Best Tree Stands - Reviewed and Tested

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Tree stands exist in a variety of sizes, brands and prizes. You would come across on different types of tree stands used by different hunters across the universe based on peoples unique tastes and preferences.

Tree Stand Wood

Picking the best tree stand for any occasion can be quite overwhelming for a person. Fortunately, you have come to the right place where your dilemma in determining the most suitable tree stand for you would be resolved.
In this article, I would discuss the different types of tree stands available in the market today, their special features, benefits and demerits, as well as the outstanding feature that makes a particular tree stand shine in the middle of a variety of tree stand choices that you might be exposed to, at any given point in your life.
You would also be presented with a buying guide for the different types of tree stands.

 Top 3 Tree Stands in 2018 Our Picks

In case you are in a hurry or simply not in the mood for reading too much about deer stands, well you're in luck. I got you covered, because I have made a selection of three best deer stands and you can find them below. Enjoy!

Great
Millennium Treestands M50 Hang-On Tree Stand
  • Millennium Treestands M50 Hang-On Tree Stand
    Millennium Treestands M50 Hang-On Tree Stand
  • Brand: Millennium Treestands
  • Type: Hang On
  • Weight: 29 pounds
  • Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Platform size: 24 x 33 inch
  • Seat size: 20 x 16 inch
High-End
Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD
  • Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD
    Summit Treestands 81120 Viper SD
  • Brand: Summit Treestands
  • Type: Climbing
  • Weight: 20 pounds
  • Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Platform size: 20 x 26.5 inch
  • Seat size: 18 x 12 inch
Budget
Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
  • Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
    Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
  • Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
  • Type: Ladder
  • Weight: 78 pounds
  • Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Platform size: 24 x 25 inch
  • Seat size: 13 x 26 inch

1. The Vine Single Hunter Ladder Stand from Summit Treestands

Once hunters spot their favorite game from a distance, it is important that they blend in with the environment in order to achieve a successful hunting expedition.
You would need to blend with the surrounding environment so that you would remain hidden from the animals not to spook them to taking off.
The Single Hunter Ladder Stand provides just the type of camouflage you would require to stay hidden from the animals and fulfill your hunting desires at the end of the day.

The Single Hunter Ladder Stand provides hunters with everything they would require in ascertaining to security, comfort and concealment when undertaking their hunting activities in the wild.
There is great degree of comfort provided by this type of tree stand provided by the available padded shooting rail, a mesh seat fitted with a backrest, padded armrest as well as an inbuilt footrest.
A full body harness developed as part of the equipment structure helps greatly in keeping individuals safe at all times by preventing any incident of a fall that might occur perhaps due to clumsiness amid the people who use such tools.
With this type of tree stand you can be rest assured that you would be able to get a clean shot of your game before even the animals notice your presence.
It is a perfect camouflaging tool that would enable you to acquire value for your money.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Secure
  • Invisible
  • thumbs-o-up
    Silent

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Not for climbing in darkness

Special Features

  • It has a curved structure that provides hunters with adequate concealment from the animals they hunt.
  • The tree stand is fitted with a shooting rail as well as a seat with a padded armrest that enhances the level of comfort enjoyed by individuals who use this type of tree stand in their endeavors.
  • It can support a capacity of up to 300lb.
  • It is built with a fall arrest system that helps prevent any type of fall encountered by its users.
  • The tree stand structure is well-built using strong, durable pieces of steel.
  • The stand has a weight of roughly 110 lb.
  • The stand has a one year warranty cover.
  • It has a large weather resistant mesh seat that enhances the tree stand’s durability.
  • This tree stand would fit nicely to any type of tree.
  • The tree stand has additional ratchet straps that improve its stability.

Outstanding Feature

It has a curved structure that provides hunters with adequate concealment from the animals they hunt.


2. Summit Treestands - 81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand

This product has been designed in such a way that it not only keeps its users concealed but it also users derive a lot of comfort in using this product at any given point in time. The Viper SD brand of tree stands is and has always been one of the most renowned models of tree stands developed by the Summit Institute for many years down the line.
With this type of stand you can easily sit or stand depending on the type of task you are planning to execute at any given point in time. For instance, when using a bow it would be wise to stand to attain a good aim of the animal you wish to kill.

