340 lbs and 6'1". I'm okay with being fat (though trying to improve the situation--previously weighed 350, then got down to 240---over 5 years I made my way up to a peak of 375 lbs.I've taken about 35 lbs off in the last 2 months). My bones are normal size.
Hoping this info can help someone.
I run a few different sticks. XOP sticks are my favorite for pre-sets, because I have big feet and the 350 lbs rating makes me feel warm and fuzzy. They are a bit heavy though, so I prefer my DIY sticks. I built a set of sticks with double steps and Lone Wolf standoffs modeled after the DIY Sportsman set up. I use aluminum tubes that are twice as thick as the typical lone wolf sticks. I started with amsteel on the DIY sticks, then tried amsteel daisy chains, but settled on straps with buckles after I had some kick outs. I have a set of lonewolf sticks, but the steps are a bit small for my feet. I have also used the muddys rated for 350 lbs with the two flip down steps, but they are a bit heavy so I don't use them much. I actually intended to get a couple River's Edge ladders for presets this year, but I can't seem to find them anywhere this summer. I used them last year for a stand I set up for friends to hunt, but they were stolen. I am giving some X-stand Tetris Sticks a try. They seem solid enough based upon having it on a tree once, but I haven't done a full pre-set with them yet. Hopefully I will this weekend. I am very tempted by climbing spikes (have private property to hunt this year), but they also scare me a bit. Do they bend? Are my legs strong enough? getting down seems intimidating etc. Wild Edge steps were a fail for me. Couldn't get them solid enough and they would flex more than I liked with my weight on them.
I have used the OOAL ridge runner, which felt fairly solid. However, I prefer the tethrd predator platform (still waiting on the XL version). It's more solid, although I replaced the strap with a lonewolf strap or a ratchet (depending on where I am setting up). The original strap buckle was not very solid imo and was close to failure / locking up when I used it as a test. The lonewolf strap buckle is more solid. I have used 1/4" amsteel daisy chains, but found that the amsteel did not stretch at all and therefore the bite into the tree as well once my weight was off it and was not as reliable. I have the ridge runner XL to try out for my big feet, I will be doing that soon. I started with a ring of steps. I was probably using them in the complete wrong situation (cold temps and over the weight limit) but I survived. I am working on refining my stem with a ROS squirrle steps with a ratchet. It has promise, though I'm not sold on it.
I've hunted from an Aero Hunter Kestrel for 3 years, which is great. I replaced the bridge with two amsteel bridges. Two oplux teathers / lineman's belts with beal jammy prusiks. I used one as a lineman's belt and then tether in with double tethers because having a backup seems reasonable (especially when they are so easy to carry and set up). I did not have to replace the bridge on the aero hunter, but ultimately did to cut down on bulk. I tried out both the tethrd mantis and the trophyline saddle last year. On the Mantis I had to replace the bridge with a longer bridge to get comfortable. Unfortunately I couldn't get as comfortable in the Mantis as I could the Kestrel. It kept riding up. It was huntable but not as comfortable. The Trophyline was a complete fail for me. Even though their website says their large saddle fits for x range +. The saddle was too tight around my waist and lineman's loops cut into my hips. While it was solid construction, it definitely had a maximum waist circumference for use, and I was just beyond it. Trophyline was great to deal with and I like the company, but I couldn't hunt out of it. I was able to return it no problem. I have been eyeing a flex and will probably buy one soon. The two part saddles I have seen are interesting. I am just a bit hesitant to try them for some reason. I should mention I have one of the early back bands from Aero Hunter. I couldn't hunt without it. I have some old back injuries from being an offensive lineman and that part of the set up is needed.
This is my first year where I have my own private parcel to hunt. Unfortunately, I have to have stands set up for my dad there that will be easy to enter and exit. So we are throwing up ladder stands that are rated at 350 and lifelines of course. I am also used a couple tree stands from X stand and a couple from XOP which are big and rated for 350 LBS.
I've found that setting up a ladder stand (even a new one with the arms to grab the tree) is probably the scariest part of prepping for hunting season. These are not designed like the ones I hunted 20 years ago. I would much rather be in a saddle or a lock on.
