The build quality is immediately apparent. This is a CNC-machined aluminum platform (reportedly 6061-T6). The finish is a textured, matte black that looks like it belongs on a military drone. It’s not pretty in a glossy way; it’s pretty in an "I’m going to outlive you" way.
I weigh 210 lbs before gear. The first time I stepped on the FLP, I braced for the dreaded "diving board" flex. It didn’t come.
– Deducted half a star for the stiff initial cam strap and the minor alignment quirk. Otherwise, it’s nearly perfect.
The platform has a subtle, engineered flex—maybe 1/8 of an inch—but it’s not spongy. It feels like a solid deck. The secret is the angled teeth on the back of the platform. They bite into the bark like a bear trap. I have set this on wet oak, slick pine, and frozen ash. It has not slipped one millimeter.
Unlike the common "cam-over" platforms (like the Predator or the Ridge Runner), the FLP uses a hinge system in the middle. When deployed, it is a solid, 11" x 12" rectangle. When folded, it collapses down to roughly 6" x 12".
After two seasons, it has become the one piece of gear I will not leave the truck without. It is stable, it is quiet, and when folded, it fits in places your other platforms can only dream of.
Most platforms are a giant, flat shovel that catches wind and snags on every branch as you walk. The folded FLP slides into a pack’s water bladder sleeve or straps flat against your backpack frame. It disappears. I can pack this, three mini-sticks, and my saddle inside a 25L pack. That is a game-changer for public land spot-and-stalk. On-Tree Performance: The Grip The cam strap system is robust—a 1" wide, sewn-in strap with a Grade 8 bolt for the cam lever. There is no plastic here.
Enter the . I have now put roughly 40 sits on this platform over two seasons, from early October humidity to late December frozen bark. Here is the honest, long-term breakdown. Unboxing & First Impressions When you pull the FLP out of the box, the first thing you notice is the sound —or lack thereof. It arrives wrapped in thick foam. No rattling bolts. No loose washers.