Timbercruiser,

I seem to agree with the use of metal/aluminum in terms that they are lighter, which will allow them to be moved as opposed to wooden ones. Safer? I guess that depends on how they are built, what type of materials used, and how well they are maintenanced.

Would I hunt from a wooden structure that has been exposed to the elements for a long period of time? Probably not, especially if I was not the one or at least involved in it's building.

The question would be, assuming that weather treated lumber and galvanized hardwarewas used, when would it become unsafe to hunt from? What type of maintenance would prolong the life of such a stand? Is the cost justifiable?

I'm sure some of the same questions could apply to commercial stands made from aluminum.

Am I way off?