While hunting from tree stands is an age old pastime on the eastern side of this great nation, these great tools are still very underutilized out west. Part of this is due to the fact that so much of the land in the west is public land, and thanks to a few bozos, leaving your tree stand out in the woods may quickly lead to a loss of your investment. The ever growing and changing climbing tree stand market obviously makes using a tree stand a viable option for western hunters now, along with changing how eastern hunters think. As part of our New Mexico deer hunt this past winter, we looked at a few of the top tree stands on the market and reviewed their use out here in the southwest. Yes, we do have enough trees to use tree stands in most areas, and a tune up during deer season sure might give us another advantage to utilize during elk season! The first climbing tree stand we reviewed was the Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II.
The technical spec:
• Huge 30″ x 19.5″ one-piece cast aluminum platform
• Top dimension – 21″
• Comfortable 2-panel, contoured foam seat pad
• NEW In Cast Bow Holder accommodates most parallel limb bows
• Pivoting Sit & Climb bar
• Backpack straps and one Bungee strap included (padded backpack straps available)
• Distinctive 3-D camo platform design (US Patent #D4452015)
• Fits trees 6″ – 19″ in diameter. (XL traction belt for top, regular traction belt on base)
• 350-pound weight rating
• Weighs 21 pounds
• Includes TMA Approved 6-pt Fall Arrest System
In reviewing tree stands, we look at the following traits of each stand:
• Size of Platform
• Seat Size/Material/Comfort
• Construction/Durability
• Portability
• Quietness
• Ease of Use
• Price
Size of Platform – Let’s face it, regardless of what we all say out loud trying to act tough, the bigger the platform, the safer we all feel while in a tree stand, and the more options we will have when it matters. In this area, size does matter. That extra inch of platform space at 16-20 feet makes life a whole lot easier. The platform size on the Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II measures in at 30″ x 19.5″! It is huge, and is one of the greatest features of this tree stand. Add to this the fact that the platform is one solid cast piece with no welds, and you have a truly trustworthy foundation to a great climber!
Seat Size / Material / Comfort – I am not a small guy, and many of the stands on the market, well, are just not made for me! At 6’4” and 275 pounds, those little seats that come as part of most tree stands just don’t cut it. The Wide Sit & Climb Combo II is just that, wide. The seat measures 21 inches across, making it a full 4 inches wider than the regular Lone Wolf Sit & Climb, and wider than any other comparable climber on the market. The seat is made out of two contoured foam panels (top and back), providing extra comfort and allowing ventilation on those hot September afternoons. The seat is secured with 3 wide web straps that run from one side bar under the seat to the other side bar, and the pivoting climb bar for bowhunters, providing multiple contact points under the hunter. Overall, the seat is secure, comfortable and sturdy.
Construction / Durability – The Wide Sit & Climb Combo II stands alone in its construction. The platform is a one-piece cast aluminum design that is solid as a rock. The pivoting sit and climb bar and upper frame are light weight and very durable. Overall, the design and construction of the Wide Sit & Climb Combo II greatly exceeded our expectations.
Portability – The Wide Sit & Climb Combo II folds down to a compact 4 inch profile for packing it in and out of your favorite hunting spot. It comes with a bungee cord to use to secure it for packing, and two shoulder straps for carrying it. Padded straps can be purchased as an additional option, and we would recommend getting them. That is the only complaint I would have with this tree stand, that the padded straps were not included as part of the standard package. The Wide Sit and Climb Combo weighs in at 21 pounds, and I guarantee you, that couple of extra pounds is nothing compared to the extra room and quality of the stand you will enjoy for the hours you are in it!
Quietness – This climber is exceptionally quiet. After a full season of use in some pretty harsh weather, we had no problems with squeaks or squawks. The excellent construction gives us full confidence that noise will not be an issue with this Lone Wolf climber.
Ease of Use – The stand is easy to set up, transport and use. The extra width made using the stand a real pleasure, and the 350 pound rating gave me all the confidence I needed to feel secure in the stand. Packing it in and out is a snap, getting it ready to climb takes no time at all, climbing in it is a breeze, and at the end of the day, you have the security of knowing nobody is going to steal it before you get back the next day. The platform even includes a cast bow holder that will even accommodate most parallel limb bows.
Price – The Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II retails at $449.99. As the old saying goes, you definitely “get what you pay for” with this climber. The quality and durability of the Lone Wolf lineup make them well worth the retail price!
Overall Grade – EXCELLENT – This is by far one of the most technologically advanced stands on the market. From being made of solid cast aluminum (no welds), to the climbing belts that utilize a belt/cam fastening system (no pins), The Lone Wolf lineup sets the standard in the industry. The belts are made of polyurethane that is reinforced with steel cables for extra strength and durability.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Lone Wolf Wide Sit & Climb Combo II Tree Stand to anyone looking for the absolute best climber on the market. In all areas, this climber far exceeded our expectations. This is by far the best climber we have ever used!
For more please go to: Lone Wolf Stands or shop through Amazon below!
