The El Camino of treestands?

[ATB]

For those younger readers the El Camino was advertised as the best of both worlds vehicle car and truck. Has anyone seen this stand from API it seems to have the best features of both a climber and a set tree stand with sticks.

It is light 22.5 lbs, dont need a perfect tree (like a climber), dont need to drag 6ft climbing sticks around. The only negative I saw was the price which is not much more than good climbers, and the ladder in front needs some cover not to alert deer, but other than that I think this thing looks pretty good.

The only other thing I want to check out is the size, if the guy carrying it on his back in the photo is 6'11 and for the average guy like me a 5'10 this will be too long. I need a more mobile stand that doesnt need a perfect tree. I'm looking for any other positves or negatives that you all see.
check it out
http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=79329&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

Thanks in advance for your helpful opinions

[Swamp Monster]

Imo, to expensive and to short at only 12.5' to the base of the stand. Would need to set it up in thick cover/spruce etc. You can get a quality hang on, and light weight ladder sticks (Summit Buck steps for example or the Non Typical steps) for less money and still be relatively portable. It would be interesting to see how easy it really is to set that stand by yourself.....I know they claim it to be easy but is that the case in the real world? A couple years back, API had what imo is a better idea with a telescoping ladder that was tight to the tree and was an integral part of the stand. It to was a little cumbersome and again expensive.

Do a search at Cabelas, I think another company is makinga similiar stand as that API you have a link to but about $100 cheaper....can't remember for sure.

[Swamp Monster]

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=80034&hvarDept=400&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=7&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

Here's another....not much cheaper, but a little taller/heavier. BPS also has a different version of that API for $249.

[GVDocHoliday]

If it was at least 20ft then I think it's a good stand...but that's way to low at 12.5'.

[tommytubular]

I like the concept....and 12 ft doesnt bother me a bit. You just have to have proper stand placement and play the wind. I won't say that there aren't advantages to being higher but I'm just not comfortable with heights. Seems I even read a couple times where 12 foot was the optimum height for arrow tragectory. But the price tag on that one is a bit high for my budget. For that money you could buy 6 12 ft ladder stands at season end.

[ATB]

I won't say that there aren't advantages to being higher but I'm just not comfortable with heights. But the price tag on that one is a bit high for my budget. For that money you could buy 6 12 ft ladder stands at season end.

I'm not a big fan of heights either so I'm glad to hear your info. I do already have climbing sticks and stand, but this year I am hunting on different leased property all over the state and I wont be able to leave stands out and need to walk a fair distance of 20 to 40 acre of field/crops to get into the woods. My current stand is manageable at 23lbs but my sticks are 3 6ft sections that weigh 33lbs. Ive heard good things about climbers but you need a perfect tree, also not being a big fan of heights I feel safer with sticks or a ladder. So this is why I was looking this way. Thanks for the info.

[Swamp Monster]

I hate heights myself, and the biggest buck I've killed to date was killed with a bow from a hang on at just 13ft, so it can be done! Set up location is crucial though! I hunt primarily from ladder stands of 15'- 16' now. After season (some sales now as well) you can get these for $60 a pop so you can afford to buy a few. A pain to set up sometimes but solid and stable. I to have to use sticks to get to a hang on....no screw in steps for me. I'm comfortable in a climber like a Sumit viper as well.....you'll want one at some point!
I would have to demo one of the API's before dumping that kind of cash, but I do like the concept on paper anyway.

[ATB]

Swamp Monster
Is this the other API stand you were talking about? Still pricey and looks a little less comfortable but $30 bucks cheaper and 2.5 ft higher. I found another interesting one like this from North Starr a company in Hillsdale, MI.
I would rather spend my cash in MI but North Starr informed me they are all sold out and no more would be available until next May:mad:

http://www.apioutdoors.com/55303.html?cmid=api_treestand8_2