Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Whats so good about them?
Im not bashing them at all Im just curious about what makes them so good.
What makes them worth the money?

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I bought into the hype....and purchased the climbing sticks and the alpha hang-on for the 2006 season.

I think Greg/MO got a good deal on the used set;). I couldn't find a way to set up safely.....and once I did.....the seat nearly broke my ass.

I've never sat in a more uncomfortable stand. I wouldn't hunt out of one if you gave it to me.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

DITTO!!!

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Maybe you guys are looking at different criteria than I am, but I think the new LW stands are very comfortable to hunt out of. Specifically referring to the Alpha Hang-On.

As for why I use them, here's my list:
1. Extremely lightweight in comparison to most other hang-on stands of comparable size.
2. Extremely easy to set up using a single strap and the versa-button system. No more fighting with BS ratchets, hooks, or buckles.
3. Cast aluminum platform is as silent as you can get.
4. Adjustable platform and seat for leveling when you're in a crooked tree
5. Adjustable offset bracket on the seat post also used when in a crooked tree
6. Climbing sticks pack and secure directly to the stand, making a nice clean package to carry in/out of the woods.
7. Climbings sticks are light, safe, and super easy to set up. Beats screw-in steps and ladder sticks by 10 miles.

That's all I've got. As for what Jeff said, after hunting out of a Lone Wolf I wouldn't hunt out of any other treestand if you gave one to me.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Hey Justin, maybe Jeff will give you a good deal on one! I bought one for the upcoming season on the recomendations of you and Dukemicheals. It seems to be well made and thought out. We'll see how comfortable it is this season,but after hunting for 5 years out of cheap hang ons I can't imagine it would be bad.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I have two Lone Wolf Alpha's and 9 climbing sticks. I can sit on them all day (if needed). They are my go to stands although I will still use my tree saddle for some spots.

My list would be identical to Justin's. Although I would add that while there is essentially nothing on them that would break it would be very easy, and inexpensive, to replace parts that may show too much wear.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

That's the ONLYnegative thing (that holds any water)that can be said about these stands. They are of superior costruction, super quiet, very light (probably one of the lightest), very srecure, and very easy to use. With a little imagination they can be made more comfy (I have an older one). See pic (again).;)
They are a bit pricey, but you usually get what you pay for.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Ditto for me. I own 4 of the newer LW Alpha hang ons and believe that they are the safest, sturdiest, easy to hang, quietest, most comfortable stand on the market. I only use screw in steps.

The stand and seat are almost infinately adjustable to fit your needs.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I went to cabelas lastnight to purchase one but they didn't have what I wanted. I will be hitting BPS this weekend. Can't wait!!!

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I bought my first, but not my last LW hang on Alpha last year. I have used a lot of other brands with Gorilla and API being my favorites up to the LW.

Just never could make myself dole out the extra $$ seeing as I leave mine up during the season anyway and weight of the stand is not a big issue.

But after buying one, I wish I would have started buying them earlier. For me they are comfortable,very sturdy and quiet, and more adaptable to awkward tree trunks than other brands.
Very quiet.

Yep they cost more, a lot more, but as I have to replace my old hang ons, I will definitely replace with the LW.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I have an alpha climber (not the sit and climb) and like it an aweful lot. It packs easy and super flat, is very light, sets up and takes down very easyand feels very secure on the tree.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I still have a few spots where I use them, but only because those stands don't really move from year to year. They're kind of in those good spots where deer are always going to travel so there's no need to stay mobile. For most of our weekend trips down to our lease or other random trips we want to stay flexible and be able to move quickly if need be. Screw in steps are just a little too slow for that, and you work up a pretty good sweat screwing those suckers in. Plus, a lot of farmers dont' want you to damage their trees which is where the sticks come in handy.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

My experiences and opinions stem from my owning the alpha hang-on, ONLY. I don't know squat about their climbers.

Comfort, to me, is the number one criteria in purchasing a stand I'm going ot use a LOT. I feel like it definitely keeps me on stand, longer.

For that reason (alone)......I wouldn't own one of these stands. It is well built, quiet, adjustable, etc...

I could also never figure out how to set it up (with the climbing sticks) without working up a heckuva sweat.......NOR could I figure out how to set it up, safely (comparatively).

Just giving my opinion based on the one I owned for a short time (a short time.....for the reasons I cited).

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Jeff - what hang-on are you using now? And what specifically about about the LW gave you problems with setting it up? I've hung API's, Loggy Bayou's, and Gorillas and none of them were even close to as easy as the LW. In fact, every time I have to hang a non-LW stand its pretty much guaranteed that I will end up cussing the thing out and throwing it to the ground at least once before I'm finished.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I have only sit in the loc ons, and honestly there is now way that I could hunt out of them with my back. But I was looking at the website and the sit and climb looks like it is alot more comfortable than some of their earlier models. How does it compare (seat wise) to the summit and the api?

