckles for a different attachment method, but regardless of what I use, I just find a way to wrap it around the stick with one end attached to the button.
Overall I love the x2's. I will say that the coating that is on the steps will need to be ground off if you are going to use Amsteel aiders with these sticks - Otherwise the sandpaper type texture would eventually cut through the aider.
Good video but, you said they save weight with the amsteel at $45 less cost. Thats great but....is amsteel free? Seems like you lose some savings by losing the cam buckle.
No Amsteel isn’t free. Your correct. I meant to point that out but maybe it slipped through the cracks. I would say by the time you pay for Amsteel you’re going to be at a similar price.
Great review, I was considering these sticks but as you mentioned, I’m going to ditch the cam buckles and buy amsteal. And at anywhere from 14-17 bucks a piece, I decided to go with Skeletors because they are included AND you get the awesome connection point and the storage button
@@CarolinaNocked Could you please point me in the direction of this discount code? I can’t seem to find it in the comments. The help would be appreciated- thanks in advance!
I own both and used mostly the skeletors this past season. The two deciding factors for me are the attachment method and folding steps making a more compact carrying package. However, the X2 sticks win in price, ruggedness, and weight (if you replace the cam buckle straps). It’s really going to be personal preference.
That may be so, though I don’t think less complex necessarily means less thought. It’s a robust design with less moving parts that manages to come in at a lighter weight. That said I still do prefer the skeletors.
@@TheBudgetSportsman To each, their own. I do think it’s a method worth mentioning though when considering it could save some weight, noise, and money on aftermarket products. Great video. Definitely subscribing
what makes you say that. I was skeptical at first, but I actually think its a really clever system. I might even says its one of the betters systems I have used.
Thanks for running through attaching 3-4 sticks. I just got a set tonight and this makes the fiddling around quicker. Much appreciated.
Glad to help!
Best stick for us budget guys, I climbed Hawks last season, bought the X2’s and after climbing with them I’m very pleased .
Yes I used hawks for a few seasons. Don’t think they are terrible but the x2 a are very clearly a step above
Thank you for this review. I have been looking hard at sticks and was just about to pull the trigger on the skeletors. Now I think I may have reconsider. The only down fall for me on these is the cam strap.
You can look for my reply on other comments comparing the two sticks. It really is a tough call. The skeletors have the better attachment method for sure and are more packable but the XOP sticks are ruggedly built and are cheaper. Especially if you can find a coupon code like some viewers have.
Definitely thinking about getting these. Not because of the price, but because they are rated for 350 lbs. I'm not near that but I've seen many videos of people talking about bending other companies sticks, where I haven't heard many people say the same with these.
That's a great point that I failed to consider. Thanks for pointing that out.
just got these from the mobile hunters expo from XOP for 143.99. (4 sticks)...simply cannot be beat at that price point!!
Have you checked out the tethrd grit sticks? Seems like their answer to the xop with all the benefits of the skeletors. Looking to pick up a set between these 3 and and curious of your opinion
I have not had a chance to check out the grit sticks other than reading the specs online.
The XOP sticks are cheaper (I have heard there are some coupon codes as well). However, if you don't replace the cam buckle straps you will end up being slightly heavier than the *advertised weight of the grit sticks and about the same as skeletors. If you replace the cam buckle straps you will probably be around the same weight as the Grit but you will probably eat up your cost savings buying replacement attachment methods. I guess you could leave the cam buckle straps and end up slightly heavier than the Grit sticks for less money...
Personally, I think the Dynalock tab on all of the Tethrd Sticks is the best attachment method on the market. For that reason, I might be tempted to go with a Tethrd offering if there isn't any real price advantage. (A coupon might put the advantage toward XOP)
BUT...I really like the way the skeletors fold. It makes packing a lot easier, and the angle steps feel really good on my feet. I own both skeletors and XOP X2 sticks and the Skeletors still were my stick of choice last hunting season. If you aren't an ounce counter, and a few extra dollars isn't going to break you, I would probably lean toward the skeletors.
Just personal preferences. I think you will be fine no matter what you choose.
@@TheBudgetSportsman thanks for the reply, I actually found them when I was looking for the skeletors which are currently out of stock. I was considering them based on the tetherd features. I may try to hold out for the skeletors
Definitely considering these. I like the extra standoff. As a 6'2", 240 guy, I need the extra room. That's why I'm also going with the Trophyline Mission Platform as its one of the largest platforms. Same weight as XOP but much bigger.
I think you would be pleased. There’s plenty of foot room and these sticks are rated for 350lbs.
If you had to choose between these and the skeletors which would you choose if price wasn’t an issue? I really like the Amsteel attachment system the skeletors have but the stand off spacing of these look appealing.
