I want to purchase a tree stand that is not a climber. The ones I have used cause me to be sure the seat is comfortable, it lifts up out of the way, quietly, it has an adaquate space on the foot platform, it cinches tight against the tree and is light to carry. any recommendations for me?
Bryce, checkout the Lonewolf's.
Lone Wolf Alpha with the Lone Wolf sticks. Packs up real nice and will go in any tree with ease!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/BowHuntingFool/P1040053.jpg)
Lone Wolf Elite. I really do like the larger platform for extra stretch/shot room!
Non-Typical. Lighter than most, larger than most, fits leaning trees with a 4-point system that can leave one top point off-tree.
Attachment strap can go on from either side so you can choose which side to mount it from. Rapid Rails in aluminum are also excellent.
now made under Wayne's watchful eye by Ameristep.
Non-Typical Outfitter goes 350# rating, large platform and still only about 10+#
Lone Wolf.
I have the Chippewa wedgelock and i really like it.
I'm with Mint, Chippewa wedgelock. They have many models and different seat hights. They are strong and quiet.
Jack
Chippewa +1
I have a Loc-on brand 4-piece aluminum ladder stand that weighs about 20#. Seat height is 12'. Mine is over 20 years old, used every year, and going strong. I did have to replace the padded seat after about 10 years. It's seen much game go by.
If you don't want to spend an arm and a leg give a gorilla a look. Heck you could get two for what you'll pay for the L.W.
Wow those Chippewas look great. How much for the Wedge-loc model?
http://www.gorillatreestands.com/index.php?tray=product&tid=top665&cid=206
If weight is not an issue, then I recommend Gorillas(King Kong). Very stable, quiet,roomy, and the thick seat is great. We(my hunting crew) have about 20 of them and they are all still in excellent shape. Some are upwards to being almost 10 years old now.
non-typical light, easy to hang and comforatable
I do not want to hi-jack your thread wasapt, but...Bowhunting Fool, I have the older Lone Wolf version with the old seat. Is the new seat that much better?
Can anyone add some insight about both?
Billy
I have a good number of stands of quite a few types (in the mid 20's now) usually hang 'em all during the season. #1 stand, in my opinion, for a "hang and leave" is the Climax chain-on. #1 for a "hang and hunt" is the Windwalker. I don't know where to get Climax stands from right now, but I'm sure someone on here does, as for Windwalkers, the Bison Gear pack guys sell them. Climax stands are the berries - hang on any tree (slant don't matter), I've hunted trees down to 5 inches or so diameter (South Texas mesquite) up to 5 ft of extra chain types (Midwest oaks) - quiet, stable, comfortable - just a bit too heavy/noisy with the chain for a "hang and hunt" IMO.
Course I'm kind of biased for hang-on stands....I wouldn't use a self-climber if they gave me one - too constraining for the way I hunt.
R
I might be living in the past but my favorite is still the LOC-ON limit.
Non-typical Outfitter with Rapid rails. Light, easy to set up, quiet and comfortable ! I believe AmeriStep bought out Non-typical.
I like the Gorilla Silverback. They are very quiet and very easy to hang, I set between 100 to 130 treestands a year and I have never had a complaint yet. I guide deer hunters and hunt hard myself. You can also buy two silverback for the price of one lonewolf. The airride seat on the Gorilla is also a must have.I like the lonewolf also, just a little over priced.
I have the Lone Wolf and it is quiet, comfortable and easy to put up and take down.
LA Trapper. IMO the new seat is no better than the old one, just different. I actuallyprefer the thick foam of the older one.
i use the gorilla and have had awsome luck but if i am gonna cary it in and out a lot and maybe move stand locations i would use loggy buyu swamp thing it goes in any tree you want strait or crooked and has adjustable seat
You can't go wrong with a Lonewolf, best non-climbing stand that I have owned in 20 years of treestand hunting. Lightweight, rock solid, and easy to setup.
GAMETAMER treestand. I hate all others after spending time in a gametamer.
Bisch
Thanks Orion.
Billy
LONE WOLF
I'll add one more to the Lone Wolf group. I have an Alpha, and I haven't found anything I dislike about it. The older I get the more I appreciate its light weight and ease in hanging.
One more vote here for the Gorilla Silverback stands.
Ryan's right about the Climax stands. I bought my first one many years ago when they were being advertised at the end of the old Barry Wensel Whitetail Visions videos. A year or so ago Gene Wensel gave me the phone number of the Climax manufacturer who is on the east cost. I bought their new version and it's even better! Solid as a rock, quiet, and you can hang it on trees that most stands can't handle.
Check out a Millenium. You won't be disappointed and I haven't found anything as close to as comfortable. Also, light and very easy to hang.
Make and model aside....I look for stands with big seats (that fold up nicely/quietly/and fit right under my rear end while folded up for a combo sit stand position) and foot rests built in. When you sit all day the big comfy seat and foot rests make it a whole lot more comfortable.
the Climax is hard to beat for hang and leave. they are a little heavier than the lone wolf, but a breeze to hang. using climbing sticks I can hang one in about 5 minutes. They are hard to beat for the money. $89. last time I checked.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I have some research to do now.
I have several brands of hang ons that I use-Lone Wolf, Loc On Windwalker, and others. For hang and hunt, I use my Lone Wolf with strap on steps, I can't get the climbing sticks-I use 3 or 4 sets-up quietly enough for my liking. I can go up any tree, especially Holly trees, without worrying about limbs (like with Buck Steps, Rapid Rails, Climbing Sticks, etc) with my strap on steps. For hang and come back, I use my Climbing Stick style steps and my other stands. The bottom stick always goes home with me, it may not stop, but will at least slow down a trespasser.
Loc-on Spirit. Love 'em!