Jason N

On PA's opener I was climbing down from my position when my seat/top of my climber began to squeak. There is nothing to squeak so I became concerned. I immediately looked over the top section and found a cracked weld. I had no choice but to carefully finish my descent...by tthe time I got to the ground the weld had completely seperated and the opposing weld began to crack. Once safely on earth I looked at the foot platform as well and noticed a cracked weld in the same location as the top.

Now for the good part....I sent an email Sunday morning and didn't hear anything back by Monday after work so I called. I received not one but two new stands on Thursday. I called and told the company that they had sent me two replacements....for my honesty I get to send one back but get a hat in exchange. All of my deallings with the company were short and hassle free. They were more than willing to help me out.

I noticed the new stands are constructed a little differently in the area where mine broke. I think this is solid proof that great customer service keeps customers happy. I will doubtfully ever buy another brand of treestand...#1 because their stands are top of the line and comfortable & #2 because their customer service is absolutely exceptional.

Just a little reminder for all of you treestand hunters....check your stands before you start climbing up or climbing on. My stand had no visual cracks the week before when I used it to scout one last time before season. A regular safety check of all your equipment won't hurt any....remember, that cracked weld or split arrow or cracke limb could cost your life.

Shortdraw

It would have been nice if you mentioned the manufacturer. For example, I know that Summit had a bunch of low quality welds breaking last year. We passed the word as to where and what to look for and several found theirs in the same condition. They all can break. That's why we wear safety belts and harnesses.



Edited by - shortdraw on 10/15/2002 14:16:24

Jason N

Shortdraw, my stand is a Summit Bushmaster XL. The welds are on the top and bottom parts...the flat aluminum barstock that comes from the cable housing area to the base platform. I think they may have corrected the problem, but I am only speculating. The new stand have one "V" shaped peice instead of two straight peices making a "V". Hope that cleared it up a little. I always wear my safety harness and check my stands regularly....I was extra cautious on that descent!

Rack-attack

Thanks Jason,

I did not know there was a weld problem. I will have to check my two cobra's for any cracks.

You may have saved my life<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

jetblast

Yep, thank you. Good advice no matter what the brand..

VAhuntr

Thanks for the tip! I'm off to the building to check the welds on my Bushmaster. Just curious, how long have you owned your stand?

Tazman

Jason two things, first thanks for the warning, and second I am glad that it didn't dump you on the ground and you caught the break before you got hurt or worse.

The Tazman aka Martin Price
Founder and President of
Virginia Disabled Outdoorsmen Club

Anthony Hunter

good point, I haven't even looked at mine, I just use it. Better check it out!

titleist

Good tip Jason
check those permanent stands too. I went up one last year during gun. I made a big platform stand with rails around it. I dropped a bottle of water over the edge one morning and leaned on a rail to see where it fell. The nails came loose on the rails and over the edge I went. Luckily the gun was hanging and I didn't get hurt. Quick way to get down and pick up the water bottle i suppose.