ORIGINAL: Slo-Pitch
Wis bow hunter, and steelhead:
The only thing in your words of wisdom above that i would have to disagree with is that I think he should start with a climber. I feel that climbers are safer than hangons because most climbers have a bar around the front and most hangons do not. Oh yea...WEAR A HARNESS!!!!
Let me try this again. The first post didn't take due to "maintenance". I have to agree with Slo-Pitch...get a climber. I've never used a hanger because they just don't look safer than a climber for my big clumsy butt. I don't like the idea of having to climb small metal steps up a tree and stepping over into a hanging stand. Plus the fact they are small. I like the large stand that I can stand up in and stretch without feeling like I'm going to fall. I like the bar in front of me and I love the large seat that is set down below the side rails so I won't fall out. Granted...the climber (at least mine) is heavier than a clamp on but I can move around during the day if I wanted to without hassle. My climber might be noiser in the morning getting up the tree but that is why I get there an hour early and watch the woods around me wake up. You can't beat that.
Wishing I was up a tree.
Reid
I just received an e-mail with this link that might be helpful...
Different Tree stand options.
http://www.summitstands.com/Articles/TreestandOptions&CN=NLC-0907&att=article1
Picking the right tree stand for you.
http://www.summitstands.com/Articles/PickTheRightTreestand&CN=NLC-0907&att=article2