Novix hybrid treestand

[katiesmom]

Some how I missed your post about this. One of the most blatant misses to date in design.

The Ranger has a pad on the underside of the seat as well. When you lift it up it becomes a knee pad.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

LWCG has a new stand out called the Ranger Hybrid for saddle hunters. $499. I pre ordered one. Six week wait.
View attachment 101641

I recently bought a .5 and I notice something about the designs of all tree stands that have a bottom button for a 2nd strap. The stand would be much more stable if the bottom strap connected to the back of the platform itself and not to the post. The post is basically a pivot point and doesn't mitigate side pressure as well. And it's really dependent on how tight you can actually tighten that strap.

Stands with bottom straps have been around for a long time and I've set a lot of them over the years. What I've discovered is the attachment point for the bottom strap creates a much more stable (side-to-side) platform if I attach it to the platform and not to the post. My method is to tilt the platform up just a little bit, then make the bottom strap just barely snug (not tight) and then cam down the platform. The bottom strap becomes very tight and locks the platform very solid against the tree and shifting from side pressure is zero.

It would be nice if manufacturers designed these stands with the attachment point for the bottom strap on the platform and not on the post but, depending on the exact design of the stand, the diy fix is relatively simple. I've come to realize a soft shackle would be great for this application. I've not yet made any soft shackles but I've watched a lot of videos on various configurations. Tying that button knot is the one thing that intimidates me! LOL.

 

[BTaylor]

I recently bought a .5 and I notice something about the designs of all tree stands that have a bottom button for a 2nd strap. The stand would be much more stable if the bottom strap connected to the back of the platform itself and not to the post. The post is basically a pivot point and doesn't mitigate side pressure as well. And it's really dependent on how tight you can actually tighten that strap.

Stands with bottom straps have been around for a long time and I've set a lot of them over the years. What I've discovered is the attachment point for the bottom strap creates a much more stable (side-to-side) platform if I attach it to the platform and not to the post. My method is to tilt the platform up just a little bit, then make the bottom strap just barely snug (not tight) and then cam down the platform. The bottom strap becomes very tight and locks the platform very solid against the tree and shifting from side pressure is zero.

It would be nice if manufacturers designed these stands with the attachment point for the bottom strap on the platform and not on the post but, depending on the exact design of the stand, the diy fix is relatively simple. I've come to realize a soft shackle would be great for this application. I've not yet made any soft shackles but I've watched a lot of videos on various configurations. Tying that button knot is the one thing that intimidates me! LOL.

Ok you can Ssshhhuuussshhh now.

 

[katiesmom]

I recently bought a .5 and I notice something about the designs of all tree stands that have a bottom button for a 2nd strap. The stand would be much more stable if the bottom strap connected to the back of the platform itself and not to the post. The post is basically a pivot point and doesn't mitigate side pressure as well. And it's really dependent on how tight you can actually tighten that strap.

Stands with bottom straps have been around for a long time and I've set a lot of them over the years. What I've discovered is the attachment point for the bottom strap creates a much more stable (side-to-side) platform if I attach it to the platform and not to the post. My method is to tilt the platform up just a little bit, then make the bottom strap just barely snug (not tight) and then cam down the platform. The bottom strap becomes very tight and locks the platform very solid against the tree and shifting from side pressure is zero.

It would be nice if manufacturers designed these stands with the attachment point for the bottom strap on the platform and not on the post but, depending on the exact design of the stand, the diy fix is relatively simple. I've come to realize a soft shackle would be great for this application. I've not yet made any soft shackles but I've watched a lot of videos on various configurations. Tying that button knot is the one thing that intimidates me! LOL.

The Ranger has 2 attachment points on either side of the platform for a strap around the tree to prevent side movement when used as a saddle platform.

I'm not a rabid advocate, just telling you what I learned from the video and Web site.

 

[Chrighton]

So does their ambush and fix... I don't think I've ever used them, but they are there.

 

[GeoFish]

The Ranger has 2 attachment points on either side of the platform for a strap around the tree to prevent side movement when used as a saddle platform.

I'm not a rabid advocate, just telling you what I learned from the video and Web site.

How do you climb?
Just wondering how you plan to pack the Ranger? Are you gong to attach backpack straps to the Ranger or are you going to use a separate pack?

 

[Allegheny Tom]

The Ranger has 2 attachment points on either side of the platform for a strap around the tree to prevent side movement when used as a saddle platform.

I'm not a rabid advocate, just telling you what I learned from the video and Web site.

I quoted your post because it had a decent photo attached. Thanks for posting it. I wasn't suggesting that you were advocating the stand.

Those "T" hooks on the Ranger platform are in a better location than the hooks on the .5 for the purpose I'm talking about. But both stands have them located internally on the platform. To run an extra strap on those T hooks means the strap would either run across the top surface (you'd be standing on the strap) or the strap would run on the underside which wouldn't be as easy to deploy.

Girth hitching the strap to the outside of the platform works well to stabilize the stand but that means you need to girth hitch each end of the strap. That means you'll need to unthread/thread the strap thru the buckle each time. Not ideal under hunting conditions.

