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Purchasing 1st LADDER Stand
- Thread starter Speedwell-Hunter
- Start date
BSK
Well-Known Member
Muddy, Big Game, Guide Gear, in that order.
square
Well-Known Member
River's Edge
square
Well-Known Member
River's edge makes good stands. Those straps BSK spoke of are critical when erecting a stand. The second person can cross those straps behind the tree and hold the platform to the tree until the first person attaches the ratchet strap. The Tee bar secures a second point of contact
I have a few of these and really like them. I'm not a fan of the 2 person ladders as I can't seem to get comfortable in them and setup is a bit difficult. Also have a couple of hawk ladders and they are roomy and comfortable as well.
I've got one of these and can raise and setup a 20 ft ladder by myself. Haven't tried to raise a double with one of these.
Guide Gear Ladder Tree Stand Installation Hoist System
Sportsman's Guide carries top-quality discount Outdoor and Hunting Gear, Guns, Ammo, Fishing Supplies and more - all at great low prices!www.sportsmansguide.com
SCN uses one of these frequently to move ladder stands all by himself.
BSK
Well-Known Member
If anyone lives nearby a Sportman's Warehouse, I just ordered store pick-up Muddy Huntsman Deluxe stands (17') for $199 each. That's about $50 off the regular price.
If money isn't a factor get one with comfortable seats. these usually fold and often times on the two person stands have 2 individual seats. they run $200+ but when you are sitting for long periods they help.
This week I ordered online and picked up from Sportsman's Warehouse Chattanooga, two Rivers Edge lockdown stands. I think they are very pricey. I am going for the best quality I can find and safety is an issue too. Haven't even opened the boxes yet but they feel substantial. The features that sold me on them are the two persons stand has no bar in the middle so you can sit in the middle without getting your butt crack gouged. Also on both the seats flip up so you can stand on the whole platform or most of it anyway. I've had some cheap lightweight ladder stands in the past that I ended up not even hunting from just left them in the woods cuz I hated them.
I prefer the two man stands with the mash/sling style seat. You can put your pack in the empty seat and lean your gun in the corner. They are a bit more awkward to put up, they want to twist up top because of the width, but my wife helps me and we don't have problems. My suggestion is if it's on your land and you're not gonna be moving it, go two person if not and you might have to take it down each season go one pers. Other than that just follow the directions on putting it up in order. Like others have said use the straps that cross behind the tree, set the stability bar and then go up and attach ratchet straps.
Bell3wv
Well-Known Member
I recommend a large platform and safety line from bottom to top. A small platform starts to feel about the size of a postage stamp after a long hunt. Do all major assembly at home and I take care to install bolts as to not catch on clothes and boots when climbing.
BigRod
Well-Known Member
Gun rest is a must!!! And something sturdy/comfortable
diamond hunter
Well-Known Member
A piece of chain and a turnbuckle around the tree and hooked to the stand eliminates the strap breaking ,I just back it off a little.
BSK
Well-Known Member
That's an important point. I think about that as I assemble stands - which direction to insert bolts/pins so they won't catch on clothing.
BSK
Well-Known Member
I really should have thought of that when I first started using ladder stands.
Speedwell-Hunter
Well-Known Member
Age, squirrels/rodents, weakened by falling limb...lots of reasons.
BSK
Well-Known Member
I've got ladder stand that have been up year-round for 20 years. Straps break!
I try to get around to every stand every year and check the condition of all straps, but sometimes wear can't be easily seen. Although I'm not as concerned with 2-person ladders, as they all have to two ratchet straps, but the single-person ladders with single straps are a concern. Had a strap break on a single-person ladder just as a hunter was lining up a shot on a nice buck. Luckily, ladder didn't fall. But was a pretty scary experience for the hunter when the ladder seat suddenly dropped a foot just as he was raising his gun.
String Music
Well-Known Member
I really like the X-Stand "The Duke." It's a 20-foot stand that's rock solid, comfortable and has a shooting rail. The best part is the "Jaw Safety System" it uses to secure it to the tree. If you are putting it up by yourself, this system is a must.
I have both the Muddy and Big Game stands and they are the exact same stand except this one has the system that lets you secure it to the tree before climbing.
It's $199 on Amazon right now:
Amazon product ASIN B00VJUTA9C
I have both the Muddy and Big Game stands and they are the exact same stand except this one has the system that lets you secure it to the tree before climbing.
It's $199 on Amazon right now:
Amazon product ASIN B00VJUTA9C
BSK
Well-Known Member
I've noticed that the Muddy, Big Game, and now X-Stand are all basically the same stand. I wonder who actually manufactures these?
