I have both but if I had to choose just one it would be the alpha.

 

I have both and in general I like the alpha better. It is true that assault is slightly lighter and smaller platform. Depending on how far you have to go the weight might make a difference. For your first one I would go with the alpha though unless you find a good reason not to. Eventually if you buy 5 or 6 or 10 or 12 you might want to get one assault for those special cases where they might fit the tree better. V-shaped double trees are an example. I love putting stands in those for concealment but the longer platform of the alpha can be a problem.

 

I've got both and prefer the assault. It's the same seat but a slightly smaller platform. Put a set of footrests on the Assualt and it's just as comfy as the alpha.

 

I've got both and prefer the assault. It's the same seat but a slightly smaller platform. Put a set of footrests on the Assualt and it's just as comfy as the alpha. View attachment 2053303

Details on the mods/footrest please?

 

I wouldn't take two Assaults for my Alpha. Sometimes I wish my Alpha had a bigger platform.

 

I got both. Look at these things:

How big (or little) are you? under 6'1" or maybe 6'2" the assault will work fine
What size feet do you have? size 12 and under, assault will work
How far do you hike in? 1.5 miles or more, assault
How important is comfort? really important.. go buy some other brand, somewhat important, get the alpha, slightly important, assault ( hunt comfort seat and foot rests will bump up the comfort level quite a bit for either stand.)

These are my general rules of thumb. Not saying if you have a 13 shoe size, you cant use the assault, but in general, the larger sizes just dont work very well on the small platform. The alpha is an outstanding stand for most guys. Most guys have no reason to choose anything else (like the assault). I say, only if you meet the above criteria do you need to strongly consider the assault.

 

This is true. I have size 13 feet and they extend beyond the front edge of the assault just sitting there. I forgot about that.

 

I had both and sold the assault. I didn't like it but I have 14 wide boots. Not enough platform near the tree for me.

 

I like the Assault; but I'm a smaller guy. I'm all about portability and ease of hanging in crappy trees. Mr. Brown - that's what you call "Pimped out".. love it.

 

Two me the bigger platform is better for my liking. Besides that there is to much of a difference. The assault is three pounds lighter and to me that isn't a big deal. If you are a smaller guy though I can see why people are fine with the assault. I'm taller so my feet are pretty much hanging off the stand that's why I went with the assault.

 

I prefer the assault as I pack it in and out every trip. Platform is big enough, its lighter, and fits in tight spots easier.

 

I have the Alpha. If I could only have one I would definitely get the Alpha, but I am looking at picking up an Assault for those rare long trips. Boilers makes a few good points. I am 6'4 and have a 12 wide boot. I don't really have a ton of extra space on the platform, but I could see how the Assault would be comfortable enough with the foot rests Brown has on his. If you aren't carrying it long distances, the weight isn't a huge issue, and the padded straps LW sells make a HUGE difference in the comfort of carrying the setup. Depends on your size for the most part.

 

I much prefer the Alpha just because I stand sideways most of the time leaning against the tree. And the Assault is so narrow at the base my feet are always hanging off. But I seldom pack in with a stand and sticks. I prefer to use the Alpha and the treehopper bolts. 15 bolts and the Alpha and they weigh a good bit less than an assault and four sticks.

 

I have both. And I like them both the same. There are some trees that I cannot fit the alpha in where I wanna be because of the larger platform. Every tree is not equal therefore you need versatility. Having both provides just that. If all trees were equal in a perfect world with plenty of space than the alpha would be my choice. But that's not how it works most of the time.

 

The Alpha isn't that large when you are up on a tree and the weight difference is about a bottle of water or two, not enough to make a difference. I like the Alpha much better plus with the Alpha I can face the tree if I need to. There is just not enough room for me on the Assault. If LW made a larger platform I would buy it.

 

Assault !!........Remove the seat cushion and either put a Gorilla or Muddy seat in its place.They are half the price of what Lone wolf wants for the padded seat.

 

Another AT member and I started discussing the mod last season. We mocked up a spot that gave us a good blend of length & height while still allowing the rests and stand to fold flat.

If you drill a hole in the platform under the 3rd raised area from the front edge of the platform you will have the same length as the alpha w/rests and almost as tall. Obviously, we had to flip the rests around to resemble bug antennae but the function works just the same. Unless you have a right angle drill that will fit inside the platform you need to use a drill bit slightly smaller than the size bolt you're going to use to attach the rests. Drill the hole in the center of the platform using as steep an angle as possible towards the platform. Alternate from the top side and bottom side to help keep the hole centered in the platform.

I've put rests on my Assualt hang on and assault hand climber and haven't found any negatives issues yet.

 

I have both, if you want a sore ass get the assult!lol Assult is nice for short sits, its easier to hang but uncomfortable

 

Awesome! Thank you mrbillbrown!

 

I love my assault. It's the perfect stand for me, I have lots of trees on several properties that I hunt from. I leave climbing steps in all of them and just walk in with my assault on my back. It's small compact and pretty easy to climb a tree with it on your back. I don't leave stands on properties that I don't own just climbing steps

 

Glad to help