LADDER STANDS

[woodseye]

API seemed to be the first choice on climbers,how bout ladders? I've used strong builts for a while and haven't found any better. Strong-wide-big platform-big footplatform-a full 16 feet to the seat. I add a cheap poly boat seat to the top for comfort. I tried a cabellas 15 foot ladder this year but it was lighter guage steel, flexed more and had much smaller seat and foot platforms. I know they are HEAVY but I take my time and put them out in late AUG. in spots I know are good areas(funnels-crossings-bedding edges)use the climber for new spots or spots that change during season. Any body else got any opinions or favorites?
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[Brad]

I made a platform out of plywood and 2x4's and use an old alum. extension ladder. these stands are left inplace year around but can be moved . also you can make ladders out of 2x4 . Wood ,nuts and bolts and your brain*L*

[woodseye]

My problem is you can build the homemades with your brain but I've tried to carry a 15 foot long stand down thru the woods and it takes more than brain! When your lugging 1/2-1 mile into the woods and you don't want to carry wood-hammer-nails-saw-and hardware along to build on site or you may want to move it a ways after set up, a breakdown seems a better way to go. They seem less noticable in the woods then 2x4 ladders, And a lot lighter. But I guess leaving them out year round is an advantage. Sounds like a good way to recycle an old alum. exten. ladder too. Anybody else got feedback?
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[Brad]

Your right ,woodseye , they are heavy and take some help getting up. We have 6-7 set up and also use climbers . nd yeh were on private land *L*

[kuff]

We also have a few home built wood ladder stands out in the timber. We just leave them up all year so we only have to carry them once. For a couple of the spots we were able to strap a 2 wheel cart on the platform and pull with the atv. I like the solid feel of them and they don't seem to make noise like some of the lighter metal ones. I also use a climber from time to time for bowhunting but its definately nice to be able to walk to the ladder and climb up. We have them in areas where we know the deer will pass and they are mainly for shotgun season anyway.Also on private land.