Ok guys...I'll make this as short and sweet as I can!
I'm thinking about getting me a climbing treestand but I was wanting some input as far as which you all recommend. I will be using the stand for crossbow hunting as well as firearms hunting so I would really like a shooting rail definitely. Please include as much details (weight, comfort, etc.) as you can.
thanks
2007 Excalibur ExoMAX
20" Easton C2 Firebolts
100 gr. Wasp BOSS BH's
I had an old Baker stand for years and bought a Timbertall Brute lite this summer when I was up in Pennsylvania. The stand weighs about 14 pounds and this is a major consideration for me, and the areas I hunt. Most of my hunting takes place on public land on which ATV or four-wheelers are prohibited, which is the only public hunting land I'll hunt. I may hike two, three, or often more miles into my hunting area. This pays off in that most either can't or won't hike too far off the roads or trails. Most of my hunting buddies have the Summit Viper, and I've noticed by the time we get into our stand areas, they're wore out. The Viper is stout, and if I didn't have to walk very far it would be my choice. I agree with Mike, it seems to be a very "heavy" twenty pounds. I like the timbertall for hiking. Sometimes I have to hike with bedroll and spend the night, it works very well if you're areas require you to do this. I don't carry a crossbow when this is required though, I hunt with my Check-Mate recurve. I'm 6'2" tall and weigh about 205 pounds and I'm plenty comfortable. I spent 5 hours in it yesterday(took a bobcat with my recurve, but alas, no deer) and was quite comfortable for the duration. Those of you that are more portly, might find this stand a little "tight". It's also pretty basic, but I seen to prefer things that way.
One other thing. I recently purchased a Game Plan Gear Treestand Transport System. I gotta tell ya, if you have to pack your stand for any distance this harness is worth every penny. I've used it for six hunts so far this year and it really makes a difference in how I feel, particularly at the end of the day when I have to pack my stand out. Game Plan Gear makes some pretty neat stuff. Their Spot-n-Stalk quiver pack is very popluar among the members of my archery club, but alas, it will not be available in left-hand configuration til Spring.
They're are many good stands on the market, I think some are more adaptable than others when it comes to how you have to hunt your areas.
I've tried just about all of them. I'm using a Treewalker and it's what I'm sticking with. I can sit longer than I've ever been able to sit in this stand. Climbs and holds the tree like crazy. I'm a big guy 6'4" 300 and it holds me just fine. Quiet and I can face the tree or away from it. I was hesitant with the mesh seat because I had never tried one before. But it's really much better than the standard foam pad and sling type I was using before.
They sell direct but I bought mine used off another forum. I wanted the gun rest and chill pad and ordered it from them. Good service and quick shipping on the accessories and they threw in a free t-shirt too.
THE BEST?-------> Its a matter of personel preference...depending what you want...wieght. quite, packable, very diversified, quite with shiftting wieght on it, durability, long term investment..ect..
.im 6 1 and 270 it works great for me. but a friend of mine has a summit i like but its to heavy and it creeks a little..so its really on what you get use to..I use to love my homemade jobs but nothing works all around as well to me as my Lonewolf..
pokynojoe wrote: bought a Timbertall Brute lite this summer when I was up in Pennsylvania. The stand weighs about 14 pounds and this is a major consideration for me,
pokynojoe, I also own a Timbertall Brute Lite and I just love it. It packs on your back like a dream and I find it very comfortable and I am a pretty big guy at 6' 1" and 240 lbs.
The wheel adjustment is a little cumbersome and not near as good as the Equalizer but its other features make up for that one little negative.
Hoss, I have used a Lone Wolf sit n climb and really liked it as well. I rank that stand in the top four of all made. It is very light and packs well.
Every year I read about hunters being fataly injured and paralyzed while using tree stands. Please don't become one of those statistics.
I'm 5'10" 205, built like a brick sh#t house (former-military), and would make a serious indentation in the earth if I was foolish enough to not wear the proper climbing equipment.
Last edited by Apple_Orchard on Sun Nov 02, 2008 5:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Apple_Orchard wrote:
I'm 5'10" 205, built like a brick sh#t house (former-military), and would make a serious indentation in the earth if I was foolish enough to not wear the proper climbing equipment.
As one who has made this indentation I suggest strongly that the words of wisdom above are heeded.
p.s. I am also former military. It didn't seem to alter anything with the indentation.
summit viper here, but im 6'2 and 175 pounds... fits me perfect. But if you are over 200, then i would go with the next model up in their climbing line. My advice is to go to a shop and actaully sit in and test some models they have om display. You cant go wrong with summit. Everybody needs a climber.. i have one but hardly use it since I use hang on stands more. But the climber for those hunts on new land that im scounting or hunting the last minute
lone wolf always has top notch treestands also... they are money, but worth it
A couple of months ago I went across the border and into 'Dicks' at Walden Galleria. I bought my Summit Viper for $169.00. It was about half the price of any Canadian 'box store' prices.
It is the steel version (26lbs) so it is about 6lbs heavier than the aluminum version, but I could use the exercise!
It isn't too bad to carry. I carried it 2 miles yesterday.
It climbs well, and I quickly fall asleep once I'm up the tree. Rock solid.
Also, I'm not at all concerned about it dropping me from 25'
.