LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I picked up a Lone Wolf Alpha Sit and Climb yesterday and of course was anxious to try it out. Once put together I strapped it to a tree and up I went...sort of. Unless I'm doing something very wrong, I can't give this stand very good reviews...as a matter of fact, I'll be returning it. Maybe someone here can tell me if I'm doing it wrong.
The "teeth" of the upper portion seem useless. Each time I would advance up the tree and let go of the upper section it would fall down toward the lower section because the teeth were not biting into the tree. The teeth on the upper section are much smaller than those on the lower section which I did not have a bit of trouble with. Once it bit into the tree it was good.
Also, the bar that you sit on to pull up the bottom platform seems strange to me. On my other climbers that bar doubles as a safety rail of sorts and is right out in front of you and when you use it to sit/climb it's at a perfect location. With the Lone Wolf that bar swings down for you to sit on which the puts your butt much closer to your feet and not giving you much room lift/raise the lower platform up. Sort of hard to explain.
Long winded, but hopefuly someone will have some helpful comments.
Thanks.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

The seat (top) portion of the stand has to have pressure/weight on it for it to grab properly and stay secure to the tree. Here's what I do to avoid that top section from slipping down to the platformwhen you stand, or take pressure off of it.
When I get to my desired hunting height, I take a treehook and screw it in right below the traction belt (back of the tree)so the seat portion can't slip down. As far as that bar goes, it's only really for sitting on while climbing up. It should be tucked up under your seat when you get set up. Don't use it as a guard rail!If you take that stand back, you're a nut. That's the best climber ever made.;):D

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

It's certainly light and packs well, but with this issue, "best climber ever made" is a streatch for me personally. Glad you like yours though!!
None of my other climbers have to have weight on them to stay in place...once firmly set. They have good aggressive teeth to bite into the tree and they stay put. If you have to alwasy have weight/pressure on it what do you do when you have to reach up with both hands to raise your safety rope up higher? Turn loose of the seat portion without any weight on it and it falls.The tree screw behind the belt is a good idea, butI don't feel that I should have to do this. I just don't understand the purpose of NOT having the same type of teeth that the foot platform has.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

What? What happens when you've been sitting for a while and stand up?

Also.....why not use the sitting bar as a safety rail? When you tuck it up under you.....does it stay there or is it in the way of the back of your legs while you're sitting.

I wanna see one of these stands in person. I can't seem to picture all the "good" as most do and overlook some of the things a lot of you do.

And yes....I am in the market. I'll be ordering a stand, this week.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Here's the deal with the LW sit and climb. When you're climbing with it, the pressure you put onthe top section is plenty to keep it secure as you're climbing. Any climbing stand relies on a certain amount of pressure to maintain stability. When I got my LW, much like I would do with "any stand", I took a flat file and went over the gripping teeth (top and bottom sections) so they really "bite"well!
As far as the bar/rail goes, yes Jeff, it gets tucked up under the seat. And yes it will stay up in that position, out of the way. After time (depending on amount of use) that rail needs to get tightened. This is just basic maintenence.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

While you are climbing you must maintain at least a minimal downward force on the seat portion: simply resting your hands on this section is generally enough.

When you reach the desired height you sit on the seat and tighten the straps securing the seat to the platform. This makes for a rock solid seat/platform with no danger of the seat falling.

After spending any amount of time sitting in the seat (usually no more than sitting down once), you generally do not need the straps to keep the seat from falling as the teeth on the seat section have now bitten into the tree bark. Once you prepare to come down you will likely need to raise the seat to break it loose.

The only minor annoyance that I have is when is first mount the platform and seat onto the tree: sometimes the seat falls before I get onto the platform (and sometimes this makes unwanted noise).

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

What is this?

I just told a budddy....if he's gonna hunt with me...he'd better practice on climbing, quietly. How big of an issue is this with this stand?

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Quietest climbing stand on the market IMO.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Exactly Rick!I've experienced that same situation when first starting up, andmade that same noise![:@][:@]:DThat's just because the seat portion hasn't had any pressure put on it yet. What I do is set the platform up, thenwhen Iconnect the seat I just set it on the platform itself until I'm actually ready to start my climb. You learn these little tricks as you use a stand more and more. When I get totally set up, I usually put my butt down"heavy" to secure the seat section.
The reason I started putting that screw hook under the traction belt of the seat was because one time (when I first started using the LW) I went to stand up as I saw a nice buck coming, and the zipper of my camo pantsgrabbed the frame of the seat, and lifted it as I stood up. It then dropped down onto the platform, making a hell of a noise!![:@]Turned that buck inside out. I swore that would never happen again, and it hasn't.;)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

LOL....look above. I disagree!

