Looking for advice regarding tree stands

[SgtSabre]

So I had a ground blind set up for opening morning. I really thought the position was great, but as I sat there opening morning I looked around at the trees in my area and thought about how much better I would be positioned if I was up in one of those trees.

Now I'm looking to get set up with a climber. But I dunno much about them at all (first year bow hunting, never had a stand for firearms season)

So, what do I look for? Any specific recommendations for a quiet, easy-to-set-up-in-the-dark, comfortable-all-day-long climbing tree stand?

I'd like to stay under $200. I appreciate all comments. :D

[Backwoods-Savage]

Sounds like you have made a good decision. I too hunted from the ground for many years (it used to be against the law when I started hunting). When I got my first stand, I simply could not believe the difference. You can see much, much more and also can get away more with movement; like drawing your bow.

I have both climbers and fixed plus a ladder stand. It all depends on what type of trees you have for putting the stand in. A climber works great on something like a red oak where you can sometimes go up 25 feet or more before there are limbs. I use a Loggy Bayou for that. There are many others that are good too but beware that most are very heavy. Toting a 20-30 lb stand in and out is not for the weak for sure. A ladder stand can pretty much go up anywhere but can be a bear getting up. I've heard they are dangerous too but have had no problems myself and feel totally safe. Well, maybe a little more cautious when putting it up and taking it down. A fixed stand is fantastic and I have come to like climbing sticks to get to them. The absolute best would be one with a swivel seat, but above all, get one that is comfortable. Also, do not get one too small. Some platforms just do not give you much for your feet and if you want to change position with your feet, and you will, you must have enough of a platform for that. Also, you will have to decide if you want to shoot from a standing or a sitting position. Personally, I do 99% of my shooting from a sitting position.

Good luck to you.

[jme]

Sarge - your instincts are right on. There's nothing like a tree stand. What Backwoods said is true in my experience too. Personally, all I have are chain-ons. I hunt in swamps on state land so these work great for a number of reasons: security-I lock them in to prevent theft, trees are mostly Tamarack and don't work well for a climber, they're pretty light-easier to lug in/out. My favorite is a 10 year old Loc-On. It has a plastic platform covered with carpet. It's light, stable and quiet. The others are River's Edge. Very inexpensive (around $35 on sale) and have worked very well for me. This year I bought some climbing sticks. Haven't used them yet and can't wait until I do - sure beats screwing/attaching steps. Lot of guys like the big platforms. Mine are pretty small but work just fine. You do need to make sure your feet are in the right position as you anticipate a shot opportunity. Rubber boots rubbing against a steel cable can make an awful loud squeak!

Go fot it,
John

[pporonto]

Lots of opinions on this subject. I like Summitt Stands. In your price range I would recommend a Bush Master X5, although I prefer the Viper X5. I have been using these stands for about 4 years and they are easy to use, super quiet and very comfortable. You will love the portability of a climber. If the weather is not right or the area you scouted all of a sudden is not working out, just move. Here is a pic of my stand below. http://www.summitstands.com/


http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/viper.jpg

[jimmyboy]

If you opt for a hang-on I recommend you take a long look at
Rapid Rails by Ameristep.They are mini-ladders that stack together for transport and are aluminum and lite weight.Their big advantage is that you can arrange them to go around lg limbs where a climb stick requires a tree that is almost perfectly straight and w/ a clear path thru limbs for it to fit into. Some here prefer Lone Wolf mimi-ladders and you should give them a good look as well.

Like JME, I have many Loc-On stands and have never found any other make to be much superior,but sadly they are no longer on the market.Many also choose climbers.Personally,I like limb cover beneath my stand and obviously that isn't possible w/ a climber-different advantages for different styles of stands and climbing systems.

From a climbing safety standpoint, consider a Fall Guy 20+ retractor,for use w/your safety harness that should come w/the stand of your choice.

[Hubbs]

I went with the Lone Wolf sit & climb. Super comfortable and weighs 17.5 lbs. Also, amazingly quiet. Only problem is that it costs $350, unless you get one used somewhere. I think it is worth the extra $150 and will probably outlast most hunters.

Here's a link - worth checking out.

www.lonewolfstands.com/sit_climb.asp (http://www.lonewolfstands.com/sit_climb.asp)

Just my 2 cents....;)

-Hubbs

[bucketmouthhauler]

I agree lone wolf hands down make the lightest quietest stand, but I have only had the privelage to hunt out of one a couple of times. They are out of my price range. but I also would encourage you to take a look at the summits,like he said up there:tsk: ...... they can be doctored up to be very silent. with some electrical tape and a little work. I took my stand and set it up about 20 times and figured out any little thing that could possibly make noise and tried to fix it. like any little peice of metal that can hang down a ting another part of your stand. what really sucks is when you take an hour to silently slip into the bedroom of a megabuck before light...... all to have it end with one big mettalic clinnnngggggg that sends him into the next county....

[Ack]

Sounds like a Summit climber is closest to your price range, but I would recommend looking at the Lone Wolf climbers. Like previously mentioned they are extremely quiet, lightweight and secure on the tree while climbing and sitting. The biggest complaint you will hear about the LW stands is their uncomfortable seats, but my Sit & Climb is plenty comfortable for me.

[Robert W. McCoy Jr]

I wouldn't trade 10 lone wolfs for 1 summit.

Just like every thing else every one has there own preferances.

I just sold my lone wolf after having it 4 years. It is truly a great stand.

But I simply do not like it for numerouse reasons.

I would try to test a few out if possible before you buy.

As far as hang on's verses climbers, I do most of my public hunting out of a climber. But if it is truly a hot spot. I will hang a stand there.

I perfer to walk up and already have a stand waiting. But even on my own land I use climbers in some spots.

[huntswbow]

I just bought a lone wolf hand climber. well......it's a nice stand, its quite, built very well and its lite. It would be nice if the belt was alittle more stiff when climbing, last night I climbed up a White oak and the bark was very loose so the belt would get stuck in between the bark as I would pull up....this wasn't fun.
I'm 30 years old a thought I was In decent shape, it took more out of me then what I thought it was going to, don't get me wrong its a great stand and wouldn't trade it, but I wouldn't recomend this hand climber unless your in pretty good shape. The reason I wanted it over the lone wolf sit and climb is you can fold the seat out of the way and stand right up against the tree, a big plus for shooting behind you to the right or left. just my .02. good luck in finding a tree stand.:)

[JBIV]

If your going with a climber, get a Summit. Big foot platforms, and seats you can sit in all day. If your a big guy, I'm 6'3 255 so anything above that is consider big in my mind :lol:, you may want to look at the Goliath. It has a little more room. Summit stands are light, carry well, and set up quick and quite.

[4seasrob]

I choose a Summit climber stand last year. It is light, safe, and has a good seat. They are also in your price range and made in the USA. What ever stand you buy please don't forget a good safety harness. The Summit climber came with one but I also purchased a Seat of the Pants Harness. You need to use the harness as soon as you set foot on the stand from the ground all the way up!

[Doublegun]

Check out the Gorilla Greyback Climber. I bought the Magnum at Cabela's for $179 ($20 off list). Very nice, very quite very comfortable and about the same weight as a Summit.