[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/blog\/hunting-for-the-right-treestand\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/blog\/hunting-for-the-right-treestand\/","headline":"Hunting for the Right Treestand","name":"Hunting for the Right Treestand","description":"What treestand is right for me?\u00a0 It\u2019s a topic of constant debate and one that ultimately comes down to your...","datePublished":"2015-06-30","dateModified":"2018-10-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/author\/hagosto\/#Person","name":"Hector Agosto","url":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/author\/hagosto\/","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d7bfedbdc5ef3ed8f8df91eb37e1ffbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d7bfedbdc5ef3ed8f8df91eb37e1ffbe?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Legendary Whitetails","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/logo-legendary-whitetails.png","url":"http:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/logo-legendary-whitetails.png","width":522,"height":226}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/HangingTreeStand21-e1435156449148.jpg","url":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/HangingTreeStand21-e1435156449148.jpg","height":906,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/blog\/hunting-for-the-right-treestand\/","about":["News"],"wordCount":1417,"keywords":["News"],"articleBody":"What treestand is right for me?\u00a0 It\u2019s a topic of constant debate and one that ultimately comes down to your style of hunting and the types of trees present on your hunting grounds.\u00a0 Should I use a ladder stand?\u00a0 A climber? Or a\u00a0hang-on?\u00a0 There\u2019s no one right answer as to which type of treestand is the best, but each type certainly has its\u00a0advantages and disadvantages.\u00a0\u00a0 Let\u2019s dive into the strengths and weaknesses of each so you can decide which will be the right one for you.Hang-On StandsHang-on stands are probably the most popular stand of choice for hunters and they come in many different sizes, designs, and price points.\u00a0 Most notably, this is the stand of choice for most bow hunters due to its relatively large platform and rock solid feel, both key components for being successful with a bow and arrow.\u00a0 These stands are the most stable and quiet of the three because they are strapped tightly and directly to the tree.\u00a0 Most are equipped with a fold up seat which allows you as a hunter to tuck yourself close to the trunk for better concealment.\u00a0 Another area in which these stands aid in concealment is their ability to be hung on large trees like oaks, as well as trees with lower branches \u2013 which is usually the exact type of tree I am looking for.Although many prefer to hunt out of a hang-on, they do have some downfalls.\u00a0 The biggest being you need a relatively straight tree or at least the portion you secure the stand to needs to be straight so the stand is safe and comfortable.\u00a0 Every year, more and more tree stand manufacturers are coming up with ways to use these types of stands on less than ideal trees.\u00a0 Many offer adjustable tilts and attachment angles if you\u2019re willing to pay for it. \u00a0If you\u2019re not familiar with hang-ons, they also require the use of a separate climbing system like climbing sticks or tree pegs to reach your preferred stand height.Tip: Always use a lineman’s belt when hanging a hang-on treestand. \u00a0Not only is it the safest way to hang a stand, but it also allows for both hands to be free, which makes it 100x easier to strap it securely to the tree.Pros: Quiet; concealed; versatile; bow hunter friendly; somewhat portable; don\u2019t have to de-limb trees; you choose the height; ready to hunt after hanging standCons: Difficult to hang; safety (open platform);\u00a0climbing sticks\/pegs needed; need a relatively straight treeLadder StandsLadder stands are probably the safest and easiest stand to use.\u00a0 Again, you get what you pay for, but since they are attached to the tree and have a ladder for support below, many feel extremely safe and confident while using them and installing them.\u00a0 The ladder makes for an easy climb, which may be ideal for older hunters, those afraid of heights, or hunters who simply hate the hassle of hugging and straddling a tree all the way up to their stand.\u00a0 While commonly used by bow hunters, these are probably best suited for gun hunters or crossbow hunters as they typically come with a shooting rail (optional) and are made to be shot out of while sitting down.\u00a0 The shooting rail also acts as a guard rail which can prevent an accidental fall.\u00a0 One other bonus is the size variance of ladder stands on today’s market.\u00a0 Most treestand companies make a double person stand, which is perfect for taking youth out or sitting with a companion.\u00a0 Another mega advantage is that you can prop them up against just about any tree \u2013 curvy, tilted, straight or angled.\u00a0 If a hang-on won\u2019t work there, most likely a ladder stand will.Setting up a ladder stand is fairly quick and easy if you have multiple people, but can be quite cumbersome by yourself.\u00a0 Why?\u00a0 Because of the weight.\u00a0 The bulkiness and heaviness are two of the biggest knocks against ladder stands.\u00a0 Most people prefer to leave these stands setup in the same tree year after year because of this fact.Pros: Safe; multiple persons; shooting rail; comfortable; work on most trees; easy set-up with 2+ people; ready to hunt after hanging standCons: Heavy; bulky; noisy; need even ground; smaller standing platform; less concealed; shorter height (20\u2019 max)Climbing StandsProbably the most intriguing of the three types is the climbing stand.\u00a0 This is because you essentially only need to buy one and you\u2019re set to hunt just about anywhere.\u00a0 Hunters who have never used them usually have all sorts of questions.\u00a0 Thus, I tell anyone who is thinking about buying one, to first try one out.\u00a0 Obviously, mobility is the most attractive feature of climbing stands.\u00a0 With one stand, you can hunt just about anywhere you want \u2013 jumping from tree to tree and putting yourself right in middle of the action without ever teaching that mature buck where you\u2019re hiding.\u00a0 While they sound and can be great, there are several things to take into consideration before pulling the trigger on a climber.Yes, they\u2019re portable, but they\u2019ll only go as far as you\u2019re willing to pack them in on your back.\u00a0 Most modern day climbers weigh somewhere between 15-30 pounds . . . which really doesn\u2019t sound too bad, until your dripping with sweat before you even start to ascend your perfectly straight and branchless tree.\u00a0 Enter problems two and three \u2013 you must climb with them and the tree needs to be nearly perfectly straight with practically zero branches.\u00a0 First of all, climbing is exhaustive, especially with all your hunting gear on.\u00a0 Secondly, before you can climb, you need to properly secure it to the tree and compensate for the reduced trunk size as you ascend.\u00a0 Both of which cause quite a ruckus in the woods \u2013 first its clanking metal (you get what you pay for), then its scraping bark to the top.\u00a0 Darkness is also a factor to consider.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard enough to find a straight, zero branched tree in a good spot in the daylight, much less trying to do this in the morning darkness.\u00a0 My suggestion, know your area!\u00a0 If you hunt in areas where good climbing, straight trees are the norm, then this may be the only stand you\u2019ll ever need.Pros: Portable; only need one; comfortable once situated; climb to desired height; great for public land huntingCons: Noisy; strenuous; need straight tree; must de-branch along the way; pack in\/out; tree size is limiting; least safe; time consuming set-up and climbThis comparative treestand analysis is meant to provide you with points of consideration to make during your decision to buy a treestand, not to necessarily scare you from any one type or promote another.\u00a0 Personally, I own all three types because they all have their strengths and weaknesses.\u00a0 If you have any other questions with regards to choosing the right treestand for you, please leave your comments below.\u00a0"},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/#breadcrumbitem","name":"Legendary Whitetail's Blog"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https:\/\/community.legendarywhitetails.com\/blog\/hunting-for-the-right-treestand\/#breadcrumbitem","name":"Hunting for the Right Treestand"}}]}]