Ladder stands - current recommendations?

[Rando]

Hey All -
I've searched this subject but haven't found much recent information... I am looking to replace an aging treestand, or two. Only use will be for bowhunting as I don't gun hunt so I am looking for something designed for the bowunter. I would like something basic but with a decent size platform, sturdy, comfortable, and I don't need a lot of height - 12' to 15' is plenty. Lighter weight and reasonable price are always appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your thoughts & suggestions,
Randy

[Iowabowhunter]

Can be tough finding any around here that don’t have the bar that swings in front.

I’d like to get another as well, hope to hear some good feedback!

[Mike Bolin]

My favorite ladderstand is no longer available. It was marketed by Field and Stream stores (Hunting and fishing division of Dick's Sporting Goods, now defunct), 16' to the seat with a foot platform that extended all the way to the tree. Seat folded up to give you a big, stable platform to stand on. It came with the shooting rail and arm rests, but I just left them off when I assembled the stand. There is a stand on Sportsman's Guide that looks very much like the F&S, but I haven't actually seen one in person. I believe it is called the Bowhunter and is 18" to the seat, but you could easily leave off a ladder section if that is too tall. Prices are decent, and they usually drop after the season. If you buy one and like it, buy some more! I'd planned to pick up 2 or 3 more F&S, but after COVID, they did away with the stand and then the stores. Good Luck!>>>------>

[Stringwacker]

The Archer ladder stand offered by Sportsman Guide is hard to beat for the price. It is 18' tall; but one section can be removed to make it closer to 14'. You can get them for about $100 in many cases. Sales run constantly on SG.


But...they are on the heavy side of things.

[1/4 away]

I’ve been looking for a ladder stand as well and was going to give the one offered by Sportmans Guide a try. However, they are on backorder until later this month.

[Stumpkiller]

Scheels is having a sale on the Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 for $119.99.  (Nope - I just looked and it is back up to $159.99).  I decided last year I was getting too old and stiff to climb into my chain-on treestand (and my foot slipped off a peg with snowy boots and I said "next year, ladder").  I already had a Big Game Warrior - bare-bones ladder stand.  The Hunter 1.5 is huge by comparison with many options.  Much nicer seat.  Well designed and thought out.  Like with plastic spacers/washers on any of the hinge features.

[Trenton G.]

I don't hunt from a tree a ton, but all of my stands are Rivers Edge Classic ladder stands. No arm rails or anything to get in the way while shooting, and they're pretty reasonably priced as well.

[Wheels2]

I have the railing on mine.  I can lift it up out of the way but prefer it keep it down.  I just lean forward slightly until my thighs contact the rail, and the bow is out in front of it.

[dnovo]

My favorite was the one mentioned above by Field and Stream and sold by Dicks. I have about 4 of them and they are my favorite with the fold up seat and larger foot platform, but unfortunately not available anymore. I recently bought the one from Sportsman's Guide as it appears to be as close to the other ones I like. I have not assembled it yet so I will have to see and apparently it is a bit heavier but I usually set them and leave them so not too much of an issue.