It is a really tough call because they both have areas of strength and weakness. The Skeletors have the best attachment method on the market (in my opinion). They also pack up smaller with the standoff design and folding step. The XOP sticks are cheaper, but you will have to pay extra for a better attachment method. I did see someone post a coupon code that may make the XOP sticks have a bigger price advantage. XOP sticks have the weight advantage if you change out the cam buckles. The XOP sticks are beefy being rated for 350 lbs. While the XOP sticks do have a lot of foot room, the Skeletors really do as well. The two companies achieve foot room with different methods that definitely play a factor into how it feels on your feet, but the reality is that compared to other sticks I have tried, both of these have generous foot room. I see myself gravitating toward the skeletors for the attachment method and packability. However, if price and weight and beefy build quality are what you are after, then the XOP sticks are the way to go. I don't think I would make foot room the deciding factor.
Hi mate love your channel, I have the older xop sticks taking them apart when side stacked, I find if try to twist them apart it’s much easier and quieter, I grab one step and push down the other stick and step down with my thumb, I do the same sort of thing on the opposite side to assist making sure your not fighting against yourself and preventing the sticks hitting each other …
Great advice, thanks for sharing.
If you look in the side by side locking slot (on the slide lock) theres ridge that holds it locked to the stick, if you file that ridge off your slide lock will still hold your stick securely but not be so difficult or loud to remove from each other
Just picked a set of these up. Initial impression is that yes they are super lightweight. The 5" standoff is excellent and the cleats really bite hard into tree providing little to no movement at all. The downfall is the clips that hold the sticks together have to be in a precise location in order to get them to stick. Maybe in time they will snap and unsnap easier but being new its a complete pita!! The sprayed on sand texture while great for grip is absolutely terrible when trying to pry the sticks apart. I'm talking one slip and it's bloody knuckles. I own a few sets of sticks and these are by far the noisiest of them all. The lightest metal to metal contact and these things sound like a tuning fork. I realize there's a mod for filling with foam to help with this. Also because of the plastic retaining clips need to move its literally impossible to cover the entire stick with stealth strips. Not really what I expected from Xop.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Can the slide lock work with the cam buckle straps on or for them to stack do you have to take em off and on everytime?
What a great review and a fantastic touch point. Price versus value. All of the top tier products are TOP TIER priced and in my personal opinion those companies are way over charging for their products. I love a value priced product with good features that allow me to get in the game at a reasonable price. I think XOP does a great job of that with their products. Thanks for the honest value based review. I will look into these for sure as a result of your review.
I think these are some of the best value priced sticks in the market. While the hawk sticks may be the cheapest mobile sticks, the XOP sticks are lighter and tougher. Recently they were on sale for Black Friday making them even more competitive. My only real complaint is the attachment method which will cost money to replace.
Will the x2’s with a J hook work with the LWCG .5?
Sticks coming on the mail today!!!!
Christmas!!
What could you replace the cam buckle straps with? I have the x2 sticks as well. They are great sticks the only thing i dont like is the buckle straps.
1. Ultimate stick attachment method
2. Daisy chains
3. Whoopie daisys
4. Buckless method.
Personally I would research the ultimate stick attachment method. You could by or do some research on making your own.
Good review and thoughts Nate. 👍
Thanks! 👍
Do you think it’s possible to run stealth strips on these? Seems like it wouldn’t be possible with the slide lock/stacking system.
Perhaps if you used the side stack system it would be pre feasible since the locking pieces don’t really have to slide in that configuration. I know I have seen people only with stealth strips on the x2 a but not sure how they accomplished it or how they were using the stacking system.
I just put coban on mine and camo hockey tape last week to silence them. Forgot to leave the portion where they connected unwrapped. I could still use the slide lock to connect them even though it is a little tight. Hope this helps. Stealth strips should still work in my opinion.
I’m debating selling my tethrd one sticks for these sticks. Thoughts? I understand they’re slightly heavier. I would use amsteel daisy chain. See too many things on the internet’s abiut one sticks breaking.
I have no real experience with the one sticks outside of holding one a few times. For me they would be a dream stick, but if you have safety concerns then I would go with your gut.
As for the attachment method, I have used daisy chains and found them to be a real pain and possibly a safety issue if you don’t get them tight enough. I would look into the USA (ultimate stick attachment method) or the USA Pro.
Out of curiosity, how much would you be selling your one sticks for?
@@TheBudgetSportsmanI’m not certain at the moment. I messaged xop to see if they sell individual sticks. I want 5. Realistically I want to cover my costs for new sticks and that’s it.
Mine are stealth stripped and foam filled. They’re dead silent.
$275
@@TheBudgetSportsman$275
Would you buy these or the tethrd skeletors?
That’s really a tough call.
Skeletors win in form factor for packing and have (in my opinion) the best attachment method on the market.
XOP win in weight rating (big boy capable), price and just barely in weight. By the time you pay for an upgraded attachment method for the XOP sticks, you probably will have lost your price advantage. At that point you would have a slightly lighter stick for about the same money.
Both have great foot room that they achieve a slightly different way. I would call that a wash.
Since I own both, I can say I’ve been using the skeletors for my main mobile setup. The slightly better packability and the really nice attachment method are priorities for me.
