Ladder Stand Recommendations

[JC]

I got on a new hunting property last year and though I am very comfortable hunting out of my treesaddle and lock-on stands where I can, many areas there simply don't have trees big enough. I bought a couple of cheap $60 ladder stands to put in areas where they may get "picked" from trespassers but I would like a couple more that are a little bit more comfortable for other spots. I've gotten spoiled with my treesaddle.

I'm specifically looking for something with a comfortable flip up seat. I've realized after hunting out of these cheap ones, I really want that in my next purchase. These are also not going to be very high so height is not an issue. The two up now only have 2 or 3 of the 4 sections connected. You simply can't get up that high in these planted pines and the thickness of the branches really makes it easy to tuck a stand back in there with lots of silhouette cover.

Thanks for your help, any input would be appreciated.

[Whip]

I'm not at home so can't look at my catalog right now, but Cabelas used to sell one with a flip up seat for a decent price. I really like that feature because it let's you stand up tight against the trunk of a tree rather than out away from it.

[Don Stokes]

JC, I build my own from pressure-treated wood. I put a platform in front of the seat for standing up, and they can be made to whatever dimensions suit you. They're relatively heavy, which complicates getting them into the woods, but they're also less likely to be stolen. I made a dolly from a couple of old bicycle wheels for transporting them, and they're as easy to move as a wheelbarrow, just longer. I currently have 10 set up on my place.

Be careful not to use pieces with big knots on the uprights, and predrill the holes and assemble with corrosion-resistant deck screws so the wood doesn't split. Use only pressure-treated wood! I can get by with 1X4's for myself with the right places reinforced, but for anyone over 200# that could be risky, and 2X6's for the uprights and 2X4's for the other members would be safer.

Did I mention using only pressure-treated wood??

[Gary Logsdon]

I've been using the Loggy Bayou bowhunter model but they may not make them anymore.

[lt-m-grow]

I am a big fan of cheap with ladders -- which frankly is odd for me.  I generally am a believer in you-get-what-you-pay-for. However with ladders, I don't see much difference or at least don't see the value-dollar relationship quite as much.

Since you are a tree saddle fan, why don't you use the saddle with cheap ladders?  You need a safety harness anyway and if the cheapy ladders get stolen -- it will not be as painful.

[Shaun]

Rivers Edge 17 Extreme has a nice flip up seat and platform all the way to the tree. They are 17 ft which is on the high side for me but you can use them with one less section. Some folks don't like the armrests but they don't bother me and I like the snugged in secure feeling when I "rest my eyes".

[JC]

You got it Joe, my thoughts exactly.

Don, I'm askeered of wooden stands, bout met my maker in one years ago and swore it would either be metal or 4x4's...4x4's are heavy.

Gary, that's one of the stands I've been looking for but Loggy is out of business as far as I know...have been for about a year or so.

Dave, full weight hanging on the tree from a saddle is just too dicey. I've tried it already and a bit of a pucker factor in pines this small but mainly it's movement. The slightest movement in a saddle moves the whole top of the tree. The short ladder just doesn't do that. Also, to use the saddle effectively I'd have to trim more branches than with the ladder just jammed in there. Since this is a lease and the pines are $, I can't do much trimming. Any bigger/taller tree though, I'm in the saddle.

Thanks Shaun, I'll look at that one. Everyone is hot to shoot off the short ladder you and I put up on FP5...you wouldn't believe how many doe pics I got on that camera...just sick how many came through the day after (and all through the next month) after we left.    

[billy shipp]

JC,

I have tried just about every ladder stand built, and the side rails interfer with my bow limb if I'm sitting down to shoot. I don't want to stand all day, and there isn't always the time or opportunity to stand before shooting.

Last season I bought a ladder stand built by BIG GAME....ULTRA VIEW model....it goes up to 15', if you want it that high. The platform is 3 sided, kinda wrapping around the tree. I think the total overall pltform length is 56", and it's plenty wide to stand and shoot 360 degrees.
It has a 12" padded, swivel seat, that also flips up out the way when you stand.
It sounds big, bulky, heavy, and hard to put up. I have set it up alone, but it's definitely easier for 2 men.
Bought it at Sportsmans Guide....so far it's the only ladder stand I can shoot out of sitting down, plus you can shoot 360 degrees, standing, sitting or kneeling.

[Muleyslayer]

I hunted my buddy's gorilla stand this year and although the seat doesn't flip up the netting seat slides back and it is by far the most comfotable stand I've sat in years and that was the only kind of hunting I did for 10+years. he told me it wasn't cheap but well worth it if you sit 3 or more hours. remember SAFETY first!!

[Fletcher]

I have two of the Rivers Edge Extremes, one reg and one XL.  They're a solid stand and plenty comfy and can sometimes be found on sale for a reasonable price.  Good luck, JC.  I gotta have the flip up seat, too.

[Gary Logsdon]

My local Gander Mountain has one of the Rivers Edge models and it looks pretty good.  I decided on the Loggy becuase it was lighter, but apparently pretty darn strong as it was recommended to me by my buddies Gene and Barry.  They have several. HA!  I got lucky and found two at Uncle Lees/Wing Supply here in western KY.

[gregg dudley]

Originally posted by lt-m-grow:
I am a big fan of cheap with ladders -- which frankly is odd for me.  I generally am a believer in you-get-what-you-pay-for. However with ladders, I don't see much difference or at least don't see the value-dollar relationship quite as much.

 

X2

I buy the cheapest ladders and double ladders that I can get.  I would rather have three than one and that is about the price ratio that you are talking about to see any noticeable difference.

[La. bowhunter]

I have an Ol Man ladder stand that is very comfortable but it is about the only one I have tried.

[Bobby Castello]

I have been looking at the Muddy Outdoors Bowhunter ladder stand. Looks a little like the Loggy Bayou Brush ladder but a bit taller. They run $140.00. Oh yea, they are only 50lbs. Check out the website.
                     Bobby

[Stone Knife]

I buy the cheap ones, don,t buy one that the ladder is narrower than the platform, they are a pain to get set up.