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Quality Ladder stands

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Shady25_X20

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
What are some really good quality ladder stands? My dad just got a Big Game (not sure which model) with a mesh seat, footrest, oval tubing ladder, but seems really cheap in design and platform. The platform is thin welded mesh that you can feel "give" under your feet. The footrest design is bad and the way the top and bottom section of teeth connect to the tree is bad.

Personally, I prefer a good hang on and climbing stick/sticks. Even if i'm leaving up all season. However, i am wondering if there are any really solid 1 or 1.5 man ladder stands. Not really concerned on price. 17' or so in height with a good platform (one that extends back the whole way under the seat), solid connecting system (to the tree) and just overall well designed. Summit? Millennium? Hawk? I've checked reviews on the more common names and they seem to be hit or miss.
 
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#2 ·
I just picked up a Big Game Hunter HD 1.5 this year, sounds just about like your dads. It has a full platform which is a requisite for me. I dont like heights and i dont like ladders but i feel pretty good in it. The other one that i might consider is the Hawk Sasquatch. It appears to be very similar to the BG but with a very stout platform (and a couple extra feet higher) but nearly twice the price.
 
#3 ·
I have had many ladder stands over the years. Muddy, Big Game, Summitt and Field/Stream.

You don't see much feedback on the Field & Stream model, but I like it the best out of all I have had. If you look at the reviews you will be surprised how good they are.
It is very stable with the D tubing. The seat is very comfortable, flip up shooting rail and seat. It also has extra sections available, which most do not offer.
I now have 3 of these and would take them over anything I have used. I have 2 of the Outpost XL and 1 2-man Outpost.

I get all my stands at the end of the year when they go on sale and I also used discount coupons that I am sent all the time. Got a great deal on them.
 
#4 ·
You can get the field and stream at Dicks for 150 bucks. They are really nice. I have about 8 of them.

On my ladder stands its an absolute must that the platform connects to the tree. That is where a lot of the sturdy-ness comes from. On some of my older ones I rigged up some pieces to secure the platform to the tree.

I also have some Rivers Edge Lockdowns..... they are ridiculous how sturdy they are.
 
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#5 ·
i just bought a rivers edge, think it was called the relax? the ladder portion itself is not as sturdy as some i have used but the seat is wonderful. im actually pretty worried im going to fall asleep while sitting in it.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
archer2 said:
I have had many ladder stands over the years. Muddy, Big Game, Summitt and Field/Stream.

You don't see much feedback on the Field & Stream model, but I like it the best out of all I have had. If you look at the reviews you will be surprised how good they are.
It is very stable with the D tubing. The seat is very comfortable, flip up shooting rail and seat. It also has extra sections available, which most do not offer.
I now have 3 of these and would take them over anything I have used. I have 2 of the Outpost XL and 1 2-man Outpost.

I get all my stands at the end of the year when they go on sale and I also used discount coupons that I am sent all the time. Got a great deal on them.
Click to expand...
I have been curious about the F&S stands. I may have to swing by there sometime and check them out closer.
 
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#10 ·
Millenium and rivers edge are probably the most well built stands but the price reflects it. We’ve got about 20 of all brands and most have their positives and negatives. I complete agree with the above poster where the plafform Shiism always touch the tree, makes it much easier to move for a shot as well.

Since we rarely sit in a stand more than twice a year we generally stick to something a bit cheaper than the mlieniums. Sportsman’s guide has an 18 foot jumbo stand we like for the price. Right around $100 and has a big seat and platform. Always bring a foam seat in with us so it’s comfortabke and enough room to move for a shot. We also just picked up one of the 25 foot ladder stands. It huge and a beast to put up but man can you see a ways. We do generally use hang ons but some spots are better with a big ladder, easier to get into as well.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Driftless Bow said:
I am currently putting together the Millennium L220 to put out for the season. This thing is built like a tank......very good quality. 18 feet tall......and from what I understand, the most comfortable seat out there.
Click to expand...
I love my Millennium M150 hang on.

How strong is the mesh platform on your L220? I don't like that my dad's feels really weak.
 
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#13 ·
Millennium and Hawk. The most comfortable seats on the market, in my opinion.
 
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#17 ·
I really like my Muddy Huntsman stands. The attachment at the base of the seat allows you to get into trees that aren't the straightest. For the price though, the Field and stream ladders and hang ons are great. Big platform, the seat folds up for even more room, and they're solid. I'm not a huge fan of heights. Hate climbers. On my lease, I use ladders almost exclusively. Shooting rails are a must-have for gun season in my opinion. When rifle hunting, I take a bungee cord to hold the rail up out of the way.
 
#20 ·
_Splinter_ said:
Muddy & Hawk
Click to expand...
I only have a cheap Menard's ladder stand for backyard practice, but have hunted out of a bunch on the property of friends and relatives. My nephew has a Muddy double so he can hunt with his sons and that thing is really nice. Rock solid, comfortable and roomy. I really like a double as I can put my pack on the empty side and have plenty of room to move around. What I learned from trying to put my cheapo ladder in the woods to hunt is that a ladder is much more visually obtrusive to game than a fixed stand/tree ladder or climber setup. Your placement has to blend in or be there for a while, or game is wary of the new structure in their backyard.
 
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