Hunting some with Jeff (GMMAT) during the urban season, has me wanting to go almost strictly climbing this next season. This dudes like a tree rat and I like the flexibiity of moving around alot without hanging 40 stands. So I've been eyeing the equalizer and they were at the Dixie Deer Classic this weekend. I didn't care for the seat or the shooters rest so I opted for the sling seat model with no safety bar. 18lbs with a decent set of backpack straps. I put it on my back walked around a little, put it on the pole and climbed with it and tested the self leveling feature etc etc. Walked away with a stand, accessorie bag, and bow holder for $300. I'll give a full review after some time climbing trees and such, but from what I could tell it's a rock solid stand and I love the fact that I can adjust to size of the tree on the fly without having to be an acrobat.
I got one last year and used it during bow and gun season. I ended up with the back rest style seat where you face the tree. I love it. Very comfortable and it is rock solid when you get where you want it. And the leveling feature works like it says.
I'll have to say that I was super unprepared when we hit the woods during the urban season. I plan on knowing this stand like the back of my hand come September. I actually have quiet a few climbing stands (API bowhunter, Summit Viper, Tree Lounge, and something they call the Cadillac?) Just never felt comfortable at any height with these others, hopefully this leveling feature help with that.
I've used it for 3 years now and love it. I also use the Lone Wolf hang on and love that too. The sling seat is the way to go with the Equalizer IMO. However, I did use the LW exclusively last year and never removed the climber off the garage wall. But it remains the best climber I have ever used and I've use a ton of them.
