LWCG 0.5 Full Season Review

[TCaltagirone]

Where have you heard this?

Seen a picture on one of the FB groups a while back and the edges of the new sticks were beveled. Not sure if it was a test run they did or if thats how they come now. But they better figure something out or go back to the rubber coating.

 

[Topdog]

I emptied my basement and garage of every tree stand I owned, 13, I delivered the last load yesterday to a buddy that does all presets, my tundra was squatting as I rolled down the driveway, I won good money in 2/3 of the bucks contests I was entered in this year, when that 20% off gift card deal appeared I couldn’t press the button fast enough, the idea of the .5 for me is to replace all this other stuff I had accumulated being that I am 100% mobile anyways and go down to one kick ass stand combo, I still like a stand for most of the hunting I do and will keep a small platform around for days I want to be super light, I hate having lots of stuff it drives me nuts, I want the best of one thing and keep it simple, I would rather adapt as I go with one combo then have multiples of different set ups and constantly changing through out the season, will this .5 be that, time will tell, I sugar coat nothing regardless of what I spent on it and hopefully this ends up working for me. Nothing drives me more crazy than digging through a pile of gear like a stack of tree stands looking for something during the peak of the rut when I should be focused on killing, maybe I am a weirdo but my stuff is packed and ready to go a month before season, I leave nothing to chance, my success in the last few years on mature animals has gone up greatly when I am dialed in and organized before season and focused on the task at hand, killing good bucks.

 

[Anobody]

I hope it works for you guys for all the anxiety u put yourselves under. And I’m most certain that LWCG thanks you

 

[TCaltagirone]

I emptied my basement and garage of every tree stand I owned, 13, I delivered the last load yesterday to a buddy that does all presets, my tundra was squatting as I rolled down the driveway, I won good money in 2/3 of the bucks contests I was entered in this year, when that 20% off gift card deal appeared I couldn’t press the button fast enough, the idea of the .5 for me is to replace all this other stuff I had accumulated being that I am 100% mobile anyways and go down to one kick ass stand combo, I still like a stand for most of the hunting I do and will keep a small platform around for days I want to be super light, I hate having lots of stuff it drives me nuts, I want the best of one thing and keep it simple, I would rather adapt as I go with one combo then have multiples of different set ups and constantly changing through out the season, will this .5 be that, time will tell, I sugar coat nothing regardless of what I spent on it and hopefully this ends up working for me. Nothing drives me more crazy than digging through a pile of gear like a stack of tree stands looking for something during the peak of the rut when I should be focused on killing, maybe I am a weirdo but my stuff is packed and ready to go a month before season, I leave nothing to chance, my success in the last few years on mature animals has gone up greatly when I am dialed in and organized before season and focused on the task at hand, killing good bucks.

You hit the nail on the head and i can relate to everything you mentioned. I hate a pile of gear as well which is why i started liquidating and am down to the .5, one stick/rapel setup and a smaller platform that is collecting dust. Id rather have ONE perfect system that i know can handle all my needs and be efficient with it instead of a full toolbox of tools that will get rusty if im not using them constantly.

 

[three5x5s]

You said 13 tree stands, I thought WOW that's a lot of tree stands. I then counted mine and Thankfully I only have 12. A few are finding a new home. I held out to see the Beast stand. I do like how the .5 holds the LWCG mini's and how the seat can hold you pack in the middle of your back. But that puts me getting new stand and stix. Its so good to have options.

 

[three5x5s]

Funny, Mine was a climber, cant remember the name. It was aluminum and had big V's that went around the tree. I was 18 and lived with my grandparents. Showed my granny how it would climb a locus tree in the front yard.. she said.. Your are never going to get a deer to get in that thing. Those were the days. Crap.. make it 13 stands. Still have the hand climber part in tack, I cut up the bottom section for something on the farm.

 

[Shooter78]

Maybe a dumb question but i'm curious what saddle set up you guys are using in conjunction with the .5? Are any of you more concerned with rocking load bearing leg loops- more of a rock harness type deals? In case of a tree stand type fall?

Right now I have a recon sling ( havent been using leg straps or a belt ) and was curious if anyone thought if a certain type of saddle works better with this type of "hybrid" set up?

 

[KYhunter66]

I use my rock harnesses with a low tether and prusic with a carabiner for adjusting works great. I'm using it with my Assault 2 now but I ordered a .5 again for Christmas

 

[TCaltagirone]

Maybe a dumb question but i'm curious what saddle set up you guys are using in conjunction with the .5? Are any of you more concerned with rocking load bearing leg loops- more of a rock harness type deals? In case of a tree stand type fall?

Right now I have a recon sling ( havent been using leg straps or a belt ) and was curious if anyone thought if a certain type of saddle works better with this type of "hybrid" set up?

Ive settled on the latitude classic without leg straps. I think it all comes down to personal preference on what saddle you want to use and whether you want to wear leg straps. Leg straps on the Latitude are not load bearing therefore i dont feel the need to use them. Leg straps vs no leg straps will forever be an ongoing battle in the saddle community so do what YOU feel comfortable with.

 

[SILhunter]

I had heard of people using this stand as a platform and after reading this thread I pulled the trigger on a used one, got it in last Wednesday and was able to mess with it for awhile yesterday. First impressions was pretty nice, with back pack straps and tree strap it was 7 lbs even. Put my sticks on the seat and gear tied them to the top of the platform and used the tree strap to secure them to the bottom, weighed in at 14.5 lbs for all. Hoping to get out this coming weekend and get a hunt in on it to see how I like it.

