Since I am a new bow hunter(Only bow hunted a few time last year with no kills), I have never bought a treestand.

Well, today I went out and bought my first. It is an API Ultra-steel Magnum hang on. The first guy I talked to at Bass Pro said, "uh, I'm not a deer hunter, but it looks pretty good." Needless to say, I wasn't thrilled with his lack of knowledge. I walked by a few minutes later, and there was another employee who was talking to another customer. This guy really seemed to know his stuff, so I patiently waited for him to finsh, then asked his opinion on the stand.

He gave it a glowing review, and said that he wouldn't be concerned at all about using one. In fact, his dad uses and API and absolutely loves it.

So I bought the stand and brought it home. I opened it up and pulled everything out to make sure that it was in good shape. When I got everything out of the box, I noticed something that made my heart sink. "Made in China"

Should I be concerned about this?? I know that most everything comes from China these days, but also, there had been many problems lately with these imports. Does anybody have an opinion on this?

With a good reputable brand like API it wouldnt bother me a bit. Lots of the big manufacturers are getting thing made or at lest assembled overseas to cut cost, but still have very tight quality controls. API has alway been a good brand of treestand, I wouldnt worry about it for a second. Go hang that thing and get your first kill, good luck and dont forget to wear your safety harness. It doesnt matter how good of a stand it is you still need to wear one.

Don't get misled. API is no longer in business. They went under several years ago and Bass Pro bought them. They then shipped the manufacturing overseas, to China.

So what does this mean? Well, the stands still have to conform to standards set by the American Treestand Association. Is it unsafe or bound to fail? Not very likely. What's more likely is you'll do something stupid, get in a rush, or just become careless and have a fall or other accident.

I don't know just what harness they supply with their stands, but use it or another full harness system. Never leave the ground without being hooked up and never deviate from safe climbing practices. This is the number one key to protecting yourself from accidents. Probably 90% of all accidents are failure to use or properly use a fall restraint system.

I had to promise my wife that I would always use the safety harness.

I've read all of the statistics about tree stand related injuries and I am not eager to become one. I have to admit that it is not the most comfortable thing in the world(i'm a big guy), but I would rather be uncomfortable for a couple of hours a day, than be in a wheelchair for the next 50 years or so.

The stand has a 350lbs weight limit, but I am thinking about adding an extra strap just for extra assurance. My brother in law can weld, and it shouldn't be a problem for him to add a couple of rings for an extra strap.

i wouldnt worry with API i have an API climbing stand and recommend it over any other stand

hey Mike,

Glad you're willing to be inconvenienced a bit to be safe. I haven't compared prices on these stands, but anothr good one for a big guy is the Summit Goliath. Frankly, I prefer the Summit brand as a climbing stand. Just a suggestion for something else to look at. Made in the USA, too.

Just took a look at your user name. You don't scuba dive do you? Nothing in your profile or signature.

I was a PADI Divemaster for a couple of years before I got married and the kids came. Spent a lot of time diving on some of the best shipwrecks that the Great Lakes have to offer. My gear is all still stored in the garage. I'm hoping that once my kids get a little older, I can get back in the water.

Not to scare you off, but you did mention you were large. In my opinion many tree stand accidents occur (you can die hanging there from a harness) when people who shouldn't be in one, use one. While the stand is rated at Xlbs. many guys exceed the limit by the time they get up there with their gear, they are also physically ill prepared to climb, and generally have no business being in a tree.

In my opinion they're way to many people *not* advising peopleagainst using a tree stand. A harness is like a safety on a gun. A man made mechanical devise that can fail and should be used but not relied on. Use some common sense. If your not comfortable up there, your in poor shape, and you only go up that high a few times a year. DON'T DO IT! Get in shape and practise with the thing for months before you truck off into the woods often climbing up and down in the dark.People who are not used to heights have no idea how easy it is to forget where you are and take a step right off. Your brain has to become used to it so much so that every step is a light one where your brain is tell you to feel before placing your weight down.

Don't listen to the hype. Millions of deer are taken from the ground.

Welding on a stand voids the warranty.

All stands sold in this country are made to a uniform standard set forth by the Tree Stand Mfrs. Association, where they're made really has no bearing other than price. If you're worried about it falling add a ratchet strap to it for more security.

nodog,

Heights are not a problem for me, and other than being overweight, I am physically in very good shape. I spend 30 minutes per day on a stairmaster, I lift weights, and I am used to climbing trees and moving through the woods at night(coon hunting). Last year I hunted from an elevated platform that was pretty scary to get into. I appreciate the concern, and I understand where you are coming from. With myself, clothing, and gear, I still will fall below the weight recommendation for the stand.