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1.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
I don't always slum, but when I do it's on hunting forums other than this one.
Take a look at this Archery Talk thread and tell me where I'm going wrong. I'd engage over there but it's not worth my time sorting through the idiots and the personality-challenged to find the people who know what they're talking about whom I could also tolerate socially.
[url]http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2298845[/url]
It's a thread about modifying a hang-on stand, presumably for weight, but I see the main benefit being noise reduction, which no one seems to have mentioned at this point (unless I missed it).
Without getting into the safety of the modifications (yet) here are a few things that struck me. Tell me if I'm off base, missing something, and what you think of the idea in general.
P.S. I have used cam cleats in the past and don't have an issue with them if tied properly, so don't get too focused on that unless you have a different (informed) opinion. How he spent $36 each on them is a mystery to me, but maybe I'm not current on the price of unobtainium. I'm more interested in other aspects of the build and whether he's operating on all cylinders in the first place because:
He claims he's reducing his gear to what looks like [COLOR="#FF0000"]12-13 pounds[/COLOR] on his scale, including one Stagger Step and a thick seat cushion. Well, a Stagger Step weighs 4 pounds by itself (I know: I use them). The stand is listed at 10 (by the poster as well as the manufacturer) but some mfrs exclude the weight of the cushion from their specs. I don't know if Big Game plays that game or not, but let's just assume that the cushion is included in the 10 pounds for the time being.
So, what we are supposed to accept from the pictures is that losing the original mounting hardware and strap, and replacing with two nuts, two bolts, at least two washers, two cam cleats and maybe eight feet of climbing rope produces a net weight savings of [COLOR="#FF0000"]1-2[/COLOR] pounds?
I say, I say, I believe there's something wrong with the boy's scale. :wink
This mod would be lucky to save a pound, I'd think, and that's before we get into the issues of whether or not it would 1) be a safe modification (I'm not a safety nazi and am willing to consider modifications within reasonable limits that I determine, LOL) and 2) be stable in the tree (I'm not sure I envision the ropes as tight and immovable as strap, having used both).
What say you?
[COLOR="#FF0000"]Red ink equals edit for end-of-the-day visual comprehension problems LOL[/COLOR]
Take a look at this Archery Talk thread and tell me where I'm going wrong. I'd engage over there but it's not worth my time sorting through the idiots and the personality-challenged to find the people who know what they're talking about whom I could also tolerate socially.
[url]http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2298845[/url]
It's a thread about modifying a hang-on stand, presumably for weight, but I see the main benefit being noise reduction, which no one seems to have mentioned at this point (unless I missed it).
Without getting into the safety of the modifications (yet) here are a few things that struck me. Tell me if I'm off base, missing something, and what you think of the idea in general.
P.S. I have used cam cleats in the past and don't have an issue with them if tied properly, so don't get too focused on that unless you have a different (informed) opinion. How he spent $36 each on them is a mystery to me, but maybe I'm not current on the price of unobtainium. I'm more interested in other aspects of the build and whether he's operating on all cylinders in the first place because:
He claims he's reducing his gear to what looks like [COLOR="#FF0000"]12-13 pounds[/COLOR] on his scale, including one Stagger Step and a thick seat cushion. Well, a Stagger Step weighs 4 pounds by itself (I know: I use them). The stand is listed at 10 (by the poster as well as the manufacturer) but some mfrs exclude the weight of the cushion from their specs. I don't know if Big Game plays that game or not, but let's just assume that the cushion is included in the 10 pounds for the time being.
So, what we are supposed to accept from the pictures is that losing the original mounting hardware and strap, and replacing with two nuts, two bolts, at least two washers, two cam cleats and maybe eight feet of climbing rope produces a net weight savings of [COLOR="#FF0000"]1-2[/COLOR] pounds?
I say, I say, I believe there's something wrong with the boy's scale. :wink
This mod would be lucky to save a pound, I'd think, and that's before we get into the issues of whether or not it would 1) be a safe modification (I'm not a safety nazi and am willing to consider modifications within reasonable limits that I determine, LOL) and 2) be stable in the tree (I'm not sure I envision the ropes as tight and immovable as strap, having used both).
