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hang on stand or ladder stand?
what is better and what is the difference between a hang on and a ladder stand? what stand would work better on smaller crookeder and branchier trees?
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
Crooked trees will favor a ladder stand...for obvious seating and angled placement issues.
Small trees will probably favor a ladder stand. More support for the tree, less swaying and less tipping. Trees with alot of branches would favor a lock-on/hang stand, because nothing will interfere with the branches like the ladder would. That's what saws are for though. I use Gorilla lock-on for gun season..with climbing sticks. Summit climber for bow. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
The biggest difference I notice is hang ons seen very open and are a little hard to get used to. I actually was in a hang on beside my ladder stand today with my daughter in my ladder stand. I ended up standing almost the whole time.
Each is nice in a way but I prefer a ladder if I can. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
For me, it depends on how high I wish to be and the areaI am hunting. If possibleI like to be at least 20ft up, if the.....better for scent and movement. I am hunting now out of a 12ft. ladder stand, because the areaI am hunting has too many young trees to try to see ansd shoot thru if I were higher.
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
arent hangons more mobile?
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH arent hangons more mobile? |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
With the ever shrinking weight of ladder stands I'd be hard pressed to want to fuss with the risks of climbing a tree and dangling while hanging a hang on stand. I just bought a ladder stand that folds up and carries like a backpack, it's heavier than a hang on or climber, but unbeatable for safety and stability.
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: Canned Heat ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH arent hangons more mobile? |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
I use both, but feel I can hide better in a hang on stand. One exception is I stick my ladder stands in hemlock trees and you can really hide well in there. I just trim enough branches where the stand hits the tree and just enough over the top of me so I can stand when I need to.
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
i use both, but ladder stands seem the most comfortable. especially with the suspended seat.
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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. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH ORIGINAL: Canned Heat ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH 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.. |
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.
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
Rivers Edge extreme ladder stands are great. I bought two last year and they work good, very comfortable and safe.
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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. |
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. 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. |
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! |
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. |
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! |
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?
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
These are what I use:
http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=402505&pdesc=Gorilla_Inc_3_Steel _Climbing_Sticks_Set_Four&cname=Climbing-Sticks-Tree-Steps&aID=503H3&merchID=4006&r=view The local Walmart has them for $11 for each section. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis These are what I use: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=402505&pdesc=Gorilla_Inc_3_Steel _Climbing_Sticks_Set_Four&cname=Climbing-Sticks-Tree-Steps&aID=503H3&merchID=4006&r=view The local Walmart has them for $11 for each section. also how much do gorilla hangons run for? what is a good safety harness? |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
Space them 1½' apart..and start 1½' off the ground....equates to being 15/16' high. I use 5 sections most of the time...and my 20' bow hoist (tied to the platform)hangs off the ground about 2'. When I want to go higher I start out with a fewscrew-in steps and then use the sections. With that method I can easily reach 25'.
I haven't tried the Aluminum stands yet, but I have several of the regular "King Kong" stands that I bought for $80. Those come with the large seat and big platform. Spend $5 on a few feet of tube steal. Then measure, cut, and weld on arm rests and a foot rest....and you have the same thing as the "King Kong Lounger" for $60 cheaper. Each safety harness system is different...and is personal. My buddy has a vest system that works great for him. I use one that came with one of my tree stands. I'm tall and thin...so in most cases the leg loops ride up and bother me...so I cut them off. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis Space them 1½' apart..and start 1½' off the ground....equates to being 15/16' high. I use 5 sections most of the time...and my 20' bow hoist (tied to the platform)hangs off the ground about 2'. When I want to go higher I start out with a fewscrew-in steps and then use the sections. With that method I can easily reach 25'. I haven't tried the Aluminum stands yet, but I have several of the regular "King Kong" stands that I bought for $80. Those come with the large seat and big platform. Spend $5 on a few feet of tube steal. Then measure, cut, and weld on arm rests and a foot rest....and you have the same thing as the "King Kong Lounger" for $60 cheaper. Each safety harness system is different...and is personal. My buddy has a vest system that works great for him. I use one that came with one of my tree stands. I'm tall and thin...so in most cases the leg loops ride up and bother me...so I cut them off. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
I own all hang on stands and like them, but have used ladder stands on some guided hunts:
- comfort: Ladder stand! But some hangons are pretty comfy - ease of use/safety: ladder stand, at least once its up, easy in and out - security (from being stolen): hang on, take the steps out when you go! - portability: hang on, I can have mine up and hunting in under 10-15 minutes, lighter and easier to carry - cost: hang on a bit cheaper, especially once you already have the steps. If I had private land where I trusted the stand to still be there, and would leave it there for a couple years, I'd go ladder stand. On public land, where I take em out every year, hang on. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
ORIGINAL: mossbergman11/OH ORIGINAL: Pat Curtis Space them 1½' apart..and start 1½' off the ground....equates to being 15/16' high. I use 5 sections most of the time...and my 20' bow hoist (tied to the platform)hangs off the ground about 2'. When I want to go higher I start out with a fewscrew-in steps and then use the sections. With that method I can easily reach 25'. I haven't tried the Aluminum stands yet, but I have several of the regular "King Kong" stands that I bought for $80. Those come with the large seat and big platform. Spend $5 on a few feet of tube steal. Then measure, cut, and weld on arm rests and a foot rest....and you have the same thing as the "King Kong Lounger" for $60 cheaper. Each safety harness system is different...and is personal. My buddy has a vest system that works great for him. I use one that came with one of my tree stands. I'm tall and thin...so in most cases the leg loops ride up and bother me...so I cut them off. Depends on what you're bringing. I carry a small backpack with all my calls, binoc's, scents,bottle of Gatorade,knife, extra gloves and socks, anda book. I use one of those folding bow holders that screw into the tree. I hang my bow from that, and some even have little hooks that you can hang a few things on like the binoc's and whatever else. I hang my backpack on one of the screw in pegs that I use to get in and out of the stand. When I get it in the right spot, my bag hangs perfectly so the pocket with my calls is directly to my side...around eye level around the side of the tree when I'm sitting. It doesn't block much of my view at all. I really love the tree's that have split off. That way you can be creative with where you hang stuff...so it's never in your way...but always within reach. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
Oh, my latest thing has been to add little hooks on the base of the arm rests. The last time I went out and shot my doe the other day I had my binoc's hanging from the arm rest. It was a field test to make sure when I stood up to shoot...and when I folded the seat up...that my binoc's didn't bang against anything. They sure didn't...double lunged her @ 20 yards.
Those hooks are just scrap metal that I bend...and then tack weld onto the arm rest. |
RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
mt gorilla hang on is a very good tree stand i would use either a ladder. or hang on cause i hate climbers!!!
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RE: hang on stand or ladder stand?
arent climbers loud?
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