checked stands today and from the ground I could see that this stand was off kilter and needed straightening up. So I climbed up, clipped onto the ladder, reached out and started to raise the platform to level it out and the spike that grabs the tree at the back of the platform snapped. this stand is only a year old (it was purchased in the spring after the 2012-13 season) and has been in the woods since last september. I realize that in general if a stand is left in the woods year round, it is more likely to develop problems like this - but rusting & weakening to the point of breaking seems premature after 1 year. I'm just glad it needed adjustment and it broke like this, otherwise I probably would have sat it with the risk of failure while I or someone else was in it. I think the company (gorilla) does not sell stands any longer. craftsmanship like this is certainly a reason to get out of the business. Check those stands thoroughly people!
Wow never would have expected that after only 1 year. Glad you found out this way instead of being in it!
And this also reminds us about the need for a good safety harness. It could have broken on the third sit...or fifth...or the next.
Exactly. I didn't see the rust, but it might not have been visible anyway. I always Check the strap first and it was ok...
Glad you are ok. I have never seen that after just a year either. Things like this is the reason why I have Lifelines at ALL of my stand locations!
I would be contacting the manufacturer. Show them that picture, if I owned the company, I'd be sending you a new stand pronto. I understand things go bad, and I'm no expert, but that looks like a Quality Control issue that needs to be remedied before someone dies.
Wow glad you or someone else didn't come out worse off from that. I agree that 1 year is way to soon for that kind of wear. I'd definitely try and contact Gorilla and see what they have to say.
Gorilla no longer makes/sells/supports their previously sold products, based on what I can determine. Apparently they were sued over failures and got out of the business. Anyone else know any different?
Didn't realize they were completely done with the business. I've never owned anything of theirs and haven't heard much about them lately.
That sucks. Heck maybe they will give you a blind for the inconvenience. Probably wishful thinking but worth mentioning to them. IMO.
I take back my previous statement of never having anything they make. I do have a little adjustable stake blind from them. It's actually a pretty handy little run and gun type blind. Forgot all about that thing. Haha
Ill send em an email and see what they say. I'm not very optimistic but if they did that it would be worth it. Thanks for the encouragement.
That looks like awfully thin walled tubing that failed. There's no excuse for using such flimsy material, what, so the stand is a few ounces lighter? Just stupid! There was a thread once either on here or AT, about what guys would be willing to "cheap out" on. Many guys said they buy cheap stands. Not me! If I was on a budget I'd rather buy a cheaper bow and pay up for a quality stand.
It does look pretty thin walled, doesn't it. I'm unsure if the entire platform's tubing is that thin or it could be inconsistent there and that's why it failed? Who knows.
Glad that you found that now and not the hard way!! Definitely a reminder to all to check your equipment early and often!!
Thats why I dont leave a stand out all winter, especially if they have open tubing that water can collect and freeze in. Not only that the tree rats and mice can be hell on straps and seats. Glad you were not hurt.