What say you?
[COLOR="#FF0000"]Red ink equals edit for end-of-the-day visual comprehension problems LOL[/COLOR]
2.) DParker - 08/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23291][COLOR="#FF0000"]Take a look at this Archery Talk thread[/COLOR] and [COLOR="#0000FF"]tell me where I'm going wrong[/COLOR].[/QUOTE]
I believe you [COLOR="#FF0000"]answered[/COLOR] your own [COLOR="#0000FF"]question[/COLOR].
But yeah, I agree. A 6-6.5 lb reduction is bull-....er....optimistic.
I believe you [COLOR="#FF0000"]answered[/COLOR] your own [COLOR="#0000FF"]question[/COLOR].
But yeah, I agree. A 6-6.5 lb reduction is bull-....er....optimistic.
3.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
Well, I also read the scale wrong at first glance, LOL...looks like 12-13 pounds. Let me check again.
4.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
Stand 10#
Cushion ?#
Stick 4#
After Modification: One-pound savings at most. [COLOR="#FF0000"]A closer look at the angle of the scale pic might lead you to believe that the final weight is even as high as 15-16 pounds (explained by the weight of cushion possibly not being included in the 14-pound weight figure I've been using?). So, no weight savings at all? [/COLOR]
Since he said one of his goals was a lightweight stand system, I'm not sure how all this work and the subsequent aggravation on AT achieves that. If he'd said he wanted to build a quieter stand I would have left the whole thing alone, because that is possible, though I never thought it was particularly difficult to be quiet with a traditional strap attachment.
Cushion ?#
Stick 4#
After Modification: One-pound savings at most. [COLOR="#FF0000"]A closer look at the angle of the scale pic might lead you to believe that the final weight is even as high as 15-16 pounds (explained by the weight of cushion possibly not being included in the 14-pound weight figure I've been using?). So, no weight savings at all? [/COLOR]
Since he said one of his goals was a lightweight stand system, I'm not sure how all this work and the subsequent aggravation on AT achieves that. If he'd said he wanted to build a quieter stand I would have left the whole thing alone, because that is possible, though I never thought it was particularly difficult to be quiet with a traditional strap attachment.
5.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;23293]I believe you [COLOR="#FF0000"]answered[/COLOR] your own [COLOR="#0000FF"]question[/COLOR].
[/QUOTE]
LOL....
[/QUOTE]
LOL....
6.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
This thread won't be nearly as much fun now that I've corrected my math...:p
:shh:
:shh:
7.) DParker - 08/12/2014
I always love a good "Hey, look at what I'm doing" thread that quickly devolves into the OP whining because someone offered some feedback that was something other than declarations of his obvious genius.
8.) DParker - 08/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23294]Well, I also read the scale wrong at first glance, LOL...looks like 12-13 pounds. Let me check again.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, it's easily 13 lbs. So he's possibly compromising the safety of his stand in order to save 1-2 lbs. No thanks.
Yeah, it's easily 13 lbs. So he's possibly compromising the safety of his stand in order to save 1-2 lbs. No thanks.
9.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
[QUOTE=DParker;23298]I always love a good "Hey, look at what I'm doing" thread that quickly devolves into the OP whining because someone offered some feedback that was something other than declarations of his obvious genius.[/QUOTE]
This is so true...:-)
I put this project in the "Not Worth It" Category as well. I don't think you automatically commit a safety crime by drilling two extra through-holes but I'd definitely be using bushings and changing my rope annually. Well, to be honest, I'd probably check them regularly but change them only every two years at the most, assuming I'm taking this type of stand out of the woods after each sit. Tree surgeons will probably spank me for saying that. I haven't talked to one yet who won't say to change your ropes every year, even though I use ropes a lot less frequently and less roughly than they do.
I'm much more okay leaving strap or webbing out in the elements than I am rope.
I have always used Grade 8 hardware for stands when I can find it, Grade 5 when I can't. If anyone has a poor opinion of Grade 5 for this or similar projects where loadbearing safety and/or weathering is a concern, please set me straight.
