Climber VS Lock on

[wtpops]

A Little back ground on me as to why the question. I'm 57 and spent all 57 in California. Stopped hunting deer over 25 years ago and have been chasing pigs all those years. So needless to say Ive have not spent much time in a tree stand. In fact Ive only been in a tree stand twice, and that was in Oklahoma while hunting hogs.

I retired in December and relocated to Arkansas to be with the kids and grand kids. With a 5 month deer season and a 12 deer limit, (will be hunting Oklahoma also one of my sons lives there 6 in AR & 6 in OK) I will be taking up deer hunting again and I am a complete nube where tree stands are concerned.

I have a little bit of privet land to hunt in Arkansas and Oklahoma but will be hunting a lot of public land also. I like to travel light so I did some research over the last year and chose to go with a light weight climber. Here is a list of my gear i purchased last month.

X-Stand sit & climb
Spider wire micro harness
Live wire decent system

Main reason for the question is it seems that the major majority of threads on here in regards to tree stands are about lockons. Did i choose wrong or should i just go out climb a tree and have fun?

[awbowman]

You didn't necessarily choose wrong.  I prefer a climber, BUT I do use my loc-ons when the tree I pick to set up in cannot be climbed safely.

The ONLY drawback I have seen to using a climber is that you may have to pick an alternate climbable tree for your sit.  Not always a problem though.

If the selected tree is climbable, I tend to lean towards the climber for ease.  Both are good systems.

BTW, a loc-on is often deemed more "appropriate" for public land mobility (going deeep away from crowds) due to its lighter weight, but with enough sticks to get up 16-18' I have not seen a noticeable difference in packed weight.

[nineworlds9]

They really should start making sticks out of carbon fiber tubing, then a lock on and sticks would really be something special.  I guess the cost is likely prohibitive?

[doeboy]

I like them both and they both have there place.

climbers are a bit heavy and you will need to practice to get comfotable in them shooting and puting them on the tree in the dark and climbing with them. its not hard but like anything takes some getting used too. I use an Ol' Man climber and wont use any other brand (used them all)the mobility is key but requires mature trees and straight trees to be used. even a slight lean on a tree makes me feel funny. over all my climber is comfortable and stable and always an option i look for when scouting new spots.  

As for lock on style, they are the most solid in the tree and easy to shoot out of due to limited restrictions. If you get a set up like the lone wolf with climbing sticks its easily packable. In my opinion, on state ground, i would buy a few cheap lock ons and leave them in your spots and then just carry the climbing sticks in. you can buy 3 cheap stand for the price of one lone wolf- Not saying the lone wolf stands are bad (they are the most well made stand out there IMO) jus gives you more options. Find a hot trail, hang 2 for both prevailing wind directions.  

Don't forget about hunting from the ground! build or find some natural blow downs or make some spots you can sit and hunt from. options and mobility are key on state land due to hunting presure and time of year. If the wind is wrong in an area you can always get down from your tree and set up on the ground. in this case a good chair or stool is a must. Hunt more makes a good chair but its pricey.

Good luck, hope this helps...

Red

[Butchie]

I prefer a hang on and sticks to a climber because I can use it in most any tree whereas you are more limited with a climber.  Regardless, climb a tree and have fun!

[Butchie]

Originally posted by nineworlds9:
They really should start making sticks out of carbon fiber tubing, then a lock on and sticks would really be something special.  I guess the cost is likely prohibitive?

Couldn't agree more and wish someone would come out with this.  I use LW hang on and sticks as mobile setup now and would be willing to pay considerably more for carbon fiber if available.

[wtpops]

Originally posted by awbowman:


BTW, a loc-on is often deemed more "appropriate" for public land mobility (going deeep away from crowds) due to its lighter weight, but with enough sticks to get up 16-18' I have not seen a noticeable difference in packed weight.

My X-Stand sit and climb weighs 11.5 lbs total.

