Making Climber Stands Level


LifeNRA

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People with climbers (Summit stands), how many times have you found out that no matter what position the cables are in you just can not get your stand level? Maybe its me, but I have the darnest luck with tree's! :rolleyes: Anyways, I keep a small pocket level in my HSS vest. I also found that if I get a level stand, I tend to have a more enjoyable hunt. I don't have that feeling of standing on angles, which after a while become uncomfortable. Even sitting!

So anyway, I got to think that if the cables had half the distance between them on one side, the other side would have normal clamps on them. This would give way more adjustment on them stubborn tree's.

I sent Summit an email,

I picked a tree, started out with two cable clamps out, one on each side. As I got to my hunting height, about 24 feet. I noticed that the top section and foot section are leaning forward past level. I keep a small pocket level in my HSS vest. The next day I removed one clamp. Now the stand is leaning back toward the tree. Once again out of level.

This got me thinking. The clamps you put on the cables are about three inches spaced apart. Why don't you make one side of the cable the normal three inches, the other side make them 1.5 inches apart? Or whatever the true distance is on one side, make the other side half. I know if I could have had half a link more or less, my stand would been level.

This way the hunter has more adjustment on the tree's we pick. Also, keeping the stand level will make for a more enjoyable hunt. By not standing or sitting on angles all day.

Thank you for your time,

John

Wonder if they will respond back? :confused:

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Dang...thats a good idea right there

I dont even own one and think thats got to be a benefit for making the stand adjustable...I hope they send you the courtesy of a reply at least;)

Now you got me thinking about punching more holes in the chain cover of my API on one side!!!

:cool:Smart Thinking John...Excellent Idea:cool:

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Dang...thats a good idea right there

I dont even own one and think thats got to be a benefit for making the stand adjustable...I hope they send you the courtesy of a reply at least;)

Now you got me thinking about punching more holes in the chain cover of my API on one side!!!

:cool:Smart Thinking John...Excellent Idea:cool:

Thanks! I don't know about your stand Gary, but I would be a little leery about punching more holes into something.

Pretty easy to level them actually. Pretty sure they go over that in the CD that comes with the stand. :cool:

They are Chris. But like I said, this particular tree is in a good location. I had one link or clamp in or out, either way the stand would not sit level. I also tried climbing higher and lower. I figured if one side had adjustments half the other it would be possible to make it level. After being in that tree for almost two full days, it felt like I was standing on two different hills. :D I was looking for that CD last night, no luck. :rolleyes:

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Thanks! I don't know about your stand Gary, but I would be a little leery about punching more holes into something :rolleyes:

My thinking is he has a API stand that has a chain with a plastic coating over it. There are holes in this plastic for the pin to go thru the chain. It won't hurt anything to put more holes in the plastic coating. The plastic ends up getting pretty messed up after awhile.

I don't have any problems with getting my Summit level. I like my foot platform pretty level. The seat I want level or leaning back a little. I haven't had any problems with this. On your level idea. I was actually just thinkling about this yesterday. I was sitting in one of my ladder stands & you can tell it leans slightly to the right. Not bad just a little. Got to thinking then that it would be nice if they would incorporate a bubble level system into a step or side rail or something so you could tell quickly if it is off or not.

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They are Chris. But like I said, this particular tree is in a good location. I had one link or clamp in or out, either way the stand would not sit level. I also tried climbing higher and lower. I figured if one side had adjustments half the other it would be possible to make it level. After being in that tree for almost two full days, it felt like I was standing on two different hills. :D I was looking for that CD last night, no luck. :rolleyes:

It's not a matter of the clamps, it's a matter of how you place the cable on the back of the tree. It's difficult to explain over the internet, but essentially, you set the cable on the back of the tree, then get the platform level, then stand on it to set it in the bark. I know you're not supposed to rock back and forth on the stand, but I do a little bit just to get the teeth set in the bark. Ohiobucks taught me that little trick and it works like a dream to level the stand.

I just found my Summit CD, shoot me your address and I'll send it out to you if you want. :cool:

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I got a small three inch pocket level. They can be found almost anywhere, plus it fits nicely in my HSS vest.

I found the CD this morning. Watched it in its entirely. They only mention about adjusting the cables to the tree so that you have a slight angle, to compensate for the tapering of the tree as you go up.

I still think having a cable on one side with different clamp distances will only allow you with more adjustment to make it easier for getting the stand level. BTW, I love this stand and will buy another should I have too. Just thinking about making it better, thats all! ;) Not trying to re-invent the wheel here! :D

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It's not a matter of the clamps, it's a matter of how you place the cable on the back of the tree. It's difficult to explain over the internet, but essentially, you set the cable on the back of the tree, then get the platform level, then stand on it to set it in the bark. I know you're not supposed to rock back and forth on the stand, but I do a little bit just to get the teeth set in the bark. Ohiobucks taught me that little trick and it works like a dream to level the stand.

I just found my Summit CD, shoot me your address and I'll send it out to you if you want. :cool:

I do the same thing, I always make sure the teeth are into the bark before I attach the ratchet strap. Thanks anyways Chris, I got my CD. ;)

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i dont want to be a brand basher, but i havent found but one stand that will allow you to adjust while you are climbing a tree, with out have to adjust the cables, but it don't seem like it would be safe on any stand that you would have to adjust the cables while you are climbing, and that would be the equlizer tree stand, you can climb a tree fron 7in to 24in i have been in some small trees and some big ones too you can climb as high as you want becouse the stand will allow you to level it.

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My thinking is he has a API stand that has a chain with a plastic coating over it. There are holes in this plastic for the pin to go thru the chain. It won't hurt anything to put more holes in the plastic coating. The plastic ends up getting pretty messed up after awhile.

Yes...API Grand Slam Magnum Supreme...it has the shrink covered chain. Right now I have holes punched every other hole through the chain.

I like the idea and will have to experiment with it since I still have a couple chain heat shrink re-coverings from the last time I ordered them off E-Bay;)

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have to agree with the shrink wrapped chain. my dads wrapping on his came off and i had to climb with it the other day. man what a difference that wrapping makes comparing my climber to his.

another thing that gets me on edge is when you think the teeth are locked into the tree, but then you put pressure on the sides and the one set of teeth comes off the tree so really only the one side is locked in. when your 15 or 20 feet up, that will give you a nice jump in the morning.

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have to agree with the shrink wrapped chain. my dads wrapping on his came off and i had to climb with it the other day. man what a difference that wrapping makes comparing my climber to his.

another thing that gets me on edge is when you think the teeth are locked into the tree, but then you put pressure on the sides and the one set of teeth comes off the tree so really only the one side is locked in. when your 15 or 20 feet up, that will give you a nice jump in the morning.

You know those little holes that are in the area where the teeth are? They are there just for that reason you described. The last stand I purchased came with two chincy little cinch-straps and thats supposed to keep the sections from moving when thier in place:rolleyes: HAH...I'll use a ratchet strap thank you;)

LOL...of course it doesnt hurt that I'm more worried that I'll chop off the tree when I do a quick little jump to set the teeth in the bark either...those teeth are sharp!!!

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