Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
09-23-2002, 02:45 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Chatham IL USA
Posts: 123
Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I have used ladder stands and fixed type stands but never a climber. Mainly because they always seem heavy and a pain to haul from tree to tree. My question is: Are climbers easy to use? Do they require a great deal of practice? And finally, is there one available that doesn't feel like you are hauling a Chevy into the woods? <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle> Thanks - As always I appreciate your input. Bob
09-23-2002, 02:59 PM
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 1,906
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
Bob,
Climbers can be a deerhunters best weapon, especially when hunting diverse landscapes.
They aren't difficult to use---if you get the right stand. Everybody finds that different stands (brands and types) suit individuals differently.
I recently just picked up the Summit Viper XLS, and absolutely love it. She weighs about 19 pounds and comes complete with padded backrest and front support bar, backstraps and a 4-pt harness.
If weight is a concern, Lone Wolf makes a few stands that weigh ~12 pounds (but also costs ~ $350-400). Most of the new climbing stands are composed of some type of aluminum construction, and most come complete with instructional video and harness.
Look to spend at least $150 for a decent stand, and then go up from there as you decide which stand is best for your needs.
The biggest factor that is overlooked for climbers isn't how easy/hard they are to use, but is rather one of physical conditioning. If a hunter has trouble just walking to his stand, then it's going to be an uphill battle physically to use a climbing stand. You need to be in good/decent physical shape to use one AND feel comfortable in doing so.
To look at various models from different makers, try the following website:
www.discounttreestands.com
S&R
Climbers can be a deerhunters best weapon, especially when hunting diverse landscapes.
They aren't difficult to use---if you get the right stand. Everybody finds that different stands (brands and types) suit individuals differently.
I recently just picked up the Summit Viper XLS, and absolutely love it. She weighs about 19 pounds and comes complete with padded backrest and front support bar, backstraps and a 4-pt harness.
If weight is a concern, Lone Wolf makes a few stands that weigh ~12 pounds (but also costs ~ $350-400). Most of the new climbing stands are composed of some type of aluminum construction, and most come complete with instructional video and harness.
Look to spend at least $150 for a decent stand, and then go up from there as you decide which stand is best for your needs.
The biggest factor that is overlooked for climbers isn't how easy/hard they are to use, but is rather one of physical conditioning. If a hunter has trouble just walking to his stand, then it's going to be an uphill battle physically to use a climbing stand. You need to be in good/decent physical shape to use one AND feel comfortable in doing so.
To look at various models from different makers, try the following website:
www.discounttreestands.com
S&R
09-23-2002, 03:09 PM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Nashville Indiana
Posts: 32
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
The newer climbing stands, depending upon which one you choose, are relatively easy to use compared to when the early models. I use, and highly recommend, Summit stands. I have a Summit Cobra that weighs only 17 lbs, is quiet and very simple to set up and use.
Hunt hard or go home !
Hunt hard or go home !
09-23-2002, 04:48 PM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Orma WV USA
Posts: 1,791
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
Climbers are awesome! You can find several differnt climbers that are light. 25lbs or less are not heavy stands.
But they are great.
API makes a great stand.
Hunters View makes a great stand.
Summit makes really great stands but they are very expensive.
But they are great.
API makes a great stand.
Hunters View makes a great stand.
Summit makes really great stands but they are very expensive.
09-23-2002, 04:57 PM
#5
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mahomet IL
Posts: 158
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I have a few climbing stands and like using them. I just bought a Summit Python XLS but have not had the chance to try it out yet. I guess one disadvantage to climbers is that sometimes I find a good area where I want to put a stand and cant find a good tree I can use with a climber. Once you get use to them they are very easy to use, and can be easily moved to another area.
09-23-2002, 05:13 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Dixon IL USA
Posts: 175
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I also use a Summit climber,And wouldnt go another season w/o one.I pre scout my areas.Mark the trees i want to climb.Then i just play the wind and choose the tree.
I also like them for hunting public lands.You sure dont have to worry whether or not your stand will still be there.Its just alot less work involved in getting into a tree set up.
Because i bowhunt only i lean towards the bowhunters models w/o the rails and the tampered down arm rest.So there is no interferance with my bow limbs.
It's not how big the Deer,But the size of the experiance that matters!!
Edited by - carpetguy on 09/23/2002 18:15:20
I also like them for hunting public lands.You sure dont have to worry whether or not your stand will still be there.Its just alot less work involved in getting into a tree set up.
Because i bowhunt only i lean towards the bowhunters models w/o the rails and the tampered down arm rest.So there is no interferance with my bow limbs.
It's not how big the Deer,But the size of the experiance that matters!!
Edited by - carpetguy on 09/23/2002 18:15:20
09-23-2002, 06:00 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Medina oh USA
Posts: 16
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I mainly use climbers and love them. With a good stand and some good practice you can climb quietly and efficiently. Some guys have problems fumbling around in the woods, In the dark because they don’t practice. I can be hunting within 3min of arrival quietly.
Only thing I do is prep stand sites by removing leaves around base and responsibly trimming brush limbs ect .
Higherend models like buckshot,API,Summit are good stands. Somthings to consider is (real)weight,packability,comfort,design,ease of setup.ect..
good Luck
OEH
Only thing I do is prep stand sites by removing leaves around base and responsibly trimming brush limbs ect .
Higherend models like buckshot,API,Summit are good stands. Somthings to consider is (real)weight,packability,comfort,design,ease of setup.ect..
good Luck
OEH
09-23-2002, 06:25 PM
#9
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Hebron Maryland USA
Posts: 595
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I think climbing stands r the best thing that ever come out for bow hunters. Thats all I use, you can hunt anywhere you can get the stand. I use the api grandslam bowhunter and love it its very easy to set up and take apart. it takes all the work out of setting up a stand. and more comfortable! Try it I guarantee youll like it. If not I have a portable ill give ya...
09-23-2002, 08:17 PM
#10
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Missouri
Posts: 610
RE: Climber Stands - Are they difficult to use?
I like fixed stands more than climbers. It is hard to find trees to climb around here, and they are uncomfortable to carry in my opinion. I enjoy the fixed stands and their safety.