Lone Wolf: climbing sticks vs. sit-n-climb?

[rugersol]

It's been a few years since I've been hunting from my Lone Wolf Alpha "Hang-On" stand. As the boy continues to get bigger, the idea of tryin' to screw in steps and hang that sucker's becoming more 'n more ominous.

With the other thread, I been lookin' at some videos of the "climbing" stands. On public land, I usually end up having to go in quite a ways, to avoid others ... so weight becomes a paramount issue. At which, I've ended up at Lone Wolf's door, again. I didn't like the looks of the "sit-n-climb" ... so I wrote an email to 'em about it ... and they wrote back right away with an option I hadn't considered ... the "hand-climber" with the optional "sit strap". If I went with the "assault", that'd be 'bout 14 lbs ... and nothing more. $16 fer the "strap" ... 'bout $400 fer the "hand climber" ... maybe a little less.

The Lone Wolf guy called me, to make sure I got his message ... and we talked a bit. After a bit, he figured I'd be better off with the "climbing sticks" ... and my current "hang on" stand. Ordinarily, I'd think "that's worth a try". Except, the sticks are $200/four (which I figure gives me about 16ft off the ground, max.). First off, that seems a bit short, to me (last good spot I had was on an incline ... I had to be up well over 20ft ... good thing I was, too!). Secondly, I'd hate to piss away 'nother $200 on a stand I was already lookin' to "upgrade" from. Thirdly, my "hang on" is 14 lbs and 4 "sticks" is 'nother 11 lbs. He did mention, "then branches 'n stuff ain't so much an issue". But, where I hunted, most trees were clean up to 20ft 'er more. Besides, I usually check it out a couple weeks ahead ... I could bring a little saw up, and with the climber, easily get up, clean the tree, and get back down ... one trip.

I'm purdy sure I'll go with the "hand-climber" with the "sit strap". Jest curious if anyone's got any strong reasons why that might not be a good idea?

[bofe954]

Fleet Farm in oakdale had sticks on sale last time I was there. Can't remember how much, but I was debating picking them up, they were a lot less than $200/4.

[ex-LT]

Shouldn't have to spend $200 for 16'. A quick google check shows the following:

Ameristep Grizzly 20ft - $50 - Cabelas
River's Edge Rapid Stick 20ft - $70 - Gander Mountain
Guide Gear 20ft - $40 - Amazon (also at Sportsman's Guide)

[rugersol]

I didn't hafta spend $250 on a hang-on stand, neither ... coulda spent $40 on this.

Again, weight is a very important issue ... I don't wanna lug 11 lbs of climbing-stick ... why would I wanna lug 20 'er 25 lbs?! ... and my 14 lbs stand, and that's 34 - 39 lbs.

[Heffay]

I didn't hafta spend $250 on a hang-on stand, neither ... coulda spent $40 on this.

Again, weight is a very important issue ... I don't wanna lug 11 lbs of climbing-stick ... why would I wanna lug 20 'er 25 lbs?! ... and my 14 lbs stand, and that's 34 - 39 lbs.

Why don't you get one of those carts? It'll be handy for getting the deer out too.

[promod1385]

This could be a great solution for you.

http://www.chippewawedgeloc.com/

You could go in and hang a couple sets of chains the week before then carry your stand and sticks in. I am a small guy an really like the Quest model. I met this guy at the deer classic some years back and have really become a fan. My buddy has the Brutus and he has had zero problems.

Call this guy, he does retro fits on LoneWolf Stands. You might be able to save a few bucks going this route and still get some extra portability.

[rugersol]

This could be a great solution for you.

http://www.chippewawedgeloc.com/

You could go in and hang a couple sets of chains the week before then carry your stand and sticks in. I am a small guy an really like the Quest model. I met this guy at the deer classic some years back and have really become a fan. My buddy has the Brutus and he has had zero problems.

Call this guy, he does retro fits on LoneWolf Stands. You might be able to save a few bucks going this route and still get some extra portability.

I checked out the link ... couldn't find any prices, or weight fer the sticks?

I think I need to find a decent harness, too ... saw a video of a guy usin' one ... he'd jest lean back, and he could use two hands, no problem! Mine jest hooks in the back ... high ... so I leaned back, I'd flip right around. Be nice if someone made one where ya could hook it in front, to climb ... then hook it in back, to sit.

I sure would like to get some use outta my Lone Wolf hang-on ... particularly if I can't sell it fer nothin' ... but that climber still looks like the way to go!

[FJ540]

Climbers only work on clear span trees (no limbs), so you're very limited in what you can climb without limbing the damn tree on your way up it the first time.

Sticks and a hang on can get you higher in certain forests.

I own both - my hang on gets set and left, while I'd never leave my climber unattended; even on my own land. I have a buddy with 20yr old plantation white pine, and the climber would be useless there. Mature oaks and maple that aren't crowded will also have lower limbs preventing much upward progress without hacking the tree up first.


I had the LW sit-and-climb and returned it. It wasn't well designed or built, or even comfortable - but it was lighter than my summit dagger ss. The only thing I liked about it was the cast aluminum base. I wish they'd sell those separately, so I could add a seat of my own choosing for the best of both worlds.

[rugersol]

Ya ... I think part of my problem is, I hunted in the same tree fer like 8yr ... climber woulda been fine!

But, that property's posted now ... so I gotta find a new tree ... be a shame to hafta pass on a good one, 'cause the climber's no good.

I'm ok with the sticks ... jest wanted to build up some confidence 'fore I piss away 'nother $200.

I'd almost feel better 'bout stayin' with the screw-in steps. No way I'm leavin' $200 sticks on state land! ... so I gotta pack 'em in/out every day! ... AND the stand!

But I always go out a week 'er two ahead, to get a tree ready ... and I always leave the steps. I could do that, then jest carry the stand, each day. I think I jest need a better harness ... and do a better job of arranging the steps. I'm always so wore out by the time I get to the top, it ends up jest bein' a mess ... and not very good, fer hangin' a stand, from.

[FJ540]

LW sticks left on state land won't be there when you return for them (they're too nice). Screw in steps on state land are illegal and damage the trees.

If I found someone using screw in's on my land... I won't post what I'd do about it. They're like giving a tree boils - dozens of infection sites for bugs and disease to enter through. That not only can kill the tree, but it ruins the timber value as well.

You can get 3 LW sticks for $100 or you could get multiple steel rapid/ready rails for the same money. I pay $30 for ready rails.