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The Best Treestands for Whitetails

By Brian Strickland

Without question, today’s bowhunters are a blessed bunch. Never before have you had access to such an ever-expanding selection of quality outdoor equipment. From bows that spit out arrows at 300-plus feet per second to scouting cameras that possess the technology of a small computer to arrows that produce miniscule groups to broadheads tough enough to crack an engine block, today is a great time to buy new gear.

With all of the eye-popping developments in the archery industry over the past decade, it’s no surprise that advancements in treestands have taken the way we bowhunt whitetails to a whole new level. Gone are the days of homemade stands made from rebar and anything else we could find stored behind the shed. Also gone are the 2x4 contraptions we’ve ailed together over the years. Today’s best treestands are marvels. They’re lighter, safer, stronger and more user-friendly than ever before.

Whether you’re looking for the versatility of a lightweight hang-on, the ease and comfort of a climber, the surefootedness of a ladder or the set-up-anywhere ability of a tripod, you’ll find plenty of quality stands to choose from. However, with so many models, styles and sizes stands to sort through, it can be mind-boggling to finally pick the one that will best meet your needs. Here is a close look at all of those stand categories and at the best stands in each.

Hang-On Stands for Whitetails

Amacker Outdoors offers the Timb-R-Lock in an effort to provide hunters with affordable, quality stands. When lowered, the platform locks against the tree trunk with a cam-type motion. The Timb-R-Lock features a 20 x 29-inch platform and a 10 x 11-inch seat. Weighing in at 15 pounds, the Timb-R-Lock is constructed from sturdy steel and has a rated capacity of 300 pounds.

The BDF-300 from Big Dog Treestands has a quiet, non-skid mesh platform that is nearly 24 x 29 inches, and its teardrop shape makes for easy access. The 17 x 10-inch padded seat with attached padded arm rests quietly folds up and out of the way to provide full use of the platform. With a 300-pound weight rating and a dual ratchet strap system, this stand provides rock-solid stability.

The Resin True Quiet Treestand from C&C Innovations has an all-resin platform and frame that is virtually as strong as steel and as light as aluminum but with no metal to ping, squeak and grind. This stand truly is quiet. Add to that an adjustable seat height, a two-belt ratchet system that firmly secures it to the tree and a weight rating of 300 pounds, and you have an ultra-quiet setup you won’t have to worry about rusting over time. For 2009, C&C Innovations introduced a resin ladder system as well. Because it’s made of resin, the True Step Ladder System is ultra-strong and extremely lightweight.

The HD/HO Lock-On Stand from Family Tradition Treestands is built with both durability and comfort in mind. Two 1,900-pound working-load rubber-sleeved chains support the platform, and the HD/HO is constructed from galvanized tubular steel with a high-heat powder coating. The large 25 x 31-inch platform features a built-in footrest, and the nylon-webbed seat is ultra-comfortable. The HD/HO weighs in at just 19 pounds.

The GameTamers TS-30 is a must-try if your hunting area is plagued with crooked trees. The adjustable platform of the TS-30 can be leveled regardless of the trunk angle, and hinge points are fitted with special grease fittings that eliminate unwanted noise. An exclusive chain-tightening system holds the stand snug to the tree, and the TREE-T screw system keeps those unwanted stand shifts from happening when it really counts.

The folks at Gorilla Treestands have done it again with the introduction of the revolutionary HX Series treestands. Made from either lightweight aluminum or rugged steel, the HX Series comes in all sizes and styles to meet the demands of today’s serious bowhunters. For those who are looking for strong construction in a lightweight package, the Silverback Magnum and Scout are worth a look. Those wanting the strength of steel should consider the legendary Kong and King Kong brutes. Stands in the HX Series are equipped with XT-6 Nylon bushings for the added toughness, flexibility and stealth you have come to expect from Gorilla. The Pro-Series King Kong HX offers a 24 x 30-inch platform with built-in footrest and XPE zero-G seat for all-day comfort.

The Mag Leveler from Hunter’s View just might be the most adjustable hang-on out today. Not only does it weigh a scant 14 pounds and is constructed from aluminum, but the Hunter’s View features four independently adjustable leveling tubes to perfectly fit even crooked trees. The seat height can be adjusted from 24 to 30 inches.

