tree stands: climber vs. strap-on for safey

[jeff w]

I have been thinking about buying a climber tree stand. I currently use a strap-on with Lone Wolf sticks.   Overall, I am happy with the set-up, but sometimes think the convenience of the climber would be nice.

Does anyone feel one type of stand is safer than the other (assuming they are both properly used with safety precautions taken)?  I guess my concern is strapping my feet to the climber and going up the tree vs not having my feet tied into something.   Thoughts either way?

[Gordon Jabben]

I have both the LW hand climber and the strap-on LW with sticks.  Because of the convenience of the hand climber, I use it 90% of the time.  We have a lot of post oak trees here and the climber works well on them.  As for safety, I haven't had any trouble with either, knock on wood, but the sticks just seem the safest way to go.  I don't know if it makes any difference but your feet aren't strapped to the LW climber.

[Nuctech]

I use both here in Kansas. I have yet to find a hang on stand anywhere close to as comfortable as my climber. I guess I feel safer in my climber because I don't have to adjust myself as much.

Gabe

[Bob Moran]

I use both and like them both. A good climber should be as safe as a strap-on; in fact for me putting the strap-on always seems a bit precarious. The only gripe I have on my climber is that it has a front rail (shooting rail?) that is a bit of a hindrance when trying to shoot my bow from a sitting position.

[Mr. fingers]

As far as safety I would think a climber as long as you attach your safety belt and adjust it as you go up and come down. Your not ever stepping off the platform. The other thing I like about a climber is as you go up the tree you can turn and look to see how high you need to go to optimize your shooting opportunities say you need to go so high to clear a small tree top but not so high to clear under a hanging branch.and your not limited by the amount of steps you have. Although you do need a pretty straight tree.

[stagetek]

Climbers are much safer now than they used to be. And, I feel perfectly safe using either. I believe climbers are probably faster than setting three or four sticks and a stand, especially in the dark.

[Longbowwally]

Climbera are safer…I am strapped to the tree from the ground up…

[fnshtr]

Originally posted by Longbowwally:
Climbera are safer…I am strapped to the tree from the ground up…

X 2

[swamper]

Climber to me is much safer.

[Mike Mongelli]

And if you fall out of a climber or something breaks how easy is it to get down?  I use a climber quite a bit myself but not sure it's really any safer.  At least with the Lone Wolf type sticks or one of the cheaper ladder sticks It would be easier to  climb back up and unhook your tether.

[Yewbender]

Both types of stands are safe if used properly, you give them a safty check every year and WARE A SAFTY HARNESS. Also over looked for hangon stands is a safty rope used while going up or down from the stand. I have hunted out of both and they each have advantages and disadvantages. Im not found of heights so 99% of the time i hunt from the ground. I built a Torges seat and love it, its very light and sets up very quick. Also if the rope breaks i have less then a 2' fall. Oh...if you get a climber make sure you have a rope/strap tied to both sections of the climber. A buddy of mine was up in a climber and wearing a saftey harness thank god, he didnt have the two sections tied together and the platform slide down the tree to the ground. He was able to climb down with ease but i think he is part treerat. Good luck and be safe.