I might give it a shot.....but it's hard to go away from something proven.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Jeff, I'll be really honest about this. After using my LW for some time now, I could have you stand 20yrds away from me, and I'll set up my stand and start climbing, and you won't hear me. The reason I can say this is because I actually pulled this off with a doe (I kept an eye on her)about that distance away. She was behind some brush, but still was that close.I can also put my stand together in the dark as well. That's how simple it is. Honestly.:)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I believe you, EI. I feel the same way about my summit. I am actually in the market. I'll order a new stand, this week. The REAL issue that has me uncertain (about the LW) is the seat. I just hear horror stories about it. Now I have a viper I could use for long sits....and could use another stand for short sits......but I've just heard too many stories of people being uncomfortable in the LW stands.

Comfort is a big deal to me.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

As I've said in the past, the seat on the LW, I'll admit,is not comfortable as far as I'm concerned. That's "the only" bad thing I have been able to find on the LW. And yes, that's real important! But I've shown (previously posted pic) how I handled that situation, and it's not an issue for me any longer. With the little cushion (kept in my day pack)that I add to the seat, I'm able to do all day sits without a problem.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Have you heard any feedback on the new seat that Lone Wolf offers? You cannot even get the seat that you are referring to any more unless you find a left over stand in some ones inventory. For all of the positives that this stand offers replacing the seat is a moot point IMO. It is light, silent and built like a tank.

I have played with mine a few times, I cannot wait to actually get some field use with it once it counts ;)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

NavyDeerHunter,

I have one sort of silly quesion. What kind of tree were you climbing?

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

What's funny is that, if this were a rage BH thread and someone was saying they didn't like it because of "what they heard about it", others would be remarking on how can a person make negative comments about something they have never actually tried ;).

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I am telling you. Equalizer. Equalizer. Equalizer. Seriously, Equalizer.

I'll buy your next out of state permit if you don't like it!!!

www.equalizertreestands.com

LW climbers are for LOOKS![8D]

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

And I'd agree with them, Bruce. The LW stand I owned was uncomfortable as hell. I've heard the climber was, too....and I don't want it to be that way.

Buckeye....I thought you replaced your seat with the summit seat????

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Jeff, even a Summit top section can fall down before getting ready to climb. I'll be honest and say I have only tried one Summit but that was enough as far as noise wise. Comparing those stiff cables raking the back of the tree or hitting adjacent branches vs the same scenario using a Lone Wolf was a huge difference maker when I first tried a LW. I don't know how the new LW seat is but I also added a small padded seat to mine and it became more than comfy enough.

By the way, the Equalizer is also a great stand that is quiet but I prefer an adjustable front bar.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I ordered the Lone Wolf climber and it should be in this week. At 14.5 pounds I can learn to overcome any draw backs that might arise. Already a Lone Wolf lock-on owner, I expect the same degree of perfermance that I get from my other LWstands. Practice makes perfect just don't let it be on a real deer hunt. I have about 30 days to get it right.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I couldn't help myself. Here again, isthe simple/inexpensive solution to the uncomfortable LW seat dilemma. You can sit all day with this. No more excuses guys.;)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I did, mine did not have the new seat though. The new seat was not on the market yet when I bought mine earlier this summer. I know Justin has sat in the new seat and he seemed to have good things to say about it.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I know a bunch of guys that have the older LW climbers and have all replaced the climber portion with the new sling seat climber. All of them rave about the stand and now about its comfort. Most of these guys sit all day.

I'll be getting a LW climber for my next stand.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I have not seen the new Lone Wolf's. Theone I bought 6 years ago is inferior to my Summit open shot, if I cut the teeth off the Summit and put them on the Lone Wolf, put the quick climb stirrups on the Lone Wolf, thrue the top away and use the Summit top, pulled all the bolts out and welded it so it would be one solidconstruction, with no joints. It would be a nice stand.... No.... wait.....It would be aSummit open shot...:D

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

All the climbers I have used have a ratchet strap to secure the top portion when you reach you're destination, does the LW not have one of these?

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I have the Sit and Climb and haveused a Summit. I think to decide between the two pick what is more important, quiet and portability vs all day comfort.