Here's a good resource to remind yourself what you're looking at when you go to buy chain or bolts, etc.:
[url]http://www.k-tbolt.com/material_grade.html[/url]
As far as modifications or no modifications go: Be attached to the tree before you even step on to the stand. I don't trust some guy in a factory any more than I trust myself to do things right 100% of the time.
This is so true...:-)
I put this project in the "Not Worth It" Category as well. I don't think you automatically commit a safety crime by drilling two extra through-holes but I'd definitely be using bushings and changing my rope annually. Well, to be honest, I'd probably check them regularly but change them only every two years at the most, assuming I'm taking this type of stand out of the woods after each sit. Tree surgeons will probably spank me for saying that. I haven't talked to one yet who won't say to change your ropes every year, even though I use ropes a lot less frequently and less roughly than they do.
I'm much more okay leaving strap or webbing out in the elements than I am rope.
I have always used Grade 8 hardware for stands when I can find it, Grade 5 when I can't. If anyone has a poor opinion of Grade 5 for this or similar projects where loadbearing safety and/or weathering is a concern, please set me straight.
Here's a good resource to remind yourself what you're looking at when you go to buy chain or bolts, etc.:
[url]http://www.k-tbolt.com/material_grade.html[/url]
As far as modifications or no modifications go: Be attached to the tree before you even step on to the stand. I don't trust some guy in a factory any more than I trust myself to do things right 100% of the time.
10.) DParker - 08/12/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23300]This is so true...:-)
I put this project in the "Not Worth It" Category as well. [B]I don't think you automatically commit a safety crime by drilling two extra through-holes[/B] but I'd definitely be using bushings and changing my rope annually.[/QUOTE]
Probably not. But at a minimum I'd be accepting the feedback from engineers in the spirit in which it was offered, and at least going back over my modifications with what they'd said in mind. In the end I might still decide that I was good-to-go, but getting pissy because someone offered some thoughts with my and others' safety in mind is childishly stupid.
I put this project in the "Not Worth It" Category as well. [B]I don't think you automatically commit a safety crime by drilling two extra through-holes[/B] but I'd definitely be using bushings and changing my rope annually.[/QUOTE]
Probably not. But at a minimum I'd be accepting the feedback from engineers in the spirit in which it was offered, and at least going back over my modifications with what they'd said in mind. In the end I might still decide that I was good-to-go, but getting pissy because someone offered some thoughts with my and others' safety in mind is childishly stupid.
11.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
I agree. Part of why I didn't bother posting over there, though I was tempted to.
I don't think I've posted over there in about 5 years, LOL.
They sometimes have something worthwhile going on...or maybe a better word would be "interesting." It's just not worth the aggravation to get involved.
I don't think I've posted over there in about 5 years, LOL.
They sometimes have something worthwhile going on...or maybe a better word would be "interesting." It's just not worth the aggravation to get involved.
12.) Swamp Fox - 08/12/2014
Okay, next question:
There's a Lone Wolf stand on that thread that the poster ( not the OP doing the stand mod) claims is 8 pounds. It appears to be "full-sized" and pre-Assault (?) (Assault is their down-sized model). The lightest Assault they made, as far as I know, is the one I have at 11 pounds. They have since made them heavier.
Now, none of this is gospel as I am not a Lone Wolf historian and I might not even be remembering the specs of my own gear correctly.
But an 8-pound Lone Wolf? (Especially if it really is as big as it looks in the picture.)
That one must have gotten past me somehow, or my memory's a LOT worse than it used to be.
Does anyone know the model name and/or years of manufacture if I'm really looking at what is claimed?
I would like to look for one from a willing seller if Luv2 doesn't beat me to it. :wink
There's a Lone Wolf stand on that thread that the poster ( not the OP doing the stand mod) claims is 8 pounds. It appears to be "full-sized" and pre-Assault (?) (Assault is their down-sized model). The lightest Assault they made, as far as I know, is the one I have at 11 pounds. They have since made them heavier.
