courtgreene
Member
Curious what y’all think. It just dawned on me that my climbing stand is 12 years old. I haven’t had any problems with it but am thinking of replacing it. In your opinion, what’s the lifespan for safe use?
What kind of condition is it in that you are questioning it’s integrity at only 12 years old?
The Eiffel Tower was made out of iron 136 years ago, is much taller than a tree stand (over 1000ft) and many go to the summit every year.
Thanks. I do inspect, but as it is not built to the level of quality the Eiffel Tower was, I’ll probably replace.
In all seriousness, the $150-$400 you might spend on a tree stand that is new, in good shape, will be a step in the right direction, safety-wise. Tree stand injuries are often quite severe, depending on the height, what you hit when it collapses (or you fall) and where your gear/rifle falls as well.
Whether going new or staying with the old one, a harness system would be a good investment as well.
Visits to the hospital will likely cost you more out of pocket (in cash, if not just in inconvenience) than a few hundred bucks for a safer place to hunt.
No commercial tree stands are constructed and maintained in the manner of the Eiffel Tower, LOL.
Nope but age isn’t the deciding factor in OK vs. dangerous.
Some of the stuff I see probably isn’t safe new for some people. If the thing doesn’t look/act like something is wrong with it and doesn’t feel different than the day you put it up, I wouldn’t chunk it just because it’s 12 years old.
That’s what I replaced it with.I bought my Summit climbing stand in 2001. The shrink tubing is long worn off of the tree cables, which makes it hard to be quiet while putting it up. The foam is starting to fall apart. But some of the wear is from hanging on a tree all summer as I’ve been known let it to do. Structurally it is fine and I still kill at least one deer a season out of it.
My family also uses Summit climbing stands. They’re still going strong after many, many climbs. The rubber/plastic coating on the cables will wear, but the cables themselves are sound. The paint will chip. However, all you have to do is make sure the cables and rest of the metals parts are fine and you’re good to go.
As others noted, a harness is a must, especially with climbers and especially if you don’t have/remove the rifle rail. Fortunately, many stands come with harnesses.