I am recently about the buisness of purchasing a lock-on stand. I have bowhunted heavily for several years and until now have backpacked my trusty Ole-Man (mostly great distances) to the woods. After visiting the same sites multiple times, I have decided that two(or more) lock-ons are in order so I can save my climber(and back) for shorter trips.

The web has TOO much info. about stands and not enough places to see actual hunter reviews, and it is my experience that the "Been there done that" statement holds true most of the time... so I am asking for help!

I am in the market for cheap cheap CEAP. While I know that with most hunting equipment you get what you pay for so I can be somewhat flexable, but my college income level does not allow much to be spent.

I do not require extreme comfort as my backside is not very big and I normally do not sit in a stand for more than 4 hours. I am looking for good quality, no frills, affordable stands and ladders. I would also like fairly easy to transport (but not that important.)

Also what about the screw in tree steps?
Is there good matrial to buils my on ladders?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

Brandon Shankle

River's Edge stands are fairly cheap, and good stands for the money. Tree steps are a very good way to get in and out, but it takes a bunch of them to get up 25 feet. the nice thing is that they are cheap too. If you're wanting to build your own ladders, I have an alternate solution. Find an old TV antenna tower. Just like a ladder, and usually won't cost much, if anything. JMHO

GD

Do you know how to weld and have access to a welding machine?

I built several hangers myself at very low cost. I prefer my climber so don't use hangers much but I got em... and very good ones at that.

I have two climbers that are home-made I would like to get rid of. Shipping would be a pain though!!

I like Gorrila hang ons. My Summit is nice too but expensive. I have 2-3 ladders that work great and are very quiet, they have stirrup type rungs rather than regular rungs. I think they ar emade by API

I don't know where you are located but I buy all my stands in Feb or Mar. Most places are getting rid of their stuff for spring turkey and fishing stuff. Wally even sells the gorillas I have seen them below $50.