Now, none of this is gospel as I am not a Lone Wolf historian and I might not even be remembering the specs of my own gear correctly.
But an 8-pound Lone Wolf? (Especially if it really is as big as it looks in the picture.)
That one must have gotten past me somehow, or my memory's a LOT worse than it used to be.
Does anyone know the model name and/or years of manufacture if I'm really looking at what is claimed?
I would like to look for one from a willing seller if Luv2 doesn't beat me to it. :wink
13.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Okay, Google has refreshed my memory of an Assault that was frequently headlined as an 8-pounder but was actually 11 when you looked in the specs. I remember that from a few years ago when I was last shopping Lone Wolf.
Was there ever really an 8 pound Lone Wolf? I don't know. Would like to. Somebody on AT was trading one he claimed was 8 pounds earlier this summer, but I don't read over there often enough to catch that kind of thing.
Was there ever really an 8 pound Lone Wolf? I don't know. Would like to. Somebody on AT was trading one he claimed was 8 pounds earlier this summer, but I don't read over there often enough to catch that kind of thing.
14.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Also, looked further into cleats in case anyone's interested. The OP spent $72 on two cleats. The best you can probably get away with is $62-65 plus shipping, from what I can tell. Working load is only 300 pounds each, so I might go for the belt and suspenders on a 500 # WL model for about $50 each if I had more money than sense.
Since you use two cleats (aluminum) I assume that makes a 300 # WL cleat much more palatable for a 200# hunter if you don't want to go overboard (so to speak).
The poster claims his 300# cleats are the same ones that Muddy uses, but I don't know about that. The 300 and 500# cleats look the same cosmetically. I don't know if they are the same size. The heavier-duty cleats will handle up to 5/8 inch rope, whereas I believe your limit on the lighter cleat is 1/2 inch.
Since you use two cleats (aluminum) I assume that makes a 300 # WL cleat much more palatable for a 200# hunter if you don't want to go overboard (so to speak).
The poster claims his 300# cleats are the same ones that Muddy uses, but I don't know about that. The 300 and 500# cleats look the same cosmetically. I don't know if they are the same size. The heavier-duty cleats will handle up to 5/8 inch rope, whereas I believe your limit on the lighter cleat is 1/2 inch.
15.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Anybody know Brett who used to be on here? I think his handle was BTM Slayer? He built his own stands and knew about welding and what not to drill holes in, presumably.
Somebody give him a shout-out.
This reminds me to dig up an old treestand project I shelved a few years ago for lack of a welder who could do an odd job conveniently...
Somebody give him a shout-out.
This reminds me to dig up an old treestand project I shelved a few years ago for lack of a welder who could do an odd job conveniently...
16.) luv2bowhunt - 08/13/2014
Don't recall any 8 lb Lone Wolf. I believe they lied about their weight for years. I remember picking one up a few years back and thinking it was heavier than I thought it was going to be.
The perfect stand (for me at least) has not been invented yet. When I find it, I'm buying the entire line and refusing to sell any of them to anyone from NC or SC............or Kansas.
The perfect stand (for me at least) has not been invented yet. When I find it, I'm buying the entire line and refusing to sell any of them to anyone from NC or SC............or Kansas.
17.) Hunter - 08/13/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23309]Also, looked further into cleats in case anyone's interested. The OP spent $72 on two cleats. The best you can probably get away with is $62-65 plus shipping, from what I can tell. Working load is only 300 pounds each, so I might go for the belt and suspenders on a 500 # WL model for about $50 each if I had more money than sense.
Since you use two cleats (aluminum) I assume that makes a 300 # WL cleat much more palatable for a 200# hunter if you don't want to go overboard (so to speak).
The poster claims his 300# cleats are the same ones that Muddy uses, but I don't know about that. The 300 and 500# cleats look the same cosmetically. I don't know if they are the same size. The heavier-duty cleats will handle up to 5/8 inch rope, whereas I believe your limit on the lighter cleat is 1/2 inch.[/QUOTE]
IF someone wants cleats and rope tie system, why not go ahead and buy a Muddy stand?
