The best tree stand can provide a good vantage point. Using a tree stand, it also ensures that your scent is picked up by animals passing by. Since mother nature has equipped the whitetails with and acute sense of smell and sight, you have to be really careful when you want to stay hidden from the senses of a deer. If you are into archery, bow hunting or deer hunting, then it’s best to pick the right tree stand to enhance your experience.
Type of tree stand
The essay outline will be in 3 different segments namely hanging stands, climbing stands and ladder stands. In my opinion, a person avid in hunting should have at least 2 different types of stand. This is because they can cater for a wider array of environment if they have 2 kinds of tree stand.
Hang-on tree stand
It is generally harder to set up a hang-on tree stand but this would be the tree stand for you if you would want to set-up in a dense forest. I would recommend a hang-on tree stand if you want to set up on a tree which is in odd shape or has a lot of branches.
The only downside for a hang-on tree stand is you need some climbing sticks to get onto the stand. If there are many mature trees in your hunting spot, I encourage you to choose a hang-on tree stand because it can help conceal you.
Ladder Tree stand
Ladder stand is a great choice if you love to haul more weight onto your tree stand. It is also advisable to use a ladder tree stand if you decide to hunt at one spot for a long period of time because the ladder can really save you a lot of hassle.
The ladder tree stand is a lot more similar to the hang-on stand, but itt is only equipped with a ladder to aid climbing.
There is one downside where the ladder tree stand can only be of limited height. Usually, a typical ladder tree stand would have a height about 12 feet to 20 feet. You would also need more time to set-up this stand and it generally weighs heavier compared to other tree stands.
Climbing tree stand
If you love to move around often, you should get a climbing tree stand because they are the most portable tree stand around in the market. Usually, climbing tree stand are lighter than their peers and usually weigh about 12 to 30 lbs.
Backpack straps are also provided to ensure better movement. Not only that, the climbing tree stand is really easy to move around, easily adjusted to new height or face a different direction.
The only drawback is that climbing stand usually requires a straight tree which has very few branches if you want to set up on there. So, having a climbing stand will allow you to cover more area in a forest without having to buy any more stands.
Best 8 tree stand in the market comparison table
These are the best 8 tree stands which I can find in the market. Feel free to take a quick glance on the specifications below.
| Product | Type | weight | Weight capacity | Platform Size | Tree diameter | Design | seat size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit Viper SD | Climbing | 29 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 20" x 26.5" | 8" to 20" | Mossy Oak | 18" x 12" | $$$ |
| Lone Wolf Hand Climber | Climbing | 17.5 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 30" x 19.5" | 6" to 19" | Camouflage pattern | 14" x 12" | $$$$ |
| Lone Wolf Alpha II | Hang On | 14 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 30" x 19.5" | 4" to 22" | 3-D Camo design | 14" x 12" (height: 21") | $$$ |
| Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series | Ladder | 90 lbs. | 500 lbs. | 53"x13" | 12" to 22" | Camouflage pattern | 36" x 15" | $$$ |
| Guide Gear (Hang On) | Hang On | 28 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 24" x 29.5" | 4" to 22" | Leaf camouflage | 17"x10"x21" | $ |
| Millennium Treestands M100U | Hang On | 11.5 lbs. | 300 lbs. | 20"x38" | 6" to 20" | Green | 20" x 17" | $$ |
| Guide Gear (Ladder) | Ladder | 52 lbs. | 300 lbs | 17.25" x 12.25" | 9" to 22" | Camouflage pattern | 19.25" x 13.5" | $ |
| Summit Dual Pro | Ladder | 88 lbs. | 350 lbs. -1 500lbs.-2 | 32" x 39" | 8" to 20" | Camouflage pattern | 37.25" x 26" | $$$ |
Top criteria in choosing a tree stand
Type
Basically, I would separate this essay into three sections namely, hanging tree stand, climbing tree stand and ladder tree stand. Each tree stand will serve its own purpose, so it would be wise if you can take some time to read the information as given above.
For example, a ladder tree stand is really useful if you know where you want to place your tree stand for a long time but it is not pleasant to carry it around as it generally weighs more.
Weight
The weight of the tree stand is a really important criteria to consider too. Remember, you not only have to carry the tree stand all the way into the forest, you still have to set up the tree stand as well. To ensure that the whole process is easy, the best weight based on your preference should be chosen.
Even so, the sturdiness and quality of the tree stand should be considered too. Do not discount the fact that quality tree stands actually weighs considerably heavy too.
Weight capacity
It would be wise that you check the weight rating of every tree stand before you test it out on a tree. Basically, you need to regulate the amount of things you bring to the tree stand based on the maximum weight the tree stand can carry.
The weight capacity of a tree stand must be taken note of before you fall to a painful lesson! Usually, most tree stand can hold up to 300lbs. of weight.
Safety
It would be great if the tree stand actually comes with safety harness to keep you safe. Be sure that setting up the tree stand is no easy task and you definitely need some tools to keep you safe. Also, be sure to use a good treestand safety harness as well. If you are interested for some rangefinder binoculars, please look at the post here.
Not only that, having a strong safety rail and a wide platform will also be helpful. During hunting, you may not be aware of the tree stand and easily fall down to your demise.
Comfort
No doubt, you will be sitting or even standing up on the tree stand for hours on end. Hence, you definitely need to search for a tree stand which provides maximum comfort.