On the other hand it would be wise to sit when using a gun as a hunting weapon, given that the tree stand would provide you with sufficient support to prevent you from falling in case you trip.
The Viper SD tree stand guarantees you comfort, safety and a quiet hunting experience. This type of tree stand is only 20 pounds in weight thus making it easy to carry around from one location to another.
It has been discovered to be highly reliable in the middle of the people who have used it at one point in their lives.
The tree stand has a five year warranty cover thus explaining the fact that the equipment was built to last for years down the line while in use.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Light weight
  • Comfortable
  • Sturdy
  • thumbs-o-up
    Safe
  • thumbs-o-up
    Dependable

Cons

  • A little bit expensive
  • Bulky than some models

Special Features

  • It has a five year warranty cover.
  • Most parts of the tree stand’s structure are fitted with customized expanding foam that helps in minimizing unintentional noise that may emerge during the process of using the equipment, a phenomenon that would most definitely spook the animals to run away.
  • It has a quick and fast cable attachment system that does not require users to utilize nuts, bolts or pins in putting up the structure. This is such that a user would only be required to pull the trigger incorporated as part of the cable when it comes to removing the tree stand from the tree. Conversely, you would be required to fasten the support cable on the tree when putting up the tree stand.
  • It has climb stirrups that enable users to climb trees to the height they so desire.

Outstanding Feature

Most parts of the tree stand’s structure are fitted with customized expanding foam that helps in minimizing unintentional noise that may emerge during the process of using the equipment, a phenomenon that would most definitely spook the animals to run away.


3. Lone Wolf Portable Trees Alpha Hang On Stand

The Alpha Hang On tree stand is one of the most reputable hang on tree stands that a majority of people use as a point of reference in purchasing other types of hang on tree stands.
This type of tree stand is adored by most people because it is spacious, light weight, extremely quiet and easy to use by any hunter who might be in need of a much more simplified type of tree stand.

The convenience brought by this type of tree stand is one of the reasons why countless hunters often associate their successes during hunting activities to the fact that they chose to rely on the Alpha Hang On tree stand as their tool of execution.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Higher weight
  • Roomy
  • Deadly quiet
  • thumbs-o-up
    Easy to use
  • thumbs-o-up
    Portable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comfortable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Ultra slim profile
  • thumbs-o-up
    Easy setup

Cons

  • Colors may not blend well in certain environment
  • Reduced features compared to other tree stands sold at the same price

Special Features

  • It has a wide platform and seat that provides users with sufficient room while waiting for their target.
  • The seat is well padded to provide users with additional level of comfort.
  • The tree stand is fitted with a bow holder segment that would enable a hunter to keep his or her bow in place when not in use. You would not have to worry out dropping your bow at any given point that you would not be using it.
  • The tree stand has a slim design that makes it only take up a small proportion of storage space.
  • The tree stand is fitted with a bungee cord and backpack straps that allow users to effortlessly move the stand to new locations where necessary. However, you should always make sure that you carry your tree stand with the bungee cord as by doing so would be able to install the tree stand safely in a new location.
  • The seat material is tan and brown and this feature helps in improving invisibility for the user.

Outstanding Feature

The seat material is tan and brown and this feature helps in improving invisibility for the user.


4. Millennium Treestands M150 Monster Hang-On

This type of tree stand has every feature a person would wish for in a portable and lightweight tree stand.
The M150 Monster is an ideal tool for any hunter who would be in constant movement and may be in need of a tree stand to help him or her carry out some of the tasks that are part of individuals’ hunting activities.
All thanks to the V Brace technology used in developing this type of tree stand, the weight of the tree stand has been highly reduced without interfering with the equipment’s stability and strength.

The stand has an adjustable seat height of 17 to 20 inches. The platform and seat have been structured at a leveled position to one another thus increasing the level of comfort and reliability experienced by individuals when using the tree stand.
This is such that the tree stand can easily be setup in much more complicated areas such as areas with leaning trees. For any person who wishes to have a memorable hunting experience weather it is for the first time or for subsequent time hunting, the M150 Monster should be a good choice for you.
This type of tree stand provides a high degree of comfort when using any type of weapon, be it the gun or a bow. Most of these tree stands come with much shorter ratchet straps that may not be useful for individuals who wish to put up their tree stand against a tree with a wider diameter.
However, in such a case individuals have the option of requesting for a longer ratchet strap from the stores making this a problem that can easily be fixed. Otherwise the M150 Monster is worth every dime.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Portable
  • Efficient
  • Easy setup
  • thumbs-o-up
    Light weight
  • thumbs-o-up
    Reliable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comfortable