If you’re in the market for an ultra-lightweight hang-on, consider the Assault by Lone Wolf. Made for the bowhunter on the move, the Assault offers a roomy 27.5 x 19.5-inch cast-aluminum platform, and its teardrop-shaped platform fits into even the tightest cluster of trees. Its double strap system firmly holds the stand to the tree, and the self-leveling system allows the seat and platform to be adjusted for a multitude of angles. The Assault weighs just 11 pounds and has a maximum weight rating of 350 pounds.

“Serious gear for the serious hunter” is the motto of Muddy Outdoors, and the Hunter hang-on stand certainly lives up to that motto. Weighing just 12 pounds, the Hunter offers a roomy 34 x 24-inch welded-aluminum platform that eliminates all noise underfoot. It also features a quick, no-tools-needed leveling system for both the seat and platform, and the dual ratchet strap system will keep you secure to the tree. And if you’re anything like me and spend full days in your treestand, you’ll love the comfort provided by the innovative triple-layer seat.

If you are looking for a hang-on that is the ultimate in comfort and convenience, take a look at the rsEagle, part of the Raptor Series of hang-on stands from Summit. It features an adjustable saddle-style seat that offers 3 inches of padding and is suspended to relieve pressure points for those extended hunts. The Talon Bracket System makes it easy to hang the rsEagle, and the Single Cable Spreader maximizes space on the already large platform. And since it weighs a scant 14 pounds, the 300-pound rated rsEagle is a must-use this season.

The BushWacker Light Hang-On Stand from XOP Outdoors is perfect for bowhunters who require portability, strength and stealth in their treestand. With sturdy aluminum construction, this hang-on stand weighs in at just 12 pounds. The flip-up seat features a removable foam pad, and the 19 x 28-inch platform offers more than ample foot room. Two backpacking straps make it easy for you to pack the BushWacker Light in and out of the woods.

The Tree Saddle from Trophyline isn’t technically a hang-on stand, but it certainly is the ultimate in versatility and ease of transport. Three different models of the unique Tree Saddle are available, and all offer 360 degrees of shooting while promoting circulation and comfort for those all-day hunts. The Ambush’s cool mesh seat is perfect for early season hunts, while the Team Realtree Camo Saddle is decked out in Realtree camouflage and offers a neoprene seat for added comfort. The Road Trips Saddle features a high-back leather seat that literally molds to your body for the ultimate in comfort.

Climbing Stands for Whitetails

Looking for a climber and game carrier in one package? Check out the Climb & Carry from Amacker Outdoors. This aluminum climber weighs in at 28 pounds and offers a secure 19 x 30-inch platform for you to maneuver on. However, what’s unique about the Climb & Carry is its ability to transform to a game cart simply by hooking the top and bottom frame together and adding wheels and an axle. In these tough economic times, getting two things for the price of one is hard to beat.

If you’re looking for high quality welded-aluminum construction and total hunting silence in a climber, consider the Alumi-Tech Magnum Bowhunter by the trusted folks at API. Designed to give bowhunters unrestricted access to their shooting lanes, the Alumi-Tech provides tough, form-fitting vinyl-covered power grip chains that minimize slip and can be used on trees between 9 and 20 inches in diameter. It also offers a removable and adjustable high-density comfort foam seat and a non-glare finish to help keep you unnoticed. With the 21 x 31-inch platform, the Alumi-Tech Magnum offers plenty of room to maneuver.

The moveable seat cushion of the Equalizer from Equalizer Treestands allows you to hunt in any of three positions. You can hunt facing the tree for additional concealment, with your back to the tree for free range of motion or in the leaning post position. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with over 270 inches of full circumference welding, the Equalizer is light but strong. The Equalizer also features a tandem blade stabilizer system that reaches farther around the tree for the ultimate in stability.

The Greyback Climber from Gorilla is the ultimate in lightweight stability and versatily. A range of adjustment options means the Greyback Climber allows you to hunt from almost any tree. The slip-resistant platform is 18 x 30 inches, and the Greyback Climber sports Gorilla’s super-quiet XT-6 nylon bushings and washers. The Greyback Climber sports padded upper arms and a padded camo climbing bar.

