Need Suggestions for Tripod Stand

[RobbieH]

Hello all. The snow has finally melted and the deer are out in the fields once again. Time to plan for this season's hunt! For a couple of years now I've thought about getting a tripod stand. I'd like to hunt right over my soybean plot and although there are many trees near by, none are quite right for a ladder stand. Plus, I like the idea of being able to set up a tripod stand almost anywhere, rather than being at the mercy of finding that "perfect" tree in just the right spot.

Ive been looking at tripod stands and can't really decide which to get. So I thought I'd ask here, hoping anyone with one can recommend (or not recommend) it to me.

What I'm looking for - Something with a comfortable seat that rotates. Must be roomy enough so that I can stand up with a bow. I'd prefer something around the 16' height, and something that will last for years.
Seems simple enough, but with many different models being offered and so many conflicting reviews, it's become a little difficult to narrow them down to one.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Mennoniteman]

I think Sportsmans guide has a tripod at a good price, I never bought one because they're too open for me.Have you considered an enclosed stand similar to the tripod? Also a popup on the ground is a very portable option. You just need it up before the season so deer get used to it.

 

[Nebraskaz71]

I got one from menards a few years ago and added a roof and canvas around it. Woulda worked great accept I couldnt keep it upright for nothing, big rebar wouldnt hold it down, i even drove in 2 3ft augers and ratchet straps, still would blow over. Finally sold it this winter since I never used it.

 

[Stickbow Felty]

I picked up a couple Ameristep 15' Tripod with Real Tree Seat from walmarts. I like them for bow hunting with a long recurve. I also have made a stand called the high chair stand from plans from a member here. I like the high chair stand better. Just google high chair deer stand.

 

[Hawk Hunting]

Hawks Transformer Hunt Pod. Sets up quickly.

 

[RobbieH]

Thanks for the replies. Mennoniteman, I've been strongly considering this tripod from Sportsman Guide:
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-BIATP1000?src=Y0807GL0N0N10000&gclid=COz_-Z3VntICFd24wAodR9MCUw
and I believe they offer a 3' extender for it, for added height. Seems like it'd be pretty good. I've got a great spot picked out where I'd be tucked between some smaller trees, offering more concealment. I have a ground blind pop-up that I use a lot. But not for bow. There's not enough head room.
Nebraskaz71, thanks for the info on the one you got. I definitely don't want one that won't stay standing!
Stickbow Felty, I checked out the Ameristep from Wally World that you bought. Doesn't seem too bad. A bit pricey though. I googled the high chair stand. Looks interesting, but I think I'd rather buy one that can be moved easier, if needed.
That Hawks stand - not sure what to think about that one. lol. Looking to go a little higher than 9', but thanks

 

[Mennoniteman]

I like the "two trees for concealment" thing, that's a good spot. Also don't forget the prevailing winds direction. An old Indian once told me what to do about the wind "if wind isn't right Indian don't hunt" You are probably not going to beat the price in the Sportsmen's Guide. Maybe someone who bought one of their tripods can post a review?

 

[Hawk Hunting]

Thanks for the replies. Mennoniteman, I've been strongly considering this tripod from Sportsman Guide:
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-BIATP1000? src=Y0807GL0N0N10000&gclid=COz_-Z3VntICFd24wAodR9MCUw
and I believe they offer a 3' extender for it, for added height. Seems like it'd be pretty good. I've got a great spot picked out where I'd be tucked between some smaller trees, offering more concealment. I have a ground blind pop-up that I use a lot. But not for bow. There's not enough head room.
Nebraskaz71, thanks for the info on the one you got. I definitely don't want one that won't stay standing!
Stickbow Felty, I checked out the Ameristep from Wally World that you bought. Doesn't seem too bad. A bit pricey though. I googled the high chair stand. Looks interesting, but I think I'd rather buy one that can be moved easier, if needed.
That Hawks stand - not sure what to think about that one. lol. Looking to go a little higher than 9', but thanks

 

[FredFrank]

Thanks for the replies. Mennoniteman, I've been strongly considering this tripod from Sportsman Guide:
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-BIATP1000?src=Y0807GL0N0N10000&gclid=COz_-Z3VntICFd24wAodR9MCUw
and I believe they offer a 3' extender for it, for added height. Seems like it'd be pretty good. I've got a great spot picked out where I'd be tucked between some smaller trees, offering more concealment and providing some of the best crossbow strings. I have a ground blind pop-up that I use a lot. But not for bow. There's not enough head room.
Nebraskaz71, thanks for the info on the one you got. I definitely don't want one that won't stay standing!
Stickbow Felty, I checked out the Ameristep from Wally World that you bought. Doesn't seem too bad. A bit pricey though. I googled the high chair stand. Looks interesting, but I think I'd rather buy one that can be moved easier, if needed.
That Hawks stand - not sure what to think about that one. lol. Looking to go a little higher than 9', but thanks

I actually have the same tripod and I would also recommend it

 

[lakngolf]

I know I am old and slow but I just have problems getting in and out a tripod. Or maybe I just have a cheap one. My next stand I plan to build on an old sea doo trailer. Not high off ground but highly mobile

 

[RobbieH]

Thanks for the replies, guys. FredFrank, great to know you like that stand. How comfortable is the seat? Did you buy the 3' extender or do you find that the original height is good enough?

 

[Mennoniteman]

Thanks for the replies, guys. FredFrank, great to know you like that stand. How comfortable is the seat? Did you buy the 3' extender or do you find that the original height is good enough?

Robbie; So when the sportsmen's guide has their tripod 13' to the shooting rail and their outlaw tripod 16' to the shooting rail that's the same stand with just a 3' extension on the legs?