Cons

  • Short ratchet straps

Special Features

  • The seat can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs.
  • The tree stand can be setup in multiple location thus allowing hunters to quickly change locations without a tussle if need be instead of disassembling their gear to assemble it in an alternate location.
  • It has a foldable seat that would allow users to execute standing shots.
  • The seat provides users with maximum comfort when this tree stand is in use.
  • The tree stand is efficient as it allows its users the much required level of quietness throughout the entire hunting activity.

Outstanding Feature

The tree stand can be setup in multiple location thus allowing hunters to quickly change locations without a tussle if need be instead of disassembling their gear to assemble it in an alternate location.


5. Millennium M50 Hang-On Tree Stand

Several features that would be outlined in this brief description of the product make of the M50 Hang On tree stand an exceptional gear to consider when looking for an ideal tree stand worth buying.
It is important to note that one of the special features that makes this type of tree stand the best option for a majority of people is that it has a fold up seat that can be easily adjusted to suit a person’s needs.

Secondly, the tree stand is fitted with an adjustable platform and this makes the tree stand reliable and convenient. The tight sling seat has been designed in such a way that it enables a user to derive increased comfort when using the equipment.
Other additional features incorporated as part of the tree stand that help in enhancing safety and comfort amid users include a full body harness, a footrest, and backpack straps.
Most people might find it difficult to like this type of stand from the word go however once you use this equipment for some time you would realize its value and understand some of the special features that make it better than other types of tree stands available in the market today.
The tree stand has a wider platform that provides enough room for the user to maneuver about when aiming at their hunts. You can easily rotate when taking a shot using a bow and arrow.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Portable
  • Compact design
  • Comfortable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Durable

Cons

  • Provides no protection from adverse weather
  • thumbs-o-down
    Noisy during setup

Special Features

  • This product has minimal weight thus making it easy for individuals to carry it along when moving from place to place in search of lucrative hunting locations.
  • It is well designed to provide hunters with the highest degree of comfort during the entire hunting period.
  • It has a compact design which helps in enhancing the product’s efficiency.
  • The tree stand’s structure is coated with a durable powder that helps improve the durability of the gear.
  • You can easily fold the tree stand into a flat design that makes it easy for the user to carry it in a backpack when moving from one location to the other.
  • It has a weight of 20lbs.
  • The footrest helps in keeping users calm when seated.
  • The ratchet bracket mounting technique makes it easier for users to mount the equipment onto a tree and get it off the tree if the user so wishes.

Outstanding Feature

The tree stand’s structure is coated with a durable powder that helps improve the durability of the gear.


6. Ameristep 15-Feet Two Man Ladder Stand (Camo)

The Ameristep stand is coated with special powder to help it withstand adverse climatic conditions thus enhancing its durability.
The tree stand’s structure is well designed such that in as much as the steps may be narrow the stand is strong.
The moment you put up this stand on the tree and make sure that the bolts and nuts are well fitted then you would be able to enjoy some of the benefits that accrue with using this type of stand.
For instance, it comes with so much convenience due to it silent state when one climbs or moves around the tree stand.

For those people who might think that the ratchet straps provided by the manufacturer is not long or strong enough feel free to visit the stores to secure a ratchet strap that would serve your needs. Some people may even prefer using two ratchet straps to adequately secure their tree stand.
The straps provided with the equipment are often extremely short thus they can only be used when the tree the stand is to be setup has a smaller diameter.
Otherwise, you will have to look for an alternate strap from the stores that would enable you to secure the tree stand on a tree with a wider diameter.
Additional ratchet straps would help in improving the firmness of the tree stand. If you make poor choices when it comes to buying a tree stand you might end up with one that would not last longer and this would only mean that you would have to use more of your funds in acquiring the equipment if you wish to continue using the tree stand in carrying out your hunting activities.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Well made
  • Sturdy

Cons

  • Narrow steps
  • thumbs-o-down
    Short straps

Special Features

  • Easy to assemble when you are two people.
  • They are well built with additional plastic washers that play the significant role of providing a good tight seal.
  • When fixed firmly, you would not experience squeaks of any kind.
  • Putting down the safety bar provides for more room for any user.

