hang on stand or ladder stand?
11-11-2008 | 06:14 PM
#11
Spike
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Southern Illinois
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
Ladder stands always scare me when I'm putting up or taking down.
I'd say ladder for smaller trees but I don't like being out away from the trunk.
I feel more concealed leaning right against it.
Where the deer are and what type of timber options usually dictates what I use though.
I'd say ladder for smaller trees but I don't like being out away from the trunk.
I feel more concealed leaning right against it.
Where the deer are and what type of timber options usually dictates what I use though.
11-11-2008 | 07:10 PM
#12
Fork Horn
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
From: West Bend, WI
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH
what kind of hang on do you have?
ORIGINAL: Canned Heat
Slightly because of less components and weight, but you still have to dink around tearing both down and moving them to and fro. Setup time with a good ladder stand can be done in a fraction of the time it takes to get a lock-on situated in a tree.....stack your parts, place your pins, strap it, and go. Not as easy with the lock on.....hence my climbing sticks.
ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH
arent hangons more mobile?
arent hangons more mobile?
I use River's Edge climbing sticks to get into this one. I also own an olderSummit climber and a River's Edge ladder stand, I believe a 17 footer..
11-11-2008 | 07:52 PM
#13
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, IN
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
I have very few stands that aren't Gorilla's. I buy the same one posted above with the large seat and platform..and then weld on arm rests and extensions on the foot rests. VERY comfortable...and as easy to put up and take down as any stand I've ever messed with.
11-12-2008 | 07:13 AM
#15
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
I used to build ladder stands from pressure treated lumber. I liked my design because the platform was large (about 3ft x 4 ft) and the ladders were made with dado cuts for the steps which removed any worry of a step breaking loose. They ranged from 12 to 14 feet high. A couple of times, I did manage to put them up by myself but wow, they were incredibly heavy! I wound up selling all of my wooden stands because I began to weld up my own ladder stands from 1 inch and 3/4 inch tube steel. My design has a platform which is roughly 2 ft x 3ft and includes a flip up seat. My stands are very similar to the Big Game Luxury Box stands but without all the extra frills. For what that stand costs, I can usually make at least two of my stands. Right now I have 6 of these stands. The design keeps getting progressively better with each one that I build. I'm sure the next one I make will have more improvements. At some point, I'm guessing I'll wind up with a design that is "near perfect" which will make me want to replace all the older ones.
For hanging a ladder stand, I greatly prefer to have someone help me. For one thing, raising the stand it 10x easier. Another thing I prefer to do is use a regular ladder to install the ratchet strap. I don't like to climb the ladder stand and sit on it while hooking up the ratchet. It's too wobbly. Once I at least get the ratchet hooked up a tightened a little, I can then climb the ladder stand with more confidence and tighten the ratchet even more if I need to.
For hanging a ladder stand, I greatly prefer to have someone help me. For one thing, raising the stand it 10x easier. Another thing I prefer to do is use a regular ladder to install the ratchet strap. I don't like to climb the ladder stand and sit on it while hooking up the ratchet. It's too wobbly. Once I at least get the ratchet hooked up a tightened a little, I can then climb the ladder stand with more confidence and tighten the ratchet even more if I need to.
11-12-2008 | 07:25 AM
#16
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis
I have very few stands that aren't Gorilla's. I buy the same one posted above with the large seat and platform..and then weld on arm rests and extensions on the foot rests. VERY comfortable...and as easy to put up and take down as any stand I've ever messed with.
I have very few stands that aren't Gorilla's. I buy the same one posted above with the large seat and platform..and then weld on arm rests and extensions on the foot rests. VERY comfortable...and as easy to put up and take down as any stand I've ever messed with.
Pat: I posted this in another forum and got no replys yet....You (or anyone) ever used the Gorilla Silverback Scout? I bought one a few days back and am trying to figure out how to make it "seat" into the tree on all 4 contact points. Been trying at ground level, so far it's been a pain in the but. Might be because Im used to climbers. Any input would be appreciated. Stand is very, very light...just need to master hanging it on the ground before I get up in the tree.
11-12-2008 | 01:31 PM
#17
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, IN
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
I don't have that stand, but I did hear that they're very nice.
Getting all 4 braces against an evil tree can be a pain. Be it a knot in the tree...lumpy bark...or the tree is just crooked. You have a few options...these are my troubleshooting idea's:
*If you can get away with it, rotate the stand a few inches in either direction around the tree...just to see if you can get it seated properly.
*If you want it right where it is and it's only touching 3 braces, ratchet it down tight. On my Gorilla's you can lift the platform vertically...which will sink the stand down on the tree an inch or two. When you let the platform down sometimes that will set it against the tree better.
*My best technique is risky, but it works the best. Ratchet it down tight (I always use 2 ratchets since my buddy is a heavier guy). Climb into the stand (WEAR YOUR HARNESS THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!). Bounce your weight on the stand a few times..forcing the braces into the bark a little better.
I'm a huge fan of leaning back just a tad...so if the tree is straight (or to deal with evil tree's leaning forward) I add 14ga tube steal extensions on the bottom braces. I use a Sawz-All to cut the end of the tube steal so it grips the tree nicely. Then slide the tube steal (it's roughly 3" long..but if the tree is leaning forward I guestimate and use a longer tube) over the bottom braces on the stand. Weld the tube on (you can always cut the welds later to remove the extensions). Paint over the welds or it will rust in a matter of days.
Hope this helps!
Getting all 4 braces against an evil tree can be a pain. Be it a knot in the tree...lumpy bark...or the tree is just crooked. You have a few options...these are my troubleshooting idea's:
*If you can get away with it, rotate the stand a few inches in either direction around the tree...just to see if you can get it seated properly.
