Tyler,
Lay the sticks on their side and cinch em down with the hook strap. Works slick and is snug.
Hayseed,
I like the new assaults. But have several alpha hang ons. If you are going to pack in and hunt and pack it out I would agree the assault is tough to beat because of the weight. You don't think that is much until you use both. There is a noticeable difference.
Either way you won't go wrong. If you get the assault make sure it is at least a 07, they changed them so the leveling system and hook system is compatible with them. The earlier models you could just use the v bracket.