Today’s bowhunters demand mobility and quality, and the Hand Climber Combo from Lone Wolf delivers just that. The Hand Climber Combo is fully adjustable to fit trunks from 6 to 19 inches in diameter, and its enormous 30 x 19.5-inch cast-aluminum platform gives you plenty of room to roam while still providing a solid foundation. A new sit/climb strap provides an additional climbing option. The Hand Climber Combo features a slim 2.5-inch packed profile and weighs in at just 17.5 pounds.

The feather-light aluminum Millennium Series M-1 Climbing Stand from Hunting Solutions weighs in at a light 24 pounds yet provides a solid climber that is rated up to 300 pounds. The M-1’s sling seat is both quiet and comfortable, and the easy-to-set-up design features levelers that allow the hunter to level and balance while climbing. The sure-grip climbing teeth provide stability, and the seat folds up to allow you to use every inch of the platform for those standing shots.

Designed with the bestselling original Ol’ Man Treestand in mind, the Ol’ Man Aluminum Grand Pro is its lighter-weight twin. With an overall weight of 19 pounds, the Grand Pro offers the much-talked-about Comfort Tech Seating System for those all-day rut hunts and an 18 x 32-inch platform to stretch out on. Its slate-gray color virtually vanishes in the limbs above, and it folds down conveniently for easy packing.

The Bow Hunter by Strong Built is a lightweight climber made for the bowhunter on the move. At just 22 pounds, this aluminum climber hauls in with ease. Meanwhile, the Bow Hunter’s 300-pound capacity and extra-large 31 x 19.625-inch platform provide the freedom every bowhunter is after and the stability you’ve come to expect from Strong Built.

Summit’s Open Shot Deluxe is designed for bowhunters who like to pack deep, go high and stay long. With an overall weight of just 15 pounds, the Open Shot is compact and ultra-portable, and the newly designed seat folds up to provide more room to maneuver. Its open front affords excellent visibility, and the Open Shot Deluxe offers RapidClimb Stirrups and a four-point safety harness.

Ladder Stands for Whitetails

New-for-2009 from Ameristep is the 20-foot Bone Collector Ladder Stand. The Bone Collector features Ameristep’s innovative Truss Technology System, which replaces the traditional stabilizer bar found on most ladder stands. This compression-lock system utilizes downward pressure for maximum stability and minimal movement. With the Truss Technology System, the Bone Collector can be set up safely in crooked or leaning trees, allowing you more options for setting up your stand. The platform is a whopping 38.5 x 28.5 inches and features a trap door for safe and easy installation.

The Big Man Econo-Ladder from BBK Hunting Systems is 15 feet high with a wide, padded seat and an extra-large platform. The Big Man features easy assembly, a quick pin system and a removable padded shooting rail. You can adjust the height of the Big Man by adding or subtracting legs.

If you have a hunting buddy, you’ll want to check out the Big Dog BDL-1050 Stadium Series XL. The platform of this two-person stand is a gigantic 53.5 x 19.5 inches, and the seat is a roomy 36 x 15 inches. The curved platform provides a wide shooting range, including shots behind the tree. The BDL-1050 attaches to the tree with four looped ratchet straps. The BDL-1050 features a maximum load capacity of 500 pounds and a height of 18 feet.

If you’re anything like me, you want the ability to position yourself for that perfect shot when the opportunity arrives, and the Ultra-View from Big Game Treestands provides just that. The Ultra-View’s V-shaped platform literally hugs the tree and is a spacious 56 x 41 inches. The round swivel seat not only gives you 360-degree movement but also flips up to give you more freedom. The must-see Ultra-View offers a 300-pound rated capacity and is 15 feet to the seat.

The LD14 is a bestseller for Family Tradition Treestands, and it’s not hard to see why. This deluxe ladder stand is over 12 feet high with a sturdy 21.5 x 20-inch platform. Family Tradition’s Ultra Rigid Double-Rail Ladder eliminates the need for a horizontal tree brace and wrap-around tree straps. An ultra-comfortable nylon webbed seat makes those extended sits far more enjoyable. And at just 49 pounds, the LD14 is easy to pack into the field.