*If you want it right where it is and it's only touching 3 braces, ratchet it down tight. On my Gorilla's you can lift the platform vertically...which will sink the stand down on the tree an inch or two. When you let the platform down sometimes that will set it against the tree better.
*My best technique is risky, but it works the best. Ratchet it down tight (I always use 2 ratchets since my buddy is a heavier guy). Climb into the stand (WEAR YOUR HARNESS THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!). Bounce your weight on the stand a few times..forcing the braces into the bark a little better.
I'm a huge fan of leaning back just a tad...so if the tree is straight (or to deal with evil tree's leaning forward) I add 14ga tube steal extensions on the bottom braces. I use a Sawz-All to cut the end of the tube steal so it grips the tree nicely. Then slide the tube steal (it's roughly 3" long..but if the tree is leaning forward I guestimate and use a longer tube) over the bottom braces on the stand. Weld the tube on (you can always cut the welds later to remove the extensions). Paint over the welds or it will rust in a matter of days.
Hope this helps!
11-12-2008 | 01:40 PM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Decatur, IN
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
A few more tips I didn't mention:
I always try to get the rachets roughly at the length I'm going to need them. If the tree is fairly constant in diameter, wrap the ratchet around the tree from the ground. With a good guess...you can hook the ratchets up to the stand. So when you have the stand at the desired height...all you have to do is unhook 1 end of the ratchet from the stand...toss it around the tree..and catch it with your other hand. Hook it up, ratchet it down...and it's done! Having them wrapped up in your pocket can be a headache 25' in the tree...so make things easier before you get up there.
When I'm at the top of my ladder sections....I like to have the platform of the tree stand at the same height as the top step. When I'm on the top step, I screw in a hand peg aroung eye level...so I'm not hanging on the tree as I swing into the stand. I also like to have a screw in peg on the other side of the stand...so I'm holding on to 2 different screw in pegs...while I simply step off the top ladder section and into the stand.
I always try to get the rachets roughly at the length I'm going to need them. If the tree is fairly constant in diameter, wrap the ratchet around the tree from the ground. With a good guess...you can hook the ratchets up to the stand. So when you have the stand at the desired height...all you have to do is unhook 1 end of the ratchet from the stand...toss it around the tree..and catch it with your other hand. Hook it up, ratchet it down...and it's done! Having them wrapped up in your pocket can be a headache 25' in the tree...so make things easier before you get up there.
When I'm at the top of my ladder sections....I like to have the platform of the tree stand at the same height as the top step. When I'm on the top step, I screw in a hand peg aroung eye level...so I'm not hanging on the tree as I swing into the stand. I also like to have a screw in peg on the other side of the stand...so I'm holding on to 2 different screw in pegs...while I simply step off the top ladder section and into the stand.
11-12-2008 | 01:41 PM
#19
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis
I don't have that stand, but I did hear that they're very nice.
Getting all 4 braces against an evil tree can be a pain. Be it a knot in the tree...lumpy bark...or the tree is just crooked. You have a few options...these are my troubleshooting idea's:
*If you can get away with it, rotate the stand a few inches in either direction around the tree...just to see if you can get it seated properly.
*If you want it right where it is and it's only touching 3 braces, ratchet it down tight. On my Gorilla's you can lift the platform vertically...which will sink the stand down on the tree an inch or two. When you let the platform down sometimes that will set it against the tree better.
*My best technique is risky, but it works the best. Ratchet it down tight (I always use 2 ratchets since my buddy is a heavier guy). Climb into the stand (WEAR YOUR HARNESS THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!). Bounce your weight on the stand a few times..forcing the braces into the bark a little better.
I'm a huge fan of leaning back just a tad...so if the tree is straight (or to deal with evil tree's leaning forward) I add 14ga tube steal extensions on the bottom braces. I use a Sawz-All to cut the end of the tube steal so it grips the tree nicely. Then slide the tube steal (it's roughly 3" long..but if the tree is leaning forward I guestimate and use a longer tube) over the bottom braces on the stand. Weld the tube on (you can always cut the welds later to remove the extensions). Paint over the welds or it will rust in a matter of days.
Hope this helps!
I don't have that stand, but I did hear that they're very nice.
Getting all 4 braces against an evil tree can be a pain. Be it a knot in the tree...lumpy bark...or the tree is just crooked. You have a few options...these are my troubleshooting idea's:
*If you can get away with it, rotate the stand a few inches in either direction around the tree...just to see if you can get it seated properly.
*If you want it right where it is and it's only touching 3 braces, ratchet it down tight. On my Gorilla's you can lift the platform vertically...which will sink the stand down on the tree an inch or two. When you let the platform down sometimes that will set it against the tree better.
*My best technique is risky, but it works the best. Ratchet it down tight (I always use 2 ratchets since my buddy is a heavier guy). Climb into the stand (WEAR YOUR HARNESS THE ENTIRE TIME!!!!!!). Bounce your weight on the stand a few times..forcing the braces into the bark a little better.
I'm a huge fan of leaning back just a tad...so if the tree is straight (or to deal with evil tree's leaning forward) I add 14ga tube steal extensions on the bottom braces. I use a Sawz-All to cut the end of the tube steal so it grips the tree nicely. Then slide the tube steal (it's roughly 3" long..but if the tree is leaning forward I guestimate and use a longer tube) over the bottom braces on the stand. Weld the tube on (you can always cut the welds later to remove the extensions). Paint over the welds or it will rust in a matter of days.
Hope this helps!
11-12-2008 | 02:03 PM
#20
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From:
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
One more thing, you ever use the climbing sticks? I just got some from Strongbuilt for $40...kind of cheap, and a little heavy, but they should work until I figure out if I like the whole set up. Any pro's/ con's or suggestions about the sticks?