Since you use two cleats (aluminum) I assume that makes a 300 # WL cleat much more palatable for a 200# hunter if you don't want to go overboard (so to speak).
The poster claims his 300# cleats are the same ones that Muddy uses, but I don't know about that. The 300 and 500# cleats look the same cosmetically. I don't know if they are the same size. The heavier-duty cleats will handle up to 5/8 inch rope, whereas I believe your limit on the lighter cleat is 1/2 inch.[/QUOTE]
IF someone wants cleats and rope tie system, why not go ahead and buy a Muddy stand?
18.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
LOL...
Yeah, and I'm not kidding about the 8-pound Lone Wolf that always turns out to be an 11. They're all over the internet, or at least they used to be. I saw one just the other day. It says 8 pounds in the headline and then you read the specs below and it says 11.
In recent years I've come to demand big platforms from stands I want to bowhunt from. I have several stands from my "go light, go far and go fast" stage, but that was mostly rifle hunting. I've come to the conclusion that I absolutely can't use them to shoot a bow standing up.
I'm not built like a fireplug and I sway to maintain balance on a small platform, especially for certain shot angles. Practice and experience has never made that go away completely, and small platforms make it worse. It doesn't matter how tight my tether is either, really, though I think a tether between my shoulders was always worse for balance than being tethered at the waist.
So, anyway, if Muddy could see their way to making a Hunter into a 12-pound stand, that would be as perfect:pray: as you could get these days. 24x34 in. platform, good adjustable seat and good seat height, angle adjustment for leaning trees and batwing cleat for uneven ones. Now listed at 14 pounds, lose the foot rest (which I believe is included in the 14 pounds, but I could be wrong) and use a rope attachment vs. the heavy ratchet and stabilizer strap (which I'll bet is not included in the 14 pounds).
But I'm probably dreaming....
How about a carbon fiber treestand?...:pray:
Yeah, and I'm not kidding about the 8-pound Lone Wolf that always turns out to be an 11. They're all over the internet, or at least they used to be. I saw one just the other day. It says 8 pounds in the headline and then you read the specs below and it says 11.
In recent years I've come to demand big platforms from stands I want to bowhunt from. I have several stands from my "go light, go far and go fast" stage, but that was mostly rifle hunting. I've come to the conclusion that I absolutely can't use them to shoot a bow standing up.
I'm not built like a fireplug and I sway to maintain balance on a small platform, especially for certain shot angles. Practice and experience has never made that go away completely, and small platforms make it worse. It doesn't matter how tight my tether is either, really, though I think a tether between my shoulders was always worse for balance than being tethered at the waist.
So, anyway, if Muddy could see their way to making a Hunter into a 12-pound stand, that would be as perfect:pray: as you could get these days. 24x34 in. platform, good adjustable seat and good seat height, angle adjustment for leaning trees and batwing cleat for uneven ones. Now listed at 14 pounds, lose the foot rest (which I believe is included in the 14 pounds, but I could be wrong) and use a rope attachment vs. the heavy ratchet and stabilizer strap (which I'll bet is not included in the 14 pounds).
But I'm probably dreaming....
How about a carbon fiber treestand?...:pray:
19.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Exactly. But he had an old light stand to modify, so that's the road he went down.
The Bloodsport is the only one they make with the cleats (I believe) and it's over $200. There aren't a lot of hang-ons that could be modified economically, but there are a few.
The Bloodsport is too small for me, so I'd be looking toward a stand I already own, as well, or praying Muddy comes out with a souped up Hunter, as above.
The Bloodsport is the only one they make with the cleats (I believe) and it's over $200. There aren't a lot of hang-ons that could be modified economically, but there are a few.
The Bloodsport is too small for me, so I'd be looking toward a stand I already own, as well, or praying Muddy comes out with a souped up Hunter, as above.
20.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
[QUOTE=Hunter;23327]IF someone wants cleats and rope tie system, why not go ahead and buy a Muddy stand?[/QUOTE]
Exactly. But he had an old light stand to modify, so that's the road he (the guy on AT) went down.