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Due to theft issues in my woods....I no longer employ hang-ons. I have ONE spot I may set up my gorilla in. When I do set it up (in the past)....I utilize a ladder type steps system (I use the cheap ones AND the summit system). I'm secure to the tree with my harness when I do so.....and I'm able set up all 16' and attach it to the tree before I raise my stand.

Specifically....the climbing sticks. I "could have" used the same steps I currently have....and likely been "fine" with the LW (sans the comfort factor). The steps (LW) scared the HELL outta me trying to set the thing up, SAFELY. The amount of effort involved in doing so for a same-day sit left me soaked with sweat, also.

I'm simply MUCH more efficient, safe and comfortable in a climber.

Just my .02

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I stated in another thread this morning that I invested in a LW hand climber stand last year, and it is by far one of the best purchases I have made in 26+ years of bow hunting. Most of the reasons that I like it have already been mentioned by other LW fans on this thread, so I'm not going to beat a dead horse! But the simplicity of the traction belt/cam lock system to get it around the tree is sweet. I purchased the extra long traction belts (optional) for mine and it allows me to use it on trees 3 to 4 inches diameter bigger than the stock belts that came with it. Comfort has not been a problem for me on my LW climber.

I never would have imagined that I could climb a tree so quietly. Great design...Great stand!

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

You just know a GREAT product when you see/use one!;) I wish I could get a job selling LW stands, but their qualitydoes the selling.

GMMAT, you can remove a LW hang on as easily as a climber, and not worry about theft. Just reverse the set up procedure. It's nothard. I put this safety belt (with lanyard)together for that purpose. It holds your bow and your standwhile you climb, up or down.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I guess you didn't read my posts.....[8D]

I hated setting the thing up! Plus.....if they're gonna steal something that's out there.....when I got to my tree (looking for a ladder)....I'd be SOL.;)

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Personally I love the Lone Wolf treestand.

And its not just because I'm sponsored by them and get thousands of them for free everyday either. Seriously.. they are awesome stands!

(authors note.. i am in fact not sponsored by lone wolf treestands or in any way associated with the makers of lone wolf treestands. i simply stated the original response.. because many have accused me of being sponsored by them in the past. and simply put.. the second sentence.. you must admit.. was kinda humorous.)

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Bought an alpha hand climber as a bow hunting stand and it turned into my everything stand. It isn't as comfortable as my viper but it is so light that it makes up for it and I deal with it.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I posted this about the Lone Wolf products on a different thread earlier today. I'm lazy, so I'll just cut & paste it here:

I have a Lone Wolf Alpha Assault hang-on stand, and I love it. They're not cheap, but they're very well made, IMHO. Very light (8.5 lbs) and completely silent. Lone Wolf makes their platforms out of a single piece of cast aluminum, so there are no welds or other connections to creak. They use plastic or teflon washers, so no noise there, either. And the stand is not hollow, like some are.Hollow stands are light, but make more noise. My only complaint about the Lone Wolf stand is the seat cushion is pretty hard. Thinking about adding some kind of padding to it this year.

Lone Wolf is very smart about how they design their stands. In addition to being very light, they pack down almost flat. Also, their climbing sticks are very light. My four 32” sticks (each with three steps)weigh only 10 lbs, total (easily gets me up to ~ 16 feet), with each step flipping to either right or left, depending on what you need. They also don’t interlock when you attach them to the tree, which makes them useful in more situations (V trees, bent trees, etc.). And the sticks are made to spoon with each other and fit onto the Lone Wolf stand when you’re carrying it.

So, I’m able to carry my stand and four 32” sticks up the mountain where I hunt very easily (total weight = 18.5 lbs).

I'll add that, despite what GMMAT says(and with all due to repect to a guy who posts a lot of good info on here), I find the stand and sticks VERY easy to set up. One strap (with no metal on it to clang out an alarm to nearby deer) that can be done either right-handed or left-handed for each stick and one for the stand and you're in business. And the steps on the sticks can swivel either to the right or left side, depending on your needs. Go to Bass Pro or Cabellas or whatever and get a gander and I think you'll see what I mean.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I have had my assault stand for less than 2 weeks.Setting it with the versa buttons is a piece of cake.I will supplement the padding on the seat to make it more long sit friendly.It will be my bounce around stand because of it's expense and the liklihood of theft in my area.I am very impressed with it's quality and function!
The sticks are awesome,I just purchased 3 and I will be purchasing more.unbelieveable how quickly I can get up a tree.The first time I used them I was laughing to myself about what a pleasure they were relative to the many hundreds of steps I have screwed in over the years.They will get a lot of use!

