DOMMA
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2019
- Messages
- 280
I just recieved my Podium on Wednesday, 02/06/19, and thought I would give you my first impressions. You can see the product at: https://www.outonalimbmfg.com/product/the-podium-2/
I purchased the Podium because of the size, weight and the fact that it folds flat making it easy to pack.
I tried the Podium on 5 trees with the following circumference; 18", 33", 45", 53" and 76". 18" is the smallest possible, 76" in the largest possible. The Podium felt solid in all of these trees. You have to insure that you apply equal weight initially to "seat" the platform and allow the teeth to bite into the tree. Once "seated" it is secured to the tree and allows you to stand on the corners without shifting/moving. There was no squeaking and the grid did seem to provide some traction.
I will modify the strap to permanently secure one side to the podium for ease of use, particularly if installing in the dark.
The teeth do a decent job biting into the tree:
The leveling feature is nice and does work but needs improvement. The screw size seem to small and the threading is too fine. It was 22 degrees and I had to take off my gloves to turn the screws, it took way too long and my hands were numb when finished.
Leveling feature is nice:-
Screws are too small and the tread is too fine:
Works on big trees:
Overall, I think the Podium will serve as viable platform for a wide range of trees. At $139 the price seems reasonable for the functionality, I have not found a more economical off-the-shelf solution. Also, installing a 3 lb platform is easy and once I permanently secure one side of the strap to the podium, it should be even easier. I hope this helps anyone considering purchasing.
I purchased the Podium because of the size, weight and the fact that it folds flat making it easy to pack.
I tried the Podium on 5 trees with the following circumference; 18", 33", 45", 53" and 76". 18" is the smallest possible, 76" in the largest possible. The Podium felt solid in all of these trees. You have to insure that you apply equal weight initially to "seat" the platform and allow the teeth to bite into the tree. Once "seated" it is secured to the tree and allows you to stand on the corners without shifting/moving. There was no squeaking and the grid did seem to provide some traction.
I will modify the strap to permanently secure one side to the podium for ease of use, particularly if installing in the dark.
The teeth do a decent job biting into the tree:
The leveling feature is nice and does work but needs improvement. The screw size seem to small and the threading is too fine. It was 22 degrees and I had to take off my gloves to turn the screws, it took way too long and my hands were numb when finished.
Leveling feature is nice:-Screws are too small and the tread is too fine:
Works on big trees:
Overall, I think the Podium will serve as viable platform for a wide range of trees. At $139 the price seems reasonable for the functionality, I have not found a more economical off-the-shelf solution. Also, installing a 3 lb platform is easy and once I permanently secure one side of the strap to the podium, it should be even easier. I hope this helps anyone considering purchasing.
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