Outstanding Feature

They are well built with additional plastic washers that play the significant role of providing a good tight seal.


7. Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand

Just sitting at a stationary position all day waiting patiently for un-expecting animals to pass by can be tedious and to some extent quite boring.
You would need a tree stand that would provide you with the greatest degree of comfort if you wish to survive through such moments.

Jumbo Ladder tree stand is one of the best options you can choose from if you wish to increase your level of comfort when hunting from a tree stand.
If you wish to stay agile during the entire hunting process then you should not hesitate to buy the right tree stand, which in this case is Jumbo Ladder tree stand.
It is large and extremely comfortable for any user.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comfortable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Accommodates heavier and bigger people
  • thumbs-o-up
    Spacious
  • thumbs-o-up
    Convenient
  • thumbs-o-up
    Durable

Cons

  • Easily slip during snowy weather
  • thumbs-o-down
    Heavy
  • thumbs-o-down
    Complex setup

Special Features

  • It has sufficient space that provides the greatest degree of comfort to its users when waiting for animals individuals wish to kill.
  • It has a large foot platform with a flip up footrest that provides sufficient room for a user to stretch out freely or move about as he or she desires.
  • The seat if large and comfortably padded and this helps in preventing users from experiencing back pains regardless of how long they would be required to remain seated during the hunt.
  • It provides the best value at extremely reduced cost.
  • This product has been field tested by regular people to unravel its merits and demerits and this has helped the manufacturers to improve the quality of the tree stand thus enabling consumers to acquire value for their money.
  • The stand structure is made of rugged steel that helps in increasing the tree stand’s durability.
  • The extra-large top provides for additional room and comfort.
  • The foot platform is large enough to allow a person to stretch his or her feet to avoid numbness.
  • The padded armrest on the stand not only provides comfort for the user but it also enables individuals to steady their shot during a hunt.
  • It has a 3 pinned ladder section that makes it easy to transport and store.
  • It is fitted with an adjustable shooting rail that provides individuals with the stability required in taking a perfect shot.
  • Seat pad silencers to improve quietness while in the field.

Outstanding Feature

It has seat pad silencers to improve quietness while in the field.


8. Big Game FP015 Blackhawk XC Treestand, Black

Blackhawk XC tree stand provide users with the finest comfort. It has a padded seat cushion that is 2 inches thick.
Users would enjoy a full shooting range given that the tree stand has a flip up footrest, a flip up, removable seat along with a wide range platform.
The tree stand is also fitted with padded armrests in addition to a removable backrest that that would enable any person who would wish to hunt even for the whole day to do so with great ease and comfort.

The two-inch nylon strap people acquire together with the other components of the tree stand helps users in securely fastening the tree stand on any tree a person wishes to execute the hunting task.
The body harness feature integrated as part of the tree stand goes a long way in helping with supporting the tree stand to the tree when the equipment is in use.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Spacious
  • thumbs-o-up
    Durable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Corrosion free
  • thumbs-o-up
    Silent

Cons

  • Heavy thus making it less portable
  • thumbs-o-down
    Complex setup process

Special Features

  • It has an adjustable seat that you could flip-up, or remove to provide you with full access to the platform.
  • It is fitted with a flexible footrest.
  • It has a wide platform that provide room for easy stretching.
  • The seat, armrest and backrest cushion are all padded thus adding to the level of comfort enjoyed by individuals who use these types of tree stands.
  • It has a full body harness with four endpoints.
  • It is spacious enough to accommodate two hunters.
  • It comes with quite a number of features that help in enhancing safety, comfort and stability.
  • It is comfortable, stable and safe to use.
  • Well-built with a rugged structure.
  • You can easily adjust the seat up and down to attain enough space on the platform for easy maneuver when aiming for an animal. This helps in improving the level of precision during a hunt.

Outstanding Feature

It has an adjustable seat that you could flip-up, or remove to provide you with full access to the platform.


9. Guide Gear Deluxe Hunting Hang-On Tree Stand

This type of tree stand would be a smart choice for you whether you would be engaging in hunting for the first time or if you would be taking part in the hunting activities for a subsequent time.
Besides, this type of tree stand has a strong steel construction that makes it a durable product to have as part of your hunting gear.
The platform is wide enough to an extent that it can enable its user to stretch out his or her legs if need be.

