I have two Field and Stream ladder stands and they Suck! Especially the bolts. The bolts reak of machine oil and they rust if you wash it off. I painted them on the second one. I had to replace the bolts also, but only one time because I used quality bolts the first time. However, my cheap Beagle stands have been great! Fit very solid to the tree and after three years in the woods they still look like new which has surprised the heck out of me. I like them better than other more expensive stands I have used in the past like Amacker, Loggy Bayou, API, etc. I don't like buyiong made in China stuff, but I can't afford to keep giveing away the more expensive USA made stands to the thieve's and I really like these particular stands. With an inexpensive top strap change I feel as safe in them as I do in my Lone Wolf. Maybe a little more.
The fact of the matter is most stands are simply over priced, unfortunately. The stands from Sportsmans Guide are solid, I have been hunting in them for years and the stands they now offer are some of the most solid/affordable on the market. I prefer the larger platform stands they offer and have not been dissapointed in the least. I'm 250# and have complete faith in the rated capacity of the stand, when you include the engineered safety factor of the stands(and most any weight handling equipment / harnesses) unless you're a sasquatch carrying a 300# anchor you aren't gonna remotely test the strength of these stands. They are a little heavier than some of the big name stands but I'm ok with that. These companies know you are placing your trust/life in their product and would be opening the door to bankruptcy if they sold death traps. Name brands & more money doesn't necessarily make something better............ now if only I could convince my wife of that. Edited: Don't get me wrong I think the big name stands are nice and most are much lighter than the ones I buy. I can see how if I were more of a run & gun type hunter they may have their place but as for how I hunt now, I have many of the same properties every season and keep lots of stands up so for my purposes and my wallet you just can't beat some of the deals(as a S G buyers club member), I mean in some cases I can literally buy 3 or 4 stands and sticks for the price of 1 big name stick & stand. I'm just sayin.....I got kids to feed. Solid stand, nice platform, seat is not too comfortable. I usually set this one for shorter evening sits. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/...full-body-harness-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=546779 Solid, comfortable seat, big platform, two thumbs up. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/deluxe-fixed-tree-stand-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=450119 Look familiar? Almost double the price of the stand above. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/premium-hang-on-tree-stand-by-direct-outdoor.aspx?a=529720 Smoke crack? This is the stand for you. What do you think the manufacturing cost of this pearl is? Near $210? Don't think so. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/...tree-stand-by-hunting-solutions.aspx?a=348222 20" climbing stick for $70? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/...tree-steps-by-hunting-solutions.aspx?a=348225 Or for $39? You choose. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/guide-gear-20-climbing-stick.aspx?a=553879&pn=1
