Big guy climber...
Massachusetts
Contributors to this thread:
Can anyone recommend a big guy climber? Tell me what you like about it; and/or what to look out for when buying a climber? Recommendations on keeping the thing quiet?
I purchased one on the cheap and never really got the hang of it before the season started. I elected to jut go with my blind and hangers. Old hanger is in the trash and I’m shopping this week.
Thanks all!
(Time is getting short!! Ducks in two weeks!!!)
I have a recommendation, which I learned about on here. I had an inexpensive climber that was heavy and really didn’t bite the tree too well. Multiple episodes of sliding down the tree—no fun. So I bit the bullet and got a “tree walker.” About 18 pounds I think, grips the tree very nicely, and is a pretty big platform. Like it very much. I’m ~6 ft ~230 with the weight in all the wrong places.
I have a Summit Goliath. Great stand. super comfortable. Not bad to carry either. I am 6'2 265lbs......
Buy once cry once. Lone wolf sit an climb. The last stand you will need to buy for the rest of your life.
My best is API from 07 . Alumitech.
The chain is a solid connection to the tree that makes me feel safe. I have stripped everything off of it that is not essential. No footrest, no seat back, ( just the seat bottom), no padding on arms or front rail. I even took off the tree ratchet that locks the upper section securely to the tree. ( I'm not recommending this for safety reasons) But if you do then: Be sure you have a good harness in use all the time. Bare bones, solid and easy to pack/carry. It's easy to set up even in the dark without all the extra crap to maneuver around.
When walking with it I lash the two sections together securely so it doesn't make any noise. I have also added some spray-on rubber to the base and painted the whole setup to break up the hard lines ( the seat bottom too.) This helps conceal my climber when it is at the tree bottom as well as when in use.
Mine came with the solid foot stirrups which I like for climbing, it makes it easy to move the bottom section without dragging/scraping up the tree but I do not know if they are still sold with these. Sitting/ resting on the upper rail (which is wide on this climber), when climbing makes for a pleasant assent. I also like to sit or lean on the outer rail (facing the tree for cover) which is solid and dependable. This stand gets a good bite on the tree but I sharpened the teeth a bit more for a better grip.
Get a good lock and cable. Good luck.
X2 Lone Wolf. Life is too short for loud, heavy and unsafe tree stands.
My Treewalker weighs a hair more then my Summit did but carry’s better so it feels lighter.
Lone Wolf- wide flip top combo. safe and quiet but on the heavy side at 21 lbs
Just checked and Treewalker rated for 350 pounds.
Treewalker or Summit goliath get my vote.
Sosso—concerning “getting the hang of it”—I practiced and practiced with my cheap first climber, and the learning curve was awful. But then I got that treewalker one, and there was really no practice required—just climbed right up. So maybe in both my case and yours, learning with that heavy stand was like swinging the heavy bat. I bet if you get an easier stand, you’ll be a pro.
Wow! Thank you all for the feedback. Jen, I hope you’re right. It certainly looks look like the Treewalker gets the most recommendations. Regardless, I do appreciate the feedback, and it looks like the one thing you definitely don’t cheap out on is a good climber.
Thank you all. I’ll let you know how shopping goes!
6 more weeks!!!! (roughly... is what I tell myself )
See if you can hook up with a couple guys who have them and try a few. I have used many and own several. summit is tough to beat., the older API'S were very good stands. My go to is made by Equilizer but they went out of business though Buck Shot is now making them. The summit is by far the most comfy. The lone wolf sit and climb is over priced and we didn't like it.
Not sure if you been on the Treewalker site but you will see how versatile it is. Just like the reviews on the web I did mod it a little for quietness so if you get it let me know I can tell you what I did to mine. I had Summits before and the one thing they have over that is the feet stirrups which is a plus. I can probably put those on the Treewalker though. I love the removable rail on it.
i have owned 2 treewalkers, several summits, and 2 different lone wolf sit in climbs(old v bar and the newer one they offer now) , old man, and api stands hands down nod goes to tree walker everytime . sometime i use my summit viper sd elite...it weighs same as my treewalker but packs up more compact. but when itsa weight vs comfort vs secure climbing and all day sits treewalker gets the win
Find a lightly used Tree a walker on Craigslist. it looks like the seller is in Whitensville. Is it one of you guys?! If so, let me know. I’m buying!
$275. I already tried contacting the seller. Was just curious if it was anyone here.
Great deal but offer $250 first. Very versatile stand love mine!