It would be better if the platform on the tree stand is wide enough for movement. While the seats have to be considerably comfortable so that you do not have a sore bum at the end of the hunting trip.
Side note: It would be better if you are able to navigate your way through the thick marsh by using a GPS.
Climbing tree stand
I would encourage people who loves to carry a large backpack up a tree to get a climbing tree stand because they are generally much easier to get up with a larger weight on the back.
To use thee climbing tree stand properly, the hunter must find a considerably large tree trunk which has minimal amount of obstructing limbs.
Summit Treestands Viper SD Climbing Treestand, Mossy Oak (Review)
The Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand is designed to provide a perfect balance of roominess, comfort, versatility and low weight, the Viper SD is a solid choice for rifle or bow hunting–and for hunters who would like a more portable stand.
The Viper SD features a comfortable foam-padded seat that can be raised for bow hunting and lowered for hunting with a gun. The solid front bar makes climbing easier and works well as a gun rest. The Viper SD is also highly portable with a frame that nests together and packs on your back.
You can be sure that this is an excellent quality tree stand. The treestand will be able to hold firmly on the tree because it has thick and good quality cables to wrap around the tree. It can be able to hold up a huge amount of weight, does not matter even if you are a big in size.
Moreover, you can easily carry this tree stand on your back because there are backpack straps. As for the set-up, it is really simple to set-up on a tree with no pins. No tools are necessary (screws, pins and bolts included) to get the tree stand up firmly.
Not like any other tree stand, the safety harness that comes with the Summit Treestand Viper SD Climbing treestand is high quality and definitely for long-term use. Also, the manuals are really descriptive and should be read with care especially those who are unfamiliar with the use of this safety harness.
Also, it helps you to hunt up to 20 to 25 feet up a tree with no fear because the viper tree stand is extreme stable and rock solid. The Summit Treestand Viper SD is really quiet even when climbing or sitting where no creaking sound would be present. This makes it extremely suitable for hunting.
For the disadvantages, the product is a little heavier if you want to haul it yourself into the forest. The safety harness provided is not the standard one, hence it requires a little bit of getting used to. Also, the padding to cover the metal rails might not suffice.
Moving on to the specs, the Summit Treestand Viper SD can hold up to 300 lbs. of weight while it weighs 29 lbs. The seat size has a dimension of 18” width x 12” depth for the seat size. The platform size is 20” width x 26.5” depth.
As a bonus, the Summit Treestands Viper SD includes full-body fall arrest harness system. This treestand also includes all necessary hardware such as the 4-point safety harness
Built to last, the Viper HD is covered by Summit’s Five Year Limited Warranty
Furhermore, the engineers of Summit Treestand has developed a method to reduce metal-to-metal sound which is related with the aluminum tubing. Summit’s DeadMetal Sound Deadening Teachnology helps keep the noise down by filling in critical parts of your stand with custom-made expanding foam. Summit Treestand has spent years to refine Deadmetal Technology because they understand that noise reduction is key to keeping you concealed.
The RapidClimb Stirrups are made to increase comfort while being adjustable to fit into any boot. The RapidClimb technology is designed in a way that keeps your boot securely attached. Basically the stirrups are made to allow you to climb quickly while reducing your probability of falling.
In addition, Summit Treestand has invented a cable retention system which is one of the most important feature among others. Summit Treestand has invented one of the fastest and quietest cable attachment system.
Summit Treestand even equipped this with SummitLokt which is a high quality aluminum is used to make the joints and make sure they can lock into place before welding. With the SummitLokt Technology, the stresses on the weld is minimized. With this high-end technology, you can look no futher to a concealed, quiet and even safe stand.
Since the shooting bar for this tree stand is lower than other tree stands, it would be easier for you to shoot deer which are located right under you.
Just to conclude, this tree stand is for you if you like to have a tree stand which is equipped with the modern features. Those features are actually added for extra comfort and safety.
Advantage
- With all the latest features, you can be sure that this tree stand can hold onto any tree without problem.
- This tree stand would be excellent if you like to go high up onto a tree because of its added functionality.
Disadvantage
- The padding cover on the safety rail is not sufficient, hence you have to be really careful not to make a sound.
Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II Climbing Tree Stand (Review)
If you love to roam around the woods freely, the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand will be the one for you. This is especially useful for hunters who wants to move to different trees to hunt.
The Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand is especially great for mobility if you cannot leave your tree stand in one spot and you have to move your gear every day. This is because the climbing stand is really light and it is great for packing. It is smaller in size than most tree stands and weighs much lighter too as compared to other tree stands.
Since the climbing tree stand is considerably slim in size, all of the weight will be directed against your back which makes it back-friendly. Basically, the tree stand will pull you backwards when you are walking which is especially useful while crossing a puddle of water. The back-pulling will also be better for your back as compared to the gears making you hunch. The slim pack will allow you to move more swiftly too.
Furthermore, you can be sure that you will feel very secure on top of this extremely sturdy tree stand. Since it is wobble-free, you will have no fear while you are on top of a tree. Not only that, this tree stand will also easily attach to a tree.
Also, you can be sure that the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand is extremely quiet when there is movement. You will definitely be able to climb up and down the tree stand with ease.
Moreover, you can be sure that this tree stand is easy to fold and it is made for backpacking hunters. With it being really light and compact, it makes it much easier to pack. Basically, this tree stand can fold up flat while it can be strapped on your back just like a backpack. The Hand Climber Combo II can fold down to a folding length of 5 inches which is perfect for backpacking.
