The Helo is Getting me Out of the Saddle

[John 35]

They are still significantly cheaper than most, but the price increase seemed pretty drastic to me. Solid stand from what I’ve heard though.

 

[Westdesign03]

I posted earlier in this thread. But wanted to throw back in here that the Helo is an awesome stand. Super solid on the tree and just the right amount of space to sit or stand. I replaced the buttons with the Beast delrin buttons and it makes the stand even better IMO. I did get in on the $205 price a while ago and glad I did. But still would be a great stand at the price it is now, at least if you consider that everything else in the world is sky rocketing in price too.


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[Plebe]

They are still significantly cheaper than most, but the price increase seemed pretty drastic to me. Solid stand from what I’ve heard though.

I think there are way more trestands that are less expensive. Not to take away from the Helo.

 

[John 35]

I think there are way more trestands that are less expensive. Not to take away from the Helo.

True, I was thinking of stands of similar or lighter weight and good quality. Do you think there is a better stand for the money?

 

[bodark]

True, I was thinking of stands of similar or lighter weight and good quality. Do you think there is a better stand for the money?

Production stands on the market now? No I don’t think there is a better one for the money. Lone wolf assault is DC’d, that’d be the only one that is a contender IMO. You can argue the XOP vanish because it’s still sub $250 but other than that there really isn’t anything in that price range anymore.

 

[Ontariofarmer]

I think sometimes we don’t see the forest for the trees, so to speak. I know I’ve spent a lot of time on this forum researching, buying, selling, etc. Most of it hasn’t helped me put deer in the freezer, thus far. The Summit climbers are bulky and on the heavy side but are known for being comfortable. I think carrying a few extra pounds is worth it if it keeps you in the tree longer. The Mini Viper isn’t too bad at 18lbs. I’m fidgeting after a couple hours in a saddle.

You will never fidget in a JX 3. Quieter, easier to carry than a climber


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[NMSbowhunter]

I came to saddle game this last season. I like it ok. Just got a Waldrop pac seat (5lbs) and am probably gonna sell all the saddle stuff and just hunt from the ground. I’ve seen more over the years from the ground. Though I love swaying in a tree on a fall day. If I go back to aerial game I’ll just get a climber again.

If you do decide to go aerial again and are comfortable in a small stand like a lock on, check out the Lone Wolf Assault II Hand climber. I transitioned from a Summit climber to a Lone Wolf Hand climber in conjunction with a rock climbing harness for safety and now to tree saddles. The hand climber is a solid choice and I still use mine from time to time. To me, the climbing method (or lack thereof) is a means to an end to put me in a position to get a shot on a deer.

 

[HuumanCreed]

I can see myself getting back on a hang-on. Especially when I feel confident enough to take a trad bow into the wood. But I don't see myself getting back on a climber. Climber are more comfortable than hang-on, but the increase in weight is beyond what I want to carry.

The argument against saddle has always been that you fidget due to the hanging motions. Which I agree with based on my limited experience, I do find myself swaying after a while because....well I CAN. I am a little fidgety by nature, working a desk job, I find myself stretching. But I also get fidgety sitting in a tree stand, I find a need to sit up and move around. So I kind of agree with the augmenting that the swaying motion from saddle is not as noticeable as standing up and sitting down motions in a tree stand.

 

[parkersdad]

If you do decide to go aerial again and are comfortable in a small stand like a lock on, check out the Lone Wolf Assault II Hand climber. I transitioned from a Summit climber to a Lone Wolf Hand climber in conjunction with a rock climbing harness for safety and now to tree saddles. The hand climber is a solid choice and I still use mine from time to time. To me, the climbing method (or lack thereof) is a means to an end to put me in a position to get a shot on a deer.

I agree with this. I use my Lone Wolf hand climber more than any other Stand. If you are going to hunt all day and need a little more comfort get the sit and climb top it will still fold flat and it will add Comfort To your hunt


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[Plebe]

True, I was thinking of stands of similar or lighter weight and good quality. Do you think there is a better stand for the money?

I think the Helo is a nice stand, and was a great value when it was in the $200-240 price point. At $340, it's not much of a bargain unless it's exactly what you want.

For the money, for someone wanting to get into a nice sandcast compact hang-on, there's been a couple LW Assault II stands in Classifieds for around $200. They're relatively comparable.

Millennium M7 Microlite treestands were on sale from Midway for $160 in January. I see them priced at around $230. Not everyone like this stand, but I do. Stock, it's a much more comfortable stand to me. Biggest negative is it doesn't have the leveling and offset adjustability of a Helo style stand when stock.

For a smaller fella, the windwalker may be worth looking at if price shopping options. I've no experience with them though.

 

[NMSbowhunter]

I think the Helo is a nice stand, and was a great value when it was in the $200-240 price point. At $340, it's not much of a bargain unless it's exactly what you want.

For the money, for someone wanting to get into a nice sandcast compact hang-on, there's been a couple LW Assault II stands in Classifieds for around $200. They're relatively comparable.

Millennium M7 Microlite treestands were on sale from Midway for $160 in January. I see them priced at around $230. Not everyone like this stand, but I do. Stock, it's a much more comfortable stand to me. Biggest negative is it doesn't have the leveling and offset adjustability of a Helo style stand when stock.

