There is a wide variety of tree stands on the market and we’ve narrowed it down to the Top 5 bow hunting tree stands for you to peruse. A quality stand is one of those bow hunting accessories which can make the hunt more enjoyable, safer, and at the end of the day, more successful.
There’s a range of prices in this Top 5 bow hunting tree stands list so you can match your budget to one of the best and definitely get your money’s worth.
1. Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber II Combo
The lone wolf of tree stands, the Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber II Combo is perfect for hunters who are looking to get closer than ever before. This climibing tree stand packs down to just 2.5 inches and weighs just 14lbs! The aluminum platform offers 4+ square feet of standing room – enough space for anyone’s needs whether they’re hunting from treestands or ground blinds.
The Alpha Hand Climber II Combo is an innovative tree stand that offers the best in comfort, convenience and security. The three-dimensional construction provides a more secretive way to position oneself amongst the leaves at any height while maintaining stability on large or small trees up to 19” diameter. With its bow holder molded into it, this platform can also easily accommodate our favorite weapon of choice when hunting prey from above! Not only does it come with backpack straps for easy transport but there are comfortable contoured padded seat with included fasteners as well so you won’t have to worry about sore backsides after sitting all night long waiting for your successful shot at the game.
2. API Outdoors Grand Slam Extreme Climbing Treestand Model ACL405A
The Grand Slam Extreme Climbing Treestand Model ACL405A is the perfect choice for those looking to enjoy their hunting experience in a thrill-seeking way. The Alumni-Tech design combines lightweight materials with rugged construction, making it comfortable and sturdy while also being very quiet as well. This stand provides you with 20×27 inch platform that gives mobility and comfort so you can be sure not to miss out on any of your target’s movements or sounds!
The padded climbing bar, armrest, and adjustable seat make this a good choice for long days waiting for that premium buck to swagger into range. Other top features include the power-grip chains for trees from 9” to 20” in diameter, the folding footrest for climbing ease and comfort, traction ridges on the platform and the triangular extrusions which act to enhance strength while reducing noise. It includes backpack straps and a bag for your bowhunting accessories.
The API Outdoors Grand Slam Extreme Climbing Treestand is rated to 300 lbs.
3. Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Treestand
Lone Wolf Assault II Hang On Treestand makes the list again, this time with a lightweight hang-on stand that has 3D camouflage and cast bow holders.
It is just 11lbs which means transportation will be easy for hunters who are on their way to hunting zones! Once they get there, they can enjoy more comfort as well thanks to its padded seat (14”x21”) or one piece cast aluminum platform(26″x19.5″). T
his treestand also includes TMA approved fall arrest system making it safe for 350lb capacity tree stands!
4. Summit Viper SS Climbing Treestand
The seat on this Summit treestand is adjustable to fit your style whether bow hunting or gun hunting. Or remove the seat altogether if you’d prefer, with just a few quick steps.
A solid front bar is useful for climbing and works as a padded gun and armrest. The Summit Viper SS Climbing Treestand package includes a 4-point safety harness, Rapid Climb stirrups and the ropes and straps you need to secure your stand to trees up to 20” in diameter.
This stand is a bit heavier than most at 20lbs, but it offers a large 20×28.75 inch platform and comfortable padded seat that goes 18×12. The comfortable backrest is 12×20. The Summit Viper SS is rated to 300lbs and comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
5. Gorilla New Greyback 47027Climber Treestand
This is a deluxe tree stand, though heavy at 27lbs. Still, if your trek from the truck to the tree isn’t too long, assisted by adjustable backpack straps you’ll have a very comfortable and roomy treestand to hunt from.
The platform is 18×30 inches, the seat is 18×12 and the backrest is 12×20. This is a versatile stand with 2 accessory bags that can be detached to take with you.
The steel construction accounts for the weight, and also the strength of the unit rated to 300lbs. Pivoting arm grips work well on trees from 8” to 20” in diameter. For quiet, comfortable stability, the Greyback 47027Climber Treestand from Gorilla earns a spot on our Top 5 bow hunting tree stands list for this season.
Climbing vs Fixed bow hunting stands – Which is better?
Hunters enjoy a good debate about equipment and you can always get one started by asking “Climbing vs fixed bow hunting stands–which is better?”
Both types have their supporters and much of it comes to personal taste, agility, comfort level, and hunting conditions.
In this guide, we offer an overview of how climbing stands and fixed stands work, then address the pros and cons of each one and end by suggesting who should use each type.
Climbing Bow Hunting Tree Stands
In recent years, climbing stands have grown in popularity as better designs make them easier and safer to use. Climbing bow hunting stands consist of 2 platforms, each with a brace that is opened, fitted around the tree, and re-secured.
