Recommend me some affordable tree stands... I need to get at least 2 of them before the season starts. Looking to use them as permanent (I'll hang them early summer and leave through end of year). Thinking of also investing in a Lone Wolf to use as a portable option. Where do you guys buy them? Where can I find affordable stands?
If permanent I honestly like some of the newer stuff Guide Gear is offering, or for a touch more the Big Game or Gorilla stands are good. Hawk is another great but slightly more money stand that are awesome quality for hang and leave stands. All of these obviously cheaper than LW or the likes...but solid and good. Portability of a LW is huge and I would love to find a cheaper used one and have it in hand to carry around to pre-prepped trees...help avoid the trespassing issue we have.
I purchased a stand from Sportsman Guide (Guide Gear) around Christmas time. I believe it was the Deluxe. The stand itself seemed pretty good. I was pleased with the size of the platform, too. The seat seemed that it could possibly be a bit noisy (I haven't used it yet) - but for the price, I can't complain about it. Was roughly $60. People on here recommended changing out the bolts before putting out.
I just bought 2 muddy hunter stands from cabelas on sale for 120. Don't know if they still have that sale goin though. I just looked at site and looks like they're gone so nevermind on my option ha
I second this one, also. I have it - very comfortable. The platform is much bigger than a lot of them!
I think you can find a little cheaper stands but I don't think you will find much nicer at that price. If you on a budget I think they are really worth a look.
Last year I picked up a cheap River's Edge Bigfoot XL hangon from Midway. I'm very happy with it for $30 plus shipping, HOWEVER its pretty obvious the quality of this stand vs. a Big Game stand I've had outside for 6 years. In 6 years outside I have zero rust on the Big Game 2-man ladder stand. In 4 months I had rust on many of the welds on the River's Edge. I've since hit the new stand with Rustoleum, but it was pretty obvious the difference between the 2 products. So if you buy a cheap stand, plan to hit it with some spraypaint.
I've got a bunch of the steel Muddy Outfitter stands along with their sticks. They are heavy, but if you go to D1ck's Sporting Goods right now they have them on clearance for $59 each for a stand and sticks. They pack up small enough to pack in places quickly/easily and you can get in nearly any tree with them.
I am not an advocate for Walmart, but for $33 you could buy 4 of them lol. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ameristep-Hang-On-Treestand/36545659
i've been hanging portables for 35 years. i seldom use them anymore, just ladders but for those of you than keep stands out for years at a time, please, use a chain or at least a secondary strap. squirrels can and will chew threw nylon straps. also. i had a screw in step that had been in the tree a few years shear off while climbing. thank God it was only 3 feet off the ground. i have for the past 8-10 years now used 8", grade 8 , 1/2inch lag bolts. cordless drill, use 7/16" bit, drill in 3-4 inches, pound in bolt. very safe and cheap.
xop for the portable stand. same as the lone wolf but much cheaper. I take my stands out or at least loosen them up during the tree growing season. people get mad when they see a stand growing into their tree. good way to get kicked out of the property you have permission to hunt.
I have had 2 Rivers Edge Bigfoot XL only because one got stolen. Great stand, big and comfy seat. I have had no rust on both of them and they sat out for 2-3 months at a time. Got them at gander mountain for $79
Sportsman's guide has some nice stands for just over $30. I bought two and have to say I'm pleased, holds up as good as any other I've had.
