I want to hang a stand in a place my climber or a ladder stand won't work. I will be installing it this spring sometime and will be leaving it up permanently. Weight is not a factor since I only have to carry it once. Extream comfort is not a big deal either since I will not be doing long sits at this location. Probably the biggest feature I think I would like is a somewhat larger base to stand on. I have never used a hang on so I am pretty green as to what to look for. Something similar to this is what i am thinking: http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?i=403521&pdesc=Gander_Mountain_Hang_on_Treestand_with_Footrest&str=rivers+edge+hang+on&merchID=4005 I also need some sticks that are value priced. I want to catch some sales after the season ends so I am hoping to pick something now. Thanks.
Get this one (made by the same manufacturer). Personally I would skip the foot rest. They look like they would be nice, but I think they suck. They end up getting in the way. These stands are cheap, solid and actually comfortable. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/hang-on-tree-stand-full-body-harness-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=546779 Or check out this combo (smaller platform). http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/climbing-stick-and-tree-stand-combo-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=552579
i have 2 of these(in the link...big game boss xl, 25 x 34 platform) and an older gorilla xl and one smaller cheaper stand, i leave them up all year round. i love the big platform, i don''t know why so many companies are making the platforms smaller. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20055&hasJS=true
Your probably best off by checking out the local big box stores. You may also catch one of the stands I posted links to (same stand, different name) on sale there too.
do you have a Menards store near you? I know after gun season they discount all there hunting stuff bug time. My buddy bought 3 hang on stand last year, I think he paid like $23 each for them and they are nice stands
There is a menrads here in west bend so I will try and check it out before I go hunting tommorow evening.
Check Rural Kings too if you have them. Bought five $99 stands last year for $30 each after the season was over. They have/had 20' stick ladders for $39 here a couple weeks ago.
Sportsmans guide typically has 20' climbing sticks at $35-40 also. Might not be the greatest, but they work and you ain't out too much.
I don't know how some of you guys do it. Buying those cheap Tomcat or whatever they are stands from Menards? Or any stand that retails for $30? Are you crazy? Listen dude.. your treestand is more than just the platform that keeps you above eye level of a deer. It's that device that keeps you from falling to your death too. Buy a stand from a reputable company. With that being said.. Gorilla makes great stands.. affordable stands.. and for less money. There's a few others comparable too. If you purchase or hunt from some of these above recommendations.. you better have life insurance.
Wow, Rural King, now that takes me back. I grew up in Mattoon and remember when they didn't have much. I was down a month ago and stopped in and they had a pretty good selection of hunting gear.
I have a Muddy Outdoors hand-on stand and love it. It is very well built and the company is great to deal with. I will probably be buying a ladder stand from them next year. I just hope they come out with a bigger platform for the ladder stand.
I bought a loggy bayou(?) stand a couple of years ago on ebay for 89.00. it is light, comfortable, and has a large platform, and also easy to hang. It was a great investment that will continue to pay for itself for years to come.
Or a safety harness. I look to make sure any stand I buy is TMA certified. That is the reassurance I need.
Check Wally's..... 16' Climbing sticks were $25 and stands like those shown in the Sportsman's guide add were $40......I picked up one of each, because they WERE a pretty good deal....
Those stands are TMA certified. That is good enough for me. I like these stands as much or more than my expensive stands. Plus they are great for high theft area's and they don't seem to get stolen as much as more expensive stands. The only thing I don't like about them is the thin straps. Even though I have not had a problem with any critters chewing on them you can always replace the top ratchet strap with one of those camo ratchet straps I see everywhere ($5?).
I agree with Duke, to a point. It can be similar to something one of friends dad's said to me regarding four wheeler helmets. He said, "if you have a 20 dollar head, buy a 20 dollar helmet. If you have a 100 dollar head, buy a 100 dollar helmet. Gander Mountain, Sportsman's WH, and other store's of the like have decent stands and if they are TMA approved, they can work for the hunter on a budget. Here's the thing, if you don't MAINTAIN these types of stands, they deteriorate faster as they aren't put together with the quality of components than that of a more name brand TREESTAND COMPANY's stand will be. I have three Gorilla's, 6 Gander Mountain, and one "Field and Stream" (****'s Sporting Goods brand). I have replaced the bolts in the F&S twice already and will never buy another, no matter the price. There was a recall and I was able to get all brand new GM stands, but after two hard seasons they were due for sprucing up. I have had the Gorilla's and while they are just the "Baby Gorilla" versions and I mainly use them for camera man stands as they are the least comfortable and I usually only have camera company on 3 hour or less sits (after work), they have been in the woods for pretty much 4 years and show very little wear. Thing is, the box store stands might not even be made by the same factory from year to year. It's whatever Taiwan, Chinese, or Vietnam factory wins the bid that year. I am a regular guy as most of us are and I need to save some cheddar where I can, so I have these box store stands, but in order to make them work year in and year out, one must inspect and maintain. All that said, next year I plan to invest in two, if not three, bigger, more comfortable stands that I can put in a few spots that I will be heading to rut time with the intention of sitting all day. I have been making what I have work by taking the top of an old API Grand Slam Bowhunter out and using it for the seat when I sit all day or longer than a few hours. (major PITA) Ramble over.
