Which Tree Stand Do You Prefer?
 

Which tree stand do you use/like the best?

I only have a climber. This is my first year using a tree stand, and I'd say I use it about 65% of the time. I like being up in a tree for several reasons, but climbers are a PITA on many levels. Since I only hunt public land, they are my only option if I want to get in the air.

I won’t vote since I have never used a lock on or ladder (what’s the big difference?), but I would vote for one or the other over a climber in a heartbeat if I had private land to hunt. I don’t care how good someone has become with a climber, there is no way you are going to be less intrusive with the noise you make or the time it takes you to get up into the tree and settled in, etc than you would be with a stand already in place. The only advantage of a climber is mobility….and possibly comfort with the lounge chairs some come with (like the Summit Viper). Fixed tree stands win in every other way.

Ladders all the way, I've sold all my climbers/lock ons, etc... and bought and continue to buy ladders.

I have 1 nice climber just in case, that sits int he garage or truck and never gets used.

as for mobility, 2 guys can move/set up a ladder in no time, and mount to almost any tree, vs. a climber must use a straight tree, it's hard enough finding a nice tree for a ladder let alone a perfect tree without branches for a climber... in the spot/near the spot you want to be.

Pretty much 100 % sling for me when I climb.

That’s not the kind of mobility I’m talking about. Climber wins hands down in that dept.

I think each of them has their advantages and I utilize all 3 styles.

I like both climbers and lock-ons. I would rather be in a Summit Viper SS climber if I have to stay in all day. Way more comfortable over the long haul. The lock-ons and climbing sticks are good if you have the time and place to position a stand for a longer duration like all season. The summit climber is quiet and easy to carry with the back straps. Minimal noise getting it set up and before you know it you are up there. The limiting factor however is having a straight tree where you want it. When I can't have that I use a lock- on. Ladder stands are great if they are used as permanent stands. Take the fabric seat out at the end of the season and just leave it.

I have 2-API climbers that are at least 10 years old...I've hunted from Loc-ons and ladders but never again, just can't get comfortable...Plus with a climber I'm hooked to the tree all the way up and all the way down...I feel it's safer, I know it's more comfortable for me...

+1

I voted "all the above" but feel the climber is the safest and by far the most comfortable for me. I still put up a couple ladder stands and lock on stands but they are put up for afternoon hunts of less than 3 hours, as thats about all I can stand in one.

Only ladder stands for me.

Millenium loc ons all the way

I've hunted from climbers most all my life. But 3 years ago I got a loc on and climbing sticks for xmas. I hated it at first, but now it's what I prefer to hunt out of. I have a life line hooked up and I'm secure from the ground to the stand. I love being able to ease in and ease out of my stand with minimal impact. Nothing effects your deer heard more than pressure.

I have used all of the options listed... I prefer useing a Lone Wolf hang-on with l/w climbing sticks bungeed to the back. I am mobile like with a climber, but don't have to search for limbless trees. I hunt for deer rather than straight limbless trees.

I love Summit stands, and had a Summit Viper X4 (2004 model) for years. It was an awesome climber, very comfortable, and very lightweight. But I sold it when I sold my bow (sort of a package deal I made with the guy)...

Then, I was invited to sit in a ladder stand, and couldn't believe it. It was so rugged and sturdy, and almost as comfortable as a Summit climber. So, now if I want to use a stand, I'll use a ladder stand!

Till you lug one in and out of the woods, ladder stands are great!:D IMO they must be set up before the season starts and left until it is over.

Maybe if I invested in one of the ladder stands with a sling style seat instead of the $69 specials from Gander Mtn, I might find them to be more comfortable myself.

From all the bucks on the side of that barn in your avatar, it looks as if you are doing something right!:s4: Very impressive!

I like my Rivers Edge Ladder Stands,they are very sturdy and have a larger seat and platform....my 17 foot one even has a fold-up seat and a removeable gun rest too.I also like my Big Dog 15 foot ladder stands with the padded seat and side arm rest!


I also bought a larger Big Dog Hang-on stand that has the lagger padded seat and arm rest for more comfortability and long sits in the tree.I use the Summit strap-on steps to get up in the tree's.

Thanks... Also, ladder stands won't go, "Sliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippp" on the truck of a tree like a climber can.

I loved that Summit Viper X4 that I had. I could go anywhere with it, and even nod off to sleep in it. BUT... I had one incident with it, where, I was in a straight tree and everything was set. I didn't do anything (not that I remember) or do something stupid, but, the whole seat section of the Viper X4 slipped about 8" down the tree, causing my knees to hit the bar in front, and crunching me up into a ball. I never figured out why, what, or how, but the whole thing skidded down the tree on me. :eek2:

I strap the seat as soon as I get it set. Once cinched up it can't slip. Doing some research on lock ons and the Lone Wolf with the climbing sticks like Bukmastr has is the best

I think they all have thier place, and I use all 3.
Last few years...I have not taken my climber very much. I have several hang on's set for the season, and several ladders as well. In addition, I bought a millenium so I set up multiple stand sites for that as well...I just go climb up, hang the stand and hunt.

I understand that the Millenium is very comfortable.

I had that happen to my top section one time. However, I know what happened and it was entirely my fault. I had the seat section angled too high and when I sat back in the seat it slipped. It scared the crap out of me, so I understand how you feel.

Comfort wise, how do the Milenium stands compare to a good climber?

I sat in a millenium for 6 hours this afternoon and was as comfortable as i have ever
been in any climber

I might be getting old or it might be the number of kids I find myself taking hunting these days but I use ladderstands almost across the board these days.And more and more I find myself buying the double ladder stands.Theyre easy to get into, quiet when set up properly, comfortable, the double ones are pretty room if you want to bring someone along or just want to stretch out a little while your waiting.

I did buy one new hang on this year and I been using it where the trees are to small for a ladder or if I just want to hunt an area a couple times and move on.

The trees around here just arent good for climbers, we bought one quite awhile ago and used it one season and its collected dust since.

Do you have a brand of ladder stand or seat type that you prefer? All the ones I have or have used are terribly uncomfortable to me.

Summit made a nice fold up climber for one year...when I realized that model was discontinued I bought 2..They are like the Viper but fold up to 4 inches..I love it..If I had my own land to hunt..I'd rather make a few permanent wooden stands..but in a WMA, the climber is the way to go..you don't want folks figuring out where you hunt..I hunt alone because deer hunting is very difficult in my neck of the woods.

I redo my own cables at 5.00 a set..The shrink tubing can be purchased on ebay and I had to buy some new nuts{2} for the braces..They were 20.00 } -: not good but necessary..I try to sit all day and they are very comfortable..