Climax stands

[Pat B.]

I saw several guys mention Climax stands on another thread..  I did look them up but the only webpage I found did not have any descriptions, just a picture or two. The look good but I have to wonder if any of you have ever had them slip on a tree.. Can you "set" the bottom spike with a hammer?  The design just doesn't look as stable as the more conventional hang-on.. I'd sure appreciate any comments from folks who have used them ..
                    Thanks,
                               Pat

[James Wrenn]

Pat they are heavy but make a solid platform.Nothing better for using on a crooked tree.Not the stand you want to carry in and out but a great stand to stick up for a season in a good place.The bottom spike will set tight without the hammer once you put some weight on the stand and give a jump or two.  

[JAG]

I have this "THING", about jumping on the platform of that, or any, kind of treestand!  Don't forget to wear a full body harness!  Your first jump could be your last!

[Smilingg]

I picked one up at the Dixie Deer Classic a few years ago. It is a lot more stable than it looks like it would be. The bottom spike easily goes right into a tree trunk, especially a pine.

What troubled me at first was the way the chain holds the platform on. The link doesn't actually go through a strong protrusion, the way, say, the Screaming Eagle link does through a J hook. The chain just slides through the attached hook. It just catches on the outside of the link. The hole in the link is not filled with any part of the hook. I worried that the chain could be dislodged with you-know-what results.

But despite my initial reservations, I must say the set-up seems to work just fine. From about 2 feet off the ground I tried my best to dislodge the platform and that never came close to happening.

 It is an especially good stand for a longbow shooter because there is nothing to get in the way of your bottom limb.

I bought mine without the seat that is supposed to come with it, figuring that I could rig something and save myself the money. I did rig a Gorilla rachet strap-on seat which worked OK, but I grew dissatisfied with it and curious about the Climax seat, which bolts on easily.

I was too cheap to send for it in the mail and pay the mailing charge, but I picked one up at this year's DDC. It does save you a bit of hassle.

It might take you some time to develop confidence in the stand. I've been using Screaming Eagles since 1988 and they inspire confidence very quickly. I don't find either the Climax or the Screaming Eagle difficult to carry but I don't climb mountains with them nor walk more than a mile or so.

Of course, no matter what stand you use, it goes without saying that you should never leave the ground without a good harness.

[James Wrenn]

The seat is a must for me.    I like it because it is big but pushes out of the way easy.I hang stands early,going to hang the climax tommorrow for Sept.I leave the seat at home and will put it on the week before the season starts when I do any final trimming on shooting lanes.Two pins is all it takes to remove it and the stand is easier to hang without it on anyway.

[Smilingg]

James, were you a little put off at first, as I was, by the way the chain holds the platform to the tree?

If I hadn't read so many testimonials to the Climax by experienced hunters, I doubt I'd have bought it. My doubts were misplaced, though, and I am glad I did.

[James Wrenn]

Yes but I have used several other stands that hooked that way without any problems so once I hung it like you low on the tree for a test run all was well.Like you did I test everything on the ground before heading up the first time.  

[Landshark160]

I have never seen another stand that is as solid on the tree as a Climax, bar none.  And you can get the platform perfectly level on a crooked tree.  They're absolutely silent and never squeak or creak.  It's not the lightest by a long shot, but in my opinion it's the best.  Between myself and a friend, we have around 25 of them.  I liked the older ones that came with a rubber dipped chain the best.  YMMV

[Barney]

Never had mine slip on a tree but I've had a tough time pulling the spike out a couple times. They're solid as a rock  

[Clint B.]

www.climaxstands.com    several photos from all angles