Best Ladder Stand for Bowhunting | Pros and Cons

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Ladder stands are super essential when you go out bow hunting. Bowhunting is an ancient way to hunt game using archery, and since then, men have innovated and improved upon the techniques employed to do so successfully. We’ve researched some of the best ladder stand for bowhunting, so you may decide which one is best for you.
A good ladder stand is essential for every bow hunter.

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The importance of a good ladder stand is mostly high. Sometimes we ignore the priority and tell you right now that it shouldn’t be. It’s the starting point and sometimes can make or break a good hunting trip. So be sure to be armed with one and enjoy a full hunting experience the right way.

Check out our list!

Our Picks: Top 10 Ladder Stand Quick Overview

Before Go Detail, Lets Discuss Some Useful Things

What is a ladder stand?

Before we go to our product list, let’s first understand what a ladder stand is and why it is essential for bowhunting.

A ladder stand is a type of tree stand, frequently called a deer stand platform, that hunters employ. They can either be enclosed or open. Then the platforms are secured to trees which hunters then use to give them vantage points.

A ladder stand consists of a ladder to climb on, a seat, and the rest of the platform that you can easily perch on as you scout an area and eventually go for the kill.

Ladder stands offer stability with good support from the tree and the ground. Ladder stands are available in single or two-person varieties.

What is bowhunting?

New to bow hunting? We know you’re interested, so here are a few things you need to know about bow hunting, an ancient practice that has since been developed into something modern by modern hunters.

In its very definition, bow hunting is the hunting practice that utilizes a bow (or archery) instead of a gun for game animals. For thousands of years now, this has been employed by indigenous people, but bow hunting in its natural way has survived into the modern age and is enjoyed by many as a means to gather sustenance or for sport.

Aside from bows, arrows and sights are some of the most common tools for bow hunting—crossbows and wooden bows. You utilized heavier hands for big games such as moose or elk, and of course, you use lighter arrows for smaller prey for faster speeds and better (flatter) trajectory.

So, why would other people prefer bow hunting as compared to using a gun? Well, it promotes better wildlife management, lets the wildlife population grow healthier, and improves certain habitats.

It’s a recreation for many people, boosts the economy, is an art form to some, is educational, a great social event, and quite healthy for the individual participating in booting.

Benefits of Using a Good Ladder Stand for Bowhunting

What are the qualities of a good ladder stand for bow hunting? What are its benefits and how can it help you take your hunting prowess to the next level? Here are a few reasons why you should employ one.

For safety purposes

A ladder stand will keep you safe in a higher position with a better vantage point. When you’re high above the ground, you’re certain you won’t be at any dangerous distance with what you’re trying to hunt.

Sometimes, it can be dangerous, and perched up on that tree is a huge advantage. If you choose the right one, these ladder stands will employ a few safety features like a harness to keep you high and secured.

They also offer greater stability and you’ll definitely increase your chances of success. There are also ladder stands that will also have you on top with another mate so you both can be secured and your hunting game more effective.

Greater aim for your target

A bow is one of the most challenging weapons to wield especially that it’s purely manual. That’s why some opt to use a gun for its mechanical power is far superior. But hunting with a bow does have its benefits and gives an extra sense of satisfaction.

So being perched on top of an effective ladder stand for bowhunting somehow makes it a bit easier for you as a hunter to hit your target. Don’t get us wrong, getting the perfect shot or angle needs practice but at least with a good quality ladder stand, you increase your chances of doing so.

You have a great vantage point and a greater view thus aside from the stability that it offers you’ll be given a great line of sight towards your prey. Some come with an adjustable height feature so it can also accommodate your changing needs in the field.

Pretty neat, huh?

Additional ease and comfort when hunting

A ladder stand offers a lot of features that can make you comfortable throughout your hunting trip. You can relax and keep yourself refreshed as you play the waiting, after all, hunting requires a lot of patience and focus.

While you can’t expect to be in your most comfortable state during hunting trips, ladder stands to alleviate a lot of the strain that comes with the practice or sport. You have a nice seat to chill on installed with an armrest, footrest, or maybe even a drink holder.

Stretch out those weary feet as you wait and aim for the kill. Plus you can take out the kids with you on a ladder stand or out hunting if it can accommodate you both. It just opens up a lot of other possibilities for you and the sport that you love.

