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I need a new ladderstand

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12K views 50 replies 34 participants last post by  Lallen  
#1 ·
So I am needing a second ladderstand. My kid now can hunt in a stand alone, and I trust him to do so in the same woods with me.

that said I need to buy a new ladderstand. Looking for a suggestion. Price, well under $300 is preferable. Only use for bowhunting.

I have a two person stand I have up and used for a few years but want a single person one now...
Any suggestions would be great.

Choices are kind of overwhelming honestly...muddy, rivers edge, big game, summit......more locally than I can even remember off the top of my head.

thanks!
 
#7 ·
Millennium just came out with the L116 Bowlite… we set a few up and like them.


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I saw this stand advertised and did a bit of investigating. If I was considering a lightweight single person ladder stand, this would be on my short list as well.
 
#10 ·
What I like about the Rivers Edge Bowman:
  • Foot platform goes all the way to the tree, so you can stand right against the trunk.
  • Flip up mesh seat is very comfortable, and your back is against the tree.
  • Easy to assemble and set up, even by yourself if your in decent shape (much easier with two people though).
  • Easy to take down and move.
  • Economical for what you are getting. Find a discount code or a sale through their website or eBay for best deals.

Amazon has them for $182.20 with free delivery:

Amazon - Rivers Edge Bowman
 
#14 ·
So I am needing a second ladderstand. My kid now can hunt in a stand alone, and I trust him to do so in the same woods with me.

that said I need to buy a new ladderstand. Looking for a suggestion. Price, well under $300 is preferable. Only use for bowhunting.

I have a two person stand I have up and used for a few years but want a single person one now...
Any suggestions would be great.

Choices are kind of overwhelming honestly...muddy, rivers edge, big game, summit......more locally than I can even remember off the top of my head.

thanks!
Muddy and Big Game have the exact same stand, it's called a 1.5 something or other. We got one on sale at Bass Pro during their August hunting classic. I've been happy with it so far. It's extremely comfortable and the seat flips up and gives you a big platform. I magine you could find one for well under $200. It was a little bit of a bugger to put together, that I will vouch for.
 
#19 ·
I've seen the quality of Muddy decline over the past several years. A tree seat that I bought was so poorly laid out and welded that it was unuseable. Since it was on year end clearance, returning was not in the cards and emails to Muddy went ignored. If Big Game and Muddy are the same basic stands with different logos, I would be careful of them both. I do have a Big Game ladder stand on our property I purchased a few years ago and can also attest that it was a stinker to put together. There is no way I could have done it alone, as parts were not well fitted and required another man to align and hold some of the connections.
 
#32 ·
I set up a muddy 2 person ladder stand last year that didn’t have holes drilled into the ladder sections to pin or bolt them together. It also didn’t come with any ratchet straps to secure the tethers wrapped around the tree to the ladder. And I swear to go I’m fairly certain it even said in the directions that you were supposed to pull them tight and knot them to the ladder or something ridiculous like that. I bought it to hunt with my kids as they’re getting to that age. I improvised with the stand and it’s solid, but I’d never buy a muddy ladder stand again. I got 2 single person X STAND ladders and they’re top notch. Perfect.
 
#20 ·
As some mention the Platform you are standing can make a big difference as some are too small to get into position to take a shot and so look at the platform you will be standing on to see if it is large enough and works for You. Also not keen on "mesh" type seat if it is out for any length of time the UV will take its toll on it. I prefer a metal Seat platform and I just take a Ladder Stand Cushion out when I am hunting and remove it once the season has ended no worries of needing to replace the mesh seat then! Slightly wider seat is also an idea as then you are squeezing in to sit and to got out trying to stand as a deer approaches. And having heavier hunting clothes on. Some might have these features but not all do. Hope you find the one that works best for you!
LFM
 
#24 ·
I'm just an old bowhunter & have used the Wal mart double 15 footers for many a year now. I've sat in them with my adult Daughter & a couple not so small G-kids + the wife when she goes along to take photos.. Never a problem & arrowed a lot of critters out of them.. Single, same thing, Wally world.. Just being thrifty & they serve the purpose. These have always been on private. My public is a hang on but IF I find a good spot I like I take a single ladder in with my Deer hauler.. My adult son & 2 G-kids use them too. All pics are out of 15 footer except a couple, they were only 12 foot. All the "big" pics are 12 footer & within 20 yds or less & got a pass..
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#25 ·
Thanks all. Lots of great options here. Really appreciate the info. I am seriously considering ordering the bowman just looks simple but good.

My double is a muddy and its fine and its got 3-4 years on it but the quality isnt great but its been good enough.

I didn’t think this was going to give me stress lol

I really hate a shooting rail but easy enough to just not use.
 
#29 ·
If you have Dunhams near you, I highly recommend the Primal Mac Daddy extra wide. Goes together easy, is much easier than most ladder stands to hung and is super comfortable. I really like the jaw system, being able to secure from the ground. I also really like the 21 foot River's Edge knockdown, but their prices have increased and you'd be pushing your $300 budget.

Personally, I'd never buy the cheapo Wal Mart stands. You get what you pay for. Personally, I like being safe and comfortable.
 
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#34 ·
If you have Dunhams near you, I highly recommend the Primal Mac Daddy extra wide. Goes together easy, is much easier than most ladder stands to hung and is super comfortable. I really like the jaw system, being able to secure from the ground. I also really like the 21 foot River's Edge knockdown, but their prices have increased and you'd be pushing your $300 budget.

Personally, I'd never buy the cheapo Wal Mart stands. You get what you pay for. Personally, I like being safe and comfortable.
I do about 30 minutes away. Never go there but road trip seems in order to check it out. Thanks