I know that there are some of us here really get into the Lone Wolf stands. I have not used one, but have heard a lot of good things about them. Here is what I am looking at: I am trying to weigh the difference between comfort and total weight of the stand. I need to use a climber because I only hunt public land. Hauling in a 20+ lb stand every time I hunt is not an easy task. As I have mentioned here before, I have a really bad back. While looking at a few different kinds of climbers, I often questioned the comfort of these stands I was looking at. I have looked at some of the lighter Lone Wolf climbers, of course I have been looking at some of the lighter Summits and the last stand I discovered online was the X-Stand. Summit, as most of us know, are really comfortable. Of those that have used the Lone Wolf climbers, how comfortable are they on a 4-5 hour sit? Also, has anyone ever tried the X-Stand climber? Of course, if there are any other stands not mentioned that you could suggest, thank you.
I use my lone wolf sit and climb a lot. Most of my sits are 4-5 hours, but I've done some 10 hour, all day sits, and have been quite comfortable. I have a bad back as well, and it's not a problem for me to haul in and out
Just make sure to get the sag on the seat so it barely touches the climbing bar. That helps a great deal in support.
I have had two back surgeries and have used my Lone Wolf handclimber since 2009. I can only sit 4-5 he's in any stand so the light weight and flat packing means I doubt I will ever use a different stand.
Here's the skinny on the Lone Wolf climbers. If you're planning on long sits, more than 5 hours (any less is not a long sit in my book and anything will do), there are a couple of things I found out that made life better. One, get the Sit and Climb Wide. It's a bit roomier in the top section and definitely worth the extra money. Sometimes I wonder if they should just ditch the standard for just the wide version. I originally bought the standard and hated sitting in it. It was just too narrow for my liking. I"m only 6ft, 190lb (200lbs after the holidays ) Second, scrap the stock seat that comes with them and either buy a Summit seat or do what I did and went with the Hazmore Mesh seat. The stock seat is junk IMO for the money you shell out for their stands. I opted for the Hazmore mesh seat as it was extremely lightweight and easier to deal with when setting up and climbing . The stock seat flops around and just gets in the way. I was pleasantly surprised at how incredibly comfortable the mesh hammock style seat is on this stand. As for weight. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Lone Wolfs are no lighter than the Summits, etc. My Wide weighs 20lbs with the mesh seat, 22lbs with the stock seat. But it packs better and feels lighter on your back. I love mine after adding the mesh style seat and the footrest kit. I switched from a Summit and am happy with the choice. It certainly isn't as comfortable as a Summit, but for me, stealth and packing outweigh are more important. However, I have put in plenty of dark to dark sits in it with no problems. Its a different feel when sitting in it compared to the Summit. The Lone Wolfs are closer to the tree and puts you in more of an upright position. Other than that, they're great.
I don't sit that long.......4-5 hours at most, and that wouldn't matter whatever stand I was using. I've had 3 SitnClimbs and keep going back. I have a Sitnclimb Wide Fliptop on the way and if I don't like it I will also put a mesh seat on it.........either a Hazmore or an Ol Man mesh seat. People say the Treewalker is a great stand as well and maybe a little lighter, but I've never owned one. Never owned an X-Stand or even seen one in person.
My hand climber weighs 17.48lbs. There are other stands in that range but don't pack as well as the LW.
I also have a back that gives me problems [degenerative discs] and the stand I use is made by North star, they are hard to find and no longer made but if you can find one buy it at what ever the price which is normally around $100.. It weighs less the 17#made of light weight aluminum and is fairly comfortable.. I put two old rifle slings on mine for back pack straps and some summit climbing stirrups, I also took the metal band off and put ol'man cables on it..works great and easy to climb with..This stand also packs very well walked over a mile with it on my back last week... here is a pic of one...mine is down at camp..
Can't speak from experience on Lone Wolf, but I believe they are an excellent product based off of everything I've ever heard about them. I have a Summit Viper and it's always treated me extremely well. Very sturdy, very easy to climb with, decent to pack, decent to set up, and extremely comfortable.
Thats my beef with their stands actually. I mean, the hand climber is really half of a stand and it still weighs 18lbs. That cast platform is the culprit, its HEAVY. However, its the best out there IMO. I just feel like that stand shouldn't weigh anymore than about 14-15lbs for its size.
The only climber I have used is the Summit Vipor. I have been very pleased with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a climber.
I've been stuck on Summits since I've started bow hunting. I originally had a Summet Switchblade (which was stolen) and then went to the viper to replace it. They are lightweight, easy to set up, easy to climb with and very comfortable compared to others I've tried. The Lone Wolf stands are very heavily advertised and I've heard nothing but good reviews on them, but I personally haven't tried one out yet.