With the spacious platform, it does not matter if you have large feet or just loves to wear big boots. The large platform will allow you to move comfortably when you are up on the tree. It is also big enough to ensure portability, which means it is in optimal size.
You will definitely be stealthy and low profile if you bring this tree stand to your hunt. Going low profile will be easy even when you have to go through patches of woods and swamps. You will be able to move fast with minimum sound coming from your side.
Since it has a flexible set-up, this tree stand can be attached to many different kinds of trees too. Even if there are limbs between the platform, you can be sure to set it up there. The seats also can be maneuvered and the base can also be twisted so that you are at your preferred angle. The seat can also be folded up if you want more space for movement during bow hunting.
Moving to some disadvantages, the seat for this climbing tree stand is a bit small which actually caters for mobility. After long hours of sitting, you will start to feel a bit uncomfortable. The small seat will also mean that you have limited movement which may be a problem for some.
Since the platform is facing against you, the so-called teeth that will hold the stand to the tree will be just behind your head. You may want to put some cushion or extra cloth at the back of your head so that no accidental injuries may occur.
You need a considerable of practice if you want to get this tree stand on a tree. I would admit that the set-up would be quite challenging. You have to be a pro in getting the straps around the base of the tree which makes the tree stand stable. Getting the right angle for the platform is imperative so that you can target your game easily.
You really need to build up on your core muscle if you get in and out of your climbing tree stand often which accounts for harder access. Usually, we do not go in and out often because we do not want to waste the opportunity of spotting a game. Even so, getting in and out of the tree stand will require some core strength on your side.
With the given bad instructions, it would be better if you can check external sources for setting up this tree stand. The instructions given may be a bit unclear for most people.
Moreover, the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand only weighs 17.5 pounds! This is definitely the tree stand you have to get if you love moving around the woods.
Also, the tree stand has a considerably large platform where the full size is 30” x 19.5”. This is really roomy which allows plenty of space for movement. This one-piece cast aluminum platform can definitely hold your body weight while allowing movement. Especially when you want to aim, you will be glad that the platform is big enough for you.
The Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand has a distinctive 3-D camouflage platform design which patented in the United States by Lone Wolf. The seat pad is contoured so that it can fit the size of your body to provide maximum comfort.
This tree stand can fit trees which ranges from a total diameter of 6” to 19”. This range can fit most trees which are found in the forest. The weight rating for this tree stand is more than its peers, which is 350 pounds. You can be sure that this tree stand is sturdy enough to hold loads of weight given to it.
As a bonus, the Lone Wolf hand or climber combo feature helps you to pack your gear in and out of the woods after a day’s hunt. It is made to ease the carrying process.
The straps that comes with the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand are really pliable and solid plastic. They will definitely be durable enough to ensure your safety while climbing a tree for a long time. It is recommended that the straps are changed every 3 years too for better safety. Moreover, the teeth present on the straps will definitely grab onto the tree without any problem. Since the straps are flexible too, you can get up to many different kinds of trees which has odd shapes where the straps will just fit to the tree nicely.
Not only that, the Traction Belt System will allow you to adjust to any trees although they have a weird shape. Also, you can choose the angle that you prefer very precisely too. With this system, you can climb pass limbs without problem or even move from one tree to another tree. The cam belt will be very quiet, while still be able to lock onto the tree firmly. The 2 traction belts are registered and patented in the United States. You can even get longer traction belts separately which are sold by Lone Wolf.
There is even an in-cast bow holder that comes with the tree stand can accommodate most of the parallel limb bows in the market. The holder is there to ease your sore arms so that you can have a rest while leaving the bow on the rest.
All of the straps are included to ease carrying the tree stand to the woods. A padded backpack strap is even available in the market if you prefer that. Only one bungee strap will be included in the set.
For your safety, there is even a 6-pt Fall Arrest System. The fall arrest system is there to keep you safe and prevent you from falling after climbing high up the ground. This arrest system is already tested to meet with industry standards.
For the bottom line, this would be the tree stand for you if you love to backpack! This stand is nearly perfect especially for those who love a stand that is highly portable. Although this stand is not too big, it is made for you to bring it around the woods with ease.
I would definitely recommend the Lone Wolf Hand Climber Combo II climbing tree stand to the expert hunter out there. You can get the angle you want with ease while hauling this to the woods with stealth. This would be worth every penny you pay for!
Advantage
- This tree stand is extremely good for mobility because of its lightweight and sleek design.
- With the sturdiness, you can be sure that the tree stand will be really quiet which will be much appreciated during hunting season.
- You can basically set this tree stand up almost anywhere! The set-up is extremely flexible although some skills is required.
Disadvantage
- The small seat will be a pain in the butt if you are sitting in for long hours.
- You really need to build you core muscles to get up on this tree stand with ease, your ability to climb will be much desired.
Hang-On tree stand
A Hang-On tree stand can aid the process of hauling it to the woods. It is designed to “hang-on” many different types of trees and ease the process of setting it up.
Lone Wolf Alpha II Hang-on Tree Stand (Review)
This is a product manufactured by the ever-popular Lone Wolf Treestand. If you are looking for a good quality tree stand, this would be the one for you! This is another quality tree stand made by Americans in the United States of America.
Lone Wolf is well-known for their exceptional customer service. Just call them up if you find any trouble with you product and they will assist you immediately.