For a smaller fella, the windwalker may be worth looking at if price shopping options. I've no experience with them though.

I agree about the Millennium M7 Microlite being a nice stand. I've made many an all day sit in mine when I was in that hunting club. It was my go to stand for a number of years along with the preset brackets and 20 foot ladder sticks. I had 18 preset sticks and brackets out at one point.

I have never owned a LW Assault hang on but, as you say, there are several nice examples in the classified at what seem to be reasonable prices.
I windwalker has tempted me for along time ever since I read Warren Womack's accounts of using his little loc on. I may have to get one of those.

 

[Plebe]

True, I was thinking of stands of similar or lighter weight and good quality. Do you think there is a better stand for the money?

I don't know if you're looking for a stand, but there's a Hush for $325tyd in classifieds. It's about a pound lighter than a NIB Helo and less money.

 

[John 35]

I don't know if you're looking for a stand, but there's a Hush for $325tyd in classifieds. It's about a pound lighter than a NIB Helo and less money.

Mainly I’m bored and just looking at gear online. I marked a couple trees this spring scouting where a saddle setup would be awkward so I’ve been mulling over picking up a hang on.

 

[Buckhole75]

I use a Lonewolf Alfa most of the time along with my Kestrel and still use a Treewalker climber in places Don’t limit yourself with
one method

 

[Cotehex]

I bought the M7 and used it some last season. Early in the season mostly saddle hunted and then as the season contiued I found myself enjoying the lock on much more. I don't know if I'll keep the kestrel flex or not at this point I find myself much more comfortable and move less in the lock on. I did hunt for 1 season exclusivly from the saddle to give it a fair chance.

 

[GeoFish]

You guys got me looking at a Beast stand.
Always good to have a plan B.
Now if I can just sell my LW climbers.

 

[BuffaloBill]

You will never fidget in a JX 3. Quieter, easier to carry than a climber


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I’ve seriously considered one. Kind of don’t want to gamble on an almost $500 purchase that would be expensive to sell/ship if I don’t like it. It also looks like it would be really awkward for weak side shots.

 

[kyler1945]

I’ve seriously considered one. Kind of don’t want to gamble on an almost $500 purchase that would be expensive to sell/ship if I don’t like it. It also looks like it would be really awkward for weak side shots.

Weak side shot out of a JX3 or a Guido's web is no different for me than the same shot from a soft saddle. Have executed it from both multiple times.

If you're not comfortable buying one new without trying it out, there are good deals on used ones here and there. I would definitely recommend buying used if you aren't sure. Even better find someone close by and buy them beer or something so you can try it out.

I have come around to the fact that really short people might struggle with shooting from the hybrid on shots under 10 yards from typical hunting heights. I don't think it's something that can't be overcome. But I've just seen enough people complain/imagine/contemplate about it, that I'm willing to listen.

Weak side shot no different than a soft saddle though. If you're going to struggle in your diaper, you're going to struggle in the lazy boy, and vice versa...

 

[Petrichor]

Weak side shot out of a JX3 or a Guido's web is no different for me than the same shot from a soft saddle. Have executed it from both multiple times.

If you're not comfortable buying one new without trying it out, there are good deals on used ones here and there. I would definitely recommend buying used if you aren't sure. Even better find someone close by and buy them beer or something so you can try it out.

I have come around to the fact that really short people might struggle with shooting from the hybrid on shots under 10 yards from typical hunting heights. I don't think it's something that can't be overcome. But I've just seen enough people complain/imagine/contemplate about it, that I'm willing to listen.

Weak side shot no different than a soft saddle though. If you're going to struggle in your diaper, you're going to struggle in the lazy boy, and vice versa...

I’ve thought about the jx3 but it’s expensive and heavy

 

[Plebe]

You will never fidget in a JX 3. Quieter, easier to carry than a climber

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I don't see it as quieter, necessarily, nor necessarily easier to carry. That's going to depend on the user and the system.

At the same time, it sure can be.

Weak side shot out of a JX3 or a Guido's web is no different for me than the same shot from a soft saddle. Have executed it from both multiple times.

If you're not comfortable buying one new without trying it out, there are good deals on used ones here and there. I would definitely recommend buying used if you aren't sure. Even better find someone close by and buy them beer or something so you can try it out.

I have come around to the fact that really short people might struggle with shooting from the hybrid on shots under 10 yards from typical hunting heights. I don't think it's something that can't be overcome. But I've just seen enough people complain/imagine/contemplate about it, that I'm willing to listen.

Weak side shot no different than a soft saddle though. If you're going to struggle in your diaper, you're going to struggle in the lazy boy, and vice versa...

They do come up for sale in the Classifieds at very reasonable pricing now and then.

I have to say for the weak side, I think the platform/footing is a variable to how easily that plays out. On my RRxl I can stand and maneuver in a soft saddle as if I was on a stand, easily. I could pair it with a JX3 an maybe execute that move, but it doesn't optimize one of the JX3's best features, which is the elimination of a heavy bulky platform. I think it's optimized with a ROS but I am interested in how the new Latitude X-Wing will pair with a JX3. The bars may be wide enough and close enough to the tree for comfortable sitting and the protruding platform, albeit narrow, may offer a little more space from the tree to make weak side shots easier a couple of ways.

I don't see the weak side as much of an issue for anyone who wants one for gun hunting.