Choosing a Tree Stand
Every tree stand out on the market is unique in its own way whether they come with a solid platform , a platform that is meshed, different gauge metal are used for the supports, overall weight varies and ect.. Choosing the right tree stand can be time consuming; well at least for me it is. Not a lot of websites out there that do a step by step review of all the makes and models currently on the market. Here are a few pointers.
The biggest thing for me living in the north is how well does it hold up in cold temperatures. I have bought many hang on tree stands that simply don’t cut it. In cold weather metal reacts different than it does in a warmer climate. I have bought a few stands when you shift your weight when it was warm out it was problem free. But try shifting your weight when it is cold out and the stand will let out a loud creak, like it is complaining it is too cold out to be hunting.
A sure fix to this is to check to see if the tree stand has grommets between the moving parts of the stand. I had luck with softer grommets. If it is a hard plastic grommet they tend to get very hard under cold temperatures, making it near impossible to lift up the seat on the stand to stretch your legs, without it letting out a loud creak.
If it has no grommets what so ever, between the moving parts, a sleeve on the bolts then I steer clear of purchasing the tree stand. Metal on metal in cold weather simply does not work. Nothing worse than drawing back, shouldering your weapon only to hear a loud creak to alert your prey to you.
You often get what you pay for which can be said for almost anything but particularly with a tree stand. I have purchased many cheap hunting stands in the past but the engineering behind them is what I look for when considering a purchase.
I look for, does it have foam padding that you can either buy as an accessory or that comes with the stand. The padding I’m referring to is some stands come with a rifle rest. If the padding is not there and you accidentally hit your barrel on the rifle rest then you run the chance of not only spooking deer but you could ding up your gun or possibly knock your scope out of alignment.
Does the stand come with a full line of accessories and stand attachments? Some aftermarket accessories made for stands don’t fit securely to specific one’s I purchased. So if you can stick with a deer stand manufacture that has a full line of attachments for their stands. Whether it is, a camouflage skirt, replaceable padding, a replacement seat, hooks and hangers, these options and attachments should all be considered before finalizing your purchase.
Choosing the right stand can be time consuming but it will enable you to buy with confidence.