The LW is dead quiet from packing to getting it on the tree to climbing. Once set on the tree it is more solid than the Summit and it won't move, creak, crack or make a sound. The Summit is bulkier to pack, makes more noise when setting up and is a little more of a pain to get on the tree, esp in the dark. It doesn't secure as tightly as the LW when set. The summit is FAR more comfortable than the LW. I've not used the new sling seat but can't think it makes that much of a difference. The LW is designed to be quiet, easy to get on the tree and portable. It is not designed for all day comfort.

I have not had issues with the seat as has been discussed. I have had issues related to the size of the seat portion. Not sure how big you are Jeff but the stand is small. I'm 6' 00" and 210lbs with an athletic body type. The stand is too small for me. With regular hunting clothes on I barely fit between the seat rails. The buckles of my harness don't fit. I have to be very careful when I stand up not to catch a buckle on the seat. If it catches it pulls the front of the seat up and it slides down a little. Pull up on the seat of any climber and it will slide. That is my biggest complaint with the stand is the size of the seat and I'm not all that big.

That said I love the stand if when on a trip and jumping from area to area or if setting up close to a bedding area. It packs better, and is MUCH quieter than the Summit, goes on the tree easier and is a more stable platform. Other than the size it is flawless for jumping areas and getting in and out quiet. If I'm planning an all day sit I wouldn't even consider the thing. I'd rather leave an hour ealier and take tree steps and a hang on and put that up to sit all day than take the LW. It has its place and its purpose, you just need to know its limitations.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

No. The LW has a traction belt with a cam lock down system. Real quiet, and very secure.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

SO let me get this straight.....The LW seat, now, is comfortable? I'm gonna go to the site and check 'em out. EI .....no offense....but that still looks like a mild method of torture.

What do you lean back on? I snooze in my stand!

If I order one and don't like it.....will someone buy it from me for$325 + shipping? I shouldn't have to pay more than $50 to sit in it once, should I?:)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

What is it you always say..how can you bash a product you never used? Your a Summit man, good for you, when it's a Summit thread, please, chime in! Until that or you have a Lone Wolf your just another Yappy Dog!


The best stand hands down, quiet light, easy to climb. Is one product, for everyone nah ...many of you guys are just looking for a place to nap. [:-];)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

That sounds like a good idea.....one less thing to fiddle with.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Very honest/fair accessment mez. I'm not a big guy, 6'170lbs. So the stand size is OK for me. I mentioned the seat getting caught when I went to stand as well. That's whyIscrew in a tree hook behind/under the traction belt on the seat section. It can't drop down to the platform. Seriously, the only negative thing that can really be said about the LW is, it's not real comfortable for an all day sit. Period.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Hey Bob,I've just spent the last 10 minutes on their site (LW). I've owned a LW and I'm gonna buy another stand this week. So....far as I can see the yappy personal insult is simply another in the long line. You rarely miss a chance "buddy";)

I'm FAR from bashing a product I may be getting ready tos pend my money on. I just want an HONEST assessment and not someone trying to justify their purchase. They ain't the cheapest stand in the tree, ya know.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

OK, let's see.:DFirst of all, I don't know how comfy the new stands are. If you're referring to mine with the cushion, yes it's comfy for all day sits "for me". As far as what you lean back on, I would think the tree is the only thing behind you. And, I don't sleep on standbecause Ican't see deer coming whenI do that.:DLastly, you don't have to spend a dime to sit ina LW. Go to a Cabela's, you can sit in one for free.;)

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

WOW!!!:D:D:D:D:D

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

1st bold underlined statement: Can you explain this one further, Mez. I don't understand this. MY summit doesn't creak or crack....so I don't know anything about the rest of your sentence. I had a cobra lock on that was noisy....but the viper isn't (or, mine isn't). I remember how solid the LW latform was.....and I agree it's solid.

What makes the LW easier to get on the tree than the summit? Don't you still have to take one side of the cable/straction belt out? Just trying to figure out how it's "easier".

How does the LW secure better to the tree?

"m 6'1"/198 Mez.....Is this stand too small for me?