To start off, the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand is a really good quality stand which is made with extreme care and attention to details. If you are serious in hunting, this would be the tree stand to invest in.
Next, this tree stand is really quiet. You will not hear any squeak or any other sounds for that matter again. This tree stand will only squeak once in a while under intense pressure. Overall, this tree stand is silent even if you move around quite a lot.
Not only this stand is heavily and professionally constructed, it is also very mobile. Since it is light and compact, you can always move to different places when deemed necessary to hunt for a better probability of getting a trophy. This stand basically can go anywhere you want it to go, which is rarely found in most tree stands. You are not limited to straight trees, just fix this tree stand to any place you think has high deer density.
The Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand is really easy to set-up and hang on trees. I would recommend getting a hook strap so that the installation process can be much easier. If you are a hunter on the move, this would be the tree stand with the perfect set-up.
Also, since this tree stand is spacious, it will also work excellent for hunters who are bigger in size. Also, the foot rest is made as one continuous piece of metal, which is really suitable for people who are large in size. There are plenty of space on the platform. With this space, you will also feel safer because there is less possibility of falling onto the ground. The huge aluminum platform measures to about 30” x 19.5” which is bigger than most tree stand.
Next, this tree stand is packed in a very sleek package. Lone Wolf has done an excellent job in making sure you get to easily pack this tree stand. This is especially true if you have Lone Wolf climbing sticks which complements nicely with this tree stand.
Since this is built with quality aluminum, the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand is meant to be really durable and last you a very long time. This tree stand can hold up to 350 pounds of things, which is bigger than most tree stands. Also, this tree stand only weighs 14 pounds! This makes hauling this tree stand into the forest much easier.
Basically, the platform is made with full cast aluminum while the climbing sticks are made with strong aluminum too. You can be sure that this stand will be sturdy enough to hold you. Since the material used to make this tree stand is light but solid aluminum, this shows that the tree stand is made with lightweight construction.
You will be surprised how every single detail of the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand is well thought of. The details on the quality and design which is made to let you climb on most trees.
The seat pad measures about 14” x 12” with a height of 21”. The contoured foam seat pad is made to provide you with good comfort. Also, this tree stand can fit most trees. The diameter that this tree stand can fit ranges from 4” to 22”.
In addition, the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand is painted with the distinctive 3-D camouflage pattern design which is patented by Lone Wolf. Talking more about the features, the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand also comes with the new cast bow holder which accommodates almost all the parallel limb bows.
Moving on to the cons, this tree stand has an uncomfortable seat. The seat that comes with this tree stand is not padded with cushions, so you would need some time to get used to this tree stand. You may not be able to sit for long hours on this seat because it will give you a sore bottom. Even so, it is to cater for greater utility which means the stand can go anywhere. Actually, it is a matter of individual preference and a bit of getting used to. Some people might find the seat very comfortable too.
Setting up this tree stand may even be slower than setting up a climbing tree stand because of the huge amount of tying at the base which needs to be done properly.
The backpack straps which comes with this tree stand is not padded and they are quite narrow. It may be uncomfortable for a few. If you prefer, you can get some new backpack straps too. The harness that comes with it may also be a bit low quality depending on the individual.
Also, the buckles on this tree stand may cause some clanking sounds which has to be resolved. The sound will be produced when the buckle hits the stand frame.
Moving on to some features, the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand also comes with backpack straps with optional padded straps for added comfort. There is even a 6-pt Fall Arrest System where this is a safety mechanism is tested and it is confirmed that this tree stand meets industry standards.
Just for your convenience, the tree stand has a self-leveling seat and platfrom where you can adjust yourself to your preferred height.
In comparison to other tree stands, this might be considered excellent. Getting Lone Wolf climbing sticks would be perfect for the Lone Wolf Alpha II hang-on tree stand because the quality matches each other.
To conclude, this would be the tree stand for you if you love to move around a lot. I would say that the quality is definitely worth the price.
Advantage
- This tree stand is really mobile because it is compact and lightweight.
- Moreover, this tree stand is considerably easy to set-up compared to most tree stand.
Disadvantage
- The seats provided are small and you will definitely have a sore bum after sitting for hours.
Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-on Tree Stand (Review)
This is a product made by Guide Gear. With this hang-on tree stand, you can basically hunt on any tree with great comfort and ease. The Guide Gear Deluxe hang-on tree stand will be the one for you if you love to move around often.
First off, the Guide Gear Deluxe hang-on tree stand is the cheapest tree stand here and it is good quality. I would say it cost really cheap because the construction is really good quality! For example, the hang-on tree stand is made from sturdy steel construction. You can definitely bet on using this tree stand for years to come because of the quality steel used to make this tree stand. With this sturdy steel construction, it can even hold considerable amount of weight while keeping you safe and sound.
The amount of weight this tree stand can hold is 300 lbs. which is the norm for all tree stands. This means it is sturdy enough to hold a considerable amount of weight, taking into account the things you would haul up onto the tree. This tree stand is made for you if you are larger in size too.
Next, you are in for an easy set-up if you get this tree stand. The setup may take roughly less than 30 minutes and it is totally fine if you want to do it by yourself. But be warned, the tree stand is heavy and you may need some muscles carrying it up the tree.
Furthermore, this is a really comfortable stand because you will not feel sore after standing or even for a long time. You can be sure to stand upright wobble-free. Your butt will not feel soar even after you sit in for long hours as there are comfortable seats. The seats are measured with 17” x 10” x 21” which is quite spacious.
