Info on Ladder Stands

[Raymond]

What is a good ladder stand for one person with a comfortable seat and back support and where can I get the best bang for my buck? Also, what about a two person ladder stand? What is your thoughts on hanging stand? They can be new or used. Thank you.

[bull_dogg]

I have a two person ladder stand API Its nice If your a bigger guy it makes a huge difference but its heavy.

[wabi]

I have 3 ladder stands out this year.

One is a "bush ladder" (no longer made) and it is very lightweight & portable. I had to modify it (extended it about 4-5" from the tree) and it's still very uncomfortable!

One is a cheap single man (I believe made by River's Edge) stand I got from Cabela's. After I did some welding extentions into the supports to extend it 4" further from the tree and provide more legroom it is comfortable.

The third is a cheap 2-man ladder stand with the shooting rail. It is not the best for back support - but you can change positions and relieve back discomfort in it.

My favorite is my Ameristep "dog house" ground blind with a good folding chair that fits my torso, a propane heater for cold days, and an old "milk crate" for a table for my coffee (or tea, or hot chocolate). Can't get it up in a tree, but I'm seriously thinking about building an elevated platform for it next year!

[Island Hunter]

Wabi, you can buy them from the Sportsman's Guide. They are 8' tall and made out of 1" box tubing. They sell for about $180.00, if I remember right.

[Dave1]

I used to build/weld my own ladder stands but it takes quite a while to hand cut, fit, weld, clean, prime, paint, add hardware, etc. The low cost of a new factory made stand is actually a pretty good bargain. I found a Gorilla brand 16' ladder stand on sale for $89 last year and was actually surprised how comfortable it was. It has the strap suports for the cushioned seat and has a back pad.

Shooting a bow from a ladder stand can be challenging so try a few before you buy.

Dave

[one shot scott]

I have a gorilla brand as well. It sure is comfy! One of the few stands ive fallen asleep in. Ususally Im hanging on for dear life

[dutchhunter]

we make are own ladder stand from lumber .more stable then tube steel .to heavy to steal and very very safe .thy will last for many years .

i will try to get some better pics DUTCH

[huntone]

I use ladder stands often. To me, they are safer to climb into in all types of weather. however, I qenerally take the same precautions that I would with a hang on with regards to the safety rope and harness. I seldom use hang on stands but I do see the need for one, or a climber, in certain situations.

I just pick out the lightest ladder stand I can find at a good price, because I usually put them up by myself....Not Recommended.

Used a ground blind this year during bowseason and enjoyed it, got a doe, but missed the view from a ladder and missed the buck........ of a lifetime.

[crazyfarmer]

I guess I can chime in on treestands since I have about 45 of them up

I have about 18 ladder stands and roughly 20 hang on stands. Most of my hang on stands are the cheap comfort zone ones that walmart sells. I buy them on clearance for 30 bucks after season for the past 3 years. The ladder stands I use are the cheap gander mountain or dicks 15ft basic stands. I did get a few basic deluze ones this year with shooting rails and arm rests. Thse stands that are normally 100-160bucks can be had for 40-70bucks after season.

The nicest ladder I have, which I got this year is the 18ft team realtree buckbuster. It has a footrest, arm rests, very nice seat, and blind. But its 170bucks(got mine for 120 on sale LOL).

You can get a 40 dollar ladder and buy a padded seat and back for 15bucks and have a nice stand.

I cant afford the high dollar 130+ stands since I have so many and would be broke. I have one 2 person stand, which is a NIGHTMARE to put up alone. You arent going to take that deep into the woods to put up. I can take the 15ft basic stands into the woods by myself and put up. The hangon stands are the lightest of coarse and I use the screw in steps with mine. I bout 5 of the loggy bayou pro staff stands last year and I love those. Normally a 160buck hang on lone wolf clone on sale for 60bucks each.

each has their place.. I use the hang on stands in thickets I cant drag a ladder into. Also like hang ons since I have the steps 3-4ft apart and no one can climb up my stands.

[warningshot]

i have a few hang on's and a a couple of ladder stands .... the cheapest one we have found are big game tree stands ...comfy and decent quality for the price ...



http://www.biggametreestands.com/

[Dunn14]

I have two that I made with my Dad and uncle. If you have a welder, it is a lot cheaper to build ladder stands. you can make them as tall as you want, and make them comfortable for you. We built ours with arm rests and a shooting rest for the Xbows.

[warningshot]

i think they were 89 bucks at bass pro shop ...


[quote="warningshot"]i have a few hang on's and a a couple of ladder stands .... the cheapest one we have found are big game tree stands ...comfy and decent quality for the price ...



http://www.biggametreestands.com/[/quote]