That may end my questions.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I have both LW and Summit, as far as the big bulky Summit's go, I would chooes the LW hands down. My Summit openshot on the other handis as quit, as easy to use, as lite, climbs better, more comfort and cost me $189. Thats my honest assessment andFood for thought.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

I have just bought a sit and climb and I had kind of the same thoughts. I had it packed up and ready to go back to the store.But, I thought I would give it some more time and practice. I used an API for about 6 years now and the LW is not as comfortable, but I did sit in it for about 4 hours last night over a bear bait and after I made a few adjustments to the seat, it was fine. I have the new style seat. My only gripe is that I am 5'10 and 225 and it is alittle tight for me. When I stood up my harness would catch on one or the other knobs that are used to secure the bars in the up position. Climbing took some getting used to since you are sitting lower and it seems that you are so close to the tree, but it is quieter, lighter, and packs and set up at the tree was quick and quiet. It also was really solid when In the tree. I do wish they would just include the bowholder grommet with the stand. Just my .02

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Weight it. Another guy did, it was 16. He wasn't complaining, it was just that a big deal was made of it. Then you'll need the upgrades unless they've changed that, more weight.

I advise anyone who buys one to put your hands onit first. It's what changed my mind. I'd read all about it's atttributes and was convinced this thing was it, until I held one. Just the site of it with all the black straps hanging everywere gave me a shock. Pick up any catolog with stands in them (Just got cabela's archery) they stick out like no other.

As far as the rail goes, I have a similar style stand, come to find out I don't need it to climb. The seat can be move to the outer edge and be used in place of the rail. Now the seat is no longer in front of me when I climb, is much easier to climb with than the rail AND the rail is gone, more weight reduction. You should see if a LW can do the same.

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

Jeff -
I'm facing the same dilema as you, I plan on getting a new stand before the season. My summit is starting to crack (its an old model and they sent me a new platform last season), but now my top doesnt fit quite perfect... and its 7 yrs old.

I'm torn between getting a new summit and a LW. I've hunted both, and IMO the LW beats the Summit hands down in everything EXCEPT comfort. BUT this was w/ the old seat style, I havent used the new style yet.

Here is why I like the LW better:

1. It packs like a dream, and rides better on your back. I hate how the summit weight is down low on your back, you almost have to lean forward to be comfortable when walking, And some of my spots are close to 2 miles, so I like that.

2. Its a lot quiter set up. Period. Now I'm good w/ my summit, and have climbed a tree w/ a doe feeding 50 yrds away and she didnt bust me. But the LW if much easier to get on a tree and the tree straps are a better design (you can adjust in 1/2" increments, not the 5" like summit) Also theres no hollow tubes to clang.

3. The LW teeth grab a tree better. And the straps "teeth" grab better. I climb some Red oaks w/ smooth HARD bark, and its terrifying in a summit. I constantly slip. The LW grabs better on both contacts w/ the tree.

4. It was addressed earlier, but the LW stabilizer straps make the stand rock solid. When you sit down you have a two straps that run from the end of the seat to the base. When you tighten them it holds the two together perfectly. Cause when you standup the base flexes slightly and pulls on the seat holding it firmly in place.

5. I like the built in bow holder in the LW. Just handy to have when you get to the top, you dont have to hold your bow while you set everythng else up.

6. The bar in the LW is a better design IMO: Why? I like that it moves, I dont put it under the seat, I leave it out in front. Just bend it down so when I stand it just below my knees, I can stabilize myself on it for the shot (and that is huge help). OR when time for a snooze I bring it up to my chest and rest my head on it, pretty comfy w/ a hat or glove as cushion.

7. This is probly a huge one. The LW keeps you right up against the tree when you sit. Helping you blend in better. There no gap between you and the tree. When you stand up you can stand completely against the tree.


CONS of the LW:

1. Its slightly tricky to pack, this is probably because I was used to the Summit and I never watched the LW instrucitonal video (only borrowed it from my dad for a few hunts) But I found the summit tricky to pack quietly when I first got started...

2. The old seat of the LW is terrible. Especially compared to the Summit. I did an All day sit in the LW. By 1 pm I was ready to jump. I couldnt take it anymore. I had to stand up now and then so I could feel my bum and the boys again.

That being said, I think the pros of the LW outweigh the cons, If the new seat is more comfy that will help significantly. And I havent rulled out using the seat on my current Summit on a new LW. But I'll decide after I try the new LW.


Just my 2 cents, And I've used a summit for 7 years, which is why I'm torn, I hate to try something I've not proven to myself...

RE: LONE WOLF ALPHA SIT AND CLIMB QUESTION
 

1. You have to take it out, but you have "unlimited options" in length, and you can put it in just a bit and it grabs, then adjust perfectly.

2. The stabilizer straps make a big difference, better teeth IMO..

3. Im 6-0 and 195, and I dont find it to small, its a little closer on the hips than the Summit, but thats better IMO (smaller profile)

Hope that helps.