well i am really sold on these stands. i have a hang on and the climbing sticks and wouldn't trade them for any other however i purchased the hand climber and have only used it a couple of times because it is a bitch to climb it takes forever and a day to climb and decsend a tree. the climbing sticks are quicker it think. well i was think of getting a sit and climb top section to make the climbing easier. does anyone have any tips on climbing w/ the hand climber for me or should i just buy the sit and climb top section??

I purchased my Lone Wolf Hand Climber in September and used it throughout the early season here in PA. While I like it very much, I quickly realized that some major improvements were in order, so I posted five parts called "Improving the Lone Wolf Hand Climber" in the "gear review" section. I think parts 3 and 4 concerned ascending and descending with the hand climber: you might want to look them up.

Briefly, I quickly realized that there was no way I would be using the recommended methods of climbing/descending: that was way too gymnastic. Instead, I developed a method of climbing using the stabilizer straps. I balance my weight on the seat, grasp the stabilizer straps (below the plastic buckles so that I don't break them), and pull the platform up. I stand and raise the seat, then sit in the seat and repeat. While it takes a little practice (and a slight up angle to the seat helps me balance on the seat), it is actually easier than a sit-and-climb.

Descending is a little trickier since I need to raise the front of the platform to disengage it from the tree. To assist with this I installed a loop of wire at the front of the platform.

I loosen the stabilizer straps until I have plenty of slack. I then grasp the straps with my right hand between my knees. Note that it is important to hold the two straps such that you can keep the platform level from left to right with one hand.

I use my left arm/hand to hold onto the tree so that I can rest my weight on the seat. I put my right foot through the wire loop and raise the front of the stand to disengage from the tree, then lower the platform with my right hand (via the straps)approximately 12-15". At this point I push down on the front of the platform to engage onto the tree. Note that the platform must be stable because you are now going to stand on it to lower the seat and harness.

Once the seat and harness are lowered, you sit down and repeat the process. It sounds more complicated than it is: a little practice and you will quickly be able to lower the platform and still keep it level (left to right) and then engage the tree.

I am surprised Lone Wolf does not recommend something along these lines, but I guess their solution is the sit-and-climb version. Anyway, I am very well satisfied with my hand climber using my modifications.

thanks, very much i appreciate your response and i will give it some practice today, do you face the tree while climbing and descending or face away from the tree. thanks again and good luck!

It's been my impression that the people who buy the handclimber, generally have no problem with the recommended method of climbing and find it very quick , myself included. everyone is different so there are always exceptions, i just point this out so that others realize that most owners of this stand, in my opinion, don't have an issue with the recommended climbing method. in general people seem to agree the sit and climb takes less work but is no quicker than the hand climber.

I also own a the sticks and hang on, and i'm considerably quicker with my hand climber. Hope you figure out a good climbing method.
Eric

I own both the sit and climb and the hand climber. I face the tree with both climbers. I find the hand climber seat more comfortable and easier to get up and down in. These are the only tree stands I have ever owned and love them. Very durable and quiet in tand out of the woods. You have to do something wrong in order to make a noise with them. I would agree that the hand climber is musch quicker up and down the tree. You also have to love the built in bow and gun holder.

I also have both top sections. I find it easy to climb with either. I bought the sit and climb section because it's more comfortable for longer sits.

With the hand climber I perfer to detach the straps that connect the top and bottom sections. I then raise the top section very high and grasp the seat while my arms are fully raised and use the pull-up method.

This is quickest and easiest.

I have had my hand climber combo for about a year now. I love it but it might take you a few more times to get use to it. I climb facing the tree as suggested and place the bottom of my forearms on the seat and either grab the sides of the belt or the arms where the belt slides in. I use my arms to support myself as I pull my legs to me. It can be a little difficult if you are trying to start out at a really steep angle. Don't give up cause once you get the hang of it you'll love it and it is pretty quick. My only problem is I can't wear any boots with more than 800 grams insulation because it makes it impossible to get my size 14s in the slots[:@]

I have the sit and climb and wouldn't use any other stand! As I have said in the past it's the most quiet, simple,secure and light weight stand on the market. Notice I didn't say inexpensive or real comfortable!

Rush Creek: to follow up my previous post about an alternate method of climbing/descending with the Lone Wolf Hand Climber: I face away from the tree for both climbing and descending.

Once I move the platform 12-15" up or down, I stand on the platform and face the tree to move the seat and harness. I then sit on the seat (facing away from the tree) to move the platform again.

One other modification: since the stabilizer straps are vital to both ascending and descending with this method, I wrapped some camo duct tape around the platform surfaces where the straps attach so that the rough cast aluminum surface does not wear through the strap.

I have the Lone Wolf Alpha hand climber and it is by far the fastest stand to set up and climb with that I have ever used. I use the over head method. Extend the seat above your head, grab the side of seat, and pull up with your legs. I can climb 2' feet at a time and can be 20' up a tree in less than a minute. Although the hand climber seat is not the most comfortable seat to use for an all day hunt, the portability and ease of use is worth it.

Konk