 

[Shooter78]

I had heard of people using this stand as a platform and after reading this thread I pulled the trigger on a used one, got it in last Wednesday and was able to mess with it for awhile yesterday. First impressions was pretty nice, with back pack straps and tree strap it was 7 lbs even. Put my sticks on the seat and gear tied them to the top of the platform and used the tree strap to secure them to the bottom, weighed in at 14.5 lbs for all. Hoping to get out this coming weekend and get a hunt in on it to see how I like it.

Awesome man - I too grabbed one because of this thread. For sure report back after hunting to let us know how you like it!

 

[Deerman406]

I have an older Chippewa Ghost, one that is probably 20 years old. I hunt with it as you do out of the new .5!! My ghost with a seat mod weighs only 8.5#s and I like the way it attaches to the tree better than the .5 or any LWCG stand for that matter. It does have large wings to brace bottom to the tree but they work well and I actually use them to get farther around the tree. Shawn

 

[Deerman406]

I read the popst about 13 treestands and had to laugh. I have 52 stands out in the woods, some have been in trees for close to 30 years. I check them every year and replace cables and straps as needed. I also have 10 stands in my shed plus 3 Chippewa wedge loc stands and at least 20 sets of of sticks from 3 to 6 in each set. I saddle hunt some around my hosue but mostly out of state hunts which for me is about 35 sits a year. I would be lost with only 13 treestands! LMAO! Shawn

 

[Topdog]

I now own zero tree stands, until tomorrow when the .5 shows up, I plowed the snow off the driveway extra nice so the UPS guy has no reason to not drop it off lol, I probably should have kept a couple of those 13 for a just in case scenario but we will see, I hope novix produces an assault priced stand and size thats lighter like there talking about, I will grab one if they do.

 

[okccj]

I read the popst about 13 treestands and had to laugh. I have 52 stands out in the woods, some have been in trees for close to 30 years. I check them every year and replace cables and straps as needed. I also have 10 stands in my shed plus 3 Chippewa wedge loc stands and at least 20 sets of of sticks from 3 to 6 in each set. I saddle hunt some around my hosue but mostly out of state hunts which for me is about 35 sits a year. I would be lost with only 13 treestands! LMAO! Shawn

You have 52 stands in trees that you check every year? Seems like quite the effort. Also, why so many sets of sticks? Do you leave them attached to the trees?

 

[FisherHawk]

Yes i tinkered with one but sent it back due to the following:
1. its a little heavy for its purpose
2. the .5 is small as is and i dont like feeling cramped with the bow in a holder on the stand
3. Its an extra thing hanging off the stand to catch on brush
For these reasons i still prefer my screw in hawk bow holder and it fits in pouch under the seat so i can get it setup before i pull my bow up

The one great thing about saddle hunting is there are so many options. I enjoy hearing everyone ideas. I got into Saddle Hunting to supplement my hanging stands. Deer move and have new path each year. Sometimes you just miss a setup and you need to move to a new tree. With my saddle and a few sticks or pegs I can quickly move to a new tree. without having to move a heavy hang on stand. I agree with TCaltagirone post. It does not fit into my reason for saddle hunting, I am sure it works for others.

 

[TCaltagirone]

The one great thing about saddle hunting is there are so many options. I enjoy hearing everyone ideas. I got into Saddle Hunting to supplement my hanging stands. Deer move and have new path each year. Sometimes you just miss a setup and you need to move to a new tree. With my saddle and a few sticks or pegs I can quickly move to a new tree. without having to move a heavy hang on stand. I agree with TCaltagirone post. It does not fit into my reason for saddle hunting, I am sure it works for others.

Yes tons of options for sure and theres some great stuff people come up with when it comes to saddle hunting! I believe you may of misinterpreted my comment tho haha i love the .5 paired with the saddle and one stick/rappel method imo it doesnt get any better than that. Ive gone thru so many saddles/platforms/climbing methods and i can finally say im happy with my system. I disliked the thirdhand bow holder which is what that comment was intended for.

 

[KYhunter66]

I do all day sits in them.

IMO their comfort is STRONGLY tied to the seat height. For me, the stock seat post was too high which caused the front of the seat to dig into my legs after awhile.

If too low it puts your hips at a bad angle causing your hip flexors to get too tight, causing discomfort. Your knees should never be above your hips.

I cut my post down two inches so my hips are now at a 90 degree angle with my feet flat on the platform and it’s much better.

But i still think it’s almost impossible to argue LW seats are comfortable when i’ve sat in a Summit climber seat which is cushioned and suspended like a hammock seat or one of those rope hammock seats. Those things are like lazy boy comfort compared to the minimal padding of a LW seat.

Maybe would help if they included an adjustable height seat post instead of one size fits all.

How did you cut the post from the top or bottom? I have the same problem with my Assault 2 stands I'm only 5.4. My .5 seat is just right at 18inches.

 

[Coathanger15]

My wallet hates this thread

 

[Topdog]

Santa Clause that drives the big brown truck just left my driveway, 3 LWCG boxes were left, I have been lugging around tree stand paraphernalia for almost 30 years, until this year which was my first year of saddle hunting, my first impressions? They nailed it, I’m not impressed easily, I have a sweet tooth for the fine stuff in life and all I can say is this thing impresses the heck out of me, a lot of thought was put into this stand by somebody that hunts, yes the edges are sharp and I have all winter to deal with that but I knew that and could care less, for how I hunt and being a newbie to saddles this is exactly what I was looking for, I can enjoy the comfort my saddle gives me and have the option to shoot from a traditional stand platform like I have my entire hunting career, all while being super light and packable.... As of now this thing is sweet.