ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis

I don't have that stand, but I did hear that they're very nice.


Getting all 4 braces against an evil tree can be a pain. Be it a knot in the tree...lumpy bark...or the tree is just crooked. You have a few options...these are my troubleshooting idea's:


*If you can get away with it, rotate the stand a few inches in either direction around the tree...just to see if you can get it seated properly.

*If you want it right where it is and it's only touching 3 braces, ratchet it down tight. On my Gorilla's you can lift the platform vertically...which will sink the stand down on the tree an inch or two. When you let the platform down sometimes that will set it against the tree better.

*My best technique is risky, but it works the best. Ratchet it down tight (I always use 2 ratchets since my buddy is a heavier guy). Climb into the stand (WEAR YOUR HARNESS THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!). Bounce your weight on the stand a few times..forcing the braces into the bark a little better.



I'm a huge fan of leaning back just a tad...so if the tree is straight (or to deal with evil tree's leaning forward) I add 14ga tube steal extensions on the bottom braces. I use a Sawz-All to cut the end of the tube steal so it grips the tree nicely. Then slide the tube steal (it's roughly 3" long..but if the tree is leaning forward I guestimate and use a longer tube) over the bottom braces on the stand. Weld the tube on (you can always cut the welds later to remove the extensions). Paint over the welds or it will rust in a matter of days.


Hope this helps!