ehunter, I'm not a bowhunter...just rifle. And yes, knowing where the vitals are in the animal at that angle is important. I did bought a bow with that intention, only one bow season conflicts with the fall URB run. And I like my sept salmon fishing.
I looked at the TreeLounge, but it's awkward to get into and out of. And you can't stand up to stretch the legs. And the other thing that concerned me was the optional bow platform is way out on the end. Look at how much leverage there is standing clear out on the end. I'm 225-250lbs depending on time of season and that is way too much weight out on the end for me to feel comfortable.
Get the TreeLounge video if you don't already have it. I'm sure your brother got a copy when he bought his. Watch it and watch how the TreeLounge bounces when they stand on the bow platform. Very un-nerving.
But I will say this the TreeLounge philosphy is you must be comfortable otherwise you grow impatient and tend to move around too much, or quit and go home. Can't kill anything from the couch. This I highly agree with, a stand MUST be comfortable. This is why I elected to go with the big Magnum API climber over the cheaper (and much smaller) fixed hang on's. But I still like my fixed pallet stands for my permanent stand locations. The pallet stands do that for me and they are cheap to built and deploy. AND they are big and comfortable and I have no problem staying in them all day.
I think we all agree no stand works best for all situations. I think it's best to start somewhere and expect to add additional stands later. I think if you have 1 climber and 2-3 hang-on's your pretty well set. Do you pre-scouting and set the hang-on's over know traffic area's and use the climber for the time when you want to explore unfamilar area.
I don't have any good pics of my hang-on pallet stands in the woods. But I could take some pics of them so you can see how they are built and work. Thier really kinda slick, simple and strong. The screw in steps are the biggest cost, but you have to spend that money regardless of the type of hang-on.
As far as how high do I set them. Depends on the lay of the land and the tree, limbs, and other factors. Usually at least 20ft sometimes 30-40ft. Figure a step every 2ft w/ 4 removable spaced 3ft apart at the bottom. That will keep the unwanted's from tampering with it out in the field. I've not had anyone mess with mine, but I think a lot of it is because they are homemade and not worth stealing. I don't even lock mine up, although it might be a good idea on the store bought stands. I just didn't want any chance of chains rattling on mine. I use ratchet straps to hold it on.
One other thing I'd like to mention. I prefer the hang-on's because they are easier to get into quietly, and they are better concealed because you don't have to cut all the limbs off like you do with the climbers. This is why I pricncipally only use the climber for afternoon hunts. I can go up and make a little noise and then let the woods go quiet while I nap.
Hunt'nFish