The 10 Best Ladder Stand Reviews for Bowhunting With Pros and Cons

1. Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree stand

The first entry on our best ladder stand for bowhunting review is the popular and innovative Summit Viper SD. This has an enclosed-front climbing stand made of aluminium, has a suspended padded seat plus a backrest, weighs only 20 pounds, and can support a weight of up to 300 pounds.

It comes in a mossy oak camouflage color, a decent sized platform, and a full body harness to keep you safe. This is one of the rather versatile products out in the market today and it is quite comfortable and functional not to mention that it is lightweight.

That helps with its portability and ease of use when it’s time to hunt. The brand has innovated the ladder stand for years now and obviously, it has paid off.

This one in particular is armed with advanced engineering. The Deadmetal technology makes sure to eliminate metal to metal noise to keep you concealed from your intended prey. It is also infused with the Quickdraw technology for a superb, fast, and quiet cable retention system.

The Rapidclimb Stirrups give you a comfortable as well as an adjustable fit for your boots. And lastly, the SummitLokt technology makes sure to give the aluminum material of this ladder stand supreme strength and rigidity to take on the needed pressure of bowhunting.

This is the ultimate tool to support you out in the field.

Pros

• Innovative design and technology
• Durable and safe
• Great value for money
• Ensures that you stay stealthy
• Comfortable ladder stand

Cons

• May not be the easiest ladder stand to set up on our list

2. Summit Treestands Goliath SD Climbing Treestand

Our second entry is larger than your usual tree stand and we’re talking about the Summit Treestands Goliath SD. Aptly named, this tree stand is still relatively easy to setup on a lot of types of trees.

Just imaging that this product is still armed with all the features that we just discussed above but just at an additional 5 pound weight totaling to 25 pounds, you get 50 pounds of weight capacity more and now at 350 pounds.

It camouflages nicely onto trees so if you need more from your ladder stand then this is the product to go for. Durable comes with a full body harness, backrest, quick release buckles that are also adjustable, and padded armrests.

This aluminum ladder stand for bowhunting will stand the test of time and will be with you for a lot of hunting trips to come.

Pros

• Offers a pretty high weight limit
• Very lightweight
• Great size
• Very durable build
• Comfortable and stealthy

Cons

• Can be a tad pricey

3. X-Stand Tree stands the Duke 20 feet Single-Person Ladderstand

Stepping out of the shadows of the Summit brand we bring to you the ultra-tough X-Stand (the Duke) Tree stand. This one is made out of steel and from that you know that it’s one tough ladder stand that is aimed at handling the pressure of bowhunting.

It can surely support you well as it can accommodate 300 pounds of weight and weighs 79 pounds itself which gives you an idea of how fast or easy you can transfer or set it up.

This stand stands at 20 feet from the shooting rail and has dimensions of 18 by 26 inches. It has a comfortable seat and has a 4 point full-body harness. It is armed with an innovative jaw safety system to keep you secure as you hunt for your target.

You also don’t have to worry about staying stealthy as the self-lubricating nylon washers will ensure no metal to metal sound. This unit is known for its toughness, durability, and functionality. It’s also powder-coated to protect itself from all the outdoor elements.

Pros

• Will stand the test of time, this is one durable ladder stand
• Great size and a weight capacity
• Relatively comfortable seat with arm and footrests
• Great value for money
• One of the safest units on the list

Cons

• It is not as stealthy as advertised that’s for sure

4. Millennium Tree stands L110 Ladder Stand

The penultimate entry on our best ladder stand for bowhunting review is the Millennium Treestands’ L110 Ladder Stand. It actually comes with a pretty simple yet effective design, after all, they aim to make hunting comfortable for you.

It’s got a padded shooting rail, ComfortMax seat, and folding footrest to ensure that you are comfortable atop of it. The steel construction also makes sure that this ladder stand is durable.

The Safelink design also ensures hunter safety, it’s a 35 foot rope that’s armed with a Prusik knot as well as a carabiner. This is to aid you when it comes to ascending and descending on your hang-on and ladder stand.

The platform is also adjustable. The height can be adjusted from 8 to 21 feet offers maximum versatility and will accommodate your needs. It’s quite easy to set up too and comes with a full-body harness.

It can handle 300 pounds and its smart construction with powder-coated finish enables it to stand above the ladder stand crowd.

