I have always used ladder stands or permanent stands, but never climbers or hang ons. I know both have pros and cons, but I'd like some information on both kinds. What are your experiences with these kinds of stands? Can one person hang a hang on stand by themselves and how easy are these stands to put up? If you could let me know brands or models you like in either climbers of hang ons that would be great!
I never used a climber until this year. I got a summit open shot (hand climber) and wow! It is so much easier than putting a hang on up each time. (And lighter too) My friends have the Equalizer (sit and climb) stand. I have to say the ability to adjust the base is a HUGE advantage. If I had the money I'd get an Equalizer and use it's base with the open shot upper. Before that I used a Lone Wolf alpha hang on with LW steps. So the answer is "Yes." You can hang one by yourself. I used to put it up twice a day. The downside for me was hauling my bulk up the tree multiple times to hang everything usually got a pretty good sweat going. The upside to the hang on and steps was that it would go in trees that you couldn't use a climber on. And this is true, but I found that I much more often picked trees that would work for a climber as well. If I could have only one stand it would be the hang-on and steps. It is more versitile.
I have a lone wolf hand climber and the lone wolf alpha hang on with sticks. I think both are great but i guess if I had to have one it would be hang on with sticks. You can climb just about anything with those. I also carry 3 screw in EZY foldable treesteps. This helps sometimes when you find a tree you need a couple steps in vs. sticks. for example if the base is wide. I am going back to my climber more lately especially in mornings and when I am going way way back. lighter and quicker and I agree with carpsniper, I ofter choose a climber type tree anyway. I wouldn't get anything but a lone wolf, muddy has knocked off the ideas and come up with some good stuff also.
I currently have a Muddy hang-on stand and sticks. I really like them. Very well built and reasonably priced.
Lone Wolf Alpha Hang on with Lone wolf Climbing sticks. IMO the best you can get will hang in any tree that any treestand would fit. I have never used a climber but then again I like my hang on so much I probably won't ever use anything else. I can hang one by myself quickly and quietly. I recommend a safety Harness with a lineman's belt you will hang one almost effortlessly.
Check out the Tree Walker climbers. Very sturdy and light weight. http://www.treewalkertreestands.com/
I have a wide variety of hang ons and two climbers. The hang ons range from Baby Gorillas to GM/****'s specials. I have an API Grand Slam hand climber and an Ol Man. I mainly hunt out of the hang ons. I will be adding at least two Ol Man Roost hang ons this year. I hang them myself. It's not easy as pie, but it's not hard either.
I'm a little opposite of some opinions here. I hate lugging everything out to the tree for a hang on. I strap my summit to my back and go where ever. Yes you are limited to what kind of tree you can climb but I honestly feel safer in a climber. The down side is at times it is not as quiet, you work up a good sweat climbing and they are more expensive. I have a climber and hang ons and use both every season. So either way you go there are pros and cons so try and own both. Or just get a blind and forget about the stands...lol
I have an Old Man and several lockons in which I use a stick and also screw in steps. I love the Old Man, It has lasted me for 12 years now and I am pleasantly surprised. Stand placement is everything thus I would have to say where you hunt should be the factor, just get one that is comfortable. Where I hunt you can leave the lock ons on the tree all season without anyone bothering them. I sometimes leave my Old Man in the woods for a week at a time when hunting an area. I would hope that each of you have that option.
i have an ole man climber and it is easy to climb and comfortable, but id much rather use a hang on, while mite not feel as safe as a climber.... as for brands ive got a few old API cheap seats and they are really nice and then a few other brands here and there... i choose to go cheap on the stands and climbers... the only diference i have found is the weight, which doesnt bother me cause i set them and leave them for the season, and the size of the platform... the size of the platform really sucks on the really cheap stands but they are tolerable for the few hours your in it... really big difference between 40 dollars for a stand and 130-200 for a stand.
