OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Hunting, Fishing & General Outdoors > General Hunting
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Climbing stands
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Climbing stands

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Climbing stands
    Posted: August/26/2009 at 16:07
What have you used, what has worked, what hasn't?


I'm looking at getting a climber for this year (tree stands and tripods are too limiting.)


Looking at a Summit Titan.  It would be used for rifle and bow hunting.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
300S&W View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: January/27/2008
Location: Burlington,WV
Status: Offline
Points: 10592
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 16:29
  I bought a Summit Bushmaster at the end of last yr for early season when the leaves are on and I don't need to go so high. I need to be getting it out and practicing with it.  Maybe!  Cause I had two climbers before this and I found them to be too limiting and they didn't get used.  Sold them. We'll see. I will tell you I did a good bit of research before buying the Summit and can tell you their products are held in high regard. You may want to consider the optional footrest as it will enable you to use your knees as a rest when hunting with a rifle.
"I ain't got time to bleed!"
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 16:45
I tried climbing stands for a period about 20 years ago and abandoned them in favor of lock-on style stands (for portable stands; most of my stands on my hunting places are permanent ladder stands and box blinds).  The problem with climbers where I hunt is the fact there are very few trees that have straight sections with no limbs far enough off the ground to make it worthwhile to use the climbing stand in the first place.  If you hunt in an area that has a bunch of really tall, medium diameter trees with no limbs below about 15 feet, then climbing stands will work well and will be far easier to transport since you don't have to concern yourself with steps.  But, the way I see it, many of the tree steps now available are light and compact enough that you can just strap them onto the back of a lock-on style stand and not be transporting much more weight and bulk than you would with a climber.
 
Summit makes good stands.  I have a couple of their ladder stands and one of their tripod stands.  Of the lock-on style stands, I've used Lone Wolf, API, and Gorilla, and all of those have worked well.  I'm partial to the Lone Wolf lock-ons because the platform is all one cast aluminum piece that is very strong, silent, and yet fairly light for its size.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 18:04
So, in your estimation, would a good tripod stand be preferable to a climber?


I will be hunting on a few different areas this year and thought a climber might be preferable (there are trees with no branches on the lower 15 feet) but also think a nice tripod would be good, easy to locate exactly where I want it, tree or no tree.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 18:16
I've heard good things about the Lone Wolf stands, too, but have never used one.
 I have a Summit Bullet Backpacker that is ALMOST perfect.  It's plenty strong, fairly light, very quiet, SUPER comfortable-very easy to fall asleep in it, so wear your harness!
 It climbs and descends easily and safely. and it has a cross bar to rest your rifle on; thier Bowhunter- oriented models simply eliminated that part to allow a bowshot.
 
 The only thing I hate about mine is that both sections are exactly the same size, so they don't nest together well at all for packing in and out. They should have designed one frame a couple inches shorter/narrower and built in a simple provision for locking both parts together quickly and quetly. I should modify it myself, but what I may do instead is get the next bigger model and see if I can swap out one platform for another and get two stands that DO nest well. That would be the easiest fix, if it actually works.
 
They aren't cheap.
 
 
 
Back to Top
300S&W View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: January/27/2008
Location: Burlington,WV
Status: Offline
Points: 10592
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 18:17
  I can appreciate the value of a tripod in an area with no trees even though it's not a concern where I hunt. The only thing for me would be if your hunting in woods is it fairly portable. Quite a few times I've had to fine tune my treestand position to pull off a shot.  With a climber you could do that to if needed. 
"I ain't got time to bleed!"
Back to Top
tahqua View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Have You Driven A Ford Lately?

Joined: March/27/2006
Location: Michigan, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 9042
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 22:03
Summit and Lone Wolf both make great hangers. I have eaten bark too many times to trust a climber. Whether a climber or hanger, both are more portable than tripods and ladder stands.
I will take the latter two in a minute if transport is not an issue.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 22:12
Originally posted by Rancid Coolaid Rancid Coolaid wrote:

So, in your estimation, would a good tripod stand be preferable to a climber?


I will be hunting on a few different areas this year and thought a climber might be preferable (there are trees with no branches on the lower 15 feet) but also think a nice tripod would be good, easy to locate exactly where I want it, tree or no tree.


It all depends on the types of trees / foliage available, and whether you want to remain mobile with your stands or if you want to keep a stand in a particular location on a semi-permanent / permanent basis.

A tripod can be setup almost anywhere, and it can be far more comfortable.  However, it isn't a very portable stand like a climber or lock-on stand is.

Here's my philosophy on stands & blinds:

If you want to setup a permanent stand location in a relatively open area with long shot potential that you will hunt year after year and want to be very comfortable, setup an elevated, totally enclosed tower blind.

If you are hunting in a heavily wooded area with tall trees, you want to get up high to be hidden, you don't plan to move the stand often, but you don't want a huge hassle if you do move it, and you want a comfortable seat that allows you to remain on stand for many hours, use a tall ladder stand.

If you are hunting in short brush country where there are no tall trees suitable to hold or support a stand, yet you want to be elevated for better visibility into the brush, use a tripod stand.

If you want to be totally hidden, yet not elevated, and desire portability, get one of the cloth "pop-up" ground blinds (i.e. Double Bull).

