Economical Treestands
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Detroit
Posts: 858
Economical Treestands
I'm looking to buy 3-5 new inexpensive hang-on treestands. I've found 2 models but never used either. Hunter's view is one and the other is made by Rivers edge. They are like $40-60. My only concern is are they safe and QUIET? Anyone ever use these???
Trushot }}------>
Trushot }}------>
#3
RE: Economical Treestands
Trushot, I have an article in front of me that may interest you. Bass Pro is recalling their stand manufactured by Hunter's View due to possible ratchet strap failure. Model #'s are HVTS-400, HVTS-500, and HVTS-402. Need I say anything more about that?
#4
Spike
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Martinsburg WV USA
Posts: 42
RE: Economical Treestands
I bought two hangon treestands from Walmart last year for $39.95 apiece. They have a chain system so you don't have to worry about the rachet failing. I have had rachets fail on several treestands including the old Amacker stands (I still use several of those but went back to the chain).
I think the stands may have been Strongbuilt. They are cheap, have a good size platform, not noisy, and are easy to install. They have a metal seat that can be tightened so when you stand up you can pull it up out of the way.
Jack
PS: I currently have 12 treestands (just sold off two) and have had at least 20+ treestands. We hunt several properties and have several hangons installed on each property. I also have a Summit Climber and two 15' ladder stands. The ladder stands take at least two people to set up they are so awkward but once set up they are great for rifle or muzzeloader season. They are sturdy and secure.
I think the stands may have been Strongbuilt. They are cheap, have a good size platform, not noisy, and are easy to install. They have a metal seat that can be tightened so when you stand up you can pull it up out of the way.
Jack
PS: I currently have 12 treestands (just sold off two) and have had at least 20+ treestands. We hunt several properties and have several hangons installed on each property. I also have a Summit Climber and two 15' ladder stands. The ladder stands take at least two people to set up they are so awkward but once set up they are great for rifle or muzzeloader season. They are sturdy and secure.
#5
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North Central Illinois
Posts: 420
RE: Economical Treestands
If you have a Galyans near you, they sell the baby gorilla stands for 39.99. you can view them at www.basspro.com. i have one and love it!
Josh 24:15
Josh 24:15
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: North Richland Hills/Wapanucka OK TX
Posts: 20
RE: Economical Treestands
My first stand was an API Baby Grand Twister. Very Noisy stand and IMO not engineered very well. I took API's strap off and put a ratchet type strap on and it helped a lot. The prongs that contact the tree are too short and any movement at all results in metal to bark squeaks. Works great if your hunting from a telephone pole.
I then bought 3 Huntersview Hoot owl stands. Absolutely love them. They are quiet and real solid on the tree. Paid $119 for the API and $59 for each of the Hoot Owl stands. Plan on buying 3 more Hoot Owls.
The harder I work, the luckier I get!
#8
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: , IL USA
Posts: 277
RE: Economical Treestands
I have several Baby Gorilla stands. Very stable. Not much in the way of seat comfort, but what do you expect for $39.
I also have a Hoot Owl. It works, not quite as "stiff" as the gorilla is, but with a second ratchet strap, it's feels safe. Make sure that you put up the seat when you leave though. Some type of a bird of prey crapped on my seat & it was a bear to clean.
I will say that my comfort-level this year in the stand is WAY up due to my full body harness. I've even adapted some rock climbing gear for my stands to provide extra safety on the way up & down.
Was up in one of the stands this AM & a 40 mph cross wind about blew me out of the tree...way too windy to be out bow hunting here in Lake Co. Ill.
"It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>"
I also have a Hoot Owl. It works, not quite as "stiff" as the gorilla is, but with a second ratchet strap, it's feels safe. Make sure that you put up the seat when you leave though. Some type of a bird of prey crapped on my seat & it was a bear to clean.
I will say that my comfort-level this year in the stand is WAY up due to my full body harness. I've even adapted some rock climbing gear for my stands to provide extra safety on the way up & down.
Was up in one of the stands this AM & a 40 mph cross wind about blew me out of the tree...way too windy to be out bow hunting here in Lake Co. Ill.
"It's not the kill, it's the adventure and challenge! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>"
#9
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Detroit
Posts: 858
RE: Economical Treestands
I wound up going to Cabela's ( 12 miles away...DANGEROUS!) I got one of their "Cabela Brand" hand ons. I think it's made by BBK?? Anyway, I'll try this one out for a while and see how it is. I've hunted out of it twice already. Not real comfortable($40...who cares) but rock solid and has not made a sound since the added rachet strap. The platform is a little short though and if your coming from a larger stand you gotta be carefull. The biggest downfall for me is there's almost NOWHERE to set the hooks for a rachet strap and the chain too small for any "safe" sized tree.But so far so good. Where'd you guys find the Gorilla so cheap? All I saw started at $60??
Trushot }}------>
Trushot }}------>
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Jenks Ok USA
Posts: 345
RE: Economical Treestands
Chinese products aren't the problem. Shoddy Chinese materials like any other shoddy materials found here in the states are the problem. Go to good materials in either country and you're ok. BTW StrongBuilts are made in China and they're fine stands because they're made of good materials.