 

[RobbieH]

Robbie; So when the sportsmen's guide has their tripod 13' to the shooting rail and their outlaw tripod 16' to the shooting rail that's the same stand with just a 3' extension on the legs?

Not sure. Looks similar but can't say for certain.
So I am still looking at that stand from Sportsmanguide that I posted the link to. That link doesn't work but here it is:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-13-deluxe-tripod-deer-stand?a=686883
Although, the reviews are pretty mixed. But FredFrank posted on this thread that he likes it. So I'm still considering it.
Here is the 3' extension for it:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-3039-tripod-extension?a=1588285

Mennoniteman - I really like that outlaw tripod you posted. I'd probably get that instead:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/sniper-outlaw-16039-tripod-swivel-deer-stand?a=1952611

And here is a Big Game one from Runnings that looks good too. Seems I'll be able to stand up to take a bow shot if needed:
http://www.runnings.com/hunting-tre...a-tripod.htm?gclid=CPbBrbzVydMCFQwxaQodvAQB3w

 

[Mennoniteman]

Not sure. Looks similar but can't say for certain.
So I am still looking at that stand from Sportsmanguide that I posted the link to. That link doesn't work but here it is:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-13-deluxe-tripod-deer-stand?a=686883
Although, the reviews are pretty mixed. But FredFrank posted on this thread that he likes it. So I'm still considering it.
Here is the 3' extension for it:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-3039-tripod-extension?a=1588285

Mennoniteman - I really like that outlaw tripod you posted. I'd probably get that instead:
https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/sniper-outlaw-16039-tripod-swivel-deer-stand?a=1952611

And here is a Big Game one from Runnings that looks good too. Seems I'll be able to stand up to take a bow shot if needed:
http://www.runnings.com/hunting-tre...a-tripod.htm?gclid=CPbBrbzVydMCFQwxaQodvAQB3w

Keep me posted if you get one. I'm thinking of getting one for a certain spot I have and may wait until I hear some reviews.

 

[Cap'n]

I got one given to me because the guy couldn't figure out how to move it. Well I did. I have pics of it in my ipad moving it by myself. kind of scary but i got it done. I set it up in front of a big cedar so I would have background all winter and I wired the legs to cedar stakes we drove into the ground and tied it to the cedar tree. It is ok. Probably very similar to the one on Sportsmans guide but with an upgraded seat. Kind of a P.i.t.a. to get in with a skirt around the rails. also the rails are too low to use as a gun rest so I have to have shooting sticks but they are comfortable for bow or gun and safe. And you can move them without taking them apart.

 

[Perry]

Keep us posted on what you get I been looking at the big dog treestands tripod for a while it's $275 with free shipping but there aren't a lot of reviews on their stuff. It looks similar to the tripod stands that agri supply used to sell years ago.Still trying to decide whether to go with a tripod or a ground blind for my spot.

http://www.bigdogtreestands.com/product/bdt-300-16-tripod/

 

[Wild Thing]

If you are looking for economy or the lowest priced product on the market ... this isn't it. If you are looking for a very high quality, rock solid stand then look no further. Yes, you will see a lot of TV celebrities on the website - guys like David Morris, Jeff Foxworthy, Tom Nelson, Travis "T-Bone" Turner, etc, etc, but they are so sturdy they are used by Hollywood film producers and many average Joe deer hunters as well. My wife and I own 4 of their ladder stands. Made in Michigan and Jack Turner, the owner is a standup guy that believes in going above and beyond when it comes to customer service.

Try this link:

Home

Almost forgot to mention - Caution - the seat is so comfortable you may have trouble staying awake!!

 

[Mennoniteman]

Keep us posted on what you get I been looking at the big dog treestands tripod for a while it's $275 with free shipping but there aren't a lot of reviews on their stuff. It looks similar to the tripod stands that agri supply used to sell years ago.Still trying to decide whether to go with a tripod or a ground blind for my spot.

http://www.bigdogtreestands.com/product/bdt-300-16-tripod/

This is the Outlaw model in the Sportsmans Guide that sells for almost $100 less.

 

[RobbieH]

I'll be sure to let you all know which one I get. It will be in the very near future. So far the Outlaw one has my vote. Wild Thing, I checked out the ones that Family Traditions Treestands sell. They look very nice. I emailed them last weekend after I read your post, about pricing and haven't heard back. Poor customer service looses my interest pretty quickly. But I appreciate the suggestion. Sounds like a nice stand.

I'll be sure to keep this thread updated. Thanks again guys.

 

[Wild Thing]

I'll be sure to let you all know which one I get. It will be in the very near future. So far the Outlaw one has my vote. Wild Thing, I checked out the ones that Family Traditions Treestands sell. They look very nice. I emailed them last weekend after I read your post, about pricing and haven't heard back. Poor customer service looses my interest pretty quickly. But I appreciate the suggestion. Sounds like a nice stand. I'll be sure to keep this thread updated. Thanks again guys.

That really surprises me RobbieH as I have always given them very high ratings on customer service. I have always called the owner, Jack Turner, 517-543-3926. I don't believe I have ever emailed him. He has always returned my calls promptly.

I do not have a Family Traditions dealer anywhere near me so I have always picked up my ladder stands directly from them at their production facility in Charlotte, Michigan, which is over 400 miles from my home. Last year I was coming home from out of state and had called ahead and made arrangements to pick up my order on Friday afternoon. I got tied up later than expected and wasn't going to be able to make it until after closing time. Even though it was Jack's anniversary and he was taking his wife out for a celebration, he stayed after hours and waited for me. Last month I had a situation where I was going to be in the area on a Sunday and Jack agreed to come in and get me what I wanted even though they are not open on weekends. That is what I call excellent customer service. Not sure how he dropped the ball on your email but I'm sure you will be able to reach him by phone.

Here is a link to further contact information:

Family Tradition Treestands Contact Information