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Franco
12-10-2007, 16:47
Yesterday I received my sample of the new version of the X Rocket. Slept in it last night, unfortunately due to good weather it wasn't much of a test but nevertheless it felt very comfortable.
The night started at 64f and dropped to 54f in the morning. We had some light rain but not enough to make any difference. There was a slight breeze, so very little condensation confined to a small area on one side panel only.
What I like : small pack size( about the same as two 1 L Nalgenes end to end)
Relatively light for an almost two wall tent
Good wind and rain protection
Large vestibule.
Much warmer than the Tarptents
I can sit up and rest my back against the pole (reading on a rainy day...)

Don't like : tricky to set up in the rain without getting some inside.
Takes longer to set up than my Tarptents
Needs another two small guylines to optimize the air-flow.
A dry entry ( in the rain ...) is now possible but you need to be relatively nimble for it.

I don't favor the poncho tarp concept myself, but this one offers a lot more protection than the tarp only and ( in my opinion...) because of the fairly large interior and the generous vestibule (for a solo tent...) could prove to be just right for some.
81 " long, 43" high at the apex, 12" at the bottom end, 41" wide at the front, 21" at the rear.The vestibule is 44"x44"x44".
For folk up to 5'8" it should work without the bag touching the top. For taller people it will be like the bottom of a bivy.
39 oz inc sacs and pegs (x8)
Since a few have asked before, since there is no agent for Luxe in the US, you can contact them directly at luxeoutdoor@yahoo.com.hk (luxeoutdoor@yahoo.com.hk).
Info at luxeoutdoor.com
Have a look at the Firefly and the Nashorn for some interesting design. I also like the Smart Duffle Bag.
Disclaimer : I have no financial interest at all in this except that since I tinker with their designs I get free samples.

What do you think ?
Franco
A shot of the vestibule (for proportion)
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/Mini%20Peak/x-vestibule.jpg

Franco
12-12-2007, 00:54
Just received an E Mail from Luxe, the first lot of the new design is sold out, the next lot will be ready in February.
The previous delivery time quoted to me was pretty accurate. The good news is that you will be able to buy it directly from the US for $93 including postage.
Franco

dla
12-27-2007, 18:08
Thats not a bad design for a multi-purpose cover/shelter. Much better coverage than just a poncho-tarp alone. Especially if you desire to keep the crawlies out at night.

I've never tried sleeping under a poncho, mainly because a regular (52"x80") isn't long enough for my liking. The weather is raining and 40*F, so it would be a good test in the safety of my back yard.