I am confused about the treestand question so I am curious.

Starting out I got a LoneWolf hang on stand and climbing sticks. Thinking that if I only have one I would prefer the one I could use most places. Since then I had a buddy loan/give me his summit climber since he won't be using it.

Now I have practiced using both and I guess I don't see the benefit of the climber at all. I can get setup and ready with the sticks and hangon in about (+ 5mins) of the climber, and just as quiet. Granted the sticks and hang-on require a little more gymnastics but not too much. Am I missing something or maybe when I get into the field to try this I will not have the same luck. Let me know what you think.

I guess my impression is that in years past the hangers used chains and were heavier than now, that is now changed and both weigh about 16 lbs. and the nylon strapping is as strong as chains.

I don't know. Again give me some thoughts please.

Edited by - ma_hunter on 10/08/2002 20:37:12

I use fixed position stands in areas that produce results year after year. Once I put them up, I usually leave them up the entire season. I use the climber for new areas, when I run out of chain on stands or if I'm in an area where there is a good posibility the stand will be stolen. I especially like my climber once the rut starts, as it allows me to sit comfortably for much longer periods of time.

All depends on how you like to hunt. I use both portables, and my summit climber. If you put up & take down your hang on everytime then there's probably no real advantage. I prefer to hang my portables, 5 to be exact before the season to save the hassel & noise of putting them up & taking down. I use my climber in spots where I have a straight tree, and don't need to use a portable. I really enjoy both kinds of stands, but really love the comfort I get from my climber. Its unlike any portable I've sat in!!!!! I also feel the climber is safer to use climbing over putting up portables everytime. I always wear a safety harness also, but still feel safer in my climber.

I have two hang on API Baby Grands that I just love.Easy to put up,and comfortable.I also have an Ol'Man Vision that I've only used two times.While it is very comfortable I have yet to get it set just right when I used it resulting once with a stand tilted too low,and the next time I slid down the tree while climbing until my safety harness stopped me.(NEVER climg w/o the harness!!)I plan on using the climber this weekend as I will be hunting land away from my hang on's.On a side note to comfort.The last time I used the climber was last season.Just after settling in it started snowing very hard,then sideways.I pulled my hood up,drew the strings tight and decided to sit it out.Well long story short I woke up about 90 minutes after sunset,still snowing like crazy!I felt pretty good after the nap!

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a climber is usually alot more comfortable than a lock on. The lock on is good if you can leave it in the woods. I don't like carrying a climber around in the woods with me all the time. I have 7 lock on's I leave in the woods during hunting season. The Summit viper I use when I want to hunt a new area. If I must have one stand, it would be the summit viper (climber)

Thanks for the thoughts, it is about what I thought. Since I haven't sat for hours in either one, maybe that will be the thing that makes the difference. Because I will be hunting public land I figure I will always be taking down my stands. Thanks again.