Anyone here own and use the new Lone Wolf Assault climber? If so, what do you think? Is the weight of 14.7# accurate?
I owned a Lone Wolf hand climber a few years ago and hated it...but to be honest, I never really gave it a fair shake, just here in the yard a couple of times. Sold it and bought a Lone Wolf Assault loc on and haven't used any thing else since. I love the loc on, but this flat packing 14.7# claim Assault climber has caught my interest.
Thanks in advance for any info and feedback on this climber.
Mike
Hey Mike,
I looked hard at the assault climber for a while, but went with the hand climber II recently. There just wasn't enough room for me on the assault platform, "unless" the seat was positioned folded against the tree. And the seat doesn't do that without some fair effort.
I love my assault hang on, it's one of the best pieces of hunting equip I own, but obviously the hang on model's seat folds "easily" out of the way when standing. And that makes it easier to function on the small platform.
My 2 cents
I've been using the regular hand climber for years. I really like it, mainly for the waffle platform, much easier on the feet when standing that a platform with rails or mesh.
Personally I would never give up the platform size to save a couple pounds. Even the normal size platform feels small to me, especially with heavy boots. If you are used to the small platform I would imagine you would like the Assault climber. I'll stick with the full size platform, but either way LW makes a great stand.
QuoteOriginally posted by Morning Star:
Hey Mike,
I looked hard at the assault climber for a while, but went with the hand climber II recently. There just wasn't enough room for me on the assault platform, "unless" the seat was positioned folded against the tree. And the seat doesn't do that without some fair effort. There just wasn't enough room for me on the assault platform, "unless" the seat was positioned folded against the tree. And the seat doesn't do that without some fair effort.
I love my assault hang on, it's one of the best pieces of hunting equip I own, but obviously the hang on model's seat folds "easily" out of the way when standing. And that makes it easier to function on the small platform.
My 2 cents
Seat folds up just fine on the hand climber. If you use a bungie like this it is flat against the tree and quiet getting there or back.
(http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/tmoren/LW1.jpg)
(http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff388/tmoren/LW3.jpg)
But it only fold up like that "if" you don't use the straps that keep the platform and seat connected. I wish there was a way to fold the seat and keep the straps connected.
I've never used the straps, never really seen the point. I have a rope between the seat and platform for safety, but like you said all the straps do is get in the way.
I think the regular sit and climb is plenty big and if i was in the market for a new climber I'd probably get the assault. I have the assault hang on and never really fold the seat.
I like the stabilizer straps on the climber. They really lock the 2 together for a solid platform. So solid that I have no problem standing on the seat to shoot if I need to shoot over something. With a short longbow I have never had the seat get in the way of a shot
I bought the assault climber this year when I sold my compound to go trad only. I had used the alpha sit and climb for years, but the assault has so much more going for it for the trad hunter---nothing to get in the way when shooting. It packs way faster and easier than the sit and climb. I made a seat strap (to sit and climb with it) but quickly took it off as it is very easy for me to climb using my arms. I padded the far right front pocket on the base and simply put the limb of my bow in the pocket until I need it. I also added a small camo pouch (wallyworld $5.00) and a folding saw strapped beneath the seat--my system for keeping gear ready and organized. This is my first year shooting traditional equipment---I've taken 3 Ohio deer with my Dan Toelke R/D Whip so far---2 out of this stand. True the platform is not large, but I tend to sit most of the time and limit wandering when on my feet. I sold my sit and climb and won't ever look back. The Assault is a Great stand!
John,
How much of the platform do you lose with the assault compared to the sit and climb? It appears to be about 3".
I had the hand climber and sold it shortly after getting it as I found it a pain to climb with it. I got it for just shipping from my brother (long story!). After that I started seeing posts of ways guys were finding easier ways to climb in them, like using straps to sit on, ect. So I may give them another try next year. Just sucks that I had one for free and will now have to pay full price for one! :(
I've been using my Lone Wolf hand climber combo for about 12 years now and just love that stand. I dont strap the seat to the platform and have never had a problem with the platform slipping down. I like the idea of usuing that bunjie cord to fold the seat up. I ordered the Assault climber just last week. According to the stats I read you give up 4 inches on the platform and lose about 3 lbs of weight. I shoot a trad bow and shoot sitting so the 4 inches won't bother me but the loss of 3 pounds is a big plus since I usually pack in pretty far when I hunt.
