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First impression of climbing with LW Hand Climber

TNSTAAFL said:
Ok, now I'm really getting crazy trying to solve this... but is it possible to mod the seat to function upside down (once hunting height is achieved) using an "Ernie Kit" like is used with hang on seat tops or the Predator platform? It would mean using some kind of bracket to connect the post to the platform. This would add weight... but maybe not much.

Climb, hang, flip, secure, hunt. Seems theoretically possible...but again... not an engineer.

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I would say no. It’s not cast like a Klemz with cut out for post and would not attach correctly to post. If you want an Ernie’s platform they are available. The seat you are talking about was made to use with raised edge up.


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TNSTAAFL said:
Ok, now I'm really getting crazy trying to solve this... but is it possible to mod the seat to function upside down (once hunting height is achieved) using an "Ernie Kit" like is used with hang on seat tops or the Predator platform? It would mean using some kind of bracket to connect the post to the platform. This would add weight... but maybe not much.

Climb, hang, flip, secure, hunt. Seems theoretically possible...but again... not an engineer.



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Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
I am new here. This is my first post. I have no saddle. But Bongo's video changed my life! Thanks!
I have an xop hand climber and am messing with it today. I flipped the arms around so the ridge is underneath. The angle that the belts would be at is steeper but it may work ok. If not, minor grinding could be done so they seat a bit lower. I think swapping the arms left/right would be beneficial n safer because it would move the camlocks to the outside, minimizing any chance of inadvertently unlicking them w your feet. 2 cents from an amateur
 
Of course, swapping the arms will invert the belt, probably no issue. Also, if keeping ridhe side up, could attach some kind of pad (rubber??)so it adds height to the platform so its equal w tge ridge
 
muzzypower said:
I am new here. This is my first post. I have no saddle. But Bongo's video changed my life! Thanks!
I have an xop hand climber and am messing with it today. I flipped the arms around so the ridge is underneath. The angle that the belts would be at is steeper but it may work ok. If not, minor grinding could be done so they seat a bit lower. I think swapping the arms left/right would be beneficial n safer because it would move the camlocks to the outside, minimizing any chance of inadvertently unlicking them w your feet. 2 cents from an amateur
Click to expand...

On the LW HC, I think the channels on the platform where the rails rest\nest work as the brace to keep the arms from flexing inward when pressure\weight is placed on the platform. I think turning the platform upside down would allow the arms to flex inward and place all the pressure on the bolt holding the arms on the platform which I think would be dangerous.
 
I tested today in a tree. I agree. Minor grinding should fix by providing a better nest
 
muzzypower said:
Of course, swapping the arms will invert the belt, probably no issue. Also, if keeping ridhe side up, could attach some kind of pad (rubber??)so it adds height to the platform so its equal w tge ridge
Click to expand...
I have been thinking about the pad possibility. Maybe one of those anti fatigue type mats for jobs where you stand all day. Could also help keep feet warmer in late season.
Looks like it would take some careful cutting to get a good fit. Would need to be a light material otherwise it begins to undermine the utility of a single climb/stand device.
Maybe a gardner's kneeling mat. Very light material.

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TNSTAAFL said:
I have been thinking about the pad possibility. Maybe one of those anti fatigue type mats for jobs where you stand all day. Could also help keep feet warmer in late season.
Looks like it would take some careful cutting to get a good fit. Would need to be a light material otherwise it begins to undermine the utility of a single climb/stand device.
Maybe a gardner's kneeling mat. Very light material.

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I am not convinced that this is needed but couldn’t you just use the seat cushion that comes with the hand climber?
 
I don't know if it is necessary. Waiting on my saddle to test this system out. Probably won't know for sure until I sit for 3-4 hours once archery opens up. It just looks potentially uncomfortable.
I thought about using the LW seat pad. Certainly light and easy to pack in.

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Anyone know the exact weight of the LW HC? I’ve seen 3 lbs and 5 lbs in this post. Trying to decide if I should make the plunge or stick with my summit platform. Weight will be the deciding factor.
 
My fish weighing scale says my LW comes in between 4.40 and 4.50

That's with the red bungee cord I use to hook my feet for climbing. I also have Stealth Strips on there. Not sure how much weight those add. Can't be much.

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Oops. Forgot to add pic.
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pesqimon said:
I put about 1ft of 1” clear hose on the hand climber’s belt and then climbed a pretty rough tree with it.

Didn’t seem to catch on anything and I didn’t notice and reduction in security to the tree.

I suggest tying some cord to the end of the belt in order to pull it all trhough the hose. It’s a tight fit!
Click to expand...
Was this 1" inside diameter, or 1" outside diameter hose? I looked at my local Lowe's and only saw one of them (forget which now).

Do you like the 1ft? Would you change that at all after climbing with it some?

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It’s 1” as labelled at the hardware store. I beleive it usually refers to inside diameter.

Haven’t climbed with it all that much lately, but I think it’s nice as is.
 
While I have a LWC, I've not tried using it with a saddle. Gotta admit that the idea of eliminating my climbing sticks is very interesting. Getting up/down the tree looks pretty slick, too. On the other hand, I have a hard time envisioning that the LWC has enough lateral stability to suit me. Has anyone else considered also incorporating at least a partial ring of steps on a ratchet strap? Seems like being able to maneuver confidently around the tree while also having a platform to minimize fatigue would be a great combination.
 
I've played around a little bit. A strap around the tree tied to the platform improves stability a bit. Adding a step to the strap is nice too.

The problem I have is that maneuvering to install the strap is difficult and may not be worth the risk/hassle.

Not given up on the idea yet, but for now I have been forgoing it.

Climbed some last night, hose idea still good to me.
 
pesqimon said:
I will try the bungees. After discussing it with a friend, I realized my strap method might be too good. I probably want something that I can easilly kick out of if I get in trouble.

I also think that iit would make a fine platform even if I don’t climb with it.
Click to expand...
I use two 12” gear ties made into foot loops. It add some structure for slipping my feet in and out when adjusting around limbs.
 
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