Ladder stick?

[Tower43]

I have been thinking about buying a new tree stand ladder and I am undecided. I can not decide if it is best to go with the style that is all one piece or the style that is 3 to 4 smaller sections. The smaller individual sections are usually lighter but seem like they would be very difficult to install the next section while standing on the one you just put up, and maybe not that sturdy. The one solid piece looks like you could just place straps around it as you climb.

I have no experience with either kind, and will usually be removing it from the tree every time so setup time is to be considered. Anyone with experience please chime in on what style you like or dislike and why.

[Bayouboy]

I have been thinking about buying a new tree stand ladder and I am undecided. I can not decide if it is best to go with the style that is all one piece or the style that is 3 to 4 smaller sections. The smaller individual sections are usually lighter but seem like they would be very difficult to install the next section while standing on the one you just put up, and maybe not that sturdy. The one solid piece looks like you could just place straps around it as you climb.

I have no experience with either kind, and will usually be removing it from the tree every time so setup time is to be considered. Anyone with experience please chime in on what style you like or dislike and why.

I have several sets of both. If you are going to leave them in place.... the type that you slide one into the other is best. For packing in and out and removing each hunt the ones that are 3-4 sections are a lot easier. No harder to install than the other type. Plus, you should be wearing a harness and a lineman's strap while installing either anyway. Makes it 100 times easier with both hands free.

Lonewolf, Gorilla, and Muddy make some good ones. I wouldn't go with any less than four sections.

[Tower43]

Yeah I thought about a linemans strap, I will have to get one

[Tower43]

Anybody else have an opinion?

[kevin nicholls]

I got a set of big game sticks (4) that I have not tried yet. I have a set of the academy 20' ladder that is one piece that are hard to put up alone, you have to lift it in one piece. I'm hoping to try the sticks soon because they are much lighter (4 lbs each ) and easy to carry, they stack together. I hope this helps, Kevin

[SwampRabbit]

I've been told, that the sectional ones are better because there are very few very straight trees! The sections let you offset them a little between as you go up.

Disclaimer: I've only used a climber in years past (using a ladder first time this year).

[Lost Arra]

I've got both and it depends on the tree and stand placement.
The separate pieces might be a little more flexible on various tree configurations. Sometimes my climb might start up one side of the tree but move around to another side depending on my stand placement.

[stablebuck]

I got a set of the gorilla climbing sticks and am really looking forward to using them...use a climber a lot, but these will be nice to use when leaving a hang-on where I have permission to trespass and they don't want the screw in steps where it could kill the tree.