For you folks that live on a tight budget like me, what economy tree stand do you use and how's the quality?
Looking to go to the the trees maybe this year and don't have a fortune to spend on a stand. Want a hang on stand not a climber or ladder stand. So, lets hear some suggestions. :thumbsup:
Don't know how "economy" it is, but the only treestand I hunt from is a Gametamer. They are not made anymore, but the Woodsey Too treestand is very similar. Most comfortable treestand I have ever sat in! These are prety heavy, so not well suited for carrying in and out every day. But they are the cat's meow for more permanent applications.
Bisch
Thanks Bisch but, I hunt public land and permanent applications probably won't apply. I was figuring light weight and possibly hanging a week in advance of use. I'll take down the climbing sticks to discourage any scoundrels from absconding with it!
Yeah, I was thinking maybe that might be the case. The Gametamers are the only ones I have used in a long time. Somebody else will come along with some good advice for you!
Bisch
You know , back when I had less gravity , I would just climb a tree and using 1/4" roap I would use it to pull my bow up and then kinda weave a seat in the crotch of an appropriate limb . Was quite comfortable and cheep .
Just hunt portable. I have for 20 years. Up and down every time. Takes 10 minutes or less with a hang-on and sticks. You can get all set up for $200. See my post: http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=141907;p=1#000009
I like the looks of the Millennium M25 hang on stand. Does anyone have experience with that one?
I have been using the ones from Dick's for several years now. I think Field and Stream is the brand. Usually pick up a few after the season ends when on sale for like $40. They work great for me and my hunting pals. The platform isnt the biggest...but it is big enough. Put three new ratchet straps on em and hunt away.
Josh, is that Dick's Sporting Goods?
QuoteOriginally posted by Wannabe1:
Josh, is that Dick's Sporting Goods?
Yes sir
I use a climber 95% of time,but I have a millennium monster that is the most comfortable seat in the woods. the model you mentioned has a smaller platform with that great seat! (//%5Burl=http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/cmlphelps/media/02c8fe00-e952-49e5-85b1-0824fe19523c_zps3b5b4736.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a606/cmlphelps/02c8fe00-e952-49e5-85b1-0824fe19523c_zps3b5b4736.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Rivers edge hang on stands are economical and sturdy.
I also use a Millennium M50. I don't own but have used a friends set that he had a M25 in the tree. Very comfortable and cheaper than the M50. Just got a deal on a leverage ladder stand from a friend but these are pricey and you don't want to carry them far. All depends how high you want to go but maybe 2 or 3 sticks and the M25 would work for you. Good luck.
When I hunt from a tree stand, it's either a lone wolf, or for real light weight it's a loc-on light, both pretty comfortable, but I'm up there to hunt not sleep.
Summit Viper.
Watch the classifieds this time of year and pick up a Lone Wolf Alfa or if you want some thing lighter look for the Assault. I see plenty of god deals this time of year.
You got all summer, check yard/garages sale and $%$%list.
I picked up a like new Lone Wolf sit N climb with a hand climber also for $200
Don't skimp on stands. Lone wolf and sticks...or climber
I have some big dog lock ons and others are comfort zone I believe.affordable hang ons that work just fine. In your case you could get a cpl hang ons and a cpl sets of sticks cheap. One idea would be to hang the sets,leave the hang-on and last section of stick on the tree.take the bottom portion of the sticks with ya. Do that for each stand location to help deter thieves. I pretty much stopped using stands when I had a close call with a climber. I will tell you this,don't go cheap with a climber,I did and it nearly cost me my life
Muddy vantage is a great hang on only about 12.5 pounds easy to carry and hang. Get a set of Muddy pro sticks and you have a great run and gun set up.
Wanna. . . been there, done it. I would think long and hard about removing "economy" from your list of needs. There is some cheap#### (stuff) out there that is very economical, but I'm not certain I would trust my life to it. I went thru a whole handful of "sale" stands before I found one that stood out. It cost more than 2x what any of the others cost and 4x what a few of them cost. Wish I bought it first.
