Need help selecting tree stand
 

I just got signed up for a special season doe-only hunt in one of our state parks that is normally closed for hunting, but one of the stipulations is that all shots must be taken from an "elevated platform," in other words, a tree stand. I'm a big guy (with my bow and all my gear I'll be a shade over 300lbs, I'm sad to admit), and I've never really considered using a tree stand before, as I do my hunting from the ground in either a portable or natural blind.

This opportunity gives me the need and excuse to finally get a tree stand, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for in a portable, yet still safe, tree stand. I've looked at both the ladder type and the hang-on type stands, and from what I can see the ladder stands look very sturdy and easy to get in and out of, but are very bulky and heavy and wouldn't be easy to move if necessary. On the other hand, the hang-on stands are small and light and look easy to move if necessary, but look like they aren't half as tough.

As for the ladder stands, there are a dozen or more models that I've looked at that meet the load bearing requirement, so I won't mention any specific models here. As for the hang-on stands, here are a couple that I found that meet that weight requirement that seem like decent stands.

Lone Wolf Hang-on ($180 at Cabela's, 350lbs max):



North Starr Magnum ($80 @ Cabelas, 350lbs max):


North Starr Mega Star ($130 @ Cabelas, 400lbs max):


Mike

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

I just bought a summit bullet backpacker. Great stand , sit down climber and easy to use. $260 I pd at Cabela's. I am also over 6ft and weigh about 250. I looked at the lone wolf and have heard good things. However , it didnt look like something I'd want to spend 4-6 hrs at a time in. My summit folds completely flat and weighs 22lbs. Easy to pack in and set up. I could sit in it all day as it is that comfortable.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

Lone wolf is a very nice stand. It is super easy to put up and take down making one alot more willing to move stand location from hunt to hunt. Id go with the lone wolf.
JOE

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

I can honestly say I feel your pain, being thatIm6'3 and weighing 250 lbs (wife learned to cook). I also have the Summit Bullet Backpacker and I absolutely love it. I would suggest that you look into the Summit Goliath. Its made specifically with us larger hunters in mind.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

You might as well just ditto LA Swamper's comments. I am his size and use the Summit Revolution. However, these stands are only rated to 300 lbs. The Summit Goliath is rated to 350 lbs and isn't much heavier, if at all, than the other models.

These are climbing stands we are referring to and not ladders or hang-ons. The climbers, in my opinion, give you great flexibility in terms of comfort and overall mobility.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

I to am a tad larger than i should be , i am 5' 11" and 270. I have the lone wolf but i also have the king kong and i love both of them. The are both hang ons and i use the Gorilla climbing stick.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

Driftrider,

I use the big game treestands. I think I use the Boss XL. They are like 70.00. Capacity is 300 lbs. I change mine a little to make them safer......I think! They come with one 2" nylon strap that goes around the top part of teh bracket. You can only tighten it by pulling tight by hand. I take a drill and ream out the brackets where this attatches and replace that strap with a 1" x 9' black ratchet strap. I also put the same size ratchet strap around the botton of the bracket. It seems like it pulls the stand into the tree so much better....I know I feel safer. I hunt with a guy that weighs around 300 lbs with all his gear, he sits in them and actually feels safer in my stand then any other. Good Luck and be safe!

www.big-gameusa.com

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

I'm also looking at a climber right now and will likely buy a Summit Viper X5 Goliath, probably from Cabelas for $269.00 + shipping. From all my research it seems like the one to buy.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

:)i too have been thinking of a CLIMBER and i have it narrowed to a summit. the BULLET BACKPACKER is probably the one for me. it will fold down flat my main requirement. i am 6ft 1in 240lbs. so i am under the max. and it looks like i could sit a long time in it. with practice it would be great to be able to up&move if need be. good luck jim

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

Well, I'm the third person that has just purchased the Bullet Backpacker. It's the only thing I've ever bought with out seeing it before buying it. (bought over the internet)
I'm 6' 180 lbs. I have plenty of room and can pack the stand long distances. I don't know if it's the right stand for you though. Both the bullet and golith are similar. It takes me 20 minutes to walk .2 miles, put my stand together, climb the tree, and pull my bow up, and take a deep breath. Very fast, quiet, and folds flat fitting easily under my bed.

kk

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

Don't buy a lock on for public hunting. Buy a climber. Maybe a lock on if you use climbing sticks but I've never used them. You'll get frustrated trying to screw in steps and unscrewing steps. If you leave it behind, it's a good chance that's the last time you'll ever see it again.

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

What aboutbuddy ladder stand 500lb capacity and plenty o room
Chain it down.... I mean and good..heavy ass chain.. not no weak link stuff. No muss, no fuss, no carry in, no noise..As long as you dont get ript off ....its da way ta go....After youve done good scouting for best stand placement

Cabellas 15ft 2 man $180 includes shooting rail
Cabellas big honcho 15 ft $260 flip up benchseat
Cabellas pine ridge 15 ft $80 one man probably best deal

Check around..DICKS..Gander Mtn..Have em.. all brands on sale

I just dont see a 300lb man sitting on a lil ass pad all day and comfortable..the hanging stand isjust not made for a big guy..more of the "one size doesnt fit all" FACT!!

you be comfortable and 15 ft up..feeling safe and able to move some and stretch..easy ladder to go up and down.. you dont have to be a gymnast or contortionists..big man..Im 305...buttnaked..Ive tried those lil man stands.....no good for me.. And you said its your first time up...this will make you calmer, safe and secure....youll be ready to hunt without fear.

You can dress your ladder up with natural branches tied to the sides..making it just as stealth as a climber. Camo cloth around side rails of the sitting area...get creative...youll thank me


Id also tip off the park ranger that theres talk of poachers now that this virgin area is open...that will hopefully get patrols in and around the park to deter theives..your stand wont be up too long any way.. will it?..How longs the hunt for ..a week? What? You can always doubleback and check it.. just to have peace of mind

All the guyz here mean well but..theyre not big like us so they dont know our comfort zones..Good Luck and remember "the reply from the big guy"

RE: Need help selecting tree stand
 

I just bought a lone wolf hang on and am amazed with it. I understand why they cost so much more than all of the others. The features on it are great. Plus it is rock solid yet really light.