A seat or step below the bracket fits snug against the tree and when downward pressure is put on the seat of step, the tension holds it firmly in place. When the seat or step is lifted, the tension is released and the platform can be moved up or down.
The hunter pushes the seat platform up and secures it against the tree, putting his weight onto it to hold himself. Using his feet, he loosens the lower/step platform and slides it up the tree.
He stands on the step and moves the seat up again. In this way, the hunter climbs the tree in incremental, inchworm-like steps until the right height is reached for the climbing bow hunting stand.
Fixed Bow Hunting Stands
Fixed bow hunting stands are also called hanging bow hunting stands. They feature platforms that attach securely to the tree with the use of chains or straps.
The back of the platform is usually straight or slightly curved to accommodate the curve of the tree. To hang the bow hunting tree stand, the hunter can climb the tree if the tree is suitable. Otherwise, a lightweight ladder or climbing sticks are used to hand and access the stand.
See below how to shoot a deer from a climbing stand
Pros and Cons of Elevated Stands
Tree stands are also known as elevated stands. Savvy hunters know the importance of hunting from an elevated ground. A quick look at the pros and cons of elevated stands will confirm to you why you need a climbing or fixed tree stand.
Using elevated stands is a good way of ensuring you get a good view of the hunting field. Whether you hunt with a bow or a rifle, an elevated stand makes you an apex predator. In simple terms, it is unlikely that your target game will know your movements or hideout.
Big and small game easily detect strange scents. Well, with an elevated stand, count yourself lucky from scent detection.
You need to consider elevated stands if you are a bow hunter; the backstop for arrows is amazing because of the descending angle. The same impact applies if you hunt using a rifle
Elevated stands are risk to a hunter if not properly used. As an amateur deer hunter, I once fell from a tree since I had not properly fixed my climbing tree stand. To make the matter worse, I did not bother recall applying tree stand safety. For this reason, I always advise hunters to observe tree stand safety and choose wisely between a climbing tree stand and fixed tree stand.
Some of the challenges associated with elevated stands are that they are heavy to carry around. The lack of flexibility when using an elevated stand will not protect you adverse weather conditions.
You do not want to go home from the hunt with broken ribs and bruises. In extreme cases, hunters die when the elevated stands and supporting equipment fail. Although hunting from an elevated stand is fun, it can end your hunting career if you do not observe safe tree stand methods.
Pros and Cons of Climbing Stands
Pro: Climbing stands don’t require you to carry a ladder or climbing sticks with you. They are preferred if you plan to move during the hunting day or reposition at night for the next day.
This can be crucial when changing winds affect the value of a hunting location and a move is necessary. Climbers are often lighter and more portable than fixed/hanging bow hunting stands, with many of them sporting straps that allow you to carry them like a backpack.
Cons: Some hunters aren’t comfortable with the climbing technique and don’t feel safe. Climbers require a straight tree without branches between the ground and where you want to locate.
It is important to keep the two platforms connected with a tether so that if the platform being repositioned doesn’t hold, the tether and the platform still in place will catch you. Climbing bow hunting stands may slip on trees with shaggy bark that is easily stripped.
Pros and Cons of Fixed Stands
Pros: Most hunters believe that stability is greater with a fixed stand that is properly hung. They offer more versatility in the type of tree you choose for hunting, which may be an advantage in finding the best location from which to hunt a deer trail or food plot. Many hunters find it easier to climb a ladder or use climbing sticks than to learn the required technique for a climbing stand.
Cons: Fixed stands typically need to be hung prior to the day’s hunt to minimize noise and because they take more time to set up. Theft is common when fixed bow hunting stands, ladders or climbing sticks are left in public hunting areas, so chaining and locking the stand is recommended.
Who Should Use Climbing Stands and Fixed Stands?
Climbing bow hunting stands are best for agile hunters in good physical condition. They are also excellent for hunters who want to move during a day’s hunt. Climbers work well in new hunting territory where the hunter has not had a chance to select a hunting spot ahead of time.
Fixed bow hunting stands are best for hunters who emphasize stability in the tree. They work well where the hunter knows exactly where he wants to hunt. Hunters in areas populated primarily with trees full of low branches will be able to use fixed bow hunting stands where climbers won’t work.
Conclusion
This overview should help you answer the debate about climbing stands vs fixed bow hunting stands — which is better. As you read through the descriptions, pros, and cons the type that fits your style should become clear. If you still have doubts, borrow both types from hunting buddies ahead of the hunting season and try them out. That should answer any lingering questions you have about their functionality for you.alloutprodux.com
Also Read: The Best Hangon Tree Stands for Bowhunting
