I am in the market for a new treestand this year. I plan on walking in a good way on public land and hanging my stand and taking it down every hunt. I've had summits and like them but I like the flexibility of the lone wolf hang on & sticks. I'd like to hear some of your personal experience and preference.
i just got a millennium m7 its their ultra lite. i also like my old lone wolf assault. both are around 8-9 lbs
This will be my first year using lock-on's. Lone Wolf Assault and Millennium M100U
With Lone Wolf Sticks.
Just this past year I done a lot of research and planning on my public land stand setups. I needed to find the lightest weight, easiest to use with minimal stuff for packing in a pretty long distance, and back out since it's public lands. I narrowed my choices down to 2 setups and finally decided on a Summit Open Shot SD. I also made a new rope tree strap with a prusik knot for my harness and ordered the Third Hand straps for the stand. The straps really stabilize the stand once up and also double as very good straps to bundle the sections together when backpacking noise-free. Plus they weight next to nothing so it adds minor weight to the package. With a hang-on and a bunch of sticks/steps, and the chore of bundling them together neatly for a quiet package, the weight and the chore of installation, the lightweight climber made good sense in my situation. The areas I hunt usually have trees suitable for a climber, others may not have such trees in their areas to hunt from. Some practice in the yard and I can now zip up a tree pretty efficiently with the Open Shot and with the additional straps, once I reach my desired height, it's rock-steady. I realize you asked about a hang-on stand and sticks, and I considered that as well, but quickly realized I probably wasn't gonna get as easy and light of a package deal as I would with the Open Shot climber. However, you may find something I didn't and end up with a package that meets your needs perfectly in a hang-on and sticks.
I love the lonewolf hand climber. Really lightweight, folds flat, and easy to set up. I've been using the same one for 4-5 years now.
I switched to hunting out of a saddle a few years ago and luv it. Can't see myself going back to a hang on.
Picked up a LW alpha II this year to see what all the hypes about. I've only used hang ons a few times in the past, and typically just set up and left them for the season. Since I've been branching out into public more lately I wanted to set something mobile up. I went with hawk helium sticks. The stand, with molle straps and hip belt, and 3 sticks is a bit over 20#. It's very flat and honestly it doesn't feel that heavy. The assault would save a few pounds, but coming from large platform home made ladder stands I wanted a decent size platform to start out with.
Only a couple test runs up the tree so far, but it seems like what I was aiming for. Probably pick up a hand climber as well in the future.
I have had several treestand/stick combos over the years. I bit the bullet and bought a LW Assault a year or two ago and paired it with my Hawk Helium sticks. For me, there is not a better set up and I would gladly spend the money again. I put the old school packing straps from my Summit Vioer for carrying and installed the Summit cinch strap to the stand so I can have the sticks on or off quickly.
I have a Mellinium, very comfortable, but is hung and left. The XOP is easy to hang, cheaper in cost, but is the larger version that I don't use anymore. I have an old Timber Jack with ratchet strap that is comfortable and ultra light but is not as versatile. I typically hang it and leave it. If I am packing in and out it is the LW all the way.
Thanks for the responses. Good stuff! I've looked into the Summit Open Shot and it's not out of the question.
I've found for me the lone wolf assault and LW sticks work best. I've got several LW stands and sets of sticks. If hunting public land over a weekend , I'll leave the stand and pull the bottom couple ladder sections. All can be locked to the tree but a thief that really wants it will find a way.
Going with the Aero Hunter Kestrel saddle this year.
I am planning on spending more time on public land this year and will be using the Lone Wolf Alpha II and the Assault II both pair with the sticks.
Windwalker tree stand and LW sticks.
Lone wolf assault. I can race a grey squirrel up the tree and do it very quietly.
Lone wolf climber, ladder stands too. Have a hang on but may not get it up in time.
Man, glad to see the hang ons are a popular choice. I'm leaning toaward the XOP line because they are a bit less pricey than lone wolf and I like how the sticks stack on the frame of the stand.
Lone Wolf Alpha II for versatility and any unknown tree. Lone Wolf Hand Climber for when I know the exact tree I want is there and the climber will fit. If I could only have one it would be the Alpha II because it's more versatile but I like having options and the climber does that for me in addition to providing me with a backup/loaner stand (which I've never needed but if I didn't have it my stand would have an issue right in the middle of the rut).
I have the summit cobra , open front works for bow hunting and it has a full seat for all day sits . I hunt out of cabbage palms and just like that I am able to move around the tree and keep the sun at bay with the versatility.
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Quote from: Lakerat007 on August 12, 2018, 08:19:51 PM
I switched to hunting out of a saddle a few years ago and luv it. Can't see myself going back to a hang on.
My saddle is on order and I'm awaiting it to be shipped. This will be my first season in a saddle and I'm super excited. If it's everything it's being hyped up to be I can't imagine hiking any distance with a tree stand anymore. I primarily hunt public land where stands need to be removed daily or after a 5 day period. I've got to admit that I'm tired of that part of public land.
-Jeremy
I'm using the Lone Wolf Alpha II for the first time this year. I practiced putting it up in a few places and so far I'm impressed.
After 30yrs with my 30 pound tree lounge (safest,most comfortable stand I ever used),,,I have a mantis saddle on order and will use the foot climber from my lounge as a means to ascend the tree and a platform. 8pounds versus 30pounds makes a big difference climbing east Tennessee ridges for an official senior citizen of 2 weeks.
