My Dad and I are planning a trip to Illinois next year and I'd like to get at least one hang-on type treestand. I'm considering either the API Baby Grand or Alum-I-Lok Magnum. I've noticed alot of people use them, how easy are they to install? And are they secure? Thanks in advance.

PBB

Pick a hair.....or a caruncle!!

I have the magnum and the express and love them both.Screw the T screw in,hang the stand and hook the belt and you ready to go.I never used the Baby Grand but I have heard alot of good about it.One thing I do do is use a ratchet strap on the bottom of all my stands for extra security.It is not needed but it makes me feel more secure.Good luck! I live about 20 miles north of Altoona and know a few people from your area.Nice to see someone close on here.

Edited by - jps on 01/03/2002 16:50:04

I've used API Alumilok originals and Magnums for years,I have about 10 of them.
I feel they are fairly easy to hang,and very secure IMHO.
I also use a ratchet strap around the middle of the stand along with my chain and lock but they are plenty secure without the extras I use.
I have 2 or 3 that are nearly 10 yrs old I keep up with the maintenance on them and still to this day they are safe and still very quiet.
Great Stands!!!!!!!!!

hardly have used my Alum I lock for the past 6 years in Ak, went home last fall, scurried up a tree and buckled it on....pretty dang easy! Used my partners magnum once just to see if I would like to get the bigger plat form if I ever get back into bear baitn again and dang it was nice also!!!! Very simple very sturdy.

The baby grands are good stands and easy to set up. you can sit in them all day too. I use a linesman belt when I'm hangin um so I have both hands free.

I've got a garage full of both. If you plan to hang it once and leave it, I'd get the Baby Grand. If you want to be more mobile, I'd use the Alum-I-Lok Mag. I also use a ratchet for a more stable stand. Both are comfortable...but a little noisey in cold weather for my liking.

TB

I use stand from API. It's an "OK" stand. The cold weather makes it creak some which of course not good. My next purchase will be the "Lone Wolf" stand. My buddy has one and it's a great stand.

What part of Illinois are ya hunting?

I have two API Alumi-Lok Magnums and really like them. They are light and easy to hang. Downside, as I see it, is a T screw and a pin which are easy to loose.

I use the baby grand and I feel that they are a pretty noisey. I also use the ratchet strap on mine to make it more stable.

I will agree with most of the other posts.They are very easy to hang and are lightweight.We use the Alum-O-Lock magnums just for the added platform room.If you plan on leaving them up for a long period,check the stand before you climb on,to be sure the strap is still tight,they will loosen up a little over time,but the buckle system they use is the best in my opinion.