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Jeff, I could never see myself using a LW stand and sticks in the same manner that you would use a climber. I don't pull my sets and rehang after every single sit but if I did, a climber would definitely be the way to go. I prefer to stay semi-mobile and have the freedom to pull and re-hang in just about any tree I want without too much effort if the need arises. Standard ladder-type sticks don't play with in crooked trees, neither do climbers. And in my part of the world, perfectly straight trees with no limbs are far and few between.

I totally see your point though. If you're not ever leaving your stands in place and a climber will work for you, a LW stand and sticks may not be the best option.

As for being able to hang the sticks safely, I use a treehopper lineman-style belt 99% of the time and it makes the world of difference. Especially when you get up higher off the ground.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

A climber would not work in the areasI hunt. Too many gnrly trres with forks in them.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

And that was MY mistake, Justin.

And they are much more the norm, here.

Another tactic I didn't employ.....but should have.

Good points, all. The climber (i've found) is definitely the way to go for my area and my needs. To be honest.....if I ever go another route....OR...if I had a longer hike....I might try the LW (modified, of course);).

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I am able to use the screw in steps at all (5) of the places I hunt. I have nothing against the sticks, except that they are a bit cumbersome and sometimes noisy. They definitely have their advantages though, especially in huge oak trees if the straps fit. It's just that I have about 75 of the good screw in 2-piece folding steps, so I continue to use them.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Just bought one of the Alpha Elites, and will be putting it up when I get a break in 2 weeks.

Compared to the Alpha, the seat is wider and the platform is 36" x 24"
instead of 30" x 19.5", which might address some of what has been said.

Just based on eyeballing, it looks bigger than the Summit Deer Deck.

I'm looking forward to hunting out of it this season.

Didn't buy LW steps, using ameristep rapid rails - love em.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Every stand I own is made by LW. I bought all of them on my own. I have 5 hang ons and one climber. Would not trade them for anything. These stands were engineered by a hunter or someone that had some insight to what we want.. I love everything but the old sit and climb seat which itlooks like they upgraded. Love the climbing sticks as well. They are lite quick and quiet, and sturdy as anything i've ever tried. Lone Wolf gets my vote.

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I've wanted to buy a LW sit and climb for years now. The problem is my 44" waist. I can fit but it's snug and uncomfortable. I wish they'd make a seat that's 2-3 inches wider.

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And thatmy friend:Dis why people jump on your ass, smart ass comments like that but I guess that's just you being you;)

LW works for me in the proper situation. Otherwise it's my Equalizer climber.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I use my LW Alpha and climbing sticks just like a climber. After you use them a couple of times and develop a routine it is very easy. Part of the problem, IMO, when people use the sticks is that they try to setup everything as fast as possible. I take my time and just try to maintain a little noise discipline. It works very well and even on really hot days in the early season I don't sweat any more than if I used a climber. I can see where this setup may not be for everyone but I hunt mostly public land and don't get in straight, limbless trees to often and the sticks and alpha hangonare great for that.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

They are expensive, but well worth it in my opinion. The climber is dead silent and packs flat for easy carrying on long distance walks. The only issue I've had with mine is tree size. I can't get it on the same size trees I used to be able to with my summit. There are larger traction belts that can be bought, I just haven't.

The hang on is by far the easiest to hang stand thatI have ever dealt with. Combine it with a set of climbing sticks that form to the stand itself and you have a deadly combination. With some practice you can be set up with this combo just as fast as you could with a climber and they are just a silent. They are perfect for the tree that doesn't want to cooperate.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

I would have to have to longer traction belts because most of the trees I climb are big, that being said, I wish I new someone with the sit and climb that I could set up and climb a few trees and get a feel for it before dropping the $$$ for it. The bad back makes is less desirable to carry in the heavy load but comfort is the most important thing for me with the bad back because without a comfortable stand, I just can't sit very lone. I can sit in my API all day so that makes it worth carrying in the extra weight. Now if the sit and climb is comparable in comfort then I would make the switch in a heart beat.

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

http://www.huntingnet.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=2843288&mpage=1

RE: Lone Wolf Treeestands
 

Thanks buckeye, great review!!!! It's looks like you have done all of the things that I would need to do. But with the extra $40 for a different seat, and the extra $40 for the longer traction belts and then $20 for new back pack straps after tax that would put with about $520 wrapped up in the stand. I'm not saying it's not worth it, just don't know that I want to spend that kind of $$$ when I got 2 perfectly good ones that I have no complaints with. I need to weigh my stands and see how much difference there is. I will definitely have to give it some consideration before my next purchase. Thanks again!