You would be able to stay comfortable even for an entire day while seated on the padded, wide surface suspension seat. The manufacturers have ensured that the tree stand lasts for a prolonged duration by coating the surface of the metals used in building the tree stand with a special powder that is rust or corrosion resistant.
The tree stand is built-in with 2 ratchet straps that ascertains to the structure’s firmness when strapped against a tree thus ascertaining to the safety of the equipment users.
The few people who have used this type of tree stand at one point in their lives can attest to the fact that ever since they bought this product all they ever had to replace were the ratchet straps.

What we like/ What we don't like

Pros

  • Durable
  • Sturdy
  • thumbs-o-up
    Comfortable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Simple design
  • thumbs-o-up
    Affordable
  • thumbs-o-up
    Easy to use

Cons

  • Bulky
  • thumbs-o-down
    Noisy
  • thumbs-o-down
    Not as durable as the expensive models

Special Features

  • It has an extensive foot platform that would provide sufficient stretching space and a flip up seat that increases the ease with which users are able to maneuver about when using the tree stand.
  • Very comfortable to use thus increasing a person’s level of confidence when hunting.
  • The suspension style seat would keep a user in a comfortable position as long as he or she wishes to stay out hunting.
  • The tree stand structure is made of strong steel and this only means that it would last season after season even in the most daring type of weather.
  • It has an easy set up process making it much easier to assemble and dismantle when the hunt activity is completed. Even if you would be assembling this product for the first time you would find the step-up process very much straightforward.

Outstanding Feature

The tree stand structure is made of strong steel and this only means that it would last season after season even in the most daring type of weather.


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Tree Stand Comparison Chart

Name

Type

Capacity

Weight

Grade

Vine Single Hunter Ladder Stand

Ladder

300 pounds

95 pounds

8/10

81120 Viper SD Climbing Treestand

Climbing

300 pounds

20 pounds

9.5/10

Lone Wolf Portable Trees Alpha

Hang On

300 pounds

Very light

10/10

Millennium M150

Hang On

300 pounds

19 pounds

9/10

Millennium M50

Hang On

300 pounds

20 pounds

9.5/10

Ameristep 15-Feet Two Man

Ladder

500 pounds

65 pounds

8.5/10

Guide Gear 18' Jumbo

Ladder

300 pounds

68.5 pounds

8/10

Big Game FP015 Blackhawk XC

Hang On

300 pounds

20 pounds

8/10

Guide Gear Deluxe

Hang On

300 pounds

33 pounds

7.5/10


Tree Stand Buying Guide

Factors to take in consideration

People who love hunting or those who like being part of everything nature has to provide by engaging in game target practice attaining the best type of tree stand is most definitely one of the topmost priorities for such groups of people.

Tree Rope Ladder

Presently, quite a number of different brands or models or tree stand exists in the market place. While some may be quite advanced in the manner in which they have been designed by the manufacturing companies other types of tree stands are simple in their design and features to suit the divergent needs of consumers.
While some tree stands are designed to be used in all seasons given their ability to withstand adverse weather other types of tree stands are only made to be used during the summer.
Before you make a purchase for a tree stand you need to make sure that you have conducted adequate research on the different kinds of tree stands sold in the market.
This is such that you would be able to select the tree stand that would work best for you in any kind of situation. Research would also enable you to pick out the best tree stand that would work for you based on your hunting style.

This buying guide would help you understand the different strategies that you could employ in selecting the best tree stand at any given point in time.
The act of striving to select the best type of tree stand can be an overwhelming task for any one person. It is just as difficult or challenging as striving to select the best manufactured food products for your pet in an array of assorted pet food with different qualities and prices.
The tree stands also range in type and their prices. You have to wade through the wide range of options provided in order to figure out the type of tree stand that you would require for your distinctive needs.
When out in the shopping stores to buy a tree stand, you need to take a brief moment to think about other factors other than the tree stand you wish to purchase. For instance, some of the alternate factors that you need to consider include the different types of sizes that are available in the location you wish to carry out your hunting expedition.
You need to also think about the possibility that there may be particular areas of your choosing that might not have suitable trees that would allow you to mount a tree stand of any kind. The other factor that you need to consider is the sizes and ages of the people expected to use the tree stand to be purchased.
Most of all, it would be imperative to consider the type of weather conditions that are bound to be experienced in your selected hunt area or location. It is only after considering all these factors that it would be okay to look into other additional factors to be considered such as the type of tree stand as well as its platform size.