The Bloodsport is the only one they make with the cleats (I believe) and it's over $200. There aren't a lot of hang-ons that could be modified economically, but there are a few.
The Bloodsport is too small for bowhunting for me, so I'd be looking toward a stand I already own, as well, or praying Muddy comes out with a souped up Hunter, as above.
Exactly. But he had an old light stand to modify, so that's the road he (the guy on AT) went down.
The Bloodsport is the only one they make with the cleats (I believe) and it's over $200. There aren't a lot of hang-ons that could be modified economically, but there are a few.
The Bloodsport is too small for bowhunting for me, so I'd be looking toward a stand I already own, as well, or praying Muddy comes out with a souped up Hunter, as above.
21.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Okay...Switching gears...
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?
22.) DParker - 08/13/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23332]Okay...Switching gears...
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?[/QUOTE]
Give her a minute.
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?[/QUOTE]
Give her a minute.
23.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
Everyone loves a Rem 742! LOL
:tu:
:tu:
24.) Swamp Fox - 08/13/2014
You know that picture is going in my collection...
25.) bluecat - 08/14/2014
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;23332]Okay...Switching gears...
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=DParker;23334]Give her a minute.
[/QUOTE]
:applause:
What do you all want to see in your perfect treestand?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=DParker;23334]Give her a minute.
[/QUOTE]:applause:
26.) bluecat - 08/14/2014
And here I thought "mod" stood for modification when all this time it meant "model".
27.) luv2bowhunt - 08/14/2014
I want in the following order;
Easy to hang
Lightweight
Comfy
Easy to hang
Quiet
Portable
Decent size platform
Easy to hang
I think that covers it. I hate stands that you need 3 hands to hang. I screw a hook in to hold the stands for me until I strap them down, but some designs make it difficult to get your hook back out unless you only semi-tighten it initially.
Easy to hang
Lightweight
Comfy
Easy to hang
Quiet
Portable
Decent size platform
Easy to hang
I think that covers it. I hate stands that you need 3 hands to hang. I screw a hook in to hold the stands for me until I strap them down, but some designs make it difficult to get your hook back out unless you only semi-tighten it initially.
28.) bluecat - 08/14/2014
I take a small carabiner and clip the stand to a loop around the tree. That is my third hand. Then you can untie the loop or just recover the carabiner when you take the stand down.
All my stands have a little loop tied around them so they can be easily clipped to another loop up in the tree.
All my stands have a little loop tied around them so they can be easily clipped to another loop up in the tree.
29.) luv2bowhunt - 08/14/2014
[QUOTE=bluecat;23355]I take a small carabiner and clip the stand to a loop around the tree. That is my third hand. Then you can untie the loop or just recover the carabiner when you take the stand down.
All my stands have a little loop tied around them so they can be easily clipped to another loop up in the tree.[/QUOTE]
That's a good idea. Will try something like that I think, but just what I need. More gear and gizmos to add to the prep, pack, and placement of treestands.
All my stands have a little loop tied around them so they can be easily clipped to another loop up in the tree.[/QUOTE]
That's a good idea. Will try something like that I think, but just what I need. More gear and gizmos to add to the prep, pack, and placement of treestands.
30.) Swamp Fox - 08/15/2014
I like the rope and beener idea...I've used eye hooks and j- hooks in the past. One thing that works pretty well is the hook from a garment bag. I have one that has a short length of small chain which allows you to manipulate it a little better.
The neat thing is that it doubles as a gear grabber when you drop something out of the stand, or leave an item on the ground.
The neat thing is that it doubles as a gear grabber when you drop something out of the stand, or leave an item on the ground.
31.) Swamp Fox - 08/15/2014
[QUOTE=luv2bowhunt;23353]I want in the following order;
Easy to hang
Lightweight
Comfy
Easy to hang
Quiet
Portable
Decent size platform
Easy to hang
I think that covers it. I hate stands that you need 3 hands to hang. I screw a hook in to hold the stands for me until I strap them down, but some designs make it difficult to get your hook back out unless you only semi-tighten it initially.[/QUOTE]
Give us details, man!