Sorry for the delay. You do lose a few inches on the base. I notice my feet sticking over the edge depending on the angle I'm in the tree at. It has not posed a problem for me--I really like the light weight and portability and much less to get in the way of long bow limbs than with the sit and climb. Good luck. John
Thanks, I have an older Assault hang on and when I lay it on top of my climber platform it appears it's only 2" shorter, can that be right? Or is the newer model designed difference?
Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking hard at them. May have to give one a try before next season.
Mike
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
But it only fold up like that "if" you don't use the straps that keep the platform and seat connected. I wish there was a way to fold the seat and keep the straps connected.
I fold it up with my straps slack but connected and have zero issues.
I had the sit and climb and ended up getting rid of it. I found the alpha hang on and sticks to allow a wider shooting range around the tree than the climber did, plus I was less limited in my tree choice.
I try not to limit the size of the platform itself too much, then its hard to turn and move around in the stand. But, the hand climber models do offer more shooting range than the sit and climb did.
The advantage of a climber is a little faster set up in most cases, especially in areas with straight up and down trees.
Bumping this up to see if there's more opinions on this stand.
I have the hand climber It climbs great, grips the tree very well, light weight and silent. There are a few things I dont like I wear size 12 boots and if I wear my thick insulated boots my feet barely fit under foot bar making it harder to climb, and compared to my summit stands I can climb easier and faster with those because of the foot stirups. But lonewolf is more compact on your back.
LW hand climber is one of the smartest purchases I've made. Would not even consider hauling a sit n climb. Make sure you guys know the difference.
I have a Assault Hand climber Combo from Lone Wolf in the box for sale. After trying out a Treewalker I did not want to try anything else.
I am just getting ready to order one! Give me a week I will let you know!
I had an older LW climber and loved it - figure this one will be as easy to set up and at least a pound or so lighter.
Lastly we have all kinds a options for trees to climb being pines everywhere so a climber is fairly versatile. I used to use rope steps and a old loc on tree stand but getting older the monkey in me ain't so good no more ---
i was a Summit guy all the way for years. finally bought a LW hand climber last year, and i love it. hand climbers are, by their nature, a little harder to climb with. but, what you gain is a completely unobstructed shot range. that is invaluable to a trad hunter. i went with the Combo II over the Assault because of the platform room. i just don't see how losing a few pounds could outweigh losing several inches of foot room (but i'm not a small guy, so...)
I would compare the LW with the XOP hand climber. I have the strike force and absolutely love it. Same product, better price.
I've had and have a lot of various lockons and climbers over many years. But never tried a LW climber for some reason...just found a nice used Assault climber, it's on the way to me now.
Is the listed weight of 14.5# pretty accurate? I sure hope so!
Have one of the very first lone wolf hand climbers built by the inventor of the stand, been using it forever and it still works as good as the day I ordered it. Bought the assault this year and so far I love it, gave my other to my son. Just got back from a very physical hunt on public land in Ky and it performed great and packing was no problem at all, going to Ohio in Nov to climb those hills and it is the stand I am taking.
Love my Lone Wolf Hand climber. Grips the tree well, very quiet, very stable.
I actually see ALOT of guys who get one and don't learn how to use it properly. I've seen a few guys who have had theirs for years and still don't know how to climb with it properly.
ALOT of owners still thing the straight oval bar is what you put your feed under to climb....when it's the side bars that you actually use. Stick your feet through the opening created by the side bar and the small slider brackets, cock your toes inward and heels outward and you get one heck of a bite into the platform with absolute control. I can easily maneuver the traction belt over small knots and broken off branches using the lonewolf...something I was never able to do easily with my summit.
The LW hand climber is the same length and width as the Assault. The Assault just thins down toward where it hits the tree. I've used the standard hand climber for years. Not a better stand out there, IMO. I have also used a strap attached to the seat to use it as a sit and climb.
The XOP is virtually the same stand. It's manufactured by the sons of the fella who initially developed the Lone Wolf, who then sold it.
Man I just got that used Assault hand climber combo I spoke of above...wow that thing is sweet! Bought the sit/climb section from XOP for like $100 just to have both methods.
