What's Your Stand?

ChuckC · February 10, 2015, 08:25:00 AM

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

Nuctech · February 10, 2015, 09:23:00 AM

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

D. Key · February 10, 2015, 10:17:00 AM

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.

Mint · February 10, 2015, 11:02:00 AM

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.

huskyarcher · February 10, 2015, 11:38:00 AM

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)

February 10, 2015, 11:46:00 AM

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.

I don't think I have ever hunted a place here where you could 30' off the ground in a tree!

Bisch

ChuckC · February 10, 2015, 12:23:00 PM

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 !

CHuckC

Bowwild · February 10, 2015, 12:23:00 PM

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.

DaveT1963 · February 10, 2015, 01:18:00 PM

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.

fujimo · February 10, 2015, 01:19:00 PM

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-

ultimate mobility!

Nuctech · February 10, 2015, 01:45:00 PM

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.

Wannabe1 · February 10, 2015, 02:27:00 PM

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.

huskyarcher · February 10, 2015, 08:59:00 PM

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.

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!

dnovo · February 10, 2015, 09:56:00 PM

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 #.

V I Archer · February 11, 2015, 02:42:00 AM

Any pics of your home built set-up Wayne?

northener · February 11, 2015, 08:50:00 AM

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.

Fletcher · February 11, 2015, 05:10:00 PM

Don't forget a good harness. Most stands come with a cheap harness, but they leave a lot to be desired.

Wannabe1 · February 11, 2015, 07:04:00 PM

Rick, I totally agree and will not skimp on the harness. That much will be top quality!

fujimo · February 11, 2015, 09:03:00 PM

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

Wannabe1 · February 13, 2015, 10:41:00 PM

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.