Barring any visible signs of abuse/deterioration, is there a "life expectancy" out treestands? Or am I grasping at straws in order to talk myself into justifying a new climber :D
Whatever it takes. So yeah, I would say your old climber is falling apart and too dangerous to hunt out of. For safety reasons, you should buy a new one. :D Which one(s) are you looking at?
Deffinatly grasping:D. I've got a couple of hang ons that are over 20 yrs old. check them every year and replace any bolts as necessary. Go ahead and get yourself a new climber though everyone should get themselves a little gift from santa.
For me, the lifespan is about 5-7 years. In that time I will replace certain things to keep the stand safe, but around the 5 year mark I start to notice some creaks and noises in the stand and I'll try to get rid of them. Depending on how stubborn they are will determine how soon I get a new stand. My climber is in the woods a minimum of 20 times a season and usually closer to 30+. My hang ons that stay in the woods require maintenance to stay quiet and 5 years is about their life too. Hang ons that are run and gun set ups are new to me so we'll see how long they last.
I've got portable stands that I've hunted 24 years out of and there just like new yet. Mine are home made hang ons though so I don't have a clue on how long these store bought stands last.
I backed over mine with my truck. Had to pry it out from my rear differential and my shock shackle. It was pretty much brand new when I did that. I've been using it ever since but it does have some cracked welds. So... I have an excuse to buy a new one. :D Otherwise.. I think it would last for decades. I'm eyeballing the Equalizer climbing stand now.
I've got Tree Lounges that I've hunted in for over 10 years now. I usually will replace the seat every 3 or 4 years simply because I leave it out in the weather almost all season long. I usually remove the seats and any armrest covers, or basically anything that will fade or can be eaten by squirrels or other things, from my lock ons and leave them out there all the time. That's even in the off season. I just inspect them before I start sitting them in the preseason for dammage. Most of them are over 5 years old and still going strong.
I am seriously looking at those treewalker stands. Almost pulled the trigger on one last year. I really like my ol man, these are similar & have a little better features. I do like the fold flat of the ol man.
That's actually what I upgraded to this year (Ol Man Grand) from my API. I love it for the same reason.
I am fairly new to climbers only had one for about 4 years. MY hang ons have been around since the 80's when I got started. When I find the new latest and greatest I hang it in a tree and it stays there forever. Im about ready to replace my Loggy Bayou with a Muddy.
What's a "season's worth"? I'm avging (last 2 years) 100+ climbs/year with mine. It's as sturdy now, as ever.....and shows very little wear. I'll replace the belts on mine in another year or so "just because". I honestly don't think they need it, though. I replaced the cable rubber covers on the Summit last year, because they were noisy (tattered). But I likely won't do anything to it for many years (it's only used by guests, now). These stands will likely out-live my use for them (truth be told). I can't see any wear that makes me think otherwise. If you want a new one.....just get it!
not sure bout climbers but i have had to replace a LW strap here and there just do to getting em snagged on stuff. with that being said i have some old school chain stands that i have had for 10 plus yrs that work just fine!
I have had my Ol'Man for a good 8 or 9 years now. It is still in fairly good shape. I was looking into getting a new Summit, but I may have to look at the treewalkers now.
yeah Ryan, its not going to wear out any time soon :D your grasping for straws to buy a new one :D ya got it yet? :D
If I ever decide to retire my Ol'man stand, more likely will turn it into a fixed position stand because I love the comfort of it, I'll be buying a new aluminum Ol'man, maybe even in MO camo.
I have an older API Predator...I think its about a 1993 model. I like hunting out of it, but its heavy and noisy (compared to the newer ones). I've used it ALOT, and I can say....it ain't even close to worn out. I'm not sure you could wear it out. I am thinking of getting a TreeWalker though, love those stands. Go for it Rybo...
