Couple reviews....LW Sit and Climb/Thermacell

GMMAT · 09-17-2008, 07:19 AM

1. After using my LW sit and climb for only two times, now.....I can already see that it will be my go-to stand for the future. It's light packing in (lighter than it's true weight....because of how it packs and rides on your back).....easy and quiet to set up......and sturdy as hell when you get her locked in. I can also shoot from a sitting position, now....which is a HUGE bonus.

ONLY drawback is the comfort. The thing just isn't comfortable. Period. When I go in early....I'll likely take the summit....JUST so I can sleep unti first light.

2. Thermacell....

OK....bought into the hype. Bought one. The skeeters at the outfitter this past weekend were terrible. I took it to stand the first morning and placed it on the platform of my two man ladder stand....near the back. It was working beautifully. Just before first light.....I stood for the hunt. When I did....I stepped on the edge of it....and it flipped over....and extinguished. I turned it off for a short time.....and couldn't get the damend thing to re-ignite. I sure as HELL wasn't gonna fight that clicking sound during prime time.....so after about 5 tries.....I let it lay. Honestly....they didn't bother me that much. I was covered head to toe....with just my eyes exposed. A little annoying (the sound of them)....but I don't think I got bitten, once. I was on stand, without it, for 4 hours.

In the evening....I never could get it to ignite. I checked the butane (??) cartridge....and it was empty. EitherI left it "on"......and it ran out.....or they don't last very long. Either way....I hunted without it again. No issues....except for the annoying sounds. I can live with that.

Andy (Diesel) thought he was winded by a big mature buck because of his.....and didn't use his that much, either.

Jury's still out, for me.....and I still have it.....but I don't think I'll be using it too much. They'll have to be TERRIBLE for me to light it, again.....although i will take it with me on subsequent hunts, this fall.

Honest injun.......that's my reviews.

txjourneyman · 09-17-2008, 07:24 AM

I'll likely make the Lone Wolf my next stand. Depending on how much I spend on a camper for deer camp that may be soon. As far as the Thermacell I usually get about 4 hours from each bottle of fuel. Also I have the holster and use that to strap it to a nearby limb so I don't have to worry about bumping it.

Germ · 09-17-2008, 07:25 AM

Jeff good work

Your review of the LW was spot on, seems I have heard it before.

Light and packable, but not comfortable as most climbers.

npockat32 · 09-17-2008, 07:50 AM

I used my thermacall this past weekend for the WI opener and it worked great! I love mine!

Rory/MO · 09-17-2008, 07:57 AM

Nice reviews, thanks for sharing.

bloodcrick · 09-17-2008, 08:01 AM

Im guessing you left it on at some point for awhile. My cartrigages will last through about 4-5 pads before going empty. If you do use it again on stand, put velcro on the back of it and on your stand. I try not to use it when i can but its nice having it when needed, especially in those wet soggy bottoms where the skeeters are ten fold.

Greg / MO · 09-17-2008, 08:04 AM

Quote:

1. After using my LW sit and climb for only two times, now.....I can already see that it will be my go-to stand for the future. It's light packing in (lighter than it's true weight....because of how it packs and rides on your back).....easy and quiet to set up......and sturdy as hell when you get her locked in. I can also shoot from a sitting position, now....which is a HUGE bonus.

ONLY drawback is the comfort.

I could have sworn I've heard that before...

It'll only get better and easier as you get more and more used to it. You'd REALLY love the hand climber.

Greg / MO · 09-17-2008, 08:04 AM

That's what the REALLY hardcore guys use. [8D]

NCRemington700 · 09-17-2008, 08:09 AM

How does Diesel know that the buck winded the thermacell and not him? Ultimate Camo doesn't come in Scentlok. [8D]

I've used Thermacell on 3-4 hunts so far with the same cartridge...I just have to change the pad about every other hunt.

GMMAT · 09-17-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

It'll only get better and easier as you get more and more used to it. You'd REALLY love the hand climber.

I agree with this....except that I like th rail behind me as I DO use this one as a hand climber. Call me a wuss.....but I like the added (perceived) security of the rail, there. I step over it once I'm at height and settled in.

Coming down is still new to me. Going up is a breeze. Packing, once I'm down, is getting better.

Other points:

1. They should REALLY think about going to a more "sturdy" buckle for the cinch straps that attach the upper to the lower. I can see them getting broken in the future. I may go ahead and order a few extras "just in case".

2. The bungee SHOULD BE attached to the platform. There's no reason to have to remove it when you're setting up....and I can see this one getting lost in the dark if the hunter is not dilligent by removing it on set-up and storing it "carefully".

3. If they'd moe the seat out 4" from the tree.....they'd go a LONG ways towards making this stand more comfortable. It sure does promote a prone posture, while sitting, though!

4 I was thinking, last night, 20' up.......that a tree with a slight lean backwards would make this stand sit more comfortably. You could kinda lean back, while sitting, and still have your angle of your platform be level. I'll try that, soon.