Pros

• Durable and will withstand outdoor elements for a long while
• Not short on safety features
• Very adjustable and portable platform
• Easy to set up
• Easy to get off and climb on

Cons

• It’s actually not as comfortable as advertised

5. Rivers Edge Big Foot XL Lounger Hang On Portable Hunting Tree Stand

The last entry on our best ladder stand for bowhunting review is no other than the super-sized Rivers Edge Big Foot XL Lounger Hang on Portable Hunting Tree Stand.

This is an extra-large platform with dimensions of 37 x 24 inches. You will have room for your standing shots that’s for sure. It’s got a flip-up seat with an armrest for comfort all day long.

It’s got a noiseless strap to stay as stealthy as possible and its TearTuff Lounger has decreased if not eliminated any chances of metal to metal noise.

You may stretch your legs when atop it and again, it’s one of the most comfortable units on our review. The lever action stability won’t require any need for additional tree attachment so you’re safe and secured at all times.

This ladder stand can surely accommodate your desired height as you hunt.

Pros

• Great size
• Comfortable
• Great value for money
• Relatively easy to set up
• Very durable build

Cons

• Not as stealthy as advertised

6. Allen Company Vanish Ladder Tree Stand

Let’s start off our ladder tree stand review with the spacious and two-seater Allen Company Vanish Ladder Tree Stand. And, as you can see, it is characterized by its super wide seat with extra-thick foaming so you and whoever you take with you on your hunting trip can sit comfortably while waiting for your next target.

The seamed seat makes it easier for both storage and transport. It’s got a durable ladder plus platform that would give you peace of mind as you wait for your prey. Also, it’s super stable that you can easily aim and reduce your chances of missing.

Combined with an ideal bow release and you’ll surely hit your mark. But wait, there’s more! Another cool thing about this tree stand is that it can then be converted (if you choose to go alone) into a one man seat and turn the other padded foam as a backrest.

It’s got extra-long straps and it’s got laminated and waterproof tops. Oh and we forgot to mention, that it camouflages rather nicely on a variety of trees.

Pros

• Stay stealthy at all times
• Great for long trips
• You can bring a buddy with you or even your kids
• Wide and spacious
• Easy to transport and store

Cons

• It’s very affordable but don’t count on it to last long

7. Muddy Skybox Deluxe 20 Foot Tree Stand

There are a lot of factors in outdoor hunting trips that you can’t control. But at least with this super-adjustable Muddy Skybox Deluxe 20 Foot Tree Stand, you can customizer it that in such a way it will sway the odds on your side a little bit.

This ladder stand can be adjusted to fit your height requirements and to keep you steady as you aim and shoot. The durable steel material that it’s made out of is designed to not come in contact with any of its parts so no matter what activity you do, it should stay quiet.

Don’t worry about comfort too as it’s got a Flex-Tec sling-technology suspension seat that’s sure to keep you secured atop of it. The shooting rail is padded with of course, as mentioned, height as well as depth adjustments. You can rest easy on top of it for sure while waiting for your next target.

Pros

• Simple yet effective design
• Comfortable
• Durable construction
• Easy to setup and adjustable
• Noiseless and camouflages nicely

Cons

• This is just a tad pricey

8. BIG GAME Hunter HD 1.5 Treestand

The next entry on our ladder stand review is BIG GAME’s Hunter HD 1.5 Treestand. This is another one of those ladder stands that are designed with simplicity yet. Gets the job done and pretty good-quality to boot.

It’s got a removable, adjustable, and well-padded shooting rail that you may flip up should it get in your way. Then you may aim and shoot your target securely and with stability on its platform.

The seat is wide enough and foldable. They call it the Flex-Tek seat with contours to the legs as well as back for utmost comfort. You may have a wide stance as you aim and shoot with your bow on this platform.

It weighs 61 pounds and can handle a pretty decent 250 pounds of weight itself.

Pros

• Can handle a lot of poundage
• Simple yet effective design
• Pretty durable
• Great value for money
• Ergonomic

Cons

• Not the stealthiest nor comfortable seat though

9. BIG GAME Guardian XLT Two-Person Ladderstand

The BIG GAME Guardian XLT Ladderstandis another two-person tree stand that we are featuring on our list. It’s 18 feet high and has a wide enough space. So you or a buddy can hang out and wait for your next prey.

It’s got a flip-up shooting rail so you may adjust it according to your aim and the seat is cushioned enough to keep you secured and comfy. This tree stand only weighs 53 pounds even if it is for two grown men.

That makes it easy to move around should you need to latch from one tree to another. It’s relatively easier to transport and at the same time, quite easy to store. You have your safety harness, a ratchet plus stabilizer strap, and it’s made out of steel.