If they located the hooks on the OUTSIDE of the platform, and towards the rear, there would be no need to girth hitch. Just hook the webbing loops and slightly snug the strap and cam down...rock solid platform.
Another option is to run a carabiner thru the platform but I don't think that any of us would like metal on metal.

A soft shackle would be great for this application, quiet and secure.

But the best option would be for Lone Wolf to just locate the hooks on the outside. Easier setup and a more secure hybrid platform.

 

[Horn]

I recently bought a .5 and I notice something about the designs of all tree stands that have a bottom button for a 2nd strap. The stand would be much more stable if the bottom strap connected to the back of the platform itself and not to the post. The post is basically a pivot point and doesn't mitigate side pressure as well. And it's really dependent on how tight you can actually tighten that strap.

Stands with bottom straps have been around for a long time and I've set a lot of them over the years. What I've discovered is the attachment point for the bottom strap creates a much more stable (side-to-side) platform if I attach it to the platform and not to the post. My method is to tilt the platform up just a little bit, then make the bottom strap just barely snug (not tight) and then cam down the platform. The bottom strap becomes very tight and locks the platform very solid against the tree and shifting from side pressure is zero.

It would be nice if manufacturers designed these stands with the attachment point for the bottom strap on the platform and not on the post but, depending on the exact design of the stand, the diy fix is relatively simple. I've come to realize a soft shackle would be great for this application. I've not yet made any soft shackles but I've watched a lot of videos on various configurations. Tying that button knot is the one thing that intimidates me! LOL.

Search results for "Soft%20shackle"

www.wesspur.com

Super pricey , IMO, but Wes Spur sells soft shackles. I'm intimidated by the button knot too!

Oh, JRB has a version of a soft shackle that's pretty slick too. I've made a few, they're pretty easy

 

[1simplemann]

I quoted your post because it had a decent photo attached. Thanks for posting it. I wasn't suggesting that you were advocating the stand.

Those "T" hooks on the Ranger platform are in a better location than the hooks on the .5 for the purpose I'm talking about. But both stands have them located internally on the platform. To run an extra strap on those T hooks means the strap would either run across the top surface (you'd be standing on the strap) or the strap would run on the underside which wouldn't be as easy to deploy.

Girth hitching the strap to the outside of the platform works well to stabilize the stand but that means you need to girth hitch each end of the strap. That means you'll need to unthread/thread the strap thru the buckle each time. Not ideal under hunting conditions.

If they located the hooks on the OUTSIDE of the platform, and towards the rear, there would be no need to girth hitch. Just hook the webbing loops and slightly snug the strap and cam down...rock solid platform.
Another option is to run a carabiner thru the platform but I don't think that any of us would like metal on metal.

A soft shackle would be great for this application, quiet and secure.

But the best option would be for Lone Wolf to just locate the hooks on the outside. Easier setup and a more secure hybrid platform.

Bingo! Someone who gets it. If there was a strap at platform level, it would be MUCH more secure and less susceptible to side pressure. IMO that's why the Andy Stand design was so secure. Now if we could only find a manufacturer to build one that is light weight w/ a rope or strap attachment.

 

[katiesmom]

How do you climb?
Just wondering how you plan to pack the Ranger? Are you gong to attach backpack straps to the Ranger or are you going to use a separate pack?

On my back up the tree with straps. I've really got to see it. My first thought is a TX5 backpack system on it. A small backpack strapped on the seat with what I need. Strap on the sticks vertically for walking in, and either wear the saddle or strap it on as well.

But all my stuff stays on the ground and only the stand goes up. All my gear is pulled up on a rope.

 

[katiesmom]

I quoted your post because it had a decent photo attached. Thanks for posting it. I wasn't suggesting that you were advocating the stand.

Those "T" hooks on the Ranger platform are in a better location than the hooks on the .5 for the purpose I'm talking about. But both stands have them located internally on the platform. To run an extra strap on those T hooks means the strap would either run across the top surface (you'd be standing on the strap) or the strap would run on the underside which wouldn't be as easy to deploy.

Girth hitching the strap to the outside of the platform works well to stabilize the stand but that means you need to girth hitch each end of the strap. That means you'll need to unthread/thread the strap thru the buckle each time. Not ideal under hunting conditions.

If they located the hooks on the OUTSIDE of the platform, and towards the rear, there would be no need to girth hitch. Just hook the webbing loops and slightly snug the strap and cam down...rock solid platform.
Another option is to run a carabiner thru the platform but I don't think that any of us would like metal on metal.

A soft shackle would be great for this application, quiet and secure.

But the best option would be for Lone Wolf to just locate the hooks on the outside. Easier setup and a more secure hybrid platform.

No, I didn't take it that way. I wanted y'all to know I'm not an expert in this at all...LOL.

 

[1simplemann]

LWCG has a new stand out called the Ranger Hybrid for saddle hunters. $499. I pre ordered one. Six week wait.
View attachment 101641

What are the dimensions of the platform? Looked on their website. Didn't see it mentioned.

 

[Plebe]

What are the dimensions of the platform? Looked on their website. Didn't see it mentioned.