I've used lone wolf climbing sticks for several years and really liked them, just been to cheap to fork out the money for their stands.... Well this year as I was hanging stands that seemed like they weighed as much as a small tank, I said to myself, this is ridiculous, I'm getting some lighter weight stands next year - LOL So I'm already starting to look at some options.... I'm really intrigued by the Lone Wolf Alpha Assult, which looks like it's only about 10 lbs (depends on which website you go to) - which appeals to me a lot... Lone Wolf Alpha looks great too, little bigger platform with only a modest increase in weight.... Anyone ever use these two? Normally I hunt with hang ons, but I'd be interested to hear any feedback/thoughts on Lone Wolf stands.
I use the Alpha primarily and the Assault other times. I prefer the larger platform. IMO in gives me more, and better, shot angles than I can get with the assault. There are times it doesn't matter, like when you only have one or two shooting lanes, but there are more times, for me, when more shot angles are better. If I could only have one stand it would be the Alpha. As far as weight: I sometimes go a mile+ one way carrying the stand and the weight hasn't mattered yet.
ive used the assault as far as the weight of the stand great.. stability using the straps provided what a joke.. definately invest in a good set of ratchet straps and u now have a good stand .. just my personal opinion but there are much better stands for the money
I have the alpha and like it, but I am really liking my loggy bayou predator stand alot more. It is just as light and alot more comfortable, just more akward to carry.
It's funny you say that because I also have both of those stands as well but I like the Lone Wolf Alpha more than the Loggy Bayou Predator in every possible way. I have used many different brands of stands and have yet to find anything which is even close to LW in quality or functionality.
I use the Alpha and compared to everything else I have used it is the cadillac of stands for me. When I set that thing in the tree it is rock solid. Huge actor that peopel overlook seriously is the silent factor. Any steel style or platforms with grating will squeak when it gets cold or the tree sways a bit. Not the Lone Wolf, yeah of course I would like to not spend so much on a stand but it will last a long time and getting any replacement part will be easy as the company really seems to cater the parts. Not to mention the popularity and reputation there is no reason I would see them going away any time soon. Rather B Bowhunting just curious is to how old the stand is? The new ones have 2 straps and when you lift the platform up and tighten them then lower the platform and lock it in, I feel as safe as I ever have up 20 feet and I am not fond of heights what so ever. Best of the best in my opinion as far as quality. If they were the same price is everything else, I feel many more people would have them.
Jason.. like some of the guys above.. go with the Alpha and be done with it. The assault has just got too small of a platform IMO. It can hurt certain shot angles because of this. With that being said.. you'll LOVE LW treestands. Love 'em!
Thanks for the comments so far everyone, lots of good info! Sounds like to me people tend to favor the Alpha - good to know... On the comment about the weight. I agree, a few extra pounds carrying the stand isn't much of an issue. Heck even a tree stand that weighs 10 more pounds than another wouldn't concern me on the hike in. It's more the hanging of the stand that I like the lighter stand. But then I do a lot of 1 and done hunting... I'll hike into an area, look for fresh sign, hang my stand and hunt it. Pull it after a few days/sits. So I'll tear down and put up a lot of stands through out the year and the lighter the stand the better IMO when hanging 15-20 feet off the ground trying to attach it to a tree - LOL...
I put the Alpha up and take it down each hunt and sometimes twice a day, morning and afternoon hunt. I can see where the weight might make a difference when hanging the stand but, I will still pick the Alpha if I could only have one stand.
go with the larger platform............you'll be glad you did in the end! LW is good stuff...........i wish i could use the alpha but the LW sit n climb is doing the job now but , you'll be happy getting an alpha for sure..........
I would look at the Muddy Outdoor stand I really liked the LW but I think the Muddy is comparable and cheaper.
So if the Muddy was the same price Treehopper which would you recommend and why? Money aside which do you prefer?
If you plan taking the stand down day in and day out go with the Alpha, otherwise other stands would do. I had an Assault and while a good solid stand, platform was too little for me. I bought a Loggy Bayou Predator and trying to use it like a Lone Wolf is not working out nearly as well. The Loggy is a pain in the butt to hang compared to the LW.
I agree. I have used mine now a couple of times and love it. Cannot beat the price for the quality you get. Thanks Muddy Outdoors!
First of all I'm a huge Lone Wolf believer..that being said, I just can't see forking out that kinda money for a hang-on. A climber sure..absolutely! But I have quite a few lock ons, and none are what you'd call top name brands. They are light and cheap! Generally once I place a lock on it's there for the season, I might move it once based on movement during the season versus my pre-season scouting. Now if you're moving them alot I may see some justification. My lock-ons are just that! When I get mobile I break out the Lone Wolf Climber. My 2 cents...!
I will be picking up a few more Muddy stands to replace some of my older Gorilla's and other hang-on's I have scattered around. For the price they are very, very good stands. Quiet, easy to hang, and light weight. However, these stands stay put 99% of the time after they're hung. For my mobile hunting, moving around, hanging new sets during the season, etc I'll stick with my Lone Wolf. IMO they are still the top dog when it comes to weight, silence, ease of use, and adjustability in a hang-on stand. They are pricey, but it's well worth the investment. Some of the stands Mike and I are using we've had going on 4-5 years now and they, feel, and work just the same as they did when they were brand new. I can't say the same for some of my cheaper stands that have been in the field for the same amount of time. As several others have mentioned, unless there is a compelling reason to get an Assault (like you're hiking in 3 miles with it on your back to hunt), spend the extra $10 and get the Alpha. The larger seat and larger platform are much more comfortable and allow more room to move around if needed. As an owner of both stands, if someone was giving me a stand for free and I had to choose one or the other, the LW would be coming home with me every time.
Interesting you say that Justin, because one of the very reasons I'm looking at adding some stands is to 'replace' some older Gorillas... Don't get me wrong, those old Gorillas have worked pretty well for me and I'll still keep them around - especially for those sites where I'll leave the stand up all season long, really just want something lighter and easier to hang vs. those old steel stands...