ChuckC
Wannabe1 I use a muddy stand I bought from Dicks for $80, I purchased the muddy supermount system which makes it way easy to put up and take down in one set. Combine that with a set of lite weight sticks and it is a great system that doesn't cost a fortune. I did a write up on a blog for it if you want to take a look at my set up
http://www.midwesttrappingandhuntingsupply.com/blogs/news
For tree stand safety, buy the most expensive you can afford. Don't skimp on a stand because you don't want any issues when you are up 12-20' above the ground.
I'm with Bisch. I only use Gametamers and Woodsey Too's but mine are semi-permanent.
I love my Chippewa wedgelock and it is pretty light. You can buy a couple more chains and then hunt different trees without much hassle.
The only beef I have with those milleniums is that I can never seem to get them completely solid. There is always a bit of wiggle, which doesn't seem too bad, until your 32' up.
I like my Summit climber better than anything, but I have had great success with the cheap Field and Stream models (with an extra rachet)
QuoteOriginally posted by huskyarcher:
The only beef I have with those milleniums is that I can never seem to get them completely solid. There is always a bit of wiggle, which doesn't seem too bad, until your 32' up.
I like my Summit climber better than anything, but I have had great success with the cheap Field and Stream models (with an extra rachet)
If you go 32' up a tree trunk in central Texas, you will more than likely end up about 15" off the ground and 17' to the left or right of where you started. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
I don't think I have ever hunted a place here where you could 30' off the ground in a tree!
Bisch
32 feet up ! Dang, my nose bleeds at 30 ! I don't think my bow is strong enough to get the arrows to the ground from up there ! :laughing:
CHuckC
Good stands taken care of can last for many years. I went through lots of the more economical stands over the years. I grew tired of stands that didn't allow for some tree angle adjustment. There are very few that allow of this.
I settled on Lone Wolf Alpha II's. They are 3 times the cost of other hang-ons that go on sale in December but I'm very pleased. My 2nd choice is a Muddy, again with the bole angle adjustment feature.
I would save and get a new XPO hang on...... too many welded platforms cost me over the years. Now, most days I hang from a modified tree saddle.... but still use my original LW from time to time.
if you are interested- i built a hand climber model, that doubles as a packboard. so it is smaller than a regular stand- but i can carry it around in thick brush all day- use it when i need, and then pack my deer out with it- (http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/yes/t2712.gif) (http://yoursmiles.org/t-yes.php)
ultimate mobility!
Totally agree with bowwild. Whatever stand you get make sure it has angle adjustment so you are not hunting for only straight trees. Thats why I use Muddy treestands with adjustment. If you want a crazy amount of adjustment take a look at twisted timber treestands.
I really appreciate all the recommendations and comments! I am convinced now to hold out and get a quality stand as my wife said she would worry if I don't. She'll worry anyway but, might as well try and alleviate some of the concern. I'm liking the Muddy brand and the obvious Lone Wolf Assault! The latter looks to be the ticket but, it is pricey.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bisch:
QuoteOriginally posted by huskyarcher:
The only beef I have with those milleniums is that I can never seem to get them completely solid. There is always a bit of wiggle, which doesn't seem too bad, until your 32' up.
I like my Summit climber better than anything, but I have had great success with the cheap Field and Stream models (with an extra rachet)
If you go 32' up a tree trunk in central Texas, you will more than likely end up about 15" off the ground and 17' to the left or right of where you started. :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
I don't think I have ever hunted a place here where you could 30' off the ground in a tree!
Bisch [/b]
The only reason i know im consistently at 32' is a 30' rope is about 2' short! Here in the mountains its mostly straight up and down, if you're the typical 15-17' up, a deer 15 yards away is eye level or looking down on you lol
Not all my stands are that high, but i like being up there no doubt!
I have several of the stands from Dicks at $30 each. The seats suck. They are ok but not good for a 4 hr sit.