[wtpops]

Originally posted by doeboy:
I like them both and they both have there place.

climbers are a bit heavy and you will need to practice to get comfotable in them shooting and puting them on the tree in the dark and climbing with them. its not hard but like anything takes some getting used too. I use an Ol' Man climber and wont use any other brand (used them all)the mobility is key but requires mature trees and straight trees to be used. even a slight lean on a tree makes me feel funny. over all my climber is comfortable and stable and always an option i look for when scouting new spots.  


Red

My climber weighs in at 11.5 lbs and i agree about the pratice, ive been out climbing and shooting from the stand every chance i get. I have notice that my set up and climbing time has gotten a lot quicker from my first time.

This is my first stand so i cant compare to others but it is very stable an easy to shoot from.

[wtpops]

Thanks guys your comments do help.

[KAZ]

If you've already been practicing and are comfortable with your stand setup, you're likely good to go... Less trees to choose from. I like having a climber as an option, but it would not be my mainstay. I prefer a LoneWolf hang-on and their sticks. Way more versatile & about the same time to setup. Solid..... Just my "preference" though, you didn't make a wrong choice. Having both is even better! :-)

[ChuckC]

The biggest issue in my mind is the fact that in some areas, there are darn few suitable trees to accommodate a climber, while a loc on can go in most trees. Heck, I hunt a marsh and in some of my favorite areas, there aren't even any trees !

As you stated, you got better with using it.  Set up time can be pretty close to the same for both, once you have a system down.

Use whatever you feel good with. Both work just fine.

[dbd870]

I do hunt out of a ladder stand occasionally,  but most of my stand hunting is done out of my Summit climber. I like being able to move around easily from day to day. I'm close to your age, 55, and climbers are not a problem.

[Cory Mattson]

chippewa wedgloc hang on
lone wolf climber

These are what we use on public land each year - light enough - super effective - both last a long time - mine are 20 years old and still work like new
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[rolltidehunter]

It just depends on how safe you feel in an open tree stand loc-on. Carry your stand and  5-6 tree steps, and you can make any tree work. Crooked or not. The strap on steps are nice and light

[Dave Bulla]

I'm a hang on guy.

Tried a climber and still have one in the basement that I've never used.  The one I tried was the lone wolf alpha.  It's a quality built stand but there were several things about it I didn't like.  Ended up selling it after one season.  As far as packing it went, it was as good as anything I've ever used.  But finding the right size tree in the right place that had no branches in the way.... well, lets just say that good climbing trees are pretty common.  Good climbing trees in a place where you can actually use them?  Those are a lot less common.  My hang on can go in almost any tree regardless of branches and as for diameter, I've had it in trees as small as 5 or 6 inches in diameter up to trees I couldn't get my arms around.  With hangons it's all about being light weight and having a ladder or stick setup that is fast and quiet.  If you are comfortable with tree gaffs and a belt, there's nothing faster but they are not allowed on most public lands.

[ALwoodsman]

I think you did ok.  I use both.  On my family property I use my lock on stands.  Mainly because I can set them up before the season and during the season just slip in and hunt without having to carry much or set up a stand.  I use my climber for the hunting club because it is a much larger piece of property with quite a few hunters and I need to be more flexible as to where I hunt.  I don't like having to carry steps and set up a lockon everytime I hunt.  A climber to me is a lot easier.  Good luck.

[BUCKY]

Climber for me. I hunt all public land.

[Caughtandhobble]

May I suggest doing some scouting and find good tree (climbing compatible), in a good location. I have several trees that I have hunted for years with good success. The climber is a great way to hunt once you do the ground work. Also, I recommend making some stout comfortable straps so you can use your stand as a pack if needed.

Good Luck,
Ben

[Guss]

I use both...Lone Wolf is my preference, but I do have an Ol' Man climber that is really comfy for long sits.
Climbers can get in the way depending on the design and you usually have to take that into consideration when you settle in...
If I was forced to settle on one or the other for bow hunting I would get the Lone Wolf hang on with some of their climbing sticks....
I have a new Lone Wolf climber that I plan on using this fall..