I know you're pretty focused on under 12 pounds.
I'm focused on that as well, and I find the 24 x34 platform perfect. It should be adjustable to accommodate leaning trees, and be hangable without a ratchet fastener when desired. Seat height must be at least 21 inches and a little higher is better for bowhunting. 21 or lower is good for gun hunting when you rest your elbow on your knee to aim. I have one stand with an adjustable seat height, and that thing would be the bomb if the seat were comfortable. It also was a swivel seat, which is nice but not absolutely necessary. It's nice to have a seat that has an adjustable angle.. If bars are used rather than mesh, the bars must be spaced close enough so that your boot doesn't roll when getting ready for the shot. A batwing cleat is nice for the upper brace. Carrying straps should have plenty of options for (consistent) placement.
Also, regarding your easy-to-hang requirement: a pulley is your friend. :wink
Easy to hang
Lightweight
Comfy
Easy to hang
Quiet
Portable
Decent size platform
Easy to hang
I think that covers it. I hate stands that you need 3 hands to hang. I screw a hook in to hold the stands for me until I strap them down, but some designs make it difficult to get your hook back out unless you only semi-tighten it initially.[/QUOTE]
Give us details, man!
I know you're pretty focused on under 12 pounds.
I'm focused on that as well, and I find the 24 x34 platform perfect. It should be adjustable to accommodate leaning trees, and be hangable without a ratchet fastener when desired. Seat height must be at least 21 inches and a little higher is better for bowhunting. 21 or lower is good for gun hunting when you rest your elbow on your knee to aim. I have one stand with an adjustable seat height, and that thing would be the bomb if the seat were comfortable. It also was a swivel seat, which is nice but not absolutely necessary. It's nice to have a seat that has an adjustable angle.. If bars are used rather than mesh, the bars must be spaced close enough so that your boot doesn't roll when getting ready for the shot. A batwing cleat is nice for the upper brace. Carrying straps should have plenty of options for (consistent) placement.
Also, regarding your easy-to-hang requirement: a pulley is your friend. :wink
32.) luv2bowhunt - 08/15/2014
Pulleys seem like a hassle to carry and then hook up. How many stands do you setup in a day? I don't normally do more than 2.
I tried the treestand carrier vest thingie, but found it too cumbersome to hook up and then take off the stand. Although it was much more comfortable than any carry straps I've ever tried.
I like mesh platforms much more than the ones with the bars. Under 12 lbs is a must and I luv a stand that has a chain that goes around the tree first and then you simply hang the stand on it.
If I had the time and deeper pockets I would so do some R & D and come up with the perfect stand.
I tried the treestand carrier vest thingie, but found it too cumbersome to hook up and then take off the stand. Although it was much more comfortable than any carry straps I've ever tried.
I like mesh platforms much more than the ones with the bars. Under 12 lbs is a must and I luv a stand that has a chain that goes around the tree first and then you simply hang the stand on it.
If I had the time and deeper pockets I would so do some R & D and come up with the perfect stand.
33.) Swamp Fox - 04/10/2015
Bumping this up for all the off-season treestand mechanics and backyard tinkerers out there.
I'd like to get in touch with BTM Deerslayer if anyone knows where he is.
I'd like to get in touch with BTM Deerslayer if anyone knows where he is.
34.) Wild Bob - 04/10/2015
I'm sorry there's no grease monkeys here... :-)
35.) Deerminator - 04/10/2015
Betchya the guy only weighs 110lbs himself.
36.) crookedeye - 04/11/2015
I have this old gorilla silverback stand I had up for 10 years now..solid stand but I think I may retire it this year because of worry about cable rottage are something snapping and me breaking my neck..cleared a area a couple weeks ago while turkey hunting abut 50 yards from that stand .. I can use a climber or put a fix stand in it..
my tree before that fell over one year and got hung up on another tree just out of reach of my bowhanger I left in it..
my tree before that fell over one year and got hung up on another tree just out of reach of my bowhanger I left in it..