Has anyone seen the new Bass Pro Shop catalog yet? I am VERY interested in this new style, ladder/hang-on combined type of tree stand.

{hopefully the link works....}
Bass Pro Shop's new treestand

I called Bass Pro just a few moments ago to ask about the API Grandstand Telescoping Packmaster stand. They are low in stock now and according to their "tree stand guy" salesman, they are a hot commodity and a heck of a good stand. At max, the stand is 17' high. When fully packed up, the whole kit 'n kaboodle is about 5 feet high with backpack straps.

I am SERIOUSLY interested in ordering this type of tree stand. See, I don't want a self climber anymore (I hocked my Ameristep Grizzly on Ebay at the end of last season). Call me an idiot, call me stupid, whatever... But hey, have you ever had the foot platform on a climber go "Eeeeeeee" down the tree while you were sitting in the top platform? [&:][] Thank God for straps and cords, that's all I gotta say! [:-] I don't know.... I just want more security in a tree stand. I don't want a bulky full ladder type of stand, and I'm not sure about a hang-on stand with tree steps.

What do you think of this stand as far as portability and bowhunting from?

Butch A.

I don't know if I'd like the idea of climbing up those sticks with the straps they way they are.

Then again, I don't really feel all that comfortable on a ladder stand.

Butch the only problem I can see is the ladder is directly under the stand. It makes it a pain to get into the stand.. I put my climbing sticks on the side of the tree about 90 degrees to my stand and getting in is a breeze. Sharkey

After two years of hunting with a ladder/combo stand i decided this year i'm going to try a climber, i thought the ladder the ladder/combo was just to heavy to pack, the steps were just to narrow to climb, the seat wasn't that all comfortable to sit still for any length of time and it just bothered me that a misplaced foot at or near the stand height ..
..well, you get the picture.[]

My exact thought.

Mine too Charlie.

Okay, okay.....

I just talked to my ever-so-lovely wife Margaret {she's right here, so if I say anything bad, I'll get beat...}[:-]

That API Grandstand Telescoping combo ladder/hang-on stand is a no go. My wife agrees that since the ladder is directly under the stand, it would be hard to get into safely. Now that I had a long time to look at the photos of the stand and think about it, you all are right....

*sigh*..... Back to the drawing board. I still want a nice comfortable lightweight hang-on stand with equally light climbing sticks. Or, as my wife just said, something fool proof that's quiet - because I make enough noise to wake the dead.. Hey! I think I just got dissed! []

Help me out everyone! 6' tall, 205 lbs, bowhunting for only about 4 years so far. I don't have private land to hook a permanent ladder stand, and don't have the confidence with climbing stands. A nice sturdy hang-on stand w/ climbing sticks that is comfortable and priced right (read: wife approved) [8D] would be great!

Butch A.

Just to add confusion to your decision. If you look closely you'll see the top of the stand has a wide step right at the same height as the platform up right against the tree. This stand just folds upward against the tree. you climb the stick, step onto the step on which ever side you want to enter from, flip the platform down and step on....not up to it. You'll also notice they have a couple handles at the top of the stick to grab ahold of to pull yourself in. When I use a stand like this with sticks I usually place a double loop rope or an old climbing belt around the tree just above the seat so the body loop hangs down. As I near the top I slide into the belt as I climb up and it eliminates the most dangerous time.... getting on or off the platform. The straps will hold just fine. If you want you can do what I did to several sticks... replace them with ropes that I dye. Reduces weight and clang clang. The thing has possibilities as I see it... except it's a tad heavier than I'd expect.

I circled the platform step on one side.

Butch you could carry like two screw in steps and place them where you need them to get in. I personally have a climber and a fixed. I use the climber. as long as you get a stand up sit down climber they are super easy. Once I get to the top I rachet strap it to the tree so it doesnt go anywhere. Sharkey

Personally this is the combo that I use.

Summit Heahdunter Lite & Bucksteps

I actually use last years model of the Headhunter. It's the Headhunter Lite. I bought a set of Bucksteps to go with it this year and togther the combo weighs 20#, stacks together perfectly and is comfortable enough for me to sit for 3-4 hours without having to stand up. You and I are almost the exact same size.