Not to mention, the suspension-style seat. The suspension-style seat will definitely keep you comfortable even if you are hunting for 24 hours. All you have to do is loosen the straps and the seat will drop low.
There is even padded armrest on this hang-on tree stand. This is given by Gear Guide to ensure that you are provided with maximum comfort while hunting. Most hanging stand do not have an arm rest, this would be the tree stand you need to have if you want to stay up the tree for a longer period of time. Added with the comfortable seats and spacious stand, you can stay up there for hours.
You will also have great mobility as you can climb up most trees with the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-on tree stand. Since it is light, you will be really comfortable moving around with this tree stand too. This will be the cheapest tree stand where you will also be able to move it quicker during the rut because of its lighter weight.
Not only that, the functionality of this tree stand is highly versatile. This stand is really suitable for both bow hunting and rifle hunting. Also, you can definitely fit this tree stand in most places, especially places where there are many plants limiting your field of vision.
You will be surprised how the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting hang-on tree is solid and sturdy like a rock. You will be able to stand up feeling secure especially high off the ground because this tree stand is wobble-free.
Moreover, the Guide Gear Deluxe hunting hang-on tree stand is very durable. You can just put up the tree stand and leave it out in the woods. Once in a while, just loosen the straps to paint the bolts so that they will not rust and will be more durable.
I would like to emphasize on the powder-coated feature. The tree stand is powder coated so that it is resistant to rust and corrosion. The powder can increase the durability of this tree stand to face the different weathers you meet with. The whole stand is basically green powder-coated at the surface to make it last longer. Not only that, there will be a bar on the front of the tree stand which is used to rest your gun or crossbow.
This hang-on tree stand also has a spacious platform. This treestand has plenty of room for you to move around on the platform. It will help you to reduce the soreness for staying long hours up in the woods. The mesh platform is really wide as it measures about 24” x 29.5”.
The large foot platform will definitely be enough for you to stretch your legs when you want to. You do not have to worry about feeling sore in the knee after you stayed up on this tree stand for long hours. The large room will enable you to stand or sit while shooting.
For your safety, the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-on tree stand also includes 2 ratchet straps which are needed for your safety. The FAS safety harness actually weighs about 33 lbs. The straps that comes with this tree stand is a bonus because of its excellent quality and how well it will work.
Now, the most obvious downside of this tree stand is paint chipping. After a while, the paint may come off and the tree stand would be exposed to rust. You have to take the tree stand down and paint the bolts so that they can last for years to come. To avoid the tree stand from looking unpleasant, you have to do is paint some camouflage paint.
The instructions provided in the manual would not be that clear, so you may need to refer to other sources for the setup. Even so, it is still not that hard to put it together with a little bit of common sense. Even so, you may need a few tries for setting up this hanging tree stand.
Additionally, the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting hang-on tree stand weigh heavy, hence, you are encouraged to use a ratchet strap when you want to hang it. For your own safety, you should get better ratchet straps so that you do not hurt yourself while setting up this tree stand. Although the set-up is quite simple, you need some muscles to move the pieces around as it is heavy.
It may be a little bit difficult for you to get in and out of the tree stand. I would recommend that you get some pegs and place it behind the stand and above the back rest. So, you access the tree stand easily when you want to.
The seat fabric will cause a bit of noise during movement. Although the tree stand will not wobble, the raincoat-like seat fabric will produce sound when you rub on it.
Just to conclude, this is a really high quality and sturdy climbing tree stand. Trust me, Guide Gear has designed the Deluxe Hunting Hang-on tree stand to be really durable and high quality, while you only pay a small cost for this excellent quality hang-on stand.
If you do not want to break the bank for a tree stand, the Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-on tree stand is definitely the tree stand for you. With this price, you can get unmatched quality and dependability which is really difficult to find for tree stands at this price.
Advantage
- Cheapest good quality hang-on tree stand in the market.
- The tree stand is really comfortable because of the spacious platform, suspension style seat and even padded armrest.
Disadvantage
- The paint will come off after using the tree stand for a long time.
- This tree stand is also bulky and weighs heavy as compared to other hang-on stands.
Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-On Tree Stand (Review)
This is another great quality hang-on tree stand which is manufactured by Millennium Outdoors. Excellent quality product with great customer service is proven to be provided by Millennium Tree stand.
First off, this may be one of the lightest stand which you can haul to the woods. This aluminum tree stand is every bit as light compared to its peers. You just cannot find anything lighter than 11.5 lbs. in the hanging tree stand market.
For hanging stands, this is one of the more comfortable hang-on tree stand which you can find in the market. The tree stand would be comfortable be it day or night! This would definitely be the tree stand you are looking for if you would like to stay outside for 12 hours.
Also, this tree stand is high quality because the welds that come with the tree stand are really clean while the paint are extremely durable.
Compared to all its peers, Millennium Treestand has travelled the extra mile to provide a lifeline for the Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-on tree stand. Basically, this is a necessity on every lock-on tree stands which helps you to stay connected to the trees. It will reduce the possibility of you falling while moving in and out of the stand.
Moving on to the specification, the seat height is about 17 inches. The seat measures to about 20 inches in widths and 17 inches in depth. The platform is considerably big with W 20” x D 38”. The total weight capacity for this tree stand is 300 lbs.
The Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-on tree stand will provide you with good mobility because it is generally 20 percent lighter than the original M100 tree stand. Not only that, it can easily fold flat which is essentially made for backpacking.
