Hey all, Getting my first tree stands ever (been out west). Probably going to get three. Price is not a deciding factor. Will be dragging these stands into public land somewhere between a few hundred yards and 1.5 miles (but last year there was only one truck on both places I will be hunting...so theft is not a concern) I'd love to tell you these will be for all day sits...but, I at most will do a two or three a year. I tend to get down at lunch, eat a sandwich, take a nap, and get back up in stand early afternoon. What is the consensus on the XOP Maximus ~$195 Hawk Helium Kickback XL ~$169 Millennium M100 ~$200 Millennium M60 ~ $219 Comfort trumps everything, but weight 'may' be a factor as well.
if comfort is your primary concern; throw the XOP right out the window. Those pedestal seats are not conducive to comfort. I have a cheap clone of the M60 and it's nice but not as good as the other 2 for comfort. The Helium and M100 are basically the same stand design and both are very comfie. I'd pick whichever was lighter (or given the $70 price difference maybe go that route) but both are basically barcoloungers. You won't even need to climb down to take the nap, just rack out in the tree. (safety strapped in of course.)
Honestly for what your describing i wouldn't choose any one of them. They are all big and heavy. For up to mostly 4 hour sits and taking the up and down often on public land i look for more mobile friendly options.
Comfortable and mobile dont really go well together. If you want 3 stands then get 2 milleniums to leave out if you're not worried about theft and then get a xop vanish evo with a hunt comfort seat to pack in and out to be mobile. Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk
You beat me to it hahaha even though i dont own a saddle, if budget is not an option, this might be the best bet for comfort and weight.
I have the M150 and think its the best stand I own. Your idea with the M60 or 100 is probably a little more appropriate to your scenario. I would put more comfortable straps on it though if you're going to be rucking it in a ways.
My saddle is far more comfortable than any stand I have ever used, including the Summit climber that I loved before it was stolen.
