Tree Stands

adamsoa · Feb 5, 2005

I'm looking for a tree stand. And wanted to see what kinds are working for everyone else. I'm not a small person (about 280) so I want one that will support me. Any advice?

Andy

caelkhnter · Feb 5, 2005

Depends on what you are going to do with it. Unless you really intend to pack it far into the woods, my first bit of advice is do not go small! If you are serious about using it you may be spending many hours sitting in it. So get one that is big enough, with a big enough seat and a big enough platform to comfortably rest your feet and legs, that you will be fairly comfromtable in it for several hours. Second do not go cheap. The old addage that you get what you pay for is true. If you go to the cheapest buy you will most likely find that the stand will not perform as advertised or last so you will spend more in the long run eventually getting a good one later. Third make sure you get the proper safety harness. If you do spend many hours in the stand you may be surprised how often you find yourself driting off into short catnaps. You do not want to fall out of a tree stand, but if you do you better have a harness or you may sustain a serious injury. I have bought a couple tree stands from Cabelas, I think they are API or something like that. I think they are called the Baby Grand. They are not extra large but for me they are just the right size. I have been very happy with them. I cannot remeber the weight capacity. I am 5'11' 205lbs. Not sure you may want a bigger one. Cabelas has many to choose from and they provide the weight capacity info etc. Good luck and BE CAREFUL!!!

Benado · Feb 5, 2005

I agree with caelkhnter, if you're not going to be packing it all over the mountian, get one with a big platform and a comfortable chair. When you buy a small one you sacrifice comfort. Last Thanksgiving I sat in a 2-man stand (by myself, though) and I loved it. Plenty of room to get comfortable. The API stands are pretty good, and so are the Gorilla brand stands.

polarbear · Feb 5, 2005

I am 6' 2" and 280. I love my API Grand Slam Super Magnum! It is rated for up to 350 lbs. The platform is nice and big. Even my average size hunting buddies have gotten them because of the extra room and stability. I use mine year round for everything from deer and elk to coyotes and cats.

Eric

bowhuntinnut · Feb 5, 2005

I would recommend the gorilla King kong for you, I am 6'4" and 250lbs and i love my gorilla stands i have the silverback but is is rated to 275 the king kong is rated to 300. I also have the API baby grand stand and it was not a bad stand until i bought the gorilla's, then it just did not compare and it is only rated to 225lbs. The gorillas are so much easier to pack in and out and ten times easier to hang in the tree, not to mention they are cheaper than the api's. As far as saftey goes once you get the stand in the tree and cammed over like it is supposed to be they are rock solid. I have plenty of room in my silverback and the king kong is bigger than it so you should have no problem with one. Give one a try and if ya don't like it then just send it to me i'll put it to good use. lol Just kiddiing i think you'll like them if your looking for a hang on stand.

Lien2 · Feb 7, 2005

If you don't need to pack it in, and you dare leave it out maybe try a ladder stand. I have 4 ladder stands and can probably put all 4 or them up in the time it takes me to put one of my hang-on stands up. They are a pain in the butt to haul in and out, but climbing up is much safer in my opinion.

Lien2

Buckrub · Feb 7, 2005

Austin Treestands outta N.C. have a great "big man's climber" that they demonstrate using a pro football lineman. It can be hunted w/ back to the tree or facing the tree, has a great telescoping railing (up or down). They have a site on the web, so do a search.
I think it might be just what you need!!!
Good luck w/ your decision.

Hoosierbuck · Feb 8, 2005

I'm 230# and I love my Summit climber. They are stout, comfortable and versatile. I have a kind of hard time staying awake in it sometimes, it's so comfortable and stable. They will discount and sell direct to you if you are a hunter education instructor, like many companies out there. (Something to think about if you need another reason to volunteer and help give the next generation of hunters a leg up.)
HB

Warren · Feb 11, 2005

Look at a Milineum. I hunt in Mississippi, so I spend many hours in a tree. That is the best lock on I have ever sat. You put on a chain bracket first, then drop the stand into the bracket. It is very light and ultra comfortable. Do a web search for Tree Stand Solutions. You pay for the cheap seats.