After 30yrs with my 30 pound tree lounge (safest,most comfortable stand I ever used),,,I have a mantis saddle on order and will use the foot climber from my lounge as a means to ascend the tree and a platform. 8pounds versus 30pounds makes a big difference climbing east Tennessee ridges for an official senior citizen of 2 weeks.

Add me to the saddle crowd! Have a Trophyline, Aero Hunter Evolution, Kestrel, and plan to order a Mantis soon. I still use stands on private ground but when it comes to packing in deep on public land, the stands gather dust anymore.

Should have added that when it comes to stands, I'm a fan of LW like many others but be sure to check out the Chippewa wedge-loc stands..... Buddy has one and I was impressed.

L/W climber, Chippewa wedge lock with extra mounts, Millenium M-7 ultralite and extra mounts, L/w sticks and Wild edge step ladder (8 rope on steps) and I'm pretty well good to go.

Quote from: Lakerat007 on August 12, 2018, 08:19:51 PM
I switched to hunting out of a saddle a few years ago and luv it. Can't see myself going back to a hang on.

Been looking at saddles and would like to hear of your experience shooting from one. What do you reccommend?

I built this saddle from a sit drag.   I also wear a rock harness (not shown) for safety.  the whole set up weighs about 9 pounds and allows near 360 of shooting.   Im using 1/2 Amsteel for the bridge and 1/2 Monster rope for the tether but will be going to a 10mm rope soon as it arrives.   its incredibly comfortable and i feel more secure.   i havent worked out a back brace yet.  The picture is my first time sitting in it.  I would not (of course) use a tree that large nor would i sit with my legs extended.

I have tried many stands over the years and prefer the LW Assault with either screw in steps/bolts or LW sticks.


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I've used treestands for more than a few years. I started w built stands, than bakers, long story short I think I've shot most. That's not saying all.
Hands down if you can climb a lone wolf is the way to go. A summit is a little more comfortable when your sitting. They flat out are much worse to carry but are real good stands too.
A hang on leaves lots of options open

I have several mobile options this year. I still have my old trusty Summit Bushmaster, but this year i will probably use my new X-stand M-1 or my DIY Saddle system. They are both very light, and very much modified for long hauls. Is it September 8th yet?

The smaller Lone Wolf climber. What ever the name is. Most of my hunting is in straight timber where climbing a few feet higher than 3 sticks is a plus, so the climber works best.
  I purchased the tree saddle. Seems like you are hauling just us much gear with that. I'm not seeing an advantage, plus I can't get the hang of shooting out of it. Only tried a couple times a few feet off the ground and lost interest. Maybe I'll try it again this weekend.
Tedd

My favorite is an old Loc-On Limit with climbing sticks. Easy to set, solid and quiet. A little more foot room without much more weight than the Windwalker and a higher seat height. Spent many 12 hour days on stand in a Limit and was as comfortable as one could be sitting in a tree for 12 hours. Had two of them with API climbing sticks, about a half dozen rope on steps, and the backpack that Loc-On made to fit the Limit/Windwalker. One of the those deals where you find something you like, buy a second one because you can be guaranteed they'll stop making it. No tree in the woods I can't conquer with that setup. Backed over one of my setups with my truck a few years back, that was a sad day, now I'm down to one.

I love the Lone Wolf hang-ons. I have to admit though, I can access most spots on my place, for stand hanging, within a few yards with my UTV.  I take ladders, limb cutters, multiple stands, and a blue ray player (kidding) when I'm on this Mission.

Lone Wolf hangon with climbing sticks. I hunt strickly public land. Put the stand up and take it down every hunt. You need a stand that's light and the Lone Wolf is the ticket.

I've been a saddle guy for the last 10 years.  New tribe Aero Hunter Evolution with Lone Wolf Sticks

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Lone Wolf climber on rare occasions, for hang ons I have an M7 that I bought last year. Great stand and with 8 receivers I can set up a lot of locations I know I will hunt and not have to have a stand for each. I also have a pair of Loc-On limits with amsteel "speed hitch" ropes that work really well for run and gun stands. I use 4 Hawk Helium sticks that I moded to use a versa button and 3/8" amsteel rope. Light, quick to hang and very quite. I also use a woodpecker drill in some situations but not a ton.

I used to use Summit Climber (Open Shot) but once it slipped on a low bark tree so I switched to a Lone Wolf Alpha with sticks. I purchased an extra stick and that comes in handy once in awhile - sometimes I just carry three.
I do replace the straps every year (two on stand and one on each ladder - costs $60 to replace them) had a ladder slip out on me once and couldn't figure if it was me
or the strap - I got bruised a bit - so I replace them regardless)
Stand works well, comfy and I have no complaints with it - had it maybe 8 years or so
On longer walk-ins I do use a deer cart to haul stand and pack in with me, it's okay under a mile I guess but think it's 20lbs

Quote from: Cmane07 on August 12, 2018, 06:57:41 PM
I love the lonewolf hand climber.  Really lightweight, folds flat, and easy to set up.  I've been using the same one for 4-5 years now.

you will have a very hard time finding a stand better than this one.  I have the sit and climb model and i LOVE IT!! On cold days and hunting trees that I know I can climb with a climber, I'll definitely be carrying this! 

If you're looking for a good lock on, look at XOP.  THey're the same as lonewolf(literally), but at a fraction of the price. 

Also Wanted to add, if you're looking for some great sticks, the muddy pro's are the best there are offered atm (imo). 

I'm kinda curious about the XOP's being a fraction of a price. I've read this elsewhere when I was shopping around. When I bought my alpha 2 for $230, the XOP version was $200.  Not a substantial difference when comparing made in USA vs China in my opinion.