Does anyone produce a 'lock-on' treestand that doesn't use cables to support the foot platform? I ask b/c my 61 yr old father will not use one (mine) due to his bad knees and having to step over the cables to enter the stand; even if it's in a primo spot.
He will climb up a tree but not step over a cable? Lower the stand so that he can step down onto it then??? Or a ladder stand? Or a ground blind atop of a hill?
Not to be disrespectful, but to be more accurate, it sounds more like he doesn't have confidence in the cable. If so, I can understand that. Many years ago I recall looking at those thin cables and wondering "Those little cables are suppose to hold me while I'm 20ft. up a tree?" LOL!
Solocamcan had a idea, but instead of "lowering" the stand, just add one or two more steps and step down on the stand. You're suppose to do this anyway as it's more safe.
Loc-On treestand company went out of business, but then was back in the game! Look up "Loc-On" treestands. They have some models where the floor platform isn't help up by cable.
Reading the post again, I'll have to agree on the ladderstand recommendation. I use them too and it's nice hunting out of them as you get ultimate feeling of security having 2 arm rests and a shooting rail in front of you.
The only complaint I have about them is sometimes I'd like to spread my knees apart to stretch and be comfortable... and most stands I see and use don't allow enough room to do that.
Reading the post again, I'll have to agree on the ladderstand recommendation. I use them too and it's nice hunting out of them as you get ultimate feeling of security having 2 arm rests and a shooting rail in front of you.
The only complaint I have about them is sometimes I'd like to spread my knees apart to stretch and be comfortable... and most stands I see and use don't allow enough room to do that.
You know, Al Bundy style:
iSnipe
the closest stand to that I've found is river's edge 17ft. XL, from now on I think it's all I'll buy, til something better comes along. I bought the regular 17' model and its very nice, but the XL is wider...I think AL bundy would dig it...plan to pick a couple up sometime before next season, missed a great deal before season on them. worth it though whether you get em for 100 or 180.
I'm not a big fan of ladder stands, strictly because of height restrictions. I like to be 20+ feet high and a lock-on, permanent stand or my self climber, allows me to do just that.
The point made about stepping down into the stand is valid. You must always put your steps 3-4 feet above the actual stand and step down into it. It's not only safer but also much easier. The cables are then not much of a factor. You and your Dad can practice this at much lower heights.
I also use my self climber and cables are never an issue here. Most climbers today are designed to climb in a sitting position. Also very safe.
Just so you know, I hunt from a treestand 90% of the time. I also have a knee that acts up, from too many hockey games over the years and I happen to be older than your Dad. If he can find a setup that he feels comfortable and safe, that would be great. If not, let him make that decision.
Good Luck!
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I have 2 summits that are hang ons. I think they are called copper heads. They utilize a completely different system than the cable system. I dont think they are available anymore, but you might be able to find them used.
I'm not a big fan of ladder stands, strictly because of height restrictions. I like to be 20+ feet high and a lock-on, permanent stand or my self climber, allows me to do just that.
The point made about stepping down into the stand is valid. You must always put your steps 3-4 feet above the actual stand and step down into it. It's not only safer but also much easier. The cables are then not much of a factor. You and your Dad can practice this at much lower heights.
I also use my self climber and cables are never an issue here. Most climbers today are designed to climb in a sitting position. Also very safe.
Just so you know, I hunt from a treestand 90% of the time. I also have a knee that acts up, from too many hockey games over the years and I happen to be older than your Dad. If he can find a setup that he feels comfortable and safe, that would be great. If not, let him make that decision.
Good Luck!
I think team realtree makes a 22 ft ladder stand called the skyscraper
Lock-on treestands
