Lone Wolf hang on users?

[KSdan]

Kaz- I really don't understand why guys use the second strap. When you put that on- it PREVENTS the stand from locking down (I have tried them-it negates the mechanics). I WANT the stand to shift down when I step on it.  This shift down is what locks it in (It is NOT the top strap that holds it tight. The top strap just holds it against the tree). I may not understand, but seriously guys; 17 years, easily over 50 new sits every year in numerous states, many types of trees, 6'4" 220# and I have NEVER had a stand slip or give "play" (except when a strap froze one time and slipped through the cam!)

The only place I could see my application needing an extra strap is in a "really" large tree where the bottom "V" may not wedge into the tree.  But I can't shoot out of trees like that anyway. The only other time for a 2nd strap would be a really crooked gnarly tree where the stand had no way to wedge down (I carry such a strap for the unique app).  

As stated- the sticks work the same way- just snug the strap and stepping on them wedges down tight.  I don't know of anyone who uses a second strap on sticks?  No need to.  

Hope it helps a bit. . .
 
Dan in KS

[KAZ]

KS Dan - I understand what you're saying. I don't lock the bottom strap so tight that it prohibits the stand from locking in on the batwing or top strap. When I set a stand, it clearly locks in. The second strap is for added insurance & stability of the base.

[KSdan]

Thanks. That makes sense too.

[gvdocholiday]

I plan to convert my Lonewolf stands over to a rope system similar to the thread on here a few weeks ago doing the mod to climbing sticks.  I probably won't go for the top strap but definitely for the bottom.

It's also my understanding that the Muddy Mount bracket used on the vantage stand will fit the Lonewolf stands.  Just requires drilling out the screw hole.

[Roughrider]

I use the "Batwing", hooking the top strap around the tree and back to the top versi-button, position the batwing on the tree so that the stand is verticle side-to-side on the tree, then I pull the stand down, with the platform still in the up position.  I then put the bottom strap around the tree, hooked to the bottom versi-button, with the strap just snug, then as I fold the platform down, the bottom "V" on the stand sort of pulls the entire stand down, tightening the straps.  As I said above, I some tension on the stand as I pull it down.  I can then step onto the stand and make sure it's secure.  On odd shaped trees, it sometimes takes a few tries to get everything adjusted correctly.  The "lift up the front of the platform and step on the back of the stand" also helps lock it in on some odd trees - especially if they have a hump or twist right where the straps go around the tree.  In my opinion, 2 straps are essential to locking the stand securely, and also gives the added confidence should one fail.  Without the bottom strap, the platform can move side-to-side easily on smaller trees.

Lone wolfs are now the only stand I use as they are secure and quiet and will hang solidly in a variety of tree shapes and angles.

[Butchie]

Agree with KSdan...only ever use top strap myself.  Using the bottom strap deters from stand "locking in".

[wapiti792]

Well I use the bottom strap and still can "cam" it in. It is loose enough for it to lock into the tree but add an extra layer of security. I want 3 points of contact...

Call it paranoia, call it an economics lesson. Call it 4 surgeries and enough money spent to do a stone sheep hunt AND a desert bighorn.

I had a cheap stand dump me in 2010. Ratchet gave way and I took at very hard fall. I only use LW stands now and limit the time they are outdoors. If I hang one for very long they are inspected and treated with care. I replace the straps, worn or not, every 2 years and have gone through and replaced all the cables on my 4 stands that see constant rotation. What is great about LW is that you can buy extra buttons, straps and cables. I have taken all my other stands and turned them into cash at the junkyard. My LW stands are a joy to hunt out of. I know that the hook will allow me to hang the stand without doing something stupid, and the 2 other points of contact keep from being scared to death. My sets are lower now and I am learning to brush in better. I killed a bruiser last year out of one that might have been 12 feet off the ground.

 

[stagetek]

No to both as well. I like the extra space between my butt and the tree that the bracket gives you, especially in colder weather with big coats. And a carpet just accumulates ice and snow. That means noise.

[Steve O]

I put the extra strap on AFTER the stand is set as a safety.

[Orion]

My older assault doesn't have a second versa button.  My newer, larger stands do.  I can see where they might help stabilize the stand if one were to get way out on one corner of it.  It would have a tendency to want to slip out at the bottom.  The second strap would keep it from doing that.  I put it on after the stand is set and snug it up, not tight, for the added piece of mind. Probably not needed.