How many of you use Climbers?

VarmintSniper · #1 10-04-2003, 12:20 PM

I just bought my first climber last night at the local Wally World. Actually had to go down in Indana last night since they wouldn't sell their dispaly items at ours.

. Seems pretty nice. The buddy I went with, went back to his house and put it together. Went outside to climb a telephone pole. Pretty sweet. Was hard at first to get use to it, second time was a breeze climbing. Just woundering what's your thoughts on climbers?

Mike

jmarriott · #2 10-04-2003, 12:36 PM

I got a summit viper and love them. Light packable and I can sit in comfort and be still all day.

Oh did I mention i can sit still all day.

I do have two old loc-on stands and some peg and strap steps and still use them in a few location that the climber is not good for but i like the climber.

VarmintSniper · #3 10-04-2003, 01:39 PM

Only thing I didn't like mine so far is it didn't come with any carring straps. What do you use for your carry straps?

Mike

LoneWolf · #4 10-04-2003, 04:40 PM

Climber is the only way I go!

I have 2, one a homemade that is super sturdy, and super heavy

. The other is a new aluminum one from Cabela's. I've tried hang ons in the past and never cared for the wiggle. Kinda makes you pucker, if you know what I mean.

With either of my climbers, I can be 30 feet up a tree in a barely a minute after initial setup. I usually take mine out during scouting and chain them on my tree of choice. The other thing I like is ease of picking up and moving to another spot.

As for straps, Cabela's and Gander Mountain both sell clip on padded back pack straps you can use. I bought a set for my heavier stand and they work great. Another thing you'll want to take along is a fold up saw. Really helps in clearing as you go.

Varmint Hunter · #5 10-04-2003, 06:24 PM

First - The back strap, blade or cable must be adjusted so that the platform is level when the stand is 12-15ft off the ground and not at ground level. As the tree trunk gets thinner (going up) the platform angle changes. The angle on most stands can not be adjusted without going back down.
It is a good idea to test you new climber on the exact tree that you will be climbing (if known) beforhand and make note of the specific adjustment needed so that you have no problems in the dark.

Second - Always secure a short piect of line (30"-36") between the two pieces of your climber. This way if the lower half accidently slips off of your boots it can not drop beyond your reach and leave you hanging up in the tree with no way down.

Just a little advise from a long time climber.

VH

VarmintSniper · #6 10-04-2003, 08:40 PM

I used some rope to make a quick carry straps for the time being. I'll have to look into the Cabela's ones. Well I forgot to being my saw along. Duh

. So the one tree I was gonna place it on would need some triming. So I moved to another spot and found a nice straight tree. Worked good till I got to a knoch and I couldn't get the cabel over it. Cold being up so high. Seen a small buck, forgot my bino too

Mike

Rustywreck · #7 10-05-2003, 12:18 AM

It's a climber for me. There are times I wished I had a ladder stand in certain places, but I still wouldn't be without a climber.
For what its worth, I can adjust the base to my Lone Wolf once I"m up the tree. It takes a little effort, but I can do it. Of course having an extra bungy cord to prevent it from falling to the ground helps too.

Turk · #8 10-05-2003, 07:52 AM

Picked up my first yesterday while I was in Montana. I'm not one that can understand directions quickly, so I am still working on getting it completely together. But it will be done soon.

Hope to use it on a spot a friend put me on, on his farm. Said he's seen a few nice ones there.

TrofyBuk · #9 10-05-2003, 09:58 AM

Climber seems to be the way to go. I used to use them on public land a lot, but, started hunting private land and got used to the ladders stands. Really like the ladder stands, but, we have had some problems with theft in the last year or two.
I'm going to go back to the climber. I can take it out with me if I'm not going to be there for a while.

mazter · #10 10-05-2003, 03:28 PM

I have a Summit Viper XLS , It climb's great, and is a solid Stand, And yes I too could sit in it allll day too, Very comfertable.

petey · #11 10-06-2003, 10:25 AM

Shot my first and up to my last deer with the bow, using a climber. I started using an old homemade jobby and bear hugged the tree to climb. After many a scraped belly, I got a Loggy Bayou with climber. I have the original with the J-hook fastener on the seat instead of the ratchet. Killed many of deer out of mine. Even use it in gun season sometimes. This is the first year I've tried lock-ons...on the other hand. I hung two for quick hunts when I get home late or want an early am hunt.

Freebore · #12 10-08-2003, 02:29 PM

I had a Summit Saber as my first climber, steel, heavy and solid, noisy setting up, killed alot of deer out it. Went to an API bowhunter and have never looked back. Very comfortable, I nap very well in this stand, and always, always, always use a belt to stay put, first on last off as I leave any tree. I use this in three states and am very pleased with this an feel very safe.
I also have 10 hang ons I put up every year and the climber is invaluable for this project. I put the screw-in steps in on the way down. I use these on the private land I hunt and the climber on the state lands. I use the climber also mainly bow. So I can setup where I've never been before, but have my favorite trees.
I am looking for a lighter climber stand. I've been looking for/at input from some of the other users here for their comments. I'm over the hill and that API at 19# bare is getting a little heavy on those 1+ mile hikes with gear and weapon. Anybody have a TimberTall?

trex · #13 10-08-2003, 03:54 PM

Freebore I've heard some real good things about the Lonewolf stands. They are proud of them if you know what I mean but you might want to check them out. Super light

NYARCHER · #14 10-08-2003, 05:19 PM

Freebore, I to was interested in the Timber Tall stands. There are no dealers in my area at all. I called a pretty popular on-line archery store who sells them and asked the guy on the phone. He said that they are good but lack a bit in the manner in which they attach to the tree. He said that they were less stable than some others that were on the market. I have a Lone Wolf hang-on that has been very good to me. I played with the Lone Wolf sit and climb at a local store and it seems as well designed as the hang-on that I have. it is 4lbs heaver that the Timber Tall but since I don't really like heights i think i will pack the extra weight for more stability. I hope this helps a bit anyway.

BukTruk · #15 10-08-2003, 09:22 PM

I use a ol man climber, I like it, Can easily sit all day, and my wife who is afraid of heights will even use it, though she is a little shakey in the legs sometimes she did take her first deer with a bow out of it last year. I would prefer to hunt out of my tree-suit however. It is much lighter only a few pounds, and I feel I am concealed much better. The only draw back is I need a way to get up the tree, I have not got the climbing platform for it yet, they just came out with that. The new ol man titanium is probably pretty light, and I guess it will leave you pretty light in the pocket as well. Oh well good luck with whatever you choose and always wear a saftey belt.