Add me to the saddle crowd! Have a Trophyline, Aero Hunter Evolution, Kestrel, and plan to order a Mantis soon. I still use stands on private ground but when it comes to packing in deep on public land, the stands gather dust anymore.
Should have added that when it comes to stands, I'm a fan of LW like many others but be sure to check out the Chippewa wedge-loc stands..... Buddy has one and I was impressed.
L/W climber, Chippewa wedge lock with extra mounts, Millenium M-7 ultralite and extra mounts, L/w sticks and Wild edge step ladder (8 rope on steps) and I'm pretty well good to go. :archer:
Quote from: Lakerat007 on August 12, 2018, 08:19:51 PM
I switched to hunting out of a saddle a few years ago and luv it. Can't see myself going back to a hang on.
Been looking at saddles and would like to hear of your experience shooting from one. What do you reccommend?
I built this saddle from a sit drag. I also wear a rock harness (not shown) for safety. the whole set up weighs about 9 pounds and allows near 360 of shooting. Im using 1/2 Amsteel for the bridge and 1/2 Monster rope for the tether but will be going to a 10mm rope soon as it arrives. its incredibly comfortable and i feel more secure. i havent worked out a back brace yet. The picture is my first time sitting in it. I would not (of course) use a tree that large nor would i sit with my legs extended.
I have tried many stands over the years and prefer the LW Assault with either screw in steps/bolts or LW sticks.
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I've used treestands for more than a few years. I started w built stands, than bakers, long story short I think I've shot most. That's not saying all.
Hands down if you can climb a lone wolf is the way to go. A summit is a little more comfortable when your sitting. They flat out are much worse to carry but are real good stands too.
A hang on leaves lots of options open
I have several mobile options this year. I still have my old trusty Summit Bushmaster, but this year i will probably use my new X-stand M-1 or my DIY Saddle system. They are both very light, and very much modified for long hauls. Is it September 8th yet?
The smaller Lone Wolf climber. What ever the name is. Most of my hunting is in straight timber where climbing a few feet higher than 3 sticks is a plus, so the climber works best.
I purchased the tree saddle. Seems like you are hauling just us much gear with that. I'm not seeing an advantage, plus I can't get the hang of shooting out of it. Only tried a couple times a few feet off the ground and lost interest. Maybe I'll try it again this weekend.
Tedd
My favorite is an old Loc-On Limit with climbing sticks. Easy to set, solid and quiet. A little more foot room without much more weight than the Windwalker and a higher seat height. Spent many 12 hour days on stand in a Limit and was as comfortable as one could be sitting in a tree for 12 hours. Had two of them with API climbing sticks, about a half dozen rope on steps, and the backpack that Loc-On made to fit the Limit/Windwalker. One of the those deals where you find something you like, buy a second one because you can be guaranteed they'll stop making it. No tree in the woods I can't conquer with that setup. Backed over one of my setups with my truck a few years back, that was a sad day, now I'm down to one.
I love the Lone Wolf hang-ons. I have to admit though, I can access most spots on my place, for stand hanging, within a few yards with my UTV. I take ladders, limb cutters, multiple stands, and a blue ray player (kidding) when I'm on this Mission.
Lone Wolf hangon with climbing sticks. I hunt strickly public land. Put the stand up and take it down every hunt. You need a stand that's light and the Lone Wolf is the ticket. :thumbsup:
I've been a saddle guy for the last 10 years. New tribe Aero Hunter Evolution with Lone Wolf Sticks
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Lone Wolf climber on rare occasions, for hang ons I have an M7 that I bought last year. Great stand and with 8 receivers I can set up a lot of locations I know I will hunt and not have to have a stand for each. I also have a pair of Loc-On limits with amsteel "speed hitch" ropes that work really well for run and gun stands. I use 4 Hawk Helium sticks that I moded to use a versa button and 3/8" amsteel rope. Light, quick to hang and very quite. I also use a woodpecker drill in some situations but not a ton.
I used to use Summit Climber (Open Shot) but once it slipped on a low bark tree so I switched to a Lone Wolf Alpha with sticks. I purchased an extra stick and that comes in handy once in awhile - sometimes I just carry three.
I do replace the straps every year (two on stand and one on each ladder - costs $60 to replace them) had a ladder slip out on me once and couldn't figure if it was me
or the strap - I got bruised a bit - so I replace them regardless)
Stand works well, comfy and I have no complaints with it - had it maybe 8 years or so
On longer walk-ins I do use a deer cart to haul stand and pack in with me, it's okay under a mile I guess but think it's 20lbs
Quote from: Cmane07 on August 12, 2018, 06:57:41 PM
I love the lonewolf hand climber. Really lightweight, folds flat, and easy to set up. I've been using the same one for 4-5 years now.
you will have a very hard time finding a stand better than this one. I have the sit and climb model and i LOVE IT!! On cold days and hunting trees that I know I can climb with a climber, I'll definitely be carrying this!
If you're looking for a good lock on, look at XOP. THey're the same as lonewolf(literally), but at a fraction of the price.
Also Wanted to add, if you're looking for some great sticks, the muddy pro's are the best there are offered atm (imo).
I'm kinda curious about the XOP's being a fraction of a price. I've read this elsewhere when I was shopping around. When I bought my alpha 2 for $230, the XOP version was $200. Not a substantial difference when comparing made in USA vs China in my opinion.