Some of the elements that you need to look for in a climbing tree stand:

  • Safety
  • User friendliness
  • The level of comfort you would be able to attain from using the tree stand

What to look for in any climbing tree stand

  • Just like all other products you are aware of, climbing tree stands are also manufactured by different establishments that ensure that they ascertained to uniqueness in developing their product.
  • It is for this reason that you would come across particular types of tree stands that are more elaborate than others that are made in a simple and easy to use fashion. You would also come across tree stands that are safer to use and have the ability to support excessive weight than others.
  • A majority a tree stands with a warranty that you would find in the market were manufactured by considering the safety of the hunter at all times when using the tree stand. Other types of tree stand have been fitted with additional features that improve comfort for the user such that a person would be able to endure several hours of sitting on the seat patiently waiting for their game to pass.
  • The comfortable features incorporated as part of most tree stands make individuals use of these gears easy and self-fulfilling.
  • People have unique thoughts and feelings about different products and so thoughts on what could be regarded as the best tree stand would vary from one individual to another.
  • You need to decide what you would regard important as part of your tree stand of choice as this would help enhance the ease with which you would be able to choose the tree stand that would meet your unique needs.
  • For one just as has been outlined earlier some of the features that you need to consider in making any type of purchase for a tree stand include the level of comfort you would be able to derive from using the tree stand, how friendly the tree stand is to the user and how much safe it would be to use a particular tree stand.

Comfort

Comfort

When looking for an ideal tree stand for you, looking for a tree stand that would provide you with the much needed comfort during use is extremely important. In any case you plan to stay on the tree stand for a prolonged duration then the only way you would be able to prevent yourself from experiencing pain on your knees, legs or your back while sitting is by looking for a tree stand that would make it easy for you to stay seated comfortably for as many hours as possible without experiencing any kind of pain.
The comfortable tree stands would be fitted with seating chairs cushioned with a fabric or a foam cushioning. Such features allow individuals to enjoy their time out hunting without worrying about the pain that would emerge by straining on a less comfortable seat for a lengthy period. A comfortable seat would allow you to effortlessly observe animals from a distance while deciding on the best moment to strike.
The much more comfortable types of tree stands have a ‘multi positional lounge setup.’ This special feature enables users to easily adjust the seat to the level at which they would be able to enjoy the highest level of comfort depending on users’ divergent needs or desires.
A comfortable seat as part of the tree stand would be ideal more so for individuals who would wish to go for a nap for a short duration while they were out hunting or enjoying some of the benefits that nature has to provide.

Safety

This should be one of the topmost concerns for any person intending to purchase a tree stand whether for personal use or on behalf of a friend or family member that is if your aim is always to have the best or products that would give you value for your money.
Before making any purchase it is vital that individuals check the description of the product to be purchased as lay out by the manufacturers.
This would help you in ascertaining to the fact that the tree stand you would buy at the end of the day provides you with safety when in use.

Safety

Looking at the product description as stipulated by the manufacturer you would be able to tell whether the product is a new and safer brand for you more so in cases whereby an individual may not be well informed about the different types of tree stands that are available in the market today.
Some of the things that you need to have in mind when evaluating the safety features of a tree stand include the weight limits on the tree stand as stipulated by the manufacturer, adjustability, harnesses.
Aside from looking at the features as outlined above, you also need to look at the integrated fall arrest systems that would help in keeping you safe from falling from the stand more so due to a tripping incident that may be caused by the occurrence of snow or rain that would most definitely make the tree stand frames slippery hence triggering a fall.
Some of these features that one may be required to consider when making a purchase may seem trivial more so amid people who might be scouting for a cheaper tree stand.
However, you should always remember that your safety is much more important than any amount of money you may strive to save up by going for a cheaper tree stand instead of purchasing a tree stand that guarantees you safety from falling and sustaining injuries.

User friendliness

For the people who may be purchasing tree stands for the first time it may be wise to go for an option that is easier to use or one that is user friendly based on how it has been designed.
Finding an easy to use type of tree stand would be good for first time users as it allows these groups of people to learn how to efficiently use the newly purchased product hence allowing new users to become accustomed to the new product they purchase from the stores.

