For anyone else waiting to receive their stand. It doesn't or should I say mine didn't come with the backpack straps installed as Andre states they will in the video. I wouldn't install them as shown or as he doesn't show them installed here. Theres a better way.
The tree teeth are nasty sharp and I mean nastier than necessary and there's no way in hell I want them anywhere near my head or neck. Lose your footing or your feet come out from under you decending a steep grade with your hands full and the stand is the first thing to contact the ground before your ass and I don't have to tell you where those teeth end up.
Don't wrap the stabilizer straps or the tag ends as he shows either. The web strap is slippery and I'm sure you'll find them trailing behind you after the first 100' snagging briars and bushes and anything in your path.
Don't cut them as suggested either. Configured differently you can use the whole strap. And you'll want them full length if used as I've shown to prevent any rattles or if using them to strap your outer layers to the stand which I do.
You need ~16" length of Tygon or PVC tubing as protection from the teeth. You could substitute with fiberglass reinforced automotive heater hose, and rubber hose might be easier to work with in cold weather, but it will be more expensive and may have more odor to it. Simply roll the tube off the teeth after separating hand climber and platform and it sits attached to the stand out of the way beneath the teeth when climbing. I used some better grade Ty-wraps as well. Just the one piece of tubing provides some protection from both rows of teeth.
I'd also suggest you not test your climbing on any trees you value or don't want to kill. Enough climbs and this stand is likely to have the same effect as ringing a tree with a chainsaw. I plan to knock the teeth down some after using it a bit first. Actually a little concerned regarding state regs regarding stands and tree damage on state lands.
I've shown the only places I felt could use Stealth Strip. I'll also likely wrap the sit bar.
Last thing I plan to do is heat shrink all the strap anchor points.
Going to use it to kill some coyotes but looking more forward to using it in September.
www.lonewolfcustomgear.com
