Im looking for a new tree stand, currently I have the 15' menards specials. They are ladder stands. I only have a couple of requirements. 1. Im a big corn fed Iowa boy, just under 6'4 and 305. I don't have a lot of experience climbing trees. I prefer ladder stands, but I am open to a hang on with the right climbing sticks/ climbing ladder. No climbers, did that. Not a fan. 2. It must be at a MINIMUM 18' up if its a ladder stand, I feel like Im not high enough with my 15' ones. I would prefer the 20' ones. 3. I dont wanna break the bank and spend 400 on a tree stand (getting married in June). Ill put a limit of 250 on it. 4. I want it to be comfortable, and have a nice sized platform (size 15 boots). I have been looking at a Muddy Archer Stand. I have heard good reviews about them but have yet to see it in person. I want it to be quiet. Those menards ones I have are squeaky as hell. As always, thanks for you input and advice guys.
They stopped making them but if you could find one of the Lone Wolf Elite Hang on stands I would say buy it. There are a few still out there I know. They had a huge platform with all of the same features as the Alpha and Assault. My buddy who is 300 and some change will only hunt out of one of those. I hunted out of one last year and it felt like I was standing on an aircraft carrier edit: I just checked, the platform is 36"x24"
Ladder stands.... The two best I have been in have been millennium and family traditions. These are heads and tails better then any other ladders I used. Been in a lot of big game and rivers edge ......not solid enough and both were squeaky. Haven't used a muddy ladder stand but I own about 10 muddy hang ons, good stands for the most part.
Try muddy my platform is something like 22" and a hang on they have few different selections and they are moderate in price Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Do you know you can buy 5' ladder extensions for some of the Menards stands. BDLX-106 4' Concealment Ladder Section (15 5/8" wide) | Big Dog Treestands BDLX-107 5' Concealment Ladder Section (15 5/8" wide) | Big Dog Treestands BDLX-200 5' Dual Rail Ladder Extension Kit | Big Dog Treestands I have one of their stands too, it is the stadium series. It is like having the living room couch up in the tree, very comfortable. BDL-1050 17.5' Stadium Series XL, FREE SHIPPING | Big Dog Treestands
I did not know I could buy extensions. Unfortunately the ones I have aren't that brand, and are getting pretty old. They are still serviceable, but are getting squeaky.
Have you looked at Big Games's Big Boss XL? That's a pretty solid hang on stand and super comfortable!!
If you could contact your manufacturer of your stand I'm sure they would have extensions or replacement ladders for your stand. But if you are saying that your stand is getting old & may need replacement or up-grading, now is the time to buy. Most manufacturers are changing out the older models & are offering good buy's on these stands.
I just got a Boss XL for next season. I'm 6'8 250lbs, so big and sturdy were my main requirements. It hasn't seen a tree yet, but the thing looks like it will be a great stand.
