This year has not been my year for hunting. So, with that being said, my husband got tired of moving stands and has put me in a climber. I went up a (light) pole in the front yard and then went to the woods and hunted out of it that evening. Going up isn't bad. But, coming down is AWFUL. It took me 45 minutes to get down, and even at that point I wasn't to the ground and beyond frustrated. I jumped out at about 6'. My biggest issue is I cannot get the bottom platform to move. I pull it out and up (guess it's hard to explain) but it wont move down. I know I must be doing something wrong. Husband explained that I need to point my toes down, but I cannot figure it out. Heck, the top of my left foot has a bruise on it from the darn thing. Any advice? I don't plan hunting this spot again until Saturday because it's the only day husband is home and I don't want to be stranded in a tree.
Is it a sit and climb? Or hand climber? Hand climbers can be tough as they rely on abdominal strength to lift your legs up. To release the bottom piece you have to lift up with your feet first to dislodge it, then point feet downward. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
What brand of treestand is it? Some are easier to climb with than others thats for sure. I have used several different brands over the years and currently hunt out of a Lone Wolf Sit and Climb. I switched to it from a Summit climber. It definitely took me a bit to get used to the Lone Wolf as it has a bit of an "acquired" feel on how to disengage it from the tree. Is this a sit and climb style model or a hand climber. Sit and climbs are much easier and allow you to control the stand more from a comfortable, seated position. Being able to only get it to about 6ft above the ground tells me that either the angle of the stand was set to high or, you're not "pointing your toes" as your husband said. When you're climbing down, think about what the belt or cable on the backside of the tree is doing. You have to tilt the front of the platform up to get the cable/belt away from the tree. Then its just a matter of pulling the platform/teeth section away from the tree and sliding it down. Its really hard to explain. One other thing. Sometimes certain trees are simply a PITA to climb. Knarly barked trees catch the stand all the time and can be a pain to get up and down the tree. I've had trees that took forever to get up and down because the bark, knots, etc caught the stand. The best advice is to practice on real trees a few times in daylight so you can see what the stand is doing while your trying to climb.
Careful climbing light poles! There's not much for the climber to grab onto and you could slide down the pole in a split second.
This is a great description in the use of a climber. I love hearing when somebody switches from a Summit to a Lone Wolf. Wouldn't be without my LW sit and climb.
That just goes to show that we're all different. I love my Summit Vipers. I've tried the Lone Wolf Sit and Climb and just didn't care for it.
I couldn't even tell you the brand. The top is old and the bottom is newer. I know my biggest thing is I am not pointing my toes downward, but I guess I don't understand how to. I think part of it is I am afraid of losing the bottom - even though it is tied to the top with rope. I don't know diddly about them. I sit on the front bar and pull up or lower the bottom with my feet. I'm on a smaller "soft" tree. The climber digs right in. I'd practice on some trees at the house - but lovely husband is out of town working all week and I am not comfortable enough to do it with noone to "save" me if I get stranded.
Sounds like just getting the technique down with a bit more practice. The only stand I would use on a utility pole is a Tree Lounge so find a tree to practice on. Cottonwoods are a bit hard to climb as are Shagbark hickories . Trees that taper quickly make it hard as the stand is tight on the bottom and loose 16 ft up. Just practice.
I'm really thinking practice is all it's going to take. I will say, never thought I'd ever be in a climber. Was hoping there was a trick I was missing - but practice will do it. Plan on making a spot in the woods to practice come spring/summer. Thanks everyone.
On all mine(a summit and an old Myles Keller) you have to point your toes down. Take it in small steps and take your time. You will get used to it. As for a light stand I saw an x stand that weighed like 12 pounds. Super basic. A little small for my big rear end but looked like a good stand for someone wanting to pack a long way or someone who was smaller.
Well that just looks extremely comfortable! Hahah, the one I am using is an old steel top and it's just a steel seat. Will keep an eye on them to see if I can get a good deal. Not in the budget right now, but if a deal comes by I'll have to justify it!
Summit would be at the top of my list if you're not looking to spend an arm and a leg on a Lone Wolf. The Lone Wolfs do pack better and are a bit smaller in stature than the Summits. Plus, MUCH quieter. However, I have no complaints about the Summits. Very good stands from a very good company.
Extremely comfy!!! I've done multiple marathon rut hunts 13 hours plus for seven days in a row, year after year. Plus with a few low cost upgrades you will never want to hunt out of another stand again!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Good idea. Do the Summit seats make noise? I have a lock on that has a seat with a back and I swear I make noise every breath I take.
Try lifting the bottom up before sliding it down to make sure it disengaged, sometime some side to side wiggle can help too Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
