Has anybody used this stand? I have an opportunity to get a deal on one and wanted to know what you all think. Thanks.
Here's their website: Gorilla Greyback (http://www.gorillatreestands.com/climber_greyback_1.shtml)
John
John,
I own a few gorilla stands but not this model, over all I like the loc-on style stands they sell. They are sturdy and hold up. I checked out the link you posted and Gorilla copied there seat design from Ol' man stands, which is the only climbing stand I will use, so I know the seat is super quiet and comfy. Good luck.
John, I got a deal on one towards the end of deer season. I only used it a few times but I like it so far. It takes some getting used to compared to the Summits I have used in regards to setting it up quickly. But comfort for long stands is good. I will, however, change the net-type seat to a replacement seat from Summit before next season. I like the way it folds flat for packing and it is pretty light. If you are getting a deal on it, i say go for it. It's a solid stand.
A couple years ago, I bought a Gorilla Silverback, one of their high end hang-ons. When I brought it home and gave it a test spin, I discovered the mesh platform snapped, crackled, and popped with every step. It seemed to be due mainly to the powder coat finish cracking. I tried to "step" out the crackling by walking all over it, but 10 or 15 minutes of that only caused the mesh to sag in between the supports. That alone felt like a stumbling hazard. Needless to say, I took it back.
I use the Baby Gorilla stands which are smaller and they are as good as my old Screaming Eagle stands. Got 6 of them out and we use a lot of Gorilla stands for Bear Quest. Never had any noise problem with them...Doc
i swear by the older chain on Gorrila stand however the stabilizer wires have broken on ever one of mine which is not a big deal becouse the chain and loc on leveraging makes them very stable.
I have the version that is made out of steel, I think its called a "Wolverine"? I really like it. it packs down really flat and its super quiet going up a tree. I like the mesh seat as well... I have a two piece closed-cell foam rubber seat that I use for turkey hunting that I put on top of it, but I have used it with just the mesh, too. Its really comfortable. I got my first Trad deer out of it this past fall!!
David
John,
I know your getting a deal on the Gorilla, but if I can make a suggestion on a climber I would buy an ol' man. They are the quietest stand I have ever used. On more then one occasion I have been able to climb a tree with bedded deer as close as 60 yards without spooking them. Once in the tree it's very comfortable and makes Zero noise. The rubber band style cables don't allow the stand to "slip" down the tree. I have had every stand out there and this is the best one I have found. They made a new one this year out of aluminum witch is lighter. Mine is a steel model. Good luck...if you want to talk lock ons let me know I got a bunch of them also!