Ladder stand recommendations requested...

[Rando]

Hello all -
I have been doing more and more ground hunting and really enjoy it but some areas I hunt are better suited to getting off the ground. I am of the age that I have left hang-on stands behind and would like to invest in a decent ladder stand. My criteria being:
-Open design for bowhunting (easy bow clearance)
-12' - 16' max, I have zero interest in going higher
-Stable, solid, safe!
-Easy to transport and set-up/take down. Lighter is better but I know that is a challenge with ladders
-Comfortable, my days of toughing-it-out are over.
-Willing to pay a bit for quality...
Appreciate your thoughts and experiences!
Randy

[ed lash]

Hey Rando. For the most part, I switched to ladders a while ago...several years. I've had a lot of different ladders thru time. Maybe a total of 40 to 50. The cheap, 15-17' simple ladders have probably been my favorite overall. They are easy to set and to move. And they last several years. But they are not comfortable, and have a tiny platform that makes standing and turning a chore.
   The more elaborate stands are more comfortable, and allow you to get next to the tree when standing. They have bigger platforms making movement easier. But they are heavier and far more difficult to set and switch locations. They also tend to be higher...not always.
    Some of my favorites too, have been 2 person stands that I removed one ladder section, and put them in a giant tree, or a cedar. But they aren't light weight.
    Sorry to have not been more direct to your wishlist for a stand. But these have been my experiences. I've been willing to compromise obviously. These problems are head scratchers.

[Bow man]

There are several out there that are at a good price. First thing I looked for was a Full platform and also a flip up seat. I have Rivers Edge Jumbo Jack. I leave al the arm rests off when I put it together.  Tractor Supply has them on sale right now for $149.00

[kennym]

I got so tired of squeaky rattly ladder stands that I built my own with solid legs of square tubing and angle frame with expanded metal floor . Rope sling seat is comfy ,12' to platform , they are silent and I've shot a lot of deer ,and varmints from them .

Worked so well I had a local weld shop build several more , between bro and I we now have 24 of them .

Weld shop built them for a hundred each .

[kennym]

[attachment=1]

No paint , rust finish...

[supernaut]

That ladder stand is really nice Kenny.   

[SS Snuffer]

The Bowman by RiversEdge is a pretty good stand for 120 bucks at Menards. It says it's 19 ft. but I just leave 1 ladder section out. Full size platform flip up seat. Seat can easily be replaced. Shipping is free to any Menards store. I'm sure kennym's is better.

[dnovo]

Too many choices out there. Most don't come with the flip up seat like my older ones that I like.  My main criteria is $$.  Then I look at features I like. Most of mine are 15-16' and in the right spot I'll leave a section off to get it lower.

[Stringwacker]

I've always used a system that no one but me embraces...but I like it and it seems to fit what your looking for. I buy the cheap Sportsman Guide ladders that are 15' tall....and most importantly have a metal top seat portion.

If you have used lock ons in the past you probably have a few around. Just take one and hang off the side of the top of the ladder. The ladder is just used for 'steps'. To make it all safe, I run a HSS safety line up the tree to the lock on.

I started doing this 30 years ago when my children were small to give them a safe and comfortable way to get in a treestand. The lock ons I use are comfortable and allow tons of clearance for shooting a bow. When they got older, I just kept using the system as its easier to put up than using steps (for me). I love the ease of climbing into a lock on with this system on those bitterly cold days.

[bswear]

Family Traditions is the best.  I have the double but the LD14 is nice also.  Main thing is you don't have the dreaded attachment bar like most do.

[Orion]

If you can find one, a Leverage telescoping stand is hard to beat.  Three four-foot sections slide out to position the platform at 12 feet.  The platform and seat are comprised of a sturdy hang on and there are no bars or cables to interfere with your legs or bow. Easy to transport and rock solid. Unfortunately, they are no longer made. 

[Trenton G.]

I don't hunt from a tree too often but I use Rivers Edge stands. They have no rails or anything to get in the way of bow limbs, and  are pretty quick and easy to set up. I can even shoot sitting down from them, which I pretty difficult with other stands.