Which is the best, climber or hang on, Lone Wolf Deer Photo added

[DeerSpotter]

I have two setups, I have not used either one yet, I am fortunate to be hunting land where there are over 17 stands set up with climbing sticks.  And I was just given the privilege of 80 more acres that his next two to 42 acres with 17 stands set up, God is good to me  So I haven't use the equipment that I have purchased,

But I would like the opinion of those that have used it a number times in different situations.

The first one I have is an alpha hang on stand, with Lone Wolf climbing sticks.

The second stand I have is a alpha sit and climb.  I have tried the alpha hand climber.  And was not able to use it properly because of back surgery.  The sit and climb I am able to use my feet more.

I just would like to know the opinions of those that have, or use them and are using something different because they did not like them.  I'd like to only keep one.  I paid reasonable prices for both of them $122 for the hang on, Lone Wolf alpha, $90 for the Lone Wolf climbing sticks and $230 for the sit and climb.  Although they're reasonably priced I don't know if I want to keep both of them, because I also have, T 2, T 5 double bull,

Still give me your opinions about the two Lone Wolf stands.


I really appreciate it,

Carl

[Chris Surtees]

Carl,

I would keep both. In some areas a climber may not work but a hang will. There are some areas where it may not be practical to leave a hang on so the climber may be the stand of choice.

I am sure others will be on shortly with other options but I say keep both.

Right now I have the same stands as you plus a DB 360 and could not imagine not having all of them. Also have the same stands for my boy.

Chris

[varmint]

Both have their times.

Personally I like the Alpha hang on w/sticks best.I use the sit and climb a few times each season,but the Alpha is my go-to,along with the Assault,another great LW product.

I currently have 3 Alpha's,1 Assault,a dozen sticks,the hand climber(my first LW product),and the sit and climb.Lovethe LW line of stands.Need to pick up about another dozen sticks,they're the cat's meow for any tree.

Anyone seen the mini sticks yet??What purpose do they serve??Personally I don't see a reason to need them.If I'm using sticks I want to use one,not 2,to get the same climbing distance.

[DeerSpotter]

ya, after I started figuring out how much I actually paid for them, it does sound reasonable, especially since I just picked up another 80 acres of private land to hunt.

I still like to hear the experiences with the climbers that others have had, a friend of mine has a sit and climb, just last week he hung for three hours while he tried to get the bottom that fell out from underneath him and went to the bottom of the tree.  That is the first and only story I have heard about a lone wolf climber dropping to the bottom of the tree.  His tether that he had from the top part to the bottom part got pinched in between the tree and the teeth of the stand and snapped.  He had his rope to pull up his bow, and it had a hook on it, he was able to hook it and get it back to the top after three hours of hanging.  He tried to shimmy down the tree, but his pack was on his back, and it hung up on the top part of the stand.  So he hung by a shoulders.  He had a safety harness on, but he wasn't hanging by it.  He had a cell phone, and my number and three other people he could have called.  But he didn't call anyone, but he did get down.  Stubborn ! I would have came out in a heartbeat.

Carl

[DeerSpotter]

We sell the lone wolf min sticks, I see the only reason for them, if you get into a tree and you want to get up one more section and you can't get a full three-foot stick up there.  But they are only about $10 less then the regular sticks, you right I can't see any use for them, they'll probably be discontinued next year.

I do see one used for them, for those guys that are afraid of height !    


Carl

[Rich LaBombard]

I have the alpha hang-on, and I can't imagine doing anything in a climber that you can't do with sticks and a hang-on.

I had bad luck with an old (different brand) climber, and I'm like a religious zealot regarding how much that new stand has made my season:  solid as a rock, no sound, etc.  it's the first time I have ever felt "safe" in a tree.
I love it.  for me, I have said "so long to climbers".

Good luck in whatever you choose!

[ChuckC]

Carl.  I still feel that there is nothing that a climber can do that a good hand on stand (mine is a Chippewa) cannot do. and there is a lot that my Chippewa can do that the climber cannot.

I have, and never use a climber.

Course...that is just my opinion.
ChuckC

[alligatordond]

I used some homemade emt stands for years . They were/are still the best hang on stand I have ever sat in. However I cannot get anyone to make them at a reasonable price so I bought an Alpha hang on. It is a very close second and #1 for any of the commercial stand out there. I have a hand climber(self converted to a sit/climb) and I find it a solid and good stand but I am so used to hang ons that I feel the Alpha is more versatile.

[DeerSpotter]

Doo Ya Think that the Climber or the hang on will get me more of this deer eats !        

[peak98]

Carl,

You can get the "deer eats" with either, lol. I hunt out of both, I use an API grandslam Bowhunter and a Summit Loc-on. My personal peference...I like to hunt out of a loc-on, I don't like anything in front of me or to the side of me, but that's only MY peference. Many a deer has been taken out of both, so If you have access to both, sit in each  and see which is the most shooter friendly, comfortable, and the last but not least, decide which one you feel secure in. I know several hunters who are fine in a closed in climber but are really uneasy in an open front climber or a loc-on. Get what fits your style of hunting and what you feel comfortable in. Good luck with your decision.

PS- I will own me a Lone Wolf Loc-on before the '08 season starts. Excellent quality, light, quiet, simple to install. Wish I had one already !!

[Talondale]

How does the Assault compare to the regular Alpha?  With the lighter weight the Assault and 3 sticks are about the same weight as just the Alpha.  Any drawbacks?  Doesn't seem that the platform is much more than 3 inches smaller on the Assault by the description.
Thanks.

[bayoulongbowman]

Favorite, loc on Millenium M-100...queit

[DeerSpotter]

Thanks for all the response and PM's

I think I will take the advice of the majority and keep both of them, because of the economical price that I purchased the stands at I would not be able to get the lone wolf stands next year for that price.  It will be nice to have the option of both.

Once again thanks for everything, as usual all of you are a great help.

Carl

[varmint]

Originally posted by Talondale:
How does the Assault compare to the regular Alpha?  With the lighter weight the Assault and 3 sticks are about the same weight as just the Alpha.  Any drawbacks?  Doesn't seem that the platform is much more than 3 inches smaller on the Assault by the description.
Thanks.

There's really not a noticeable difference,except for weight......at least in my opinion.You do need to pay a little more attention to foot placement than on the Alpha,just because it's a little smaller,I notice I'll sometimes stand right on the edge when turning to look behind.

[HalfRack]

If you live in northern Mn there might be some use of a climber, in southern Mn I use hang on's exclusively. When you come upon the right tree, you have to deal with what's there, hang on's do this better than climbers. If you can keep both, I would. I'd sure like to find an Alpha at the price you got it for...

-Mike

[DeerSpotter]

HalfRack I sent you a PM.  And I have already decided to keep both of them.


Carl