Is the Hand Climber really worth the $$??

[Ulysseys]

It sounds like I'm against the grain here but I didn't care for mine at all and have since gone back to a Summit open shot.  I found the LW to be very uncomfortable because the side rails were much too narrow (I'm only 5'8" and 170 lbs), and very difficult to descend trees in.  In fact a couple of times I found myself "stuck" around 15 ft up at dark because I couldn't get the foot platform to get around thicker parts of trees.  It does pack nicely but thats about where it ended for me.

[jax]

I agree ulysses

[meathead]

I wouldn't buy a climber that wasn't a lone wolf.

[Mike Mongelli]

Definitely the best climber for me!  I have had a few others that were heavier and more restrictive but were not really any easier to climb with or more comfortable.  The only drawback I can see is the price...keep an eye on the classifieds.

[bayoubowman]

They are very solid on the tree. Light. I tie mine to my Alice pack and off I go.  Agreed they are not comfortable for long sits. I have a extra pad I take. They are pricey but worth it IMO

[stagetek]

I agree with ulysses. Way too narrow for me. However, it does seem to work better when you use the sit and climb strap. I ended up selling mine and sticking with my Summit Open Shot. Easier on the wallet too.

[wihill]

Love mine.  If it were stolen today I'd be buying a new one to replace it immediately.  I can't tell you how many times I've even left the platform in the car and only taken the seat as a tree seat for ground hunting.  I've even used the seat as a pseudo "platform" for my Treesaddle.

I bought mine a little after they came out, and it's been my most used piece of hunting equipment since.

[Cecil]

I got one this year. I have been up a couple trees. so far I like it. going out this evening to practice with it.

[pbr]

Lone wolf none better.

[awbowman]

Had an Open Shot and bought the LW hand climber because of all the hype. I found out that the  Summit Open Shot is good enough and way less money.  I sold my LW hand climber because it was easier to sell and use the open shot when I don't use hang ons.  Happy with my setup

[RedShaft]

I just bought one. i tried my buddys and it was way easier on the back to carry and felt very light due to how it packed nice and flat. plus was pounds lighter than my summit viper. straps are great. quiet, very stable and easy to climb. it did make my elbows a little sore but i was not putting them on the seat but letting them fall over the edge so that must have done it. the new one i ordered came with sit strap that im goin to try out.

[RedShaft]

if i can remember or get time i mite post some pics up.

[Tajue17]

Hmm, too much Hype on the LW's,,, my wife bought me a LW hand climber and when I used it the first time I nearly killed myself getting up the tree,, seriosuly I was kissing nothing but bark all the way up and all the way down, once up I was soaked in sweat and felt like I just did a 12x12 60lb DB set at the GYM,,, man what a workout it was rejuvinating to say the least!!!

never took it out again and still sits in the cave because it was a gift.  BUT I recently bought one of those LW straps that hang under the hand climber to sit in that I can't wait to try, the seat frame is just too small and too close to the tree for me to climb right in..  

I guess its how and what you learn on so I like the the Gorilla, summit and old man style where you can rest the bottoms of your forearms  and lift with just your legs and lower back AND you face isn't mashed into the dang tree..

since owning one I say to everyone that they need to actually try a a LW hand climber before buying one, 3 of my friends here have tried mine and did not buy one after trying it and went with other brands.

for me the good was it is a very quiet and stable stand and packs in and out nice and easy, I got the extra long straps for mine just in case I need to get up a fat tree.

[Gordon Jabben]

I love mine but to be honest, it is the only climber that I have owned so I don't know how it compares.  If something happened to it, I would just get another.  I bought mine at an archery shoot and had someone show me how to use it and how to disassemble it for packing which was a big help.

[huskyarcher]

I have a summit bushmaster and absolutely love it. Its way cheaper, and to be honest i dont think there js a better one out there to go in light but stay comforatable at the same time. Good luck in whatever you do!

[South MS Bowhunter]

Love mine, and contrary to what some say I find it very easy to climb with and rock solid when set and locked down with the stabilizer straps.  The main reason for buying the Lone Wolf was for ease of carry, it packs easy and doesn’t weigh a ton, I like that!

[Medina1]

Got one at a yard sale for $10 last spring and it is the one of the best hunting tools I own! Very useful! If I don't like a spot or the wind is bad I just pick up and move. People complain about how climbers have to have the perfect tree but here in southern Indiana I've never had a problem finding a good tree. Definitely worth what they ask for! Even if that's not what I gave I would definitely pay $300 for one!

Caleb

[Razorbak]

I guess Im one of the ones who dont like the LW sit and climb..I used it 3 times and never used it again..I perfer the summit bushmaster or my favorite a old API bowhunter..that was a great stand with handles to help you pull yourself up and comfortable to sit all day long but someone like it better when I went to track and retrieve my deer someone grab it..sold my summit on a whim..still got my LW..maybe I will sell it or use it..dont know yet