I also have a Millenium M25. I put a chain on mine instead of the top ratchet strap. It is the most comfortable stand I have ever been in. It's a bit heavier than most of my other hangons, so I usually put it up for the season. I think it's about 17 #.
Any pics of your home built set-up Wayne?
Portable tree stands importance for me. I only hunt 2-3 hour sits and always take stand out with me, thieves will take it otherwise.
1 I have to feel safe in it.
2 easy to hang and remove
3 low carry weight
4 comfortable
5 cost
My old loc-on Lem covers most of these pretty well.
No experience with lone wolf stands of today but I would take a serious look at these.
Don't forget a good harness. Most stands come with a cheap harness, but they leave a lot to be desired.
Rick, I totally agree and will not skimp on the harness. That much will be top quality! :thumbsup:
I will take some pics Murray, but think I will start a new topic for it. See if I have enough pics of the build , maybe do a build along if anybody is keen
Cheers
Wayne
I just got a smoking deal on the Lone Wolf Alpha Tech F1. Look forward to giving this one a try.
Next goal is some climbing sticks. :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Wannabe1:
I like the looks of the Millennium M25 hang on stand. Does anyone have experience with that one?
I have the M25 ,but I haven't used it yet.
I can say it's very comfortable. A little heavy but with an easy hang hook it wouldn't be bad for packing in and out, though not ideal.
It's advertised as 17 lbs but it's more like 19-20lbs.
Hard to beat for a stand that you intend to not move around.
If you want a good stand for in and out each hunt, look at the Big Game Bravada.
I just bought my son one. Actual poundage is 12 lbs.
156 bucks shipped. He really likes it.
I'm a young guy, pretty athletic, and I've often found hang-ones set up on public land with no ladder or steps. I carry rope with me to hoist, and more than once I've free climbed the tree, or climbed with a Prussic knot and occupied those stands.
I'm a decent guy so I leave the stands as I found them, but my point is, any stand left on public land can be subject to theft even without steps. Especially if you're on a budget, I'd pack in and pack out your setup .... A climber is probably a smart choice.
If money is no object, sure you can leave it and not worry too much, but if a stolen stand ends your season, I wouldn't leave it.
I've used climbers before and they're good to have but they will limit you as to what trees and where you can set up.
You can get a hang on and sticks for less than 200 bucks.
QuoteOriginally posted by mec lineman:
I use a climber 95% of time,but I have a millennium monster that is the most comfortable seat in the woods. the model you mentioned has a smaller platform with that great seat! (//%5Burl=http://s1286.photobucket.com/user/cmlphelps/media/02c8fe00-e952-49e5-85b1-0824fe19523c_zps3b5b4736.jpg.html%5D%20%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a606/cmlphelps/02c8fe00-e952-49e5-85b1-0824fe19523c_zps3b5b4736.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Craig...I think you and I both could hunt out of that stand comfortably !
Nathan, notice I don't like to get to high off of the ground!
I have several different kinds of climbing sticks, including the Lone Wolfs.
My favorite way up the tree though are the rail systems. They get your hands and feet away from the tree bole and make climbing easier. The aluminum ones are nice for their light weight but the steel ones are good too.
I usually haul my stand gear to stand locations in the summer set-up period by UTV anyway. Sometimes I'll even take a Little Giant to the woods to put up stands. I try to reduce the amount of "one hand and teeth" holding on while I hang stands!
In addition to a quality climbing harness a life-line tied above your stand and at the base of the tree to clip into when climbing up and down makes your interaction with trees and height nearly accident proof.
Over the years I 've owned a Baker [great if your suicidal] , a Loc On Spirit Climber [ I used to hug the tree, get to height and use a racket type fold down seat], a couple of Loggy Bayou lite climbers and now finally own a Summit Open Shot. Had the Open Shot for at least 5 years now. I learned in my 60 years on the planet you get what you pay for. When it comes to a stand don't be frugal. Your sitting in it for hours at a time. You want it to be safe and you want to feel safe in it. The choice is yours but always wear a harness!