i have a lw assalt2, xop vanish evolution as well as an air raid, and a new novix helo. I mainly hunt with a saddle now, but there are a few setups I scouted this year that just set up better for a stand, so I get your desire for both.
Lwcg 0.5 is kind of like a big saddle platform that you can sit in. Way pricey, but very light. a buddy has one and loves it, he uses it like a saddle about 80% of the time, its pretty darn small if you want to sit it in much, especially if you are tall.
i have not checked out the new beast stand. Word is its very light, its pretty narrow but has a slightly longer platform than some of the other ultralights. I think that would make sitting easier ont he legs.
of the stands I own, the novix helo is smaller and lighter than both the assault and the vanish. Ive pretty much relegated the lone wolf and xop stands to pre-hung sets and use only the novix for hang and hunt now. Its also a narrower platform, which to me is good as its the only one I can get my 20” sticks to sit on low & horizontally for carrying, and it is the easiest of the bunch to wear through brush with minimum snagging and noise. I have seen a few people say the seat is too big. Its a full sized seat, so this could be a valid criticism. Note that it comes unpainted so youll need to rattle can it to get a low glare finish.
re the quick connect brackets—just get the genesis 3-d strap stager. They allow you to get 95% of the functionality of the brackets, with just a standard strap that works on any stand, and without leaving anything in the tree.
https://genesis3dprinting.com/products/strap-stager