To ease your effort to bring the tree stand around, the Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-on tree stand comes with backpack straps which are useful if you want to carry it around the woods. Since the tree stand comes with a chain receiver, you can use this rather than the Millennium ratchet. Basically, you have the option of mounting multiple receivers for this tree stand.
As for the features, there is a folding seat where you can fold the seat against the tree if you like to stand and shoot. Not only that, the Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-on tree stand is made exclusively with the patented comfort-max seats which are contoured to provide maximum satisfaction. It is even made with tight sling so that you can hunt all day without feeling sore on your bottom.
You can gain extra visibility where you can see what is behind the tree by looking over your own shoulders. This is a feature which is not present in other tree stands.
The tree stand is constructed fully by aluminum which is coated by durable powder coat. This two features are enough to proof that this tree stand is extremely durable. The tree stand is also Ergonomic. The sling seat actually reduces pressure on the pressure points of the tree stand. It will help you to keep your back off the tree which reduces pressure on your back.
Although this tree stand is lighter, it is very secure with the steel lock-on. With the lock-on, the tree stand would not wobble as much, making it much safer for you to move around.
As for the disadvantages, you may want to consider adding a cam buckle. It is common for most hang-on stands to wobble. Hence, most hang-on stands require an IMHO which is adding a ratchet strap at the base of the tree stand to make it stable. But even if it is not added, the tree stand is still plenty steady. This is an additional feature if you want more peace of mind.
If you are wearing cold weather gears to hunt, the seat may be a bit small for you. This is because the safety harness which you are wearing may make noise as it contacts with the seat straps which is quite close to your body with the small space.
To conclude, the Millennium Treestands M100U Loc-On Lite Hang-on tree stand has a lifetime warranty. Millennium Treestands will be more than happy to replace or fix any faulty products they sell, no questions asked.
In a nutshell, this is a quality tree stand which is comfortable to sit in, quiet enough to hunt and really easy to setup. If you like to take down your stand every day and try new locations, this would definitely be the perfect stand for you!
Advantage
- This is one of the more comfortable hang-on stands where you can sit for hours without problem.
- The lifeline provided by Millennium Treestand will be an added bonus to your safety.
Disadvantage
- The only contradicting thing is that you cannot wear clothes that are too big on the seat as you may rub on the safety.
Ladder tree stand
Ladder tree stands are used usually when hunters already determined which spot they want to hunt. A ladder stand is extremely useful for you to ascent and descend form the tree stand, while providing you a sense of sturdiness especially when you are up on the tree.
Big Dog BDL-1050 17.5′ Stadium Series (Review)
The Big Dog is also known to fix any problems you face with their product immediately. They will ensure that they provide top quality without any questions asked. Basically, Big Dog will provide the most customer satisfaction.
Popular for extremely good quality and customer satisfaction, you cannot get it wrong with any Big Dog products be it climbing sticks or even tree stands.
To start off, the Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series is considerably easy to assemble on a tree. You will be amazed with the easy set up as you need a very short time to set up this tree stand because it is really easy for installation.
The tree stand is very stable in different weather conditions even in high winds. Even for two people, the tree stand is still really sturdy and comfortable. Since this tree stand is so well built, you can basically not doubt the quality Big Dog provides because the durability will speak for itself after years of using.
Furthermore, Big Dog has provided a really clear instruction which helps ease the assembly process of the tree stand.
Great quality product which is coupled with really good customer service, you can be sure that the parts can be delivered in less than a week if the parts are missing.
The Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series is highly durable and can definitely face the unpleasant weather for months. The tree stand is extremely good quality and it is definitely made to withstand abuse for a long time.
Furthermore, this is a really comprehensive kit. The kit that comes with the Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series basically includes everything that you need to sight a deer from above. Also, the tree stand will hold up extremely well because it is really sturdy. Even after several seasons, you can be sure that the Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series will still be functional and safe.
This tree stand is really good for shooting because the width on this stand is considerably big which is really good for shooting coverage.
As for the specification, the Big Dog BDL-1050 is basically the Steel Stadium Series which is extra-large at about 17 ½ inches. The size of the curved foot platform is 53 ½” x 19 ½”. As for the curved padded seat, it has a size of 36” x 15. The tree stand can be placed at a height of 17.5 inches which is really optimal for hunting as it is high enough to block off your scent but low enough for you to shoot accurately.
This is a two-man ladder tree stand where two people can scout from the ladder treestand with ease as there are space provided. Not only does it cater for two person; it also has a dual rail ladder construction where both person can climb up at the same time.
Not only that, there is a padded backrest cushion for added comfort, which is especially useful if you sit for a long time. This may be the best tree stand to bring your kids along because it is very stable for 2 people.
As for the downside, this tree stand may be a little bit heavy to haul onto a tree. Then, the shooting rail for this tree stand is a bit low compared to its peers. Adding on to the shooting bar, it is really weak and a little too short for most people.
Since the paint for this tree stand is also not that good, you may have to repaint the tree stand for added durability. Signs of rust are obvious on the tree stand, especially if it is left out in the wild for a week.
The blind materials that come with this tree stand is considerably cheap with poorly secured ties. I would recommend you get some zip ties if this problem is met.
It also has a weak safety bar where sounds can come out of the safety bar if you press on it at the wrong times with excessive pressure. It may also not be able to hold a lot of weight too. The safety bar is also not adjustable even for you to get in or get out of the tree stand.
