I moved last year and am now within 10 minutes of a couple of nice public hunting areas. Due to a lot of overtime and chasing crappie am just now starting to explore and scout these areas close to the house. I will be packing my stand/gear in and out. I already have a climber but what little scouting I have got to do have already noticed several spots without a decent tree where I wanted it and am looking to buy a light, easy to hang stand. I have always liked the looks of the Chippewa stand and am really leaning towards it but know some prefer Lone Wolf. Guys that have used both talk me into why I should consider Lone Wolf. My main concern really is the ease of hanging and packing.
Had both for many years. Both great stands. Ease of hanging is same.
I sold my Chippewas. LW is more portable, lighter, and more versatile for smaller trees etc. The idea that having the hanging harness in the tree ahead of time really does nothing for ease or time. (There are better options: Like a small screw in hook/eye bolts- Read "Shedhunta" on http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=152252;p=1)
I still do not like the idea of leaving a hanging harness in the public or non-exclusive woods as you educate others as to where you are hunting.
Get LW sticks and a stand. Search other posts on this as some of us are exclusively portable and have worked out systems for years. Check out http://tbwpodcast.com/video-55-turkey-vests-and-stand-modifications-with-dan-rudman/
My 2C
Dan in KS
I have used both in the past and still use the Chippewa, I find super easy to put up and very solid. Chippewa gets my vote.
I have both and prefer the chippewa it is rock solid and super easy to hang with that said I do like the lone wolf for the weight to size ratio of the platform. If i was going to choose one stand it would be the chippewa . My oldest one has spent the majority of its 15 years in the same tree year round , I did replace the foam and seat cover this year but for the most part it looks the same as the day I bought it. I hope this helps.
Although I don't have experience wIth both I have been using a Lone Wolf Assault and the lone wolf sticks for probably 8 years. LW is extreamly quiet very rarely will it make any noise and then it is because it is not seated on the tree correctly.
Just yesterday evening I went in using the LW and sticks, had two does stand up later about 50 yards away.
So, although I don't know about the Chippewas, I do know you won't go wrong with the LW.
Oh, I just use and stack the sticks as they were designed to be carried. My only mod is to cover the buckles on the stand and sticks so they don't bump and make noise.
They are both great. I own and used a Chippewa and think the world of it. I team it with LW climbing sticks and can go anywhere fairly quickly and quietly. I never used a Lone Wolf but friends do.
CHuckC
I like the lone wolf climber. Almost no limits where you can hunt with no pre planning at all.
I'll be watching this one
I own several Chippewas and don't see any reason to try another stand. Iv messed with a LW a couple of times and it was defiantly harder to hang IMHO. Now I don't have a lot of experience with LW but haven't found anything in a LW that would make me want to switch. I like that I can have the WedgLoc by the platform in the upright position and know ounce I hook it over the cable, all is well! And a more Sturdy stand will be hard to find!!!!
Pick either one and I doubt you'll be disappointed...
I have used only the lone wolf. I use the assault and carry 4 sticks. I can pretty much get anywhere I need to and do so quickly and quietly. I don't foresee me ever going to anything else, I love it that much.
I own several dozen different stands. IF I'm going in to hang a stand a for the first time and hunt immediately I'll always have a LW and sticks on my back.
I own several dozen different stands. IF I'm going in to hang a stand for the first time and hunt immediately I'll always have a LW and sticks on my back.
But I don't own a Chappewa however I can't imagine it being better, easier to hang and more dead quiet as a LW.
May I elaborate on one thing I brought up above. . . Again I have had both. I agree with the Chippewa users- it is an amazing rock solid stand.
HOWEVER, as I mentioned, as a completely portable hunter I have never found a tree that a LW will NOT work in. ON THE OTHER HAND- there are many trees I sit where a Chippewa would never work. Smaller diameters, extra large diameters, crooked trees, and trees with lots of limbs (like my favorite- cedar trees) can all be a problem. I had a friend (who posts here in TG) here in KS last year. I sent him to a tree. His Wedge-loc would not work as the tree was TOO large for the bottom "V." I use that tree all the time with a LW. The Chippewa also has TWO vertical posts and needs a large enough trunk to wedge onto. This would eliminate its use in many of the cedar tree set ups I like.
Again- just consider. Its just my 2C worth
Dan in KS
I love & have several of both, but if I could only have one, it would be the lone wolf for the reasons KSDan states... I also like the XOP stands which are similar to Lone Wolf. I prefer the batwing bracket, but if you want to utilize a hanging hook or bracket, both the lone wolf & XOP can be hung that way. Plus I use their sticks and they integrate/pack well together... Both are excellent!
