I base my stand choice by how long I plan to sit each location--for example, if I want a stand that will be used for early season hunts that I will only sit a few hours at a time I go cheap. If I plan on sitting all day during the rut, I spend more to get something with a good seat that I can stay comfortable all day. As a general rule you get what you pay for..

 

Thanks daddy, I very rarely sit all day, and if I do, it’s in a ground blind.

 

Millennium stands, old man, family, traditions, and rivers edge are solidly built and worth looking at.
Have had poor luck with Muddy, Big Game.

 

Whenever I look to get one. I make sure the platform goes all the way to the tree. And it has a flip up seat. I also bolt the ladder sections together with stainless hardware instead of the cheap pins. Makes them much quieter.

 

Took and posted what I would have.

I like to stand. So the platform up to the tree and a flip seat.
And every one gets SS hardware on the ladder sections.

One of mine I may actually weld this spring.

Really like the tight mesh seats.

 

This^^^. Check out Primal stands. The one I have is 22’ tall with flip up seat and back rest. Best price I’ve found is at Dunhams

 

Platform to the tree, flip out foot rest, sling seat and at least 1.5 man stand for me. A long time ago I would sit from dark to dark in 1 man, metal seat with no back ladder stands that cost between $50 and $100. It was not comfortable to say the least, and after the 1.5 man stands with the sling back seats came out, I figured out that I could hunt longer and back to back days if I was more comfortable. I have a primal Mac Daddy 22' tree stand and it has been a good stand for 5 or so years. It's a little cramped compared to a 1.5 man stand, but not uncomfortable. The truss system is pretty good at quieting down the stand since it pulls it all together and feel sturdy while you're in it. Good luck!

 

I always look at how Large the Platform you are standing on is, large as some are small and you have to be careful getting into position to take a shot when you should be able to keep your eyes on the deer as well. Plus the seat is it large enough so you can sit for a long period of time and does the Arm Rests help with you getting to a standing Position if it has armrests you can push off of if needed. Last is the Seat Platform nylon straps or is it part of the Ladder Platform Frame and can you rely on it as to the UV light detoriatng the Straps come Deer Season and You sit down and the straps break and then having to deal with replacing these when it is already deer season? I avoid Ladder Stands unless there is a Metal Seat Platform even with a wood Piece that would be easier to Replace then taking the Stand apart and sliding straps back into place. I would recommend a few Brands but those are No Longer Readily made and available as one is out of Business and the other was bought and changed the designs and no longer offer misc parts such as Fateners that can get lost while afield assembling the stand. Seems Paying a lot for a good Stand is tough on a budget I have never paid more than 150.00 including S&H. But Today S&H has jumed as ladder Sections are now considered Oversize and add to the S&H Costs. Most Retailers either sell the Ladder Stands with small Standing or Seating platforms. Also most seat Cushions are poor quality. I have used Slumper Seat Cushions and I have sat for hours with not complaints even added a Back Cushion and armrest cushions for less bumping the arm rest when standing up. Also for a 2 Person Stand using a product "Tree Stand Up" I have put up both 2 Person and 1 Person Ladder Stands up with ease.alone. .Makes a difference tipping them up and getting into Place!
LFM

 

I look to see if the base is at least deeper than 12" (my shoe size). Not fun moving around on that when deer are around on a tiny platform.

For comfort, any single/double ladder stands, I go to walmart or amazon and get a cushioned flip up boat seat and a swivel mount and install them. Sit a whole lot longer. Remove at the end of season.

Other than that, I get the cheapest stand (single/double) I can find to meet my requirements.

 

I believe the quality of construction and components is the big difference between the entry level products and the top of the line products and i believe the difference is very clear when you put hands on. Me personally, I prefer Millennium and Hawk. In my opinion, they're two of the best-built and most comfortable stands on the market. i haven't tried one in many years but I'm liking what I'm hearing on some of the new Rivers Edge ladder stands.

I also consider intended use when purchasing a ladder stand. If I'm going to bow hunt out of it, I prefer a 1.5 man stand size and the platform must be one that goes all the under the seat back to the tree and the seat has to be able to be folded (and held) up, back towards the tree. I'm less concerned about that when it comes to rifle hunting unless it's a spot where I might bring a new hunter or my son. Then, I'll look for a 2-man ladder stand and again, look for one where the platform goes back to the tree.

In the end, you get what you pay for. For me, being 16'-20'+ in the air, I want the best built stand under me that I can afford. There are many things we can cut corners on to save some money but there are some things we should never compromise on when it comes to safety just to save a couple dollars.

 

Hawk's 2024 lineup

Crazy thing is, my old man would have put me up in something like that back in the day lol. Say it is fine..just don't move around too much

 

IMVHO, the only good ladder stand is one thrown in the steel recycle bin at the landfill. LOL. Sorry, I know that wasn't very helpful.

 

I was at a Menards this last week and they had all stands 30% off, I know they had a 2 man stand there, ether Muddy or the other brand they carry. River Edge????

I have the Outpost 2 man stands from when Richards carried stands, other then the flat metal seat they are great.

 

Just my opinion. The Millenium 2-man stand sucks for bow hunting. The seat puts your butt below your knees, making it difficult to stand up without grabbing something for support. Also, after a couple seasons, the stand is so noisy I won’t use it for bow hunting.

 

Thanks for the photo Bigdeer , I 'bout spit out my iced tea !!!!!!!!!

 

We are slowly changing old stand out for River's Edge lockdown stands. Solid, quiet and what we really like is the seat back is out from the tree. That means no sap or getting stuck leaning back against a limb stump.

 

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-17-full-platform-2-man-ladder-tree-stand?a=2227495&szc=000&clrc=000&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_medium=pla&utm_channel=pmax&utm_campaign=20844369119&gad_source=1&gclid=cj0kcqiah8otbhcqarisaikwb689bnsajfaaivz3admnvlji_mgw-pnd2jugglnoorzxlmpp5zfjmkkaarpcealw_wcb

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-17-full-platform-2-man-ladder-tree-stand?a=2227495&szc=000&clrc=000&utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&utm_medium=pla&utm_channel=pmax&utm_campaign=20844369119&gad_source=1&gclid=cj0kcqiah8otbhcqarisaikwb689bnsajfaaivz3admnvlji_mgw-pnd2jugglnoorzxlmpp5zfjmkkaarpcealw_wcb

 

Why not use a hang on?