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Tree Stands Buying Guide
Hunting Gear
Over 20 years ago when I started hunting few people used tree stands and those that did usually built fixed position permanent stands. Over those years hunting from tree stands has become much more popular and with that manufacturers have produced a variety of different types of stands to hunt from. In this article well take a look at some of your options for tree stands including climbing stands, ladder stands and hang on stands.
Buying Guide For Tree Stands The Options
Ladder Tree Stands
There comes a time for most hunters who use tree stands that they decide to give up their climbing stands for either a home made permanent stand or a ladder tree stand. Although these tree stands dont offer the portability of a climbing stand they are in most cases easier to use along with being sturdier than a climbing stand.
A ladder tree stand is a ladder with a platform on top. The ladder itself is usually in about four foot sections and either slides together or is put together with bolts.
Ladder Tree Stand Advantages
Little physical exertion to get into the stand.
Usually pretty steady assuming the stand was set up correctly.
Wont break the bank purchasing one.
Some offer two person standing/seating.
Ladder Tree Stand Disadvantages
Heavy to get to the location you want to hunt.
Although advertised as portable its a pain to remove the stand.
Cheaper stands are flimsy.
Usually between 10-15 foot high without extension.
Some standing platforms leave little room for movement.
Climbing Tree Stands
Climbing tree stands are those designed for the stand to be a climbing device. Simply attach the stand to the base of the tree and then use the stand to climb the tree. Once you get to the height of the tree you want to hunt from lock the stand in place.
Climbing Tree Stand Advantages
Highly portable.
Some offer excellent levels of comfort.
No risk of theft since you take the stand with you when you leave.
Ability to set your stand up wherever.
Climbing Tree Stand Disadvantages
Cost, some of this type of stand is very expensive; you get what you pay for.
Since you do the climbing with the stand it can be a workout climbing with the stand.
Some woods dont offer a lot of trees suitable for climbing. Climbing tree stands can only be used on trees without limbs up to the level you want to hunt from.
There are still some very loud climbing stands on the market.
Lock On Hang On Stands
Hang on tree stands are some of the most popular stands on the market today and some of the best hunters I know use them. A lock on tree stand is in a nut shell a platform which will hold tightly to a tree. You supply the ladder or use whatever climbing method you prefer. Some hunters will place multiple hang on tree stands around the area they hunt so they can easily switch their hunting location based on the time of day or weather conditions.
Lock On Tree Stand Advantages
Low Cost
Very Steady
Can be placed in trees with limbs
Light Weight
Easily Concealed
Lock On Tree Stand Disadvantages
Must find a way to climb to the stand.
Some platforms are small.
Not easily transferred from location to location.
Choosing what type of tree stand will work best for you is a personal preference. Many people start with climbing stands when they are younger and transition to ladder or fixed position stands as they grow older. One important reminder regardless of what type of stand you purchase is to always where a safety harness and consider safety your number one priority for the day.
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Tree Stand Reviews
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