Rated for 500 pounds, the 16-foot Wrap Around from Gorilla is a must-see if you’re looking to take your young hunter in the woods with you. The Wrap Around features a whopping 64 x 36-inch platform, and the angled seats literally wrap around the tree for better concealment. The padded arm rests and new G-Force seats with AirRide pads provide near-sleep-like comfort for those all-day sits. This affordable two-person ladder stand also offers all-steel construction and a Mossy Oak Treestand finish.

At 18.5 feet tall, the Archer Ladder from Muddy Outdoors gets you where you need to be to go undetected while still providing the security you’re after. The Archer’s flared base provides stability, and the dual ratchet strap system and adjustable brace will keep it tight to the tree. The 14 x 17-inch platform is perfect for the bowhunter who likes to shoot standing or sitting, while the waterproof seat provides the needed comfort for long hunts. And at just 50 pounds, the task of setting it up can be a one-man job.

The new 13-foot Pack-N-Stack by Rivers Edge weighs a scant 33 pounds and, when broken down, can be easily packed to those far-off destinations. Don’t be fooled by how light this stand is—the Pack-N-Stack features a durable, welded tubular steel frame that is rated for 300 pounds. Set up takes minutes, and the sling-style seat will allow you to hunt in comfort. The Pack-N-Stack’s powder-brown finish vanishes in the woods, and this ultra-convenient stand is available for a very wallet-friendly price.

Tripod Stands for Whitetails

If you’re looking for a tripod that is designed to be portable while still providing stability, check out the Non-Typical Raptor Tripod from Ameristep. Designed for the bowhunter on the move, the Raptor weighs in at only 42 pounds and can be easily broken down in minutes for quick moves. Equipped with a swivel seat and push-button adjustable legs for uneven ground, the lightweight Raptor should be a top pick this season.

The Grandstand Skypod from API Outdoors offers a cushioned swivel seat for 360-degree hunting no matter where you are. The Skypod features a spacious 40 x 40-inch platform and a full-sized ladder with traction ridge steps for increased safety. An innovative cross-bracing system, adjustable legs and anchoring stakes provide rock-solid, level set up. At 14-feet, the Skypod will give you a clear view of the action whether you’re setting up in the open range or in a brush-choked bottom.

Made from all-steel construction, the new 12-foot Premium Tripod Stand from Direct Outdoor Products is worth a look. The Premium Tripod offers an oversized 42 x 42-inch platform and cross braces for extra stability. Add to this the adjustability of the rear legs for quick and easy leveling and the padded swivel seat for quiet 360-degree observation, and you have the full package.

The Pursuit from Big Game Treestands offers a one-piece fold-up design that, at just 60 pounds, provides superior mobility for the bowhunter on the move. Its large seat with backrest provides 360 degrees of movement, and the Flex-Core Seat Technology allows you to sit for long periods of time with ease. With a 300-pound rating, the Pursuit is not a stand to overlook this season.

The Brushtamer Quad Pod from GameTamers offers a generous non-slip 32-inch octagon platform to stretch out on and a 500-pound capacity. The legs are fully adjustable to work in virtually any terrain, and the newly designed foot bites into the ground like a pit bull. The legs of the 14-foot Quad Pod can even be shortened to give this ultra-stable stand a height of 10 feet.

The Best Treestands for Whitetails

Which are the best stands? That depends on you. Do you like the get-away nature of lightweight hang-on stands? Or do you prefer the comfort of a climber? Some of today’s climbers are nearly as comfortable as your favorite easy chair at home. Maybe a sturdy ladder stand appeals to you. Ladder stands are typically the easiest treestands to climb up into today. Or do you hunt where a tripod stand, which can be set up almost anywhere, makes the most sense in your hunting arsenal?

First, narrow the selection down to one of those stand categories. Then pick a stand within that category that’s easy to set up and quiet and comfortable to use. It shouldn’t squeak, and it should make those long hours in the tree as enjoyable as possible. Don’t settle for less.

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