Sorry for the gear posts, I was reading my latest Petersen's mag, and there were a few things that jumped out at me. This was one of them. C&C Innovations has a resin molded hang-on (they have a resin ladder system as well), that's lightweight, and supposedly "as strong as steel," and impervious to rust (obviously), and offers noise-free functionality since there are no metal on metal contact points. Concept seems interesting enough, but would you drop $180 to hang your but in a plastic (I suppose synthetic might be the better term) stand? Check their site out.
I wonder how it would fair in cold weather? For the record, I would not either. I don't see the REAL advantage of weight savings in a hang-on stand. As for rust-prevention, with little care, this can be prevented on traditional metal stands. Quietness would be an advantage, but plastic isn't noise free either, and I certainly see metal pivot points on that stand that could easily create noise on their own. I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing I was sitting 20+ft up in a tree in a plastic stand. Call it irrational psychological fear, but it's just me.
Hmmm, I actually like the concept. As long as they are built sturdy, they should technically be a more sturdy/safe stand. The ladder system looks very nice.
I have a homemade ladder stand platform made from a plastic pallet. Just like metal, its slick when it has frost on it.
Looking at it, it would scare me each time I stepped onto it in extremely cold weather especially leaving it out for a season.
I saw this stand at the ATA show a few weeks ago and was pretty disappointed in the design and weight of the stand. The stand platform is narrow yet long and the thing seemed like it weighed more than some aluminum stands on the market. I asked why the platform wasn't wider and a little shorter to allow for easier turning access and got a huge shrug and deer in headlights look. I wouldn't buy this thing if it was 50 bucks, just don't see any benefit to it for the price.
As we know, sunlight makes plastic brittle. I'd wonder how many seasons one could get out of a stand like that when it hangs for long seasons, compared to steel/aluminum which certainly lasts. For me, it's too new. I'd have to have some testimonials from someone who has used it for years but I'd still worry about the longevity each time I stepped onto the platform 20' in the air. Hell, sometimes I do with metal stands.
They state it's UV resistant, but it's not enough for me to feel that it still won't be susceptible to weakening over time. Such a radical new technology (or in the case material) in a stand would have to be tested for years before I would consider one. It may not fail in one years time, but what about 5? 10? I'm not about to be a guinea pig for something like a stand.
I really don't walk far enough for my hang on to affect me that much. I am afraid of heights, so I generally don't go much farther up than I feel comfortable (10-12 ft). If they were using a tried and true plastic for this, I would consider it if I had the need for lighter weight to pack in and out. If I started seeing stress marks in the plastic, that would be it for that stand though. Like I said, I hate heights. And seeing something like that would put me on the ground, quicker than chit. I do like the double strap deal though. The stand I currently use has a t-bolt, and I hate trying to put that up. I always seem to find a knot inside the tree. And the strap is kind of scary too. I always imagine the "buckle" coming undone, and the stand falling. Yes, I use the pin with it, but still...
It wasn't light enough to make me interested in it. The being plastic doesn't bother me. I'm waiting for lightweight plastic climbing sticks. Then again, I'm hunting out of an aluminum stand with broken welds...
True. I know the "plastic" paddle boat that was left out for years that we inherited when we purchased our cottage in Canada didn't fare too well. The fact that it's plastic isn't as much the concern as is the question of longevity when exposed to the elements for long periods of time as most stands are. What's that stand going to be like after years of sitting out? Maybe just fine, maybe not. I'm with you, and see little advantage. The climbing sticks would be the only thing I would like solely for noise and packing reasons, but then again, you have the durability question.
Plastic.. huh. So.. yet another item to add to the garbage dumps that will never biodegrade. Brilliant!
Also my first thought. I hunt in extremely cold weather.....this is the last stand I would carry with me.
The company states the following: Field tested in every weather condition, it's a sportsman's dream: ultra light, super sturdy, and QUIET. I can get a Muddy Hunter stand that is 34"x24" made of aluminum weighing in at 12 lbs. for $154.99 or I can get this quiet, plastic sportsman's dream which is 20"x30" weighing in at 14.5 lbs and costing $179.00. The Muddy weighs less, isn't plastic, has a comfortable seat, free strap replacement, packs with Muddy or Lone Wolf sticks and is cheaper. Can it honestly cost that much to make a plastic mold and bring these stands to market? Peakrut and I both thought this company was off base with what people are looking for in a packable hunting stand.
