5ft5 - Blackbird or Blackbird XLC?

[alifeoutdoors]

I'm 6' even and a fetal side sleeper so I've never benefited really from the 11 foot hammock and went back to my original Blackbird. Just never really noticed any improvement in an 11' hammock so I stick with 10' for the benefit of lighter weight and slightly more tarp coverage. (I realize its not much). Less extra fabric is definitely an extra boon. Took me ten years and more money than I want to admit to come back to the hammock I originally started with (though the Wookie had a lot to do with that). Well a decade before that I dipped my toes into Hennessy but UQ's weren't a thing yet so I didn't return to hammocks for several years.

[IRONFISH45]

I am 5' 3" I went back and fourth on the xlc. I bought the latest model BB. I know I needed a left lay from past experience. I was concerned about my feet not reaching the foot box plus I have found voluminous GE hammocks are a P.I.T.A. for me to exit from.

My daughter has a XLC BB she likes my bird better.

I required time and using a variety of hammocks before I LEARNED what I need to have my best hang. I think the XLC is now a good design for everyone. However most of the features of the XLC are great for someone discovering what fits their needs. The left or right lay is very helpful. I bought a lit of hammocks before I discovered I am left lay. To me the rest is fluff, nice but added weight and fiddle.
For my needs and wants my BB is perfect.

[OneClick]

On a side note, my goto hammock is a 10.5'. I figured I would split the difference. I only use the BB a few times a year when the bugs may be out.

[hutzelbein]

I'm 5'4" and own both models. For hiking, the regular BB is my go-to hammock, because it's comfortable enough for me, and it's lighter, simpler and I get better coverage with an 11' tarp. But the longer models are somewhat more comfortable, even though I'm short. So I'm using them at home as a bed replacement, or when weight is not an issue. If you can, try both and see if the BB is comfortable enough for you.

[Fulkrum78]

Thanks all! I decided to go with the Blackbird. Now I have to decide on an Underquilt to order after Christmas.

Any thoughts on a Wooki vs UGQ vs Hammock Gear Incubator? I'd probably go with 950 fill +2oz on the UGQ or HG. I like the plug and play ease of the Wooki though...

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[ChrisJHC]

Now I have to decide on an Underquilt to order after Christmas.

Any thoughts on a Wooki vs UGQ vs Hammock Gear Incubator?

As you say, the Wookie is plug and play.

In my book that makes it the winner.
If it takes you more than 10 seconds to fit the Wookie (and have it perfect every time) you’re doing something wrong!

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[hutzelbein]

I don't think that I will ever go back to an underquilt with 4-corner suspension. I owned a few but could never get them to seal against the hammock half as well as the Wooki. I knew that they were pushing me inline, but only realized how much when I put on the Wooki the first time. If you don't want / need to flipflop, get a Wooki. And you can use it with any equally long or longer gathered end hammock if you extend the suspension.

[TominMN]

Thanks all! I decided to go with the Blackbird. Now I have to decide on an Underquilt to order after Christmas.

Any thoughts on a Wooki vs UGQ vs Hammock Gear Incubator? I'd probably go with 950 fill +2oz on the UGQ or HG. I like the plug and play ease of the Wooki though...

Is there a 10' Wooki?

[Fulkrum78]

Is there a 10' Wooki?

It fits the Blackbird and the Blackbird XLC.

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[gunner76]

My wife, The Terminator, is 5ft 3 and her first hammock was a 1.0 DL BB. While she also now had several RR's, she still like to use her BB. I tease her as I went to wake her up one morning and found she had turn around in side the hammock so her head was at the foot end.

Depending on your weight, a SL might be plenty strong for you but will not offer as much support as a DL.