Treestand rant

[struttingfool]

Why do all tree stands come with nylon straps vs the old school chains? I know the answers, cost, lighter, less sound but it should really be about safety!!!!! I started hunting out of Loc-on Lems in the 80's. And loved them. Not the most comfortable stand I ever sat in but very sturdy and "felt" very safe knowing that the chain that was wrapped around the tree was not going to break. Now today every stand I own has a nylon strap. I take my stands (7) down every year after the season is over, store them in the garage and do an inspection each summer before I put them up. Here is my concern, I have no idea if the stand I hunted last week is still good? Did a squirrel chew that strap when I wasn't there? And why are they so hard to get loose when the season is over? That buckle is a pain I currently have 4 lone wolf assaults that I really enjoy sitting in. Very comfortable and easy to hang and adjust. I bought 3 hawks last year and they are a very sturdy stand and easy to adjust, the seat is OK. But the strap that come with the hawks are a royal pain to loosen and take down. So much so, I ended up cutting the strap to get it out of the tree. Any suggestions? I am thinking about adding chains to those hawk stands? Thoughts?

Just so everyone understands. I have life lines in everyone of my stand locations, I will not get in a tree without a harness, and I add a two inch ratchet strap to all of my stands in addition to the straps provided.

I am guessing I am not the only one that feels this way

Strut

 

[j-bird]

I have considered converting stands to chain or cables vs the straps but have not done it yet. My biggest concern is getting the properly rated materials. I'm not going got put my health in the hands of the basic retail store hardware. I would bet it boils down to cost..... I use several straps on stands. For the hang on type I use 2 straps up by the seat and other one down by the base. I have also removed the straps and used ratchet straps for most of mine. I just rotate them out after a couple of years of use.

 

[Buckeye]

Same here. I always add a couple ratchet straps to mine.

 

[Cap'n]

I use extra ratchet straps too. I had a loc-on slide down a tree once as I stepped back towards the tree to get a better shot, the stand slide down 6-8 inches. I had a harness on but it freaked me and the deer plum out. Today I was adjusting a trail cam and the nylon strap broke, it was 3 years old and does stay where it is 24/7/365, but that surprised me. I always did add a ratchet strap for stability to my stands after that but it's really needed for safety. Even with a chain on stand. I think chain slips on bark easier than a strap, but no strap lasts forever.

 

[buckdeer1]

I think there are also things that can happen to chains and cables also,weather,the tree growing,weld breaking etc.The biggest thing is don't leave the ground without being hooked up.I too usually put an extra strap

 

[struttingfool]

Never had a chain slip on me. we always added a screw in tree step under the chain or we used a sold branch to go over.

 

[Mennoniteman]

Treewalker climber. Steel cable and I've never had much trouble with slipping.

 

[j-bird]

I love the flexibility of a climber....BUT....they have their issues as well. The big thing is that they tend to struggle with dealing with the taper of the tree itself.....especially the base. I will never forget an instance where I was sitting on the top part of my climber while I had the bottom in my hand! I was struggling to get the cable tighter to level out the platform and the cable came from around the back side of the tree. Yep - I was screwed. I thought for sure I was going to come down 20 feet the express route! I still like the comfort of a climber but now I tend to use them more like a lock-on type stand with steps of some sort and lock the base into place with a strap. I prefer a ladder stand except my ass goes numb.....and when you get that odd tingle in some funny places....well....it just ain't right. I will admit the best seat I have ever had was in a climber as far as comfort is concerned.

 

[Tap]

Tree saddle.
There are some great new designs out there.
Tethrdnation.com has just introduced a new platform that weighs less than 3 pounds.

 

[shaman]

The big problem I've seen with chain is its tendancy to grow into the tree. It does a lot of damage to the bark when you first cinch it down, but once it is solidly in place, the bark grows back. For a permanent blind, that's probably a good thing, but if there is any chance you'll want the stand out later, the chain is seriously stuck and you are going to play hell with the tree getting it out.

I have switched exclusively to 2 man ladder stands since 2001.

 

[Tap]

The big problem I've seen with chain is its tendancy to grow into the tree. It does a lot of damage to the bark when you first cinch it down, but once it is solidly in place, the bark grows back. For a permanent blind, that's probably a good thing, but if there is any chance you'll want the stand out later, the chain is seriously stuck and you are going to play hell with the tree getting it out.

I have switched exclusively to 2 man ladder stands since 2001.

My buddy switched the stock chain hook to a clevis. Its pretty slick. Removing the stand is much easier when you don't have to hope you have enough slack to get the chain off the hook. It goes up easier, too.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[readonly]

I have never had a squirrel chew a nylon strap, nor heard of it. Dry is the only problem and that is not a problem if the straps are replaced after normal wear. And using two straps eliminates the treat of one breaking.

Turn buckle chains being swallowed by tree growth, which can happen in one summer, is more of a safety concern IMO.