Reversing an original blackbird lay

[Mordock]

Warbonnet says you can't reverse the lay due to sewn-in netting, but they'll make a reverse version for $25, couldn't you just flip it inside out, redo the loops, and use the zipper (even if backwards)?

 

[CampBas1cs]

It might seem like you could just flip a Blackbird inside out, but the main sticking point Warbonnet mentions is indeed the sewn-in netting.
That netting is designed to conform to a specific lay, and if you try to reverse it, it won't hang correctly or comfortably over you.
You'd likely end up with it sagging or pulling in odd places, rather than creating that ideal bug-free enclosure.
The zipper might work in reverse, but the overall structure for the net and the footbox if there's a built-in one aren't set up for it.

 

[Mordock]

Makes sense now. I figured it was just a matter of flipping it, but if the netting and structure won't sit right, then yeah, probably better to pay the $25

 

[theBrandon]

Warbonnet says you can't reverse the lay due to sewn-in netting, but they'll make a reverse version for $25, couldn't you just flip it inside out, redo the loops, and use the zipper (even if backwards)?

What would happen to the bug net's fit and zipper function if you flipped it and tried using it reversed like that?

 

[prince vince]

I had the same thought at first, but once you actually mess with the blackbird's layout, it's not that simple, it'll throw off the geometry, shelf and footbox end up on the wrong sides, and the bug net won't sit right and even if you could rig the suspension to sort of work, the zipper being reversed makes it super awkward to get in and out, so that $25 reverse lay option they offer is honestly worth it

 

[cougarmeat]

It's best to make a distinction between the original WB Blackbird and the Blackbird XLC. It's my understanding that the original Blackbird is not reversible, but the XLC model is.

 

[Mordock]

What would happen to the bug net's fit and zipper function if you flipped it and tried using it reversed like that?

I guess the bug net tension and zipper alignment might get messed up flipping it, I hadn't thought about how that would affect the fit, it might not work as easily as I imagined