X2
Got both the original 8.5lb lone wolf assault and the 8lb Chippewa ghost.
Both great stands, the lone wolf like others will fit more crooked trees, but u can put the Chippewa ghost in spots the platform of the lone wolf won't fit.
The Chippewa is more solid, I think the angle of the cables don't grind into ur boots like the lone wolf when u stand on the back of the platform.
The chain mounting system is far easier that the strap system Chippewa sells, the chain U can get in smaller trees.
For the the most part u need a straight comfortable spot to hang a stand of any kind.
So it's 6 of one half dozen the other.
On public deep Unknown treks I use the Chippewa and cranford ezy rod rope steps. That set up is light and fits in ur back pack.
I sprayed several coats of plasti dip on the chain, it makes the chain silent, I did 4 coats.
the lone wolf sticks are probably the fasters way to climb, ezy rod screw in steps 2nd, ezy Rod rope steps 3rd.
Can't use screws in in some states on public, most all of them.
Lone wolf sticks not real compact but fast, ezy Rod rope steps not as fast but compact and trees with super rough bark makes it's slower.
Lone wolf, Hang the 1st stick then the second, climb back down, hook a stick on each side of ur harness that wraps around ur waist and put the stand on ur back and ur done.
Wedge loc, have a fanny pack with ur steps, stand on ur back, and hook the chain around ur waist and go up.
They both truly have there place
QuoteOriginally posted by Keb:
the lone wolf sticks are probably the fasters way to climb, ezy rod screw in steps 2nd, ezy Rod rope steps 3rd.
Can't use screws in in some states on public, most all of them.
Lone wolf sticks not real compact but fast, ezy Rod rope steps not as fast but compact and trees with super rough bark makes it's slower.
Lone wolf, Hang the 1st stick then the second, climb back down, hook a stick on each side of ur harness that wraps around ur waist and put the stand on ur back and ur done.
Wedge loc, have a fanny pack with ur steps, stand on ur back, and hook the chain around ur waist and go up.
They both truly have there place
It is sounding like it would be nice to have both options, my wife probably wouldn't be too proud if I bought it all at once though.
How is the little Ghost, it looks tiny? I love the idea of being able to stuff it in a pack and go but seems so small. I am torn between it and the super ghost or quest. Any trouble with drawing elbow getting into the tree if not hunting very high up and shooting straight out front?
QuoteOriginally posted by KSdan:
Had both for many years. Both great stands. Ease of hanging is same.
I sold my Chippewas. LW is more portable, lighter, and more versatile for smaller trees etc. The idea that having the hanging harness in the tree ahead of time really does nothing for ease or time. (There are better options: Like a small screw in hook/eye bolts- Read "Shedhunta" on http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=152252;p=1)
I still do not like the idea of leaving a hanging harness in the public or non-exclusive woods as you educate others as to where you are hunting.
Get LW sticks and a stand. Search other posts on this as some of us are exclusively portable and have worked out systems for years. Check out http://tbwpodcast.com/video-55-turkey-vests-and-stand-modifications-with-dan-rudman/
My 2C
Dan in KS
Thanks for the links Dan, the more I read the more I want both. I just have to figure out which I will buy first. I think even on private ground I used to hunt growing I will pack in/out except maybe a few ladderstands. Seems a lot safer than leaving stands out in the elements and probably keep deer from getting onto you as quick.
I can't use the screw in hooks mentioned in the link on the public ground here but have read that the ez hang hook can be used even with the batwing with paracord. That is a big thing for me with either brand, I guess I am just not coordinated and strong enough to hang stands without some way of supporting the weight and freeing up both hands for the straps.
Guess I am leaning towards Lone Wolf sticks too but has anyone used the Chippewa sticks and know what they weigh? I have an e-mail out to them but haven't heard back yet.
Thanks again for all the responses, keep them coming if you have more thoughts.
If u can only buy one.
Get the lone wolf assault and sticks or take a look at xops new stand vanish and sticks.
If I had to pick one and let the others go I'd take the assault and 3 sticks
The ghost is small, I never had a problem shooting from it, it's a great little stand.
What KSDan said! Not a tree yet I could not get into with my LW. Surprisingly comfortable and sets up on some of the most crocked trees you can imagine.
Love my lone wolf. Never tried a chippewa but do not think I would cheat on my lone wolf. Buddy got a new xop vanish. He is now getting a lone wolf. Adjustment bracket was way too noisy he said.