If ruggedness and saving a few ounces is more important to you, then the XOP X2s might be the winner.
@@TheBudgetSportsman Thank you for the info.I currently have hawk minis which are ok but I use daisy chains to attach them which I do not really like. I thought about doing the xop's but I would want to get a better attachment system then the buckles. Which in turn like you said would make them about as expensive as the Skeletors which come with a better connection system. I believe I'm going to just go ahead and get the Skeletors.
I also have the xop edge platform.. which I do like.. it's a very solid platform but thinking about selling it and getting the new xop platform. Would you recommend it over the edge?
I was wondering what size Daisy Chains work with the versa button on these sticks? I want to replace the cam buckles but don’t know which size chains would work with these sticks.
Are you asking about the diameter of the material or the size of the opening/loop of each daisy chain?
The size opening for it to fit around the versa button@@TheBudgetSportsman
I just tested a set of Amsteel daisy chains from another set of sticks. I made them approximately 2” and they seem to work well. You could probably go a touch smaller but it might be more fiddly to get it over the button.
The button is approximately 7/8” x 1-3/8”
@@TheBudgetSportsman Okay. I really appreciate you taking the time to get back to me with this information. Thank you very much! Keep up the informative videos. I love them.
Thanks for your informative review. I did not know about the slide lock feature!!! Great sticks for the money.
Youre forgetting to increase the cost of the XOP sticks when you add on the aftermarket attachment... The price is now about the same for both while the Skeletors have better features.
I agree with you and basically said the same thing at 11:23.
Might be dumb, but what do you do with the cam buckles when climbing??
I usually switch out the cam buckles for a different attachment method, but regardless of what I use, I just find a way to wrap it around the stick with one end attached to the button.
I'm glad you did this video very helpful and I will probably be buying these
Glad I could help!
Overall I love the x2's. I will say that the coating that is on the steps will need to be ground off if you are going to use Amsteel aiders with these sticks - Otherwise the sandpaper type texture would eventually cut through the aider.
Yes that’s a concern for sure. I like the “grippyness” of the sticks but they are aggressive.
@@TheBudgetSportsman I took a dremel to mine to smooth things up a bit. Seems to have worked well.
They make specific Amstel aiders for the grit now
Does XOP sell them, or is it a third party?
Grind Or just wrap in camo vet tape. Silences them and keeps amsteel from wearing down.
Good video but, you said they save weight with the amsteel at $45 less cost. Thats great but....is amsteel free? Seems like you lose some savings by losing the cam buckle.
No Amsteel isn’t free. Your correct. I meant to point that out but maybe it slipped through the cracks. I would say by the time you pay for Amsteel you’re going to be at a similar price.
Great review, I was considering these sticks but as you mentioned, I’m going to ditch the cam buckles and buy amsteal. And at anywhere from 14-17 bucks a piece, I decided to go with Skeletors because they are included AND you get the awesome connection point and the storage button
The XOP sticks are on sale for black Friday that will save you some money if that’s a factor
What’s the choice between these and the skeletors ?
Are you the one that sent me a message on Facebook? I replied over there.
@@TheBudgetSportsmanes. Just saw it. Thanks. Got the X2’s. Also the coupon code other comment left works. Got the X2’s for $152
@@CarolinaNocked Could you please point me in the direction of this discount code? I can’t seem to find it in the comments. The help would be appreciated- thanks in advance!
So would u recommend these or tethrd?
I own both and used mostly the skeletors this past season. The two deciding factors for me are the attachment method and folding steps making a more compact carrying package.
However, the X2 sticks win in price, ruggedness, and weight (if you replace the cam buckle straps).
It’s really going to be personal preference.
The xop sticks seem to have less thought put into them compared to the tethered skeletors. imo
That may be so, though I don’t think less complex necessarily means less thought. It’s a robust design with less moving parts that manages to come in at a lighter weight.
That said I still do prefer the skeletors.
Best sticks for the buck 😊
Good looking budget sticks👍
You bet, and someone posted a coupon code in the comments, making them even more competitive in the marketplace.
X2’s + Amsteel = 💚
Sure is a bummer about that shipping error 😂
No need to buy amsteel. Just take the buckle off and leave the strap. The buckless method is a great lightweight method for hanging sticks
It’s never appealed to me but I’m sure it’s a great method
@@TheBudgetSportsman To each, their own. I do think it’s a method worth mentioning though when considering it could save some weight, noise, and money on aftermarket products. Great video. Definitely subscribing
@jacobkittleson8375 you’re correct. It is worth mentioning. I forget about it.
🔥🔥🔥
💧 💧💧💧
The worst this about these sticks is the way the stack
what makes you say that. I was skeptical at first, but I actually think its a really clever system. I might even says its one of the betters systems I have used.
Jones Cynthia Martin Susan Jackson Barbara
Are you really going to call this a review and never go up the tree with them?
Yes I am! Because I get incredibly bored watching people climb trees. Do you really need to see that??