Climber Stands

[Viking]

I'm just getting into bow hunting.  This is really my first full year.  I'm strongly considering getting a climbing stand as I'v been chosen to hunt Ripley this year and I also don't have one piece of land that I will primarily hunt on.  

1. Any comments on going this route? 
2. Is this a good idea?
3. Suggestions on which ones to go with?

[bowhunter73]

 You kind of get what you pay for. I like climbers especially if you are going to hunt public land .Lighter and more mobile than a ladder or try pod. Fixed stands that you chain or strap are a pain to put up, with screw in steps in the middle of the night.

 As far as what crawler I have a few of them and the only one I could recommend is the Lone Wolf. It is lightweight, comfortable, and fast & quite setup. It does cost a lot but you could always sell it if for some reason bow hunting is not your thing. You could even look for a used one

      Good luck  and welcome to MNO 

[buckhunter]

i use the summit classic, love the climbers. they are the only way to go. i would definatly recomend one.

i have gone to camp ripley 2 times before, once with a climber and once with a hang on, i have to say i had a better time with the climber. they are just eisier and they take way less time to set up, just pick a tree and climb up. i didnt get drawn for the ripley hunt this year though.

[HD]

One word of caution....If you buy one of the cheaper models, make sure you have a rope or safety strap connecting the upper and lower together. (I think the more expensive models come with the safety strap) I have been in the situation where the bottom has dropped all the way back down to the ground and your hanging from the top rail. Trust me it's a  getting back down with out the bottom 1/2 of the stand!


Hunter

[dakids]

I have used all types of stands.  I hate the hang on stands.  Climbers are the only way to go.  Another word of caution, after you get up high enough, secure a strap that holds the stand firmly to the tree.  I have stood up and bumped the top part which caused it to slide down on top of the lower unit.  I didn't fall luckily but the noise did scare the deer.

[Fallenhorn]

If it was me I wouldn't go with a climber. I always set up in the best place with the ideal wind possible. Having a climber doesn't always allow that. If your ideal tree has multiple branches, having a climber is not going to work. Also I like to have cover in front or behind me whenever possible. If it was me I would invest in nice steps (like EX steps or gorilla) and a lone wolf hang-on stand. Super easy and quick to put up.

Climbers are nice and can be quick to put up, but they have their limitations.
Tony

[ironranger]

I don't like the climbers nor do I use them anymore. I don't feel comfortable in them. If I'm bow hunting in a new area I'll just find good sign and build a makeshift ground blind keeping the wind in my face, have had good luck that way and I feel a lot safer too.

[Cody Gruchow]

i dont mind climbers but most all stands make me a little nervous. my hang on stand just flat scares the  out of me. my climber makes me a bit nervous, but thats what the safety harness is for. and my ladder stand is my favorite. also hunt out of some i built and feel completely safe in those also.