I have the Chippewa sticks, both in long and short lengths. They work great, during elk season I used two longs, gets you up about 12 feet and more if you have limbs to use also. I can't give you and exact weight but I can carry two in one hand over my shoulder. I love my Chippewa stand and hanging system but if you get the stand, hangers and sticks all together it can be a pretty good load and being all metal you would be hard pressed to be totally quiet hanging it. The stand is rock solid and very quiet when up. I have the larger version of the Chippewa.
This season I used a pack frame to carry my stand, hangers for the stand and ladder sticks, and carried two long sticks in my hand. I prefer the chain hangers and they weigh a bit more than the straps. We don't have crooked trees here in Washington state so that's never been a problem ... LOL
I have sat in a Lone Wolf but never put one up or had to carry one so I am no help there.
I have had both for years, and they are my top 2 stands. I have at least 6 stands in all. Both are great. I wouldn't consider either to be "light". The size of my Chip is a little bigger--great to sit/stand in but it does catch on more brush while in transport mode. Usually, when I leave my LW stand, I push it up so that it is more difficult to see from the ground. The Chip can be seen a little easier from the ground. I think/believe the LW is just a tad quieter, but the Chip is by no means loud. I like the chains on the Chip--more secure?? But, the LW's strap and stand seem to be easier to hang.I love the footing/traction/feel of the LW, but the platform hurts on the knees if you have to climb on to it--long story. I love both of these well made American stands. But, if I had to choose my favorite--LW 50.01% to Chip 49.99%. All of that being said, I believe you can't make a "bad" decision. Good Luck!
I own both and love them both.
The Chippewa Chief is probably my go to stand. The only con I have with them is that the chain rigging harness adds some extra weigh and can be a little noisy if not secured good while packing in. However, its so simple to hang. You can get a webbing rigging harness though that would eliminate this. It's never been a big enough issue though, so I don't bother with getting a different harness. The Chippewa is nice because you only need the one strap.
The Lone Wolf is very easy to hang as well, as long as you get a EZ hang hook and strap for it. You'll still need to use the other 2 hanging straps though for safety. It's a little heavier than the Chippewa, but the chain rigging harness may make up the difference. There are a few plastic parts on the LW though that I don't care for and may eventually wear out.
The Chippewa sticks are safer and easier to hang, but are much heaver and don't pack well. The LW sticks are much more versatile.
In my opinion, Id go with a Chippewa stand and Lone Wolf climbing sticks.
Both products are made in the USA and that's what sells me on them both.
Good luck
Both excellent - I prefer Chippewas - own several and routinely recommend Chipps when a bowhunter is buying one stand. I do not set up on a tree that is thinner than my profile standing up so not worried about tiny trees - I hunt a few Major Huge Oaks and hang using two chains and one tree with chain link added so they sit fine on a tree with a 12 foot circumference.
Sticks - I use a woodpecker and drill trees - I know some of you guys can't - just saying
We do use Chippewa sticks for climbing sometimes when a boat or ATV can get close. Love em. Quiet - Quick - Stable - Safe.
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I have both. Haven't used the Chippewa in a long time
I like the LW(or XOP) stands personally and have been switching the over to them on my land. The most comfortable and quiet one I like is the XOP Maximus. XOP is made by the old LW company.
I have had Muddy, Chippewa and Lone wolf, stands and sticks. My go to stand is the Chippewa, it is the easiest stand to set up (strap around tree, then stand ). The Chippewa is rock solid, and the quietest stand I have ever used. It takes a little while to get use to carrying it in vice the others. As far as sticks, I liked the Lone wolf, they was lighter and little quieter in they interlocked. But, with a knee replacement, I like the Chippewa better as it gives me a step on each side. I hunt just public land, so being able to leave the strap and take the stick and/or stand, then come back is important to me. When I leave, I take the stand and the bottom step, when I come back, slip the step in the strap, climb up, slip the stand on, then harness and hunting. Worked good this year, as I slipped in to area little late, set up and in 10 minutes had a Doe down. She had no idea I slipped in. I placed some pipe foam on all my stands to quiet them, and a little "bag" under the seat for back up mask/gloves and place for carrying the strap.
Big drop in price on LW hand climbers....whats up?
I was wanting to trade my new one for hang on and sticks (again)
I was working a late season brute buck last night. Had to get into first time set in a cedar tree that was barely 5" in diameter at 12'. Sure love the LW versatility. The single vertical post, bat-wing bracket, and V on platform works in virtually any type of tree. (Any stand w 2 vertical posts becomes inhibiting on many set-ups). The Chippewa would have never worked.
Just more 2 C
Merry Christmas
Dan in KS