Just to conclude, I would say that 17 inches in height is optimal as your scent is not easily detected by the deer while it is not too high for you to launch a shot. Overall, this is a really good bargain considering the quality that you can get. Just a tip, you can cut off the shooting bar and build something better which is capable of holding a gun rest if you are interested.
As for the set up, you can do most of it at home first before you haul it into the woods. But definitely, having a partner to set-up the Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series is highly encouraged as it will save you a lot of time. Some coating at your side may be necessary if you want your tree stand to last for a longer period of time
Advantage
- This tree stand is extremely stable no matter what kind of weather conditions you are in.
- The Big Dog Stadium series is also extremely durable which is made to stay for a long period of time.
Disadvantage
- The weak safety bar on the tree stand may be annoying as there would be sound if you knock on it.
Guide Gear 16 foot Deluxe Ladder Stand (Review)
You cannot be wrong with the Guide Gear 16 foot deluxe ladder stand. It is high enough so that the animals have a hard time tracking your smell, but low enough so that you can have a clear shot. Not only that, this Ladder stand is a really economical choice as the price is really cheap as compared to other tree stands.
With the heavy duty steel construction, you will be amazed by how well-built this tree stand is which makes it able to last longer. Also, the tree stand is taller than it looks which means you can scout higher in the woods but you still need to pin down a mature tree. Because of the excellent construction, you just have to use half of the straps and brackets given to build an extremely stable and secure tree stand.
As for the specifications, this is a 16-foot ladder stand where you no doubt can see more game with this tree stand. The platform has a size of 17 ¼ inches x 12 ¼ inches which gives you a generous amount of space to move around. Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand has a large seat of 19 ¼ inches x 13 ½ inches.
Moreover, the stand is 21 inches in height, which is the optimal height for a tree stand. The weight capacity is 300 lbs. which is the norm for most tree stand while the weight for the Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand is 52 lbs.
Furthermore, this is a really simple-to-construct tree stand if you have the right directions for the set up. Since the set-up for this tree stand is relatively easy, it will only take you 30 minutes to set up the tree stand. If you want to set up this ladder stand on a tree, you would be given several options that will not damage the tree while setting up or it can lock up much easier.
With this price point, it is one of the best in terms of quality as compared to its peers. This Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand is really sturdy and quiet to climb up too. I would recommend this tree stand if you want to own several tree stand.
Also, the Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand has plenty of room for movement which helps you get comfy. The bigger platform and the given arm rest will help you ease your fear of heights while providing you the feeling of safety when you are up there.
For added comfort, there is a fold-down gun rest provided for you to rest you weapons on top. Not to mention the padded supplies where a plus point for your comfort too.
Beware, the directions to set up for this tree stand is really bad. It would be much better if you can search for online information or other external sources for the directions to set-up the tree stand.
Basically, the instructions come in little pictures which is not really helpful. It would be better if you could blow up the picture of the Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand in the internet.
Then, if the set-up is not done carefully, the holes may not line up and you may have to drill them out.
This tree stand is not that comfortable to sit in for long hours, I would recommend another better brand if you want to go with an all-day sit. It will still be sturdy and strong, but it just would not do much justice to your buttocks.
Moreover, the safety bar has two different size on two ends which does not look good on the tree stand because one end of the bar is longer than the other by 4 inches. You can take it to the garage to cut it and do some drilling to rectify the problem.
Since the Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand is heavily constructed, the tree stand definitely is much heavier. Hence, I would not recommend that you move often after you set-up this tree stand in place because it will require a lot of effort to move it to another location.
Moving on to the additional features, there are many straps and ratchet straps that come with this tree stand for added safety. For hunters that weigh above 200 lbs., I would suggest that more secondary ratchet straps are attached on the person to ensure the safety of the people.
Not only that, there is an adjustable shooting rail and gun rest. Usually, the tree stand at this price point does not have an adjustable shooting rail and even gun rest where you can flip it up and down. It is much safer if you can adjust the shooting rail and gun rest accordingly because you can have more movement when you want to scout or sit for long hours when you want to aim and shoot.
The Flip-up padded rail rails given on the Guide Gear Deluxe Ladder Stand is really stable. Basically, it is a really generous support system which gives you a sense of safety when you are up on a tree, waiting to get your trophy.
Guide Gear has done their best to provide you with comfort by providing padded armrest so that you can stay up on the tree much longer without having a sore arm. Not to mention, there is even a rock-solid surface for the shooting rail which helps you to aim and shoot with precision.
Additionally, the ladder sections are fixed together with wire-lock pins rather than the normal nuts and bolts. Using wire-lock pins, it can aid a lot in your set-up while you are in the field, especially if you are looking for a quick assembly.
To sum it up, this is a considerably good quality tree stand which is sold at a very cheap price. But it is said that the updated version of the instruction is plenty helpful as compared to the retrospective one. The newer version of instruction has a lot of pictures which shows you how to set it up step-by-step.
It would also be wise that you do not tighten all the bolts until you have the whole thing fixed together. If you want a totally luxurious tree stand, you may have to fork out more cash and look for another tree stand in this list. If you are looking to test out a variety of tree stand, this will be the one for you! You definitely cannot beat the quality for this price.
Advantage
- This stand is amazingly well-built where you can aspect that the tree stand can last for a very long time even after long-term abuse.
