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First impression of climbing with LW Hand Climber

I would say more testing is required (tomorrow!) but I did not encounter any drawbacks and I didn’t snag anything, so it’s looking positive
 
If the idea of the tube is to add rigidity to the belt, then why not a length of wire from a clothes hanger or something, taped to the back of the belt? Might be lighter than the tubing, and would still allow the teeth on the belt to grab the tree.
 
Climbed 3 different trees today successfully. Cable did not snag on any bark.

Tried it with my rubber boots and did not like is as much as my regular boots but still got it done.

One tree was very slender and I did not like the sawying too much.
 
That’s great so do you think it’s better with the hose. Is it quieter on the bark or about the same. Can you tell that your getting better and quieter from more practice with the platform.


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pesqimon said:
Does seem easier. Can’t discount that I am getting better with the technique overall, but the hose seems to help!
Click to expand...

I sill think a cable like the Summit has would make it climb a lot easier and quieter. That hose sounds like a great add on. Thanks for posting results I’ll be trying it in a week.


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The tubing on the belt seems like it may be a good solution. Let us know your ongoing test results. Switching the LW\XOP over to Summit cables would be good but involves designing a method to secure the cable stops on the Summit cable. If someone could come up with an easy way to do that, it would be great.

It might be able to be done by drilling a hole in the rail and using a locking pin through the rai\arm to catch the Summit stops. You could also, perhaps, switch the LW\XOP to a chain covered in tubing, like the API stands, which would also require drilling a hole in the arm and using a lock pin. I think either might work, if there is enough clearance in the rail for the cable or chain to pass through the rail and miss the bolt that holds the arm\rail on. I am not sure what the added weight would be for a six foot length of covered chain or the Summit cable. I do realize that a lock pin system is not as easy to adjust and makes more noise - so it might not be preferable.
 
For those that already use hand climbers as platforms:

What about flipping it upside down to avoid the raised cross bar near your toes? The bottom is completely flat/level.

I took off one belt clamp and swung the arm around and it seems to sit correctly on the other side. There is no angled channel for it to nestle into, but does that matter? I'm not really an engineering type guy.

I'm excited to give this climbing/platform method a try. Just sold a hang on stand to free up funds and ordered my first saddle!

You all convinced me this was a viable way to avoid having to buy (and carry) more stuff to climb with and stand on (I already owned a LWHC).

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On the LW HC that I have there is no bar across at the toes. I think the channels on the platform where the rails nest work as the brace to keep the arms from flexing inward when pressure\weight is placed on the platform. I don't think it would be safe to not have them braced from flexing inward since it would put all the pressure on the bolt holding the rail on the platform. Maybe I misunderstood your reference to the bar at the toes. Are you referring to the raised portion on the cast platform itself? If so, I have not found it to be problem.
 
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Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I am referring to the raised part on the cast platform near the tree side (where the seat cushion would normally rest against). It seems to sit right at the balls of my feet (size 11 shoe). Seems like that would start to get annoying after a few hours on stand. Maybe not. Just noticed how the bottom of the cast stand is completely flat.

You're probably right about the arms needing the support of the angled channels. Like I said, I'm no engineer.

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I think the arms have to be braced. You might be able to add a bar across\between the rails and flip it over as you envisioned but I wouldn't do it unless you could brace the rails.
 
TNSTAAFL said:
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I am referring to the raised part on the cast platform near the tree side (where the seat cushion would normally rest against). It seems to sit right at the balls of my feet (size 11 shoe). Seems like that would start to get annoying after a few hours on stand. Maybe not. Just noticed how the bottom of the cast stand is completely flat.
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Click to expand...

Hasn't been an issue for me, though more time in the saddle is needed.

I like the handle, "TNSTAAFL"
 
Thanks! To support my outdoor habits I teach economics in HS.

I'll go with you guys and stick to the "normal" hand climber setup. Gotta get working on foot straps and a tether connector.

Can't wait for the Kite to arrive!

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I talked about grinding down the raised edge as it is very uncomfortable after a few hours. I think it is structured into the build for flex of the platform but I have 2 so I might grind one down to see if it cracks.


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Yikes. Not happy to hear that my suspicion that it will get uncomfortable is confirmed. Don't think I will be grinding mine down though in case I want to resell or reuse.

Oh well, perhaps I will be in the market for a platform and climbing method soon. Not going to go over well with the boss!

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TNSTAAFL said:
Yikes. Not happy to hear that my suspicion that it will get uncomfortable is confirmed. Don't think I will be grinding mine down though in case I want to resell or reuse.

Oh well, perhaps I will be in the market for a platform and climbing method soon. Not going to go over well with the boss!

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Click to expand...

Sometimes it’s better not to tell the boss.


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A foam or carpet pad might help with the foot discomfort. I remember reading somewhere that tying two straps\ropes to the platform - one on each side - was helpful. That way you can pull the foot platform up by the straps as you climb if it is binding when you try to climb. I haven't tried that but it is something to keep in mind.
 
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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