Smiley Faces

This helps individuals in eventually understanding how the product works and the things they can do to get the best out of the newly acquired hunting gear.
Some of the tree stand you would find being sold in the market would have instruction manuals, videos that clearly label and define different features of the tree stand thus making it easier for users to setup and use their new tree stand just by following the instructions provided concerning the assembling and dismantling procedures.
In fact, most of the tree stands being sold in the market today come with instruction manuals to guide users on how they can assemble and use the different hunting tree stands.
In addition, people who may become stranded while trying to setup the tree stand even with the manual have the option of visiting the manufacturer’s website for guidelines or contacting the manufacturers directly to guide you through the setup process.
Manufacturers are always ready and willing to guide or assist their consumers in tackling some of the problems the users face when using their tree stand products.

Location

  • When choosing a tree stand, you need to choose one that can easily fit onto a tree with a much wider diameter. This is so that you would be able to feel much more secure on your tree stand even during times of heavy winds.
  • You should make sure that the hunting area you select has trees with wide diameter trunks. This would help you to securely fit your tree stand against the tree to improve firmness or stability of the tree stand during use. In areas with young undergrowths, a tripod stand would do just fine to be used by a hunter.
  • Make sure that you select a tree stand that would be able to blend in with the surrounding environment. Animals such as the dear would not be able to notice your presence with a camouflage tree stand thus giving you an added advantage in gunning down your game of choice. The deer does not see color instead these animals would be able to notice the difference in the degrees of darkness and light.
  • A dark brown stand would adequately conceal a person’s presence in the woods when mounted against the silver bark part of a maple tree. It might be beyond your imagination however it is also significant to consider the color of the tree stand when you shop for these products.
  • Before you shop for a tree stand, you should make note of the positions on the tree branch where the tree stand should be fitted and if possible measure the height as such an observation would assist you in deciding on the best tree stand to select.
  • Any person who opts to hunt in a location in which trees have a large girth would not be able to hang a portable stand. In fact, some trees in particular areas have trees with excessive diameters that make it difficult for individuals to strap up their tree stands against the tree regardless of how many pieces of ratchet straps individuals might use when tied together.
  • People who plan to carry out their hunting activities in areas with extra large tree stems, a ladder tree stand would be a viable option for this group of people.
  • In as much as the climbing stands may be a viable choice for any hunter, these types of tree stands would not be best for use on trees with smooth barks such as the maple tree and the aspens tree.
  • Climbing tree stands are best suited for areas with oak trees.

Age and size of hunters

For those who venture into the hunting culture for the first time as well as the young hunter, the process of selecting an efficient tree stand can be slightly overwhelming.
It is undoubted that inexperienced hunters always feel much more comfortable and secure when using a ladder stand more so the ladder stand with a railing situated next to the seat.
The ladder types of tree stands provide newbie hunters with some sense security regardless of how ignorant they may be about the tree stand hunting gear.

Hunter with rifle on tree

The ladder stand acts as a good orientation tool for individuals who are new to using such kinds of products as these types of tree stands provide users with a spacious, two person platform that enables individuals to easily maneuver about when hunting to avoid fatigue and numbness. Nonetheless, the ladder tree stands provide users with more security unlike the tree stands fitted with smaller steps that is why most new users of tree stands prefer these types of tree stands.
The ladder stands are considered much safer even in weather conditions in which the steps may become slippery and less safe to step on when climbing.
It is very difficult for a person to slip off a step in a situation whereby ladder rails are fitted on both sides of the tree stand.
The truth is that most old hunters are not as flexible and proactive as they were in their teenage stages of life. You would find a proportion of the old hunters with bad hips and knees.
An individual with a bad leg would find it much easier to use a tree stand with a wider width to allow both legs on each step. When considering a tree stand that would accommodate a person with excessive weight readily you can purchase a ladder tree stand.
The majority of two-person ladder stands that are being sold in the market today have a capacity of close to 500 pounds. It is important that you follow instructions provided in the tree stand manuals when outing up or using these tools.
This is such that if the instructions indicate that the tree stand should be out up by more than one person then you should make sure that you abide by such directives. This is because the moment you fail to follow the instructions provided you may end up with back pains after putting up a tree stand that you were clearly directed to put up with the help of a friend or two.

