There really isnt a "best" for everyone. We're all in different situations and at different levels as hunters with very different styles. Each type of stand works great for what they're designed for.
If I am hunting Central IL river bottoms I like my summit climber. It is old and heavy, but it is awesome to hunt from and so comfortable. If I was someone doing that kind of hunting I would get one of their newer models? Maybe the Aluminum SD:Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand - Mossy Oak® Camo If you didn't have straight and tall old trees, I would go with a Lone Wolf and the matching climbing sticks:Lone Wolf Climbing Sticks 4 Piece - Lone Wolf Stands Lone Wolf Alpha Tech FI Treestand | Aluminum Fixed Position Treestand - Lone Wolf Stands You can hunt anywhere with these. I also believe the Muddy Sticks are nice and a little less money:Sticks - Muddy Companies Millennium makes a great hang-on as well: M25 Hangon Stand | Millennium Tree Stands
I like my summit open shot and have several different loc on's. I have a gorilla loc on that I've used the last couple years that is pretty comfortable.
A cheap but large platform at least 24"X30" Hang-On stand. Sportsman Guide has one that's 30"X36" I'm thinking about getting.
Hey Sam that's good to hear, I was about to buy a Lone Wolf and my cousin who bought the millenium hang on stand before this season raved about his and talked me into going that route. Is there anything else I should know?
Yes there is. Make sure you get the M50 or the M100U. The M50 and higher all use the Cam Loc Receiver. The M25 is like a regular loc-on. Get the Cam Loc Receiver that has the ratchet strap. The one with the chain can be a pain to get tight around some trees. The seat on the M50 stays up when you stand to make a shot and raise the seat. Like they do on most loc-on stands. The M100U (though the seat is very quiet) will fall back towards you unless you reach back and hook the loop to the round stud. It has never been an issue for me. The M100U only weighs 11.5 lbs and is so easy to carry and hang. The new M150 gives you the ability to adjust the seat height if you are taller. It also gives you 15 degrees of lean angle. If I had to buy one, it would be the M100U! Get the optional foot rest too! Trust me when I say you WILL nod off or even go to sleep in this stand. So ALWAYS make sure you have on a Safety Harness and are connected. I have sat in this stand for 11 hours straight! It is not hype when you hear people say they are the Most Comfortable Treestands out there! I gave ALL my other ones away a few years back. I only own Millenium Treestands now!
I like a two man ladder stand. I don't have to worry about hauling a stand or climbing sticks, and the extra room allows me to stretch out more. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk