Over the last year or so, I have been saving my Cablea bucks for a Lone Wolf climber, now that I have enough, and have done some reading, I'am not sure I want one? I had pretty much made up my mind with one of the climbers, as for packability being very important. Wasn't sure if I was going to go with the hand climber, or convert the sit and climb, with a aftermarket hammock seat? After reading several threads on these stands, I'am very confused and concerned as with the stability of these stands, which is my main reason for second guessing them? If I had to rate my needs in a stand, I would go with stability(safety) as the first, followed by packability, and comfort as the least, figuring I can deal with comfort issues and make changes? In other words if I read 100 reviews on these climbers, and every review gave negative results with the comfort issue, I'd still purchase it, as stated, I can deal with it . Although out of 100 reviews which had even one negative as for stabilty, I now question them as this is the most important feature I was wanting along with packability. Can't say how many times I've read issues with the stability of climbing and how stable it is once set, but read enough to be a concerned? I'am just second guessing my once, without a doubt, no question at all purchase, because of this issue. And the fact it runs close to 400.00, convert the seat, buy footrests, backpack, extra belts, is it really worth it? I surely do not want 600.00 in a stand, that doesn't climb well, or isn't stable? For those with these climbers, what is your opinion with the stability issue? Do they slip when climbing, does the stand move and tilt when shifting your weight on them once set? Thanks
If you're only worried about stability....."I" would tell you to rest your mind. I don't have the "issues" with it I've heard others cite. Been up in the sit&climb +/- 150X now. Been up in the hand climber probably 70X. IF I still shot a compound....I'd go with the S&C. Personal opinion. Since I shoot a recurve, the HC is my go-to. FWIW....I heard someone say the summit open shot now has the upper that allows you to fold your seat up towards the tree. This is THE lacking feature for the LW's. You can actually get closer to your tree in the S&C than you can in the HC. Not sure I like the summit attachment system enough to make me go "back". But, I'd sure give it a hard look. The one thing I'd do to the summit is....I'd order the stabilization straps from LW and attach them to the summit. The summit uppper looks liek it would be "loose" without something like this. I'm sure they provide a strap to secure it to the tree. But, the LW system would (IMO) be better. Again.....NEVER had stability issues with the LW. Not one. Good luck with your decision.
LW stands are VERY stable! I sometimes think "Silent" Wolf would be a better name for their stands.:D
Well those are two postive posts, as stability is my main concern followed closely by packability, as I hike a good distance. I know I have read posts in the past where some claim it's not stable, as I have followed these threads for awhile, with the intention of buying one. Another question I had, has anyone converted the sit and climb to a hammock seat? I've seen them where they remove the U shaped bar and add a hmmock type seat to the top bar, where it sits almost flush with the top of the bar, rather than down in low like the original seat? Just looked more comfortable, and it also slide back towards the tree if needed? Any opinions on the aftermarket hammock for the S&C? Thanks
I was on Summit's pro staff for a good while, and hunted out of them for years before that... I'll put up my current LW hand climber against any of my old stands as far as rock-solid stability, and NOTHING can even come CLOSE to packability on the LW.... When it comes to packability, there's LW... and in a VERY distant second, the rest of the class.
I have used a Lone Wolf sitnclimb stand for about 8 yrs. or better now. Try as I might, every time I even think about possibly trying something else, some situations come up that make me glad I still use a Lone Wolf. I can confidently climb trees in less than ideal conditions that I wouldn't feel good about with the other brands I have tried. With some practice its easy to also adjust the angle while at height(learned that trick from others here). I don't know if the net seat will fit the wide sitnclimb, but I now use it on my standard model and it works great. I can sit comfortably longer with the $20 net seat. I don't understand how anyone cannot feel safe using the Lone Wolf climbers, I really don't. Even if the traction belts were to slip, the flexabilty allows them to grab the tree. Really makes me feel more secure. For the record I tried a Summit, Ol Man, newer style Loggy Bayou, and the Equalizer.......went back to the Lone Wolf and won't change. Admittedly not the most comfy, but it gives me the stealth and portability I want in a climber.
I know all about long hikes. The sit and climb packs in better than any stand Ive ever used. I had a problem with the seat moving around when my ass wasnt in it. Gander Moutain said this is a comon call. Hook a bungi around the tree and to the seat. Ive never had a problem since.
Through the years I've owned just about every climber there is. I traded away my Lone Wolf last year for a Summit Backpacker, wish I hadn't. In my mind, the Lone Wolf sit and climb is at the top of every category except comfort, and yes I tried both types of seats. And really, It was comfortable until I gained weight, that's when it became uncomfortable. Now they have the wider model but I'm not ready to fork out four bills for it. As far as stability goes, if you cinch down those stabalizer straps they provide, believe me, that thing ain't going nowhere. It is the easiest climber to carry, easiest and quietest to assemble in the dark, eaisest climbing, and quietest going up the tree that I ever owned and I regret getting rid of it. Blessings.....Pastorjim
When you say "moving around", I'm not quite shore what you mean. But if you're referring to the seat section perhaps slipping down, I screw in a tree hook under the traction belt so it CAN'T slip down when your weight isn't on it.
This does take a bit of practice, as you'll need BOTH hands to do this. Once you get to hunting height and still "sitting" on the bar , look down at the platform section and decide if it's as level as it needs to be. Usually the need will be to raise the angle of the platform as it tends to "droop" as you get higher up the tree as the diameter of the tree gets smaller. With both feet locked in the platform, raise your legs and draw the platform up so it's within your reach. With both hands reach down and and open the "cam", adjust the traction belt so it will leave the platform in a level position and close/lock the "cam". As I say, it takes a bit of getting used to because you're basically (for a short time) sitting in mid air with nothing of support under you. I have to say that several (3) of my hunting buddies have swithched to the LW sit and climb after I let them try mine out. They say it's the best stand they've ever used! I have an older stand that didn't even come with the side straps to keep the 2 sections together. I have a cord tied that will keep the platform from falling (it never has) to the ground. Also, to help with comfort I keep this little cushion in my day pack and put it on top of the seat which relly helps. I also wrap hockey tape around ANY exposed piece of metal on the stand.
I used the Sit & Climb all season this year and except it being a little uncomfortable at times, it is as solid as a rock! Quiet as a mouse too ...... the platform DOES NOT MOVE .... the seat section will also not move if you sinch down the straps that hold the top to the bottom.... it is by far the best climber out there ....IMO
My bet is.....Teej's stand is a "pre-stabilization straps" model. With the straps, this is NOT an issue. Also....the newer S&C's come with a sit strap. Sit on the sit strap; put both feet on the outside of the platform; cinch the straps up to "almost taut; adjust your carabiner (I use the left side....if you're facing the tree); adjust to fit tree dia.. I use the left side (only) to make adjustments, if I can. Since I use this side the most, I can free the cam with one hand and make the adjustments with the same one hand. Also....I would NOT suggest you doing this.....without being hooked up (tethered to the tree). Common sense (or one would think so). Good luck. There IS a way to adjust the platform without the sit strap. "I" can put my feet in the climb position on the platform "backwards" and reach down and adjust the platform with one hand.
Jeff it was new last season, I dont know if I wasnt pulling them tight enough. I also hunt in smooth bark popple trees. Sinch them tight and a bungi no problem. The guy a gander moutain said "with these light weight climbers I dont care what brand you want to anchor them to the tree not just the platform".
I've had my S&C now for 2x seasons, and hunted most of my sits out of it. I don't hunt as much as Jeff does, but I've got several dozen climbs in my stand now and have no stability issues with mine either. After hunting Summit's, Loggy's, Ameristep, Warren & Sweat, and other cheapo stands, nothing is close to my LW. It's my go to stand. It's not as comfortable as the Summit, but more comfortable than any lock on I've had, and plenty comfortable enough for all day sits if you buy the folding foot rests, I've got over a dozen all day sits in mine now. The spots I hike tend to be anywhere from 400 yards to 1.5 miles in, and nothing packs as easy and quietly as the LW......not even in the same league. I'm willing to give up a bit of comfort on stand knowing I can get into my stand as silently and easily as possible. I spend a lot of time setting up right on the edges of bedding cover, (I'll often climb 50-150 yards from where I think deer are bedding), and nothing gives me the confidence in doing this silently like my LW. One mistake with a Summit or similar style climber when setting up, and it sounds like you just whacked a gong.
I've been using a LW sit and climb for 8 years, waaay too long to count individual "climbs", and I have NEVER had the need to use bungee cord to secure ANY portion of my stand to the tree. I'm wondering if some of these issues come from lack of experience with the stand? I'll never own anything other than a LW!
I dont know if I would call it lack of experience? I've been archery hunting since '84 and hunting out of portable stands as long. I bought my first climber in the mid 90's heavy p.o.s. I may add. Ive had a Loggy, 2 summits, and that heavy old POS. The first and only stand to slip in a Popple tree was the LW. It only slipped when no weight was on it and it was bumped. Or maybe some of us "inexperienced users" should just quit giving insight on a product that we spent about 250 hrs out of in the last 3 months.
2 things: 1. IF you have a "pre- stabilization straps" model....I have no idea how you could stabilize the upper if you DIDN'T use some sort of bungee or additional strap to secure. 2. If you DO have a model with the stabilization straps....I can't see how you could experience issues like the OP is citing. Not saying it can't happen (at all). I just can't see how.
I my eyes, someone who can count the amount of time they've used a given piece of equipment isn't all that experienced. JMHO An experienced sit and climb user would be aware of the results of bumping the seat when your weight isn't on it.:D I had this happen (inexperienced) ONE TIME about 8 years ago. I had a decent buck coming by and I went to stand for a possible shot and my pants pocket zipper caught the seat section, lifted it, and it dropped to the platform making a noise that NO deer would tolerate. That buck was gone! After that happened, I told myself it'll NEVER happen again! And it hasn't. This is a recording. "Just screw in a tree hook under the the traction belt of the seat section, and forget about it!" I leave these hooks (just for this reason) in EVERY tree I hunt from. It also tells you when you're at the proper hunting height for that tree when it's dark in the mornings.