- There is plenty of room for movement in this tree stand as well for those who wants a more spacious tree stand.
Disadvantage
- Since this tree stand is heavily constructed, I would recommend that you set up this ladder tree stand with a buddy because of the huge weight.
Summit Dual Pro Ladder Stand (Review)
The Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand is manufactured by the popular Summit Treestand. This product would be ideal for people who likes to hunt with another buddy as this stand is suitable for two people to stay up on a tree. It would be wise to get some buddies along to help out in setting up a ladder stand in general.
Also, this tree stand is made in the United States too in the state of Alabama. The quality for Summit’s products are amazing and their customer service are really good. Basically, you can replace your product free of charge, no questions asked.
The Dual Pro Blind puts a protective barrier between you and your prey, providing enhanced concealment while rendering any movement undetectable to game within range. Attaching quickly and offering easy access with a zippered front door, the blind is lightweight, durable and weather-resistant.
You can be sure that this ladder tree stand can be installed by just one person. Although the size for this tree stand is bigger to accommodate two people, one person set up is viable but it is not encouraged. It will still go together really easily even if you are setting the stand by yourself. All and all, the tree stand would definitely fit perfectly.
Since this is a two-person tree stand, the space provided is wider than most tree stand. You will have plenty of room to even bow hunt if you wish. The extra space will definitely allow you to be more comfortable and feel even more secure when standing on the Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand. The wider platform is also big enough for 2 adults to move sufficiently.
The materials used to make this tree stand is very high quality while the tree stand is very well-built. Considering the price point, the quality of this tree stand is really hard to beat. Since this tree stand is made from the United States, it will be better quality than those made in China. You can be sure that the tree stand can hold two people.
The large seats that comes with this tree stand is big enough which makes it very comfortable to sit in, even for two people. It will be roomy enough to provide comfort for long-term sitting.
Moreover, this tree stand is solid and safe. Once the tree stands are up on a tree, you can be sure that you are safe. The sturdiness of the tree stand is amazingly good too, which means it will not wobble very much.
Also, you will have very easy access with this tree stand. With the easy-to-move handles, you can easily access the seats or the platform.
The Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand has an excellent design with flipable shooting rail which provides you with the choice of having more space or let you feel safe while you are up on the tree. The adjustable shooting rail can be suited for a bow hunter or it can be switched to fit a standing archer.
This tree stand is so flexible that it is made in such a way that it can be both suited for gun hunting and even bow hunting. You can just make a little changes to the shooting rail and it will fit to your needs accordingly.
As for the drawback, this tree stand is really heavy because of the heavy construction. It is heavily constructed so that it can hold the weight of two people on top of this single stand.
Furthermore, this treestand has bad frame because the frame which is equipped to support the seat is a square tube which is bent at 90 degrees that causes a dimple to be left on the tube. As a preventive measure, you can fill the dimple with any water-resistant materials such as silicon because water may be collected in the dimple which causes it to rust.
There are several complaints made about the platform holes which are about 1 to 2 inches off. You have to drill another hole to make sure that the tree stand is built flawlessly.
For the specs, there is a Wraparound blind is used to cover the whole Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand which helps in durability. The wraparound blind make this tree stand durable because of the 150-denier fabric which also has water-repellant properties with polyurethane backing.
The tree stand is built with a quality front-door entrance. The large front-door entrance is also equipped with dual-zippers to ensure easier access. It is also big enough so that two people can get into the seats at the same time.
In addition, the weight for this tree stand is 87 lbs. This is generally a heavier tree stand because it is larger to cater for two people. The weight capacity for this tree stand is 500 lbs., which is the total weight of two people on the tree stand. The Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand is made from hard steel which is a heavy steel construction. The durability will speak for itself after long-term use in the wilderness.
The tree diameter that this stand can fit is from 8” to 20”, while the platform size is 32” to 39”. The platform area measures about 39”, which gives plenty of space for movement.
To add on, the seat frame size has an area of 37.25” x 35” which is made to fit two people. Not only that, the full back rest which is attached to the frame can provide you enough comfort for long-term hunting.
You can be sure that you will be comfortable even after sitting long hours in the Summit Dual Pro Ladder stand because of the padded seat and back rest.
For this two-man stand, the platform is spacious enough for two people to move on the tree stand. The platform on this treestand is really full and roomy.
With the foldable seats, you can fold up the seats and leave the platform with ample amount of room. You can definitely move around more and do bow hunting with ease because of the large space given.
For this tree stand, it would be wise to follow the instructions in the given manual during set-up. Just like any other tree stand, you should not tighten any bolts until all the parts of the tree stand are in place. You may even add a little paint for camouflage before you haul this tree stand to the woods. To really ease the process of setting up, please call your buddy to come along to the woods.
Advantage
- I would really suggest this tree stand if you want to hunt with another buddy as the platform is large enough to fit two people comfortably.
- This product is extremely well-built by the Americans, providing maximum satisfaction with good quality stands that can last for a lifetime.
Disadvantage
- Just be sure to cover up the dimple on the frame to prevent rust from forming on the tree stand.
Conclusion
These are the 8 best tree stand which I can find in the market. I hope that the information provided will bring you massive value and help in your decision-making. Which other tree stands do you think is really good? Please share with me in the comment box below.
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Hey mate, nice write up. A heap of content there. My friend actually owns the Big Dog Tree Stand haha. It is huge. Kinda inconvenient getting it up to trap but he’s a big boy so it’s worth it :P.