If you hunt an area with plenty of tall, straight trees, you want/need to be elevated, and you want to remain portable and move your stands semi-frequently, get a lock-on or climbing stand.  Personally, there are no situations I can think of where I would rather have a climber than a lock-on style stand with tree steps.  Lock-ons are far more flexible, working on far more trees, as you don't need a perfectly straight trunk and low limbs aren't a problem.


Edited by RifleDude - August/26/2009 at 22:13
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 22:21
A lot of guys like hangers, and there's a lot to be said for the fact that you can put one into a lot of trees in which a climber won't work. If you can drill holes in trees without getting into trouble, the screw-in steps work fine. In hardwoods, a good cordless drill with a pilot-hole-sized bit makes it a lot faster and easier to start and turn in the screw. (Not too practical to carry in on opening day, though. Set your stands and steps and trim shooting lanes before the season if possible. You can drill the holes ahead of time and mark them with reflective thumbtacks if you don't want to leave the screws  in the tree.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 22:31
Heck, I don't even use the screw in type steps.  I use the climbing sticks with folding steps that strap to the tree.  Simply strap a set of steps on, climb up a level and continue adding steps until you get to the height you want the hang-on stand to be.
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 22:37
 Never tried them.
Who makes yours?
  I've used the steps with the web straps and hated them, same with the nylon cord ones.
Back to Top
cyborg View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Gaseous Clay

Joined: August/24/2007
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/26/2009 at 23:18
This is what I use exclusively when a climber is called for..
 
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg
Back to Top
300S&W View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar

Joined: January/27/2008
Location: Burlington,WV
Status: Offline
Points: 10592
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 300S&W Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 05:01
  These are the cat's meow for hunting with a hanger:
    
"I ain't got time to bleed!"
Back to Top
swtucker View Drop Down
Optics Master
Optics Master
Avatar

Joined: September/03/2008
Location: Low Moor
Status: Offline
Points: 1430
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote swtucker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 07:01

I like summit stands (I own one).   I would make sure to get one that is a 'sit and climb' and not one that you have to do 'dips' to climb up a tree.  I had the open front style and didn't like it at all.

Back to Top
magshooter1 View Drop Down
Optics Professional
Optics Professional
Avatar

Joined: August/27/2008
Location: El Dorado, AR
Status: Offline
Points: 827
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote magshooter1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 07:57
Ol Man, Grand Ol Man climber.  Easy on, easy off.  Quiet and comfortable (actually had deer come in on me while climbing up and down).  Top and bottom nest together very well.  Very portable.  Carry a cushion if it's real cold; the mesh seat will freeze your arse literally.  Been using mine in South Ark. for >15 yrs. (put a refurb. kit on it 2 yrs. ago).
Some people are educated BEYOND their intelligence.
Back to Top
SChunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: December/02/2007
Location: usa
Status: Offline
Points: 376
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SChunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 10:34
I would tend to agree with Ted.  I have used Tree Lounge--wonderfully quiet, safe, but an aggravation to transport--I like the Summits--but safety wise, I have converted to Lock ons and sticks or ladder stands.  I have also begun to hunt ground blinds, which solve the problem of falling, foliage in the way, etc.
Back to Top
RONK View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: April/05/2007
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 3199
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 22:32
I almost bought a Tree Lounge before choosing my Summit instead.
The promotional video is pretty convincing...
 I'd like to try one out sometime.
Back to Top
cyborg View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Gaseous Clay

Joined: August/24/2007
Location: North Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 12288
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cyborg Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/27/2009 at 23:32
The tree lounge is a good stand. The only draw back is the turning around part once you are where you want to be. Beyond that, there isn't a safer and better built climber out there. I still like my gunslinger though, that turning around part (tree lounge) can be a we bit disconcerting in the wind, and trees swaying. Something I don't have to worry about in the gunslinger.
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg
Back to Top
Rancid Coolaid View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar

Joined: January/19/2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 9318
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2009 at 08:11
Originally posted by cyborg cyborg wrote:

The tree lounge is a good stand. The only draw back is the turning around part once you are where you want to be. Beyond that, there isn't a safer and better built climber out there. I still like my gunslinger though, that turning around part (tree lounge) can be a we bit disconcerting in the wind, and trees swaying. Something I don't have to worry about in the gunslinger.



The gunslinger looks good, might try that one.  Ideally, I'd like a climber that could face toward or away, but the combow hunter doesn't look especially comfortable.

I do appreciate all the insights, I'll let you know what I get.

The tripod I was(am) considering is from south texas tripod and feeder and they are about 50 pounds and 11 feet tall - so relatively portable, easily carried out.  They aren't as convenient as a climber but not far behind.

I'll be hunting 3 different pieces of dirt and needing to find the best spot with each outing.

Again, thanx.
Freedom is something you take.
Respect is something you earn.
Equality is something you whine about not being given.
Back to Top
RifleDude View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
EVIL OPPRESSOR

Joined: October/13/2006
Location: Texas
Status: Offline
Points: 16337
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RifleDude Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August/28/2009 at 09:14
Originally posted by RONK RONK wrote:

 Never tried them.
Who makes yours?
  I've used the steps with the web straps and hated them, same with the nylon cord ones.
 
I have some of these:
 
and these:
 
They work great!
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 1.066 seconds.