In the market for a good and comfortable tree stand to bow and rifle hunt out of, been using ladder stands but have been thinkin

[vasportsman]

In the market for a good and comfortable tree stand to bow and rifle hunt out of, been using ladder stands but have been thinking about going to a climber or a hang on style, what do you all prefer? Thanks.

[Treestand]

If I were younger...Lol I would use a Summit Viper
Climber and spend the Money for a good Safety Harness. Don't go cheap...your life is worth some thing to some one other then you

[deadeyedick]

ALL THREE HAVE GOOD POINTS AND BAD POINTS. A CLIMBER SUCH AS MENTIONED BY TREESTAND IS REALLY GOOD FOR MOVING AROUND FROM TREE TO TREE IF YOU ARE ABLE TO USE IT. A LADDER CAN BE HEAVY AND USUSALLY TAKES TWO PEOPLE TO PUT IT UP AND IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT TO MOVE. i LIKE THE LARGE GORRILLA STAND WITH IT'S BIG COMFOTABLE SEAT BEWARE LADDER STANDS ARE EASY TO STEAL. HANG ONS ARE GOOD ALL AROUND STANDS BUY ONE WITH A LARGE PLATFORM AND STUDY STEPS. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTACES CLIMB ANY TREE WITHOUT A GOOD SAFETY HARNESS

[Longrifle]

I have not kept up with all of the latest and greatest, but I have a Viper climber and think it is a dandy when it possible to find the right tree.

The newer hang on stands from the big box stores are quite inexpensive and work just fine. This allows you to perhaps have several stands instead of just one which can be handy. The climbing system sticks/steps are a very important consideration for safety when using a hang on.

I personally prefer a larger stand for comfort. And tend to add additional ratchet straps to any stand or sticks I am using. Safety test and practice function with everything close to the ground. I do everything possible to stay on the ground myself. Gravity applies to everyone, so be religious with the safety harness!

Love my old API Grandstand, but what a heavy beast!

[abbot16j]

I think it depends on where you live. I've hunted Wisconsin and Minnesota and climbers are great in Wisconsin where the trees are at least somewhat straight but you could be searching for days in Minnesota to get a straight tree to climb.

I personally prefer Lone Wolf hang-on stands because they are extremely light and easy to hang in just about any tree you want. The ones I have had in the past have all had large platforms too which is nice as well.

[buckhunter]

I'm not an expert but have spent over 30 years sitting in treestands of all sorts. You must decide on what is important to you. If you want comfort, find a wide, soft stand. They are usually the bulky, heavy climbers. If you want versatility, purchase a loc-on with climbing sticks. Something in between would be the small climber.

Personally, the loc-on stands with climbing sticks will get you into just about any tree. Location, location, location...

[Gary Devine]

I like the climbing sticks and the hang on tree stand.
I like a big platform area on my tree stand for my size 14 feet so I can move easy for the shot.

[tleichty1989]

I made my own. Nothing beats building something to your specifications!

[jhjimbo]

I have an old Warren & Sweet climber that is good size and stable, but I believe they have gone out of business.
Also, made my own in '69 that I used for several years and then an Ameristep that was o.k. but made of steel and a little heavy. One advantage was it did work for bow or rifle(face tree) though.
There are several name brand climbers that look very good and are made with the latest materials.
I also use a safety harness and the slow descend safety device.

[bowbucks]

TREE LOUNGE!!!! They may be kinda heavy and hard to find since they went out of business.But they are the safest and most comfortable around. Look on ebay or craigslist to find one. Also check out some youtube videos. I could sit two days straight with mine if it never got dark.