I have been steadily upgrading my Lone Wolf Alpha hand climber over time. It is over 20 years old and going strong. From Lone wolf I upgraded with new style knobs, new seat cushion, new style belt clamps, upgraded back pack straps, added securing straps between the seat and platform and extra long belts for bigger trees.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000163_zps503f1262.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000163_zps503f1262.jpg.html)
I moved the old seat cushion to the underside and it makes backpacking a lot more comfortable. It also gives me a place to put something when in the stand without falling through the platform.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000160_zps4d36b036.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000160_zps4d36b036.jpg.html)
I also covered all exposed metal support tubes with Silent Hide fleece. And added reflective tape on the platform.
I drilled and tapped a Kwikee Kwiver receiver on the platform so I can rotate it to either carry in or have available for a quick second shot in the stand.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000156_zps07c08e9b.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000156_zps07c08e9b.jpg.html)
I also added a third hand so I can climb with the bow on the platform and have it in position to hold the bow when in the stand. No more pull up line required and in position much faster and quieter
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000147_zpsae9d2e67.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000147_zpsae9d2e67.jpg.html)
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000155_zps4b52414b.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000155_zps4b52414b.jpg.html)
I carry a portable tree saw secured to the hand climber so I can cut branches as I climb if needed.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000143_zpsb43cf7d1.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000143_zpsb43cf7d1.jpg.html)
And a tree umbrella secured to the platform for rain protection.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000141_zps5c84af06.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000141_zps5c84af06.jpg.html)
I have rigged it so the tree umbrella can be used as a portable blind as well.
(http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x275/preischmann/P1000151_zps1f561493.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/preischmann/media/P1000151_zps1f561493.jpg.html)
All of these improvements have really worked out well, set up is quick and quiet and I am up the tree with everything in hand, with cover to break up my silhouette when there is none.
nice, thanks for sharing
what keeps bow from falling out while climbing? I hear others say they climb with bow in third hand holder? I am sure I would find a way to drop bow
Nice. I have added a small pack and tree saw on under side of my lw assault. Really like the idea of third hand. Looks like you have it mounted on square tube section that belts go through. Does this prevent stand from being folded entirely flat? Do you use it with a bow quiver?
Thanks, john
QuoteOriginally posted by emac396:
what keeps bow from falling out while climbing? I hear others say they climb with bow in third hand holder? I am sure I would find a way to drop bow
You can rotate the third hand to any position some bows may require that to climb with it, all I did was turn the bow over as shown in the picture and it is rock solid, not going anywhere when climbing.
QuoteOriginally posted by the rifleman:
Nice. I have added a small pack and tree saw on under side of my lw assault. Really like the idea of third hand. Looks like you have it mounted on square tube section that belts go through. Does this prevent stand from being folded entirely flat? Do you use it with a bow quiver?
Thanks, john
I don't use a bow quiver, mine is mounted on the tree stand, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. When folding there is no interference from the third hand. I rounded off the sharp corners, coated with truck bed liner, and replaced all fasteners with stainless.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing.
:thumbsup:
Nice! I like the Silent Hide Fleece. Where did you get it?
http://www.stealthoutdoors.com/shop/cable-silencers/
Thanks. I'm going to get one of these. Should be a better solution than sticking my bow limb in my boot. Thanks again for sharing.
Great ideas there pbr. You really thought it through. I would never guess that climber is 20 years old.
So, pbr, where's the beer holder? :D
Seriously though, thanks for sharing your mods. I lost the private hunting grounds been hunting the last 3 years. Haven't had to use my climber at all in a while. Gonna have to break it out next year unless I can find a new spot to hang lock ons or ladder stands.
nice mods!
Thanks pbr. Gonna have to order some of those for my lone wolf sit and climb.
nice but don't forget to switch the tube bolts on the platform,,,,, when you slide your tree strap into the platform tube the longer straps hit these bolts and cause a lot of the strap to stick out the top behind your head when carrying,,,,
flip them with a nut driver so the nuts are on the outside the rubber tree strap will now go in all the way so it won't catch on anything when going thru the woods.
this is a tip I got from another guy here and what a difference
I actually did that a long time ago when I bought the extended straps.
Nice. All inclusive. I like it. I am a lone wolf user too! I used to make my own bow holder but got away from doing that. I like the third hand you have on there. I found a hole in the platform that my Black Widow fits in sometimes but it could scratch the bow. I have a few types of stands but keep going back the the lone wolf. Would love to see one made with a smaller dimension platform for less weight. I use and older LOC ON LIMIT for a stationary stand. I would like to see a hybrid climber made light like that with the simplicity of the lone wolf.
If you have a 20 year old stand, check the diameter of the bolts on the hand climber. They need to be the larger diameter. The original were 1/4". The hand climber doesn't have a crossbar and pressure can pop the head off of a bolt. Mine did!. And it was a new stand at the time. Had a unwelcome surprise when about 10' up. some scrapes and bumps. Broke some equipment, hunt was over for the day. I think the company has been bought and sold a time or two since?? Not sure about that.
