So here‘s my current state of mods
-replacement grade 8 bolts for platform cable mounts
-Stealth Strips around most of the stand
-pipe insulation around front seat bar
-Paracord Cobra wrap around front of stand for a “no look“ marker for my feet of edge of stand. Also I think it just looks good and I didn’t want to put more Stealth Strip out front.
-3 1/4x20 bolts w/nylock nuts on the tree V for bite against tree once cam’d over
-Rustoleum Patio spray paint brown and textured. Helps quite platform so wet boots don’t make squeaks. Like it better then the grey original too.
-also tightened top seat bolts a turn + so they now stick out of the nuts 1/4 to 3/8’s inch biting tree real good. Not a bat wing but very stable.
Pics show how I pack sticks on stand too. They are made to stack together on 1in square tubes and that just so happens to be what the seat tubes are. I attach them with 2-20in gear ties weaved around sticks and through platform mesh holding everything tight and solid. Then I take the tree strap and wrap that tight around sticks and seat tubes for double protection from moving. Total setup with sticks weights around 15lbs and that’s mostly the sticks.
Few wishes for future are replacement strap for tree strap. Original is in good shape and is gonna work but let’s face it straps 30yrs old time for replacement. Would like to extend seat fabric for more comfortable seat. My biggest want is a way to make platform adjustable and have a few thoughts, but in talking with Mark who makes the stands now there maybe a solution for that coming.
Having fun playing around with it and plan to use it in a hybrid style with my saddle as safety belt. I can get up easily 18ft with this setup and if right tree maybe 20ft.
View attachment 69272View attachment 69273View attachment 69274View attachment 69275