But after using both the last week, I much prefer the hand climber. I've always used small platforms so the Assault is no issue. And to answer my own question, mine packed up is at 15.58 lbs. With some good LW shoulder straps, easy peasy to carry. And it unpacks and goes on the tree so much faster than my Summit when stealth is needed.
I have a whole bunch of stands, but this Assault hand climber combo is really nice to carry and hunt from. 5 stars!
Field Supply has the XOP hand climbers for $199 today for anyone looking.
I use the hand climber top and a timbertall platform. I would guess 12#s or so and while not as flat packing its way better than an Open Shot. I like the larger platform too.
I still gun hunt with the timbertall top to have a front bar rest
I had a lone wolf climber a few years ago. The worst stand I have ever owned hands down. So sad that they cost so much and perform so badly. Noisy, hard to fold and unfold, unsafe as the straps do not grip tree. Just a bad stand. Don't buy one. Look at the API bowhunter
Well I don't have the Assualt climber but I do have the hand climber model and absolutely love it.
Totally opposite opinion of crazynates.
QuoteOriginally posted by crazynate:
I had a lone wolf climber a few years ago. The worst stand I have ever owned hands down. So sad that they cost so much and perform so badly. Noisy, hard to fold and unfold, unsafe as the straps do not grip tree. Just a bad stand. Don't buy one. Look at the API bowhunter
You sure you were using a Lone Wolf?
Sounds like a API AD :goldtooth:
I have a buddy who just got the XOP hand climber after hearing my raves on my lone wolf.
I can climb 25-30ft in a couple of minutes. Climb down just as fast.
My buddy now...he's a bit...Husky.
He absolutely dislikes it. He simply lacks the physical and athletic ability necessary to use it.
There is a lot to like about the LW but I always had a car time getting it adjusted right compared to my Summit. If LW was able ti use the cables it would be the best of both worlds.
So to update...this past wkd I used the stabilizer straps on the Assault hand climber combo. I tried these before on a Summit once but didn't care for it too much, with Third Hand metal clips had to be super careful not to make noise unpacking, setting up, etc. Then feeding those ends through the clips in dark, etc. Always striving to get off the ground as fast as possible and that wasn't helping.
But I much prefer these LW plastic clips, etc. Helps pack the system tight, and I'm continually impressed at how fast I can unpack and set the two sections up...with maximum quiet.
Always kinda anal about not putting anything on the ground. Sunday tried a youtube method I saw of walking up to tree, and mounting entire packed up stand on tree first using the bottom section band, then taking it apart at waist level. Much easier, no bending over, everything is controllable and goes fast. Tie haul up rope to bow and go. I never ever put backpack or fannypack or jackets on ground.
Once up, a quick pull to cinch up those stabilizer straps and done. Did I say how much I like this Assault combo? LOL I swear its making me a better and more determined than ever bowhunter.
I'd love to see that video Mark... link please... I'm much the same way... get up and off the ground ASAP...
Jonathan
PS Longtime Lonewolf user... don't have the Assault but the Alpha in both hang on and climber... Be hard to convince me to try anything else at this point...
I never fold my lonewolf climber down for backpacking.
QuoteOriginally posted by twigflicker:
I'd love to see that video Mark... link please... I'm much the same way... get up and off the ground ASAP...
Jonathan
PS Longtime Lonewolf user... don't have the Assault but the Alpha in both hang on and climber... Be hard to convince me to try anything else at this point...
Jonathan.. this gentleman gave me that idea. It's at the 8:00 mark towards the end. I just pull it off my back and attach to tree directly, then unpack etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GywHpOaOJD8
I enjoyed watching the many vids on many techniques and mods from everyone. I try to keep it minimal myself. Like everyone, just pick what works for you.
Thanks Mark... I'll check that out this evening...
Jonathan
What do you fellas do about the traction belt folding under as you ascend and descend. That is my only complaint about my LW hand climber.
Make sure your feet are wedged in nice and tight.
I find the Lonewolf platform to be the easiest platform to control than any other climber on the market.
Toes down, heels up, make sure you disengage the traction belt from the tree before lifting up or down.
I've never had a problem with a sagging or folding traction belt on my lonewolf.
Used API Bowhunter for years and loved it. Started using lone wolf hand climber last year and have enjoyed it. For long all day sits prefer API. BUT 4hrs or less sits in take LW. I have the assault,but will add that most folks would like the alpha11 for extra foot room.