I'm just glad I wasn't up higher when it snapped. At first I would have been happy with LW sending a new hand climber or some better bolts. But he got real defensive with me and told be I should tighten the hand climber bolts regularly in a tone that I didn't appreciate. And went on to tell me that they just started using larger diameter bolts. (there was no recall that I know of) He didn't even want to send me the new bolts. I mentioned there isn't much material to drill out for larger bolts, and asked he had changed the casting? He got mad and asked me just what I think he should do about this! At that point I changed my stance on what I thought he should do and got my point across quickly. There was a new stand on the front porch the next day. Overnighted.
I still use it and have used it for years with no problems at all. The climber has the larger bolts. The lower part still has the smaller bolts. They are still made that way as far as I know. Sometimes I look down and wonder why not use heavier bolts all around?
My broken stand...I did drill it out and put some larger grade 8 bolts in it. But could never have the confidence in it and threw it in the dumpster.
Forgot to say, I'll probably buy another lone wolf. I read on here that people have made a strap to sit on for a sit and climb modification. Does anyone have a photo of that?
Tedd
Tedd, LW sells one. It is called the Hand Climber Sit Strap, if you do a Google search you can see a picture on the stand. LW has a picture of the strap on their website but it's not hooked to the stand if I remember correctly? At any rate, I'm sure that you can make your own for less than the $20 asking price since it is simply a piece of nylon webbing that hooks to the front of the seat.
Wow, that is a bunch of great ideas thanks for posting. This will give me some stuff to do in the off season.
Wear did you get long belts?
Jasper. Thank you!
QuoteOriginally posted by LoneWolf73:
Wear did you get long belts?
Got them from Lone Wolf
QuoteOriginally posted by Tedd:
Forgot to say, I'll probably buy another lone wolf. I read on here that people have made a strap to sit on for a sit and climb modification. Does anyone have a photo of that?
Tedd
It took me one time with the Lone Wolf 20 years ago to realize it was the best design, and as far as I am concerned it still is by a wide margin.
Very nice improvements. ... it really looks good!
Thanks for sharing.... makes me want to buy one!
God bless,
Rodd
No problem. I like to call it the Turbo Lone Wolf. The only thing Lone Wolf could do to improve the stand would be to use carbon fiber components but the cost I am afraid would be prohibitive.
I will say the Third Hand needed some upgrading, he is using all steel components I am sure to keep cost down. I rounded off the sharp corners, painted it with truck bed liner paint, and replaced all the screws and bolts with stainless.
Nyloc nuts too
i see they do make a smaller base climber now.
Been thinking of getting some of the third hand accessories and was wondering if a stickbow would work in the bow holder...thanks for posting that picture! :thumbsup:
Great idea on where to strap a saw too.
Here is a simple mod that helps some. Just tie a loop onto the back of the base of the tree. It makes it easier to hook the LW bungee and it allows you to bend down the traction belts to get them out of the way for moving thru the woods.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v239/yohon/IMG_1289_zpse3738e95.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/yohon/media/IMG_1289_zpse3738e95.jpg.html)
pbr,
Great post with some nice pics and ideas.
I bet you were a dedicated viewer of the Macgyver tv series, huh?
Thanks, I am involved in product development in the marine industry, raised by a guy who could build, fix, and improve anything he put his hands on.
Wish we had straight trees in Texas.
:thumbsup:
Great Thread, I'm going to make some of these Modifications.
How is shooting the bow with the umbrella out in front as a blind? Is it prohibitive?
Good stuff... thanks for posting it! I'm a little ashamed to admit this, but I'd never even heard of the 3rd hand bow holder. I just ordered one and can't wait to use it!
Not necessarily a mod, but last year I developed a squeak after setting up in a slightly crooked tree. I called Lone Wolf and they spent at least 30 minutes on the phone with me helping to locate and correct the problem. It turns our that one of the square tubes was touching a nub on the platform and that was causing it to squeak. I filed the nub down and viola, squeak was gone!
Can you post a close up of the Umbrella set up on the front of the stand? Thanks.
I did some mods to my LW Assault hang on.
1) Third Hand bow holder on the seat
2) Silenced by wrapping with Stealth Strips on the post, cables, and wrapping 5/16 rope around the front edge of the platform.
3) Added stick talons to hold the sticks. No more bungees.
4) Swapped the strap and buckles on some sticks with 8mm accessory cord. Added stirrup extensions from 1" tubular webbing.
5) Tossed the harness and modded a rock harness with a linemans belt and tree tether. No limit on height now.
So the setup I carry into the woods now is under 15 pounds total (typically bring two sticks), silent, and can climb any height into the nastiest of trees safely.
Third hand holder is nice, I added one. I did drop my bow climbing with it, halfway up tree, so went back to haul line. Throwing the bungee around the bow in the holder worked in a pinch
Thanks for bringing this back up :thumbsup: I have been looking for it. I took a small fanny pack and attached it to the bottom of the seat to keep my safety rope with prusik not, my pull up rope and some other stuff in. It's working good but wanted to revisit these other idea's.
:shaka:
thought i would bring this back up, because it's such a good thread. i have a LW hand climber, that i have modded in the same way as this climber. gonna be a great setup, with the Third Hand bow holder, a Deluxe Kwikee Kwiver bracket for my quiver (that one moves 360 degrees, and you don't have to drill the platform), and a Tree Stand Organizer pack from Badlands.
You just need to add the aluminum foot rests.
I also added molle military straps to mine. Much better!
I added parachute cord to the cam leavers to make them easier to open.