Platform size

You need to ensure that you shop for a tree stand with the biggest available platform. A wide platform would provide you with sufficient room to turn more so when using a bow to hunt. You will be able to draw your arrows and shoot freely without fearing stepping off the tree stand. However, for a small hiding spot, a tree stand with a small platform would be the best choice.

Type of stand

Before acquiring a tree stand it is important to consider whether you would need to acquire a ladder, portable, tripod or climbing type of stand.
You would need to consider the time of day when you would carry out your hunting activities as this would greatly help in determining the type of stand that you would purchase.
In as much as such a choice may be influenced by a person’s personal preferences, any person who opts to avoid any kind of disappointment would not purchase a climbing stand to use in a morning hunting spot.
For those who plan to conduct their hunting activities in regions that experience extremely cold temperature conditions it would not be making any economical sense to buy a climbing stand.
This is because it is highly likely that the tree trunks in such regions would most definitely have some element of ice on them. However, when you acquire a quality tree stand even if that was a climbing tree stand you would have to worry about the difficulties you are bound to come across in different kinds of weather.
Nevertheless, relying on a climbing tree stand as your gear makes it much easier to relocate from one hunting location to another if need be. A two person piece of hunting tree stand would not only be appropriate for two hunters but it would also easily accommodate a huge and heavy hunter.
In a case whereby your hunting area may be suited for a tripod stand or a ladder stand it is important that you take your time to consider your options before you put down the hunting gear. This is because these types of stands may be great pieces of gear though of they are more difficult to move from one location to another.
This is to avoid any form of disappoint that may be realized once you set up your gear at one location only to realize later that there is a much better and suitable hunting spot some distance away.
In such a case it is advisable that you carry out your hunting activities for two to three days using a climbing stand that can easily be moved from one location to another before you make your final decision on the best hunting location for you.

Most of all…

You need to note that in as much as it might seem a better deal to acquire a second hand type of tree stand due to their affordability at no time should you ever consider purchasing a second hand tree stand regardless of all the good things the seller of the second hand tree stand may have to say good about his or her tree stand.
For one, you would not have any slightest clue about the length of time the tree stand has been used or how the owner has been maintaining it for length of time that he or she has used it. Nevertheless, you should always make sure that the tree stand you buy from the stores is certified by the Tree Stand Manufacturer’s Association’ (TMA). Only stands that have been adequately tested to ascertain to safety for any user during use would have the ‘TMA Certification.’
Ideally, you need to always make sure that before you leave the ground you are tethered to the tree and at the same time dressed in a full body harness.
When you plan to purchase a portable tree stand make certain that the equipment has a safety tether in addition to the body harness for safety purposes.

Lock-on or Hang-on

These types of tree stands are amongst the most renowned and versatile tree stands used by the majority of hunters or available in the market.
One of the main reasons why most people prefer the lock-on type of tree stand is the fact that this kind of tree stand can be used on variety types of trees.
This is such that the tree stands can be used on trees with large trunk diameters as well as on trees with multiple limbs.
Other than the adaptability of the lock-on tree stands most hunters find these types of tree stands very convenient more so when hunting using a bow and arrow due to their increased silence when in use.
These types of tree stands come in handy for any hunter more so when the animals are close and need not be spooked by the noise produced by certain tree stands when being used.

Recap

All in all, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors in choosing the best type of tree stand that would suit your unique needs.
Make sure that the type of tree stand you choose not only provides you with comfort but it also enables you to stay safe at all times when using the equipment.
You can visit online sites to look into the reviews of different tree stands or talk to an expert as by doing so you would be able to have a clue about what you would be getting yourself into by purchasing a particular type of tree stand.


FAQ

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Conclusion

Several factors need to be considered when shopping for an appropriate tree stand, especially for the first time hunters as well as for people who are continuing with their hunting expedition.
For one, it is important that you consider the durability of the tree stand a factor that would be determined by the warranty duration.
The longer the warranty duration the more durable the product would be. If possible and for durability purposes you need to ensure that you purchase a tree stand with at least a five year warranty.
Other factors that you need to consider when purchasing a tree stand include safety, comfort and ultimately the price of the tree stand you wish to have.
All these factors you would be able to learn by looking at the description of the product from its label.
All said, always ensure that the type of stand you choose for yourself or loved one brings you convenience and value for your money.