BigJ71

So a stand that comes with one strap is more stable than one that has three holding it to the tree? A single strap can fail and with my weight I'm not about to take that chance. Plus when I hunt sometimes I'm forced to make an awkward shot, from an angle perhaps. With one strap attached (evencorrectly) the stand can shift at the bottom, again not somethingI want happening when I'm leaning around the tree to make my shot.

Even the stands that have two straps (or one strap and one chain) they are most likely the cam buckle type strap and they can and do loosen over time depending on weather, temperature, age, etc... It's a whole lot easier to adjust and re-tighten the straps with a ratchet type than a cam type,a couple additional "clicks" and you're secure again.

Manufacturers only include a single strap or a chain and strap, (most of the time it's a the cam buckle type) NOT because that's all that's needed but because it's the minimum they can get away with and still provide a "safe" product yet save on production costs in order to turn a better yield.

If you feel safe with the type of attaching hardware that comes with the stand good on you, I value my life and well being a little more than the cost of some good heavy duty ratchet straps.It's a no brainier for me and again if you weighed 325lbs you'd have a different outlook in it. I've got stands rated for 350lbs and ones rated for 300lbs and the straps/chains provided with themare exactly the same, the stand it's selfis a little beefier for the 350lb+ stand but the mounting hardware was the same....cheap slip cam buckle strap on the bottom and chain for the top, no thanks. I've never, nor will I ever rely ONLY on he straps supplied with my stands. JMHO

BowHuntingFool

I always have 2 straps on my stands. My Lone Wolf has 2 buttons for 2 straps I use them both! My other lock ons have only 1 strap that come with it and I use a endless ratchet strap as a second one for safety. With my climber I use ratchet straps as well for the safety factor! Takes me a couple of extra minutes to do and never see it as a bad idea! I owe it to my family to be safe! I always wear a harness!

Ed McDonald

Cam buckles are okay but I prefer the rachet straps . I change them every two years as i leves my stands up year round . If someone wants to climb up and cut the cable locks , they are welcome to the stands . I have over 12 stands on 4 different properties and more to put up ......

bigbulls

For lock on stands the regualr ratchet strap works just fine because you usually put it up once and leave it all season.

For a climber I much much prefer to use the cam buckles like the pic below, NOT the cam buckles that use the springy knurled piece that you pull tight and that's it.
They are every bit as secure as a ratchet but create far less noise, quicker to set up and take off, lighter in weight and pack up much smaller in size.