It comes in a sleek black color and it’s pretty noiseless.

Pros

• Relatively stealthy
• Durable build
• Easy to setup
• Lightweight
• Stable platform plus nice strapping/harness design

Cons

• Not the most comfortable nor wide two-person tree stand out there

10. X-Stand Treestands the Comrade X 18 inch Two Man Ladderstand

The penultimate entry on our best ladder stand review is none other than the X-Stand Treestands the Comrade X 18′ Two Man Ladderstand. This is another two-person tree stand. But this time it’s got a relatively unique design.

It’s super-wide and spacious and yep, you and your buddy will have each of your own seats. You two will have separated seats and an ultra-wide platform to use for aiming and shooting your targets.

It is super safe with the jaw system that keeps it secure on the ground. The V-shaped platform is solid and stable enough to keep you both secure all the time. The helix oval tubing system then adds to this ladder stand’s durability and strength.

Pros

• Very spacious
• Very comfortable for both of the users
• Stable and secure
• Relatively durable
• Great value for money

Cons

• Not so easy to setup or transport

Best Ladder Stand for Bowhunting Buying Guide

Here are some of the important aspects that you should watch for when you’re out looking for a good quality ladder stand to use when you’re going out bow hunting.We must be vigilant of these aspects to ensure our safety, efficiency, and effectiveness as we hunt.

Strength

You need to make sure that the ladder stand of your choice is strong to the core. Aluminum is one lightweight yet strong material while steel is super-durable and is just meant to last for a long while.

You need to make sure that the material of your ladder stand can properly support everything including you, the seat, and the entirety of the platform.

Stability and safety

What’s the point of having a ladder stand if it can’t be stable enough to support you and keep you steady and you hunt game, right? Ensure that your choice of ladder stand won’t slide and should attach to a tree effectively and easily.

Make sure that the joints can get locked into specific points of the tree easily and that it’s got good quality welding. Precision and a strong frame are key here that’s why you shop for only trusted and reviewed products like the ones above.

These qualities will also ensure that you are safe on top of the ladder stand. Armed with some safety features like a harness you should be good to go.

Comfort

Some ladder stands are comfortable in the sense that they come with a nice seat and the platform overall offers relaxation. Get one that is padded nicely.

Enough space

Of course, get a unit that is wide enough to support you. Get a platform for two people if you desire to do so. Make sure that you can move around properly and that you won’t be restricted that in such a way be detrimental to your task at hand.

Other Considerations

Make sure to consider noise reduction features, cable retention, and also that the ladder stand of your choice can be installed or set up properly and easily.

A highly-portable ladder stand is a huge plus.

You may also interested to check our single bow Barnett Raptor Pro STR Review for batter hunting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Any tips on utilizing a ladder stand properly when out bowhunting? Are they truly safe?

Answer:Ladder stands are pretty straightforward tools that you can use to your advantage. All you have to do is to ensure that you’ve set it up properly. So you are safe and sound atop of it. Also, make sure that you wear your safety harness. So you don’t risk falling from it especially when you’re in the midst of an intense hunting game. You might just take your mind off of the fact that you are indeed on top of a ladder stand and hurt yourself.

And yes, the consensus is that a ladder stand is safe and effective.

Question: Anything else that I need to know about the ladder stand?

Answer:You need to make sure that you install the ladder stand for bowhunting at the ideal height and tree. Too tall and that will affect your clarity and precision. Too low and that will affect your needed range. A tree that stands about 17-20 feet tall is just about right.

Also, make sure to maintain your ladder stand properly. Try to prevent rusting, and take good care of it from the elements so you won’t waste your investment. Also, research to improve on your camouflaging if that’s needed.

Question: Any bowhunting advice?

Answer: For beginners, it is important to practice low-pressure hunting techniques. That means to not spook the dear early on. Make sure to plan, target bedding to feeding routes, and learn how to stalk the does to get a prized buck.

Also, be sure to practice using your senses especially your ears. Use a ladder stand and master the art of stealth to be an effective bow hunter.

Question: What are other tools that I need to effectively go bowhunting? Any safety tips?

Answer:Aside from say, a ladder stand, what are other tools that a bow hunter must always have? Well, for starters, you need to make sure that you have your archery accessory box to keep all of your tools in with.

Next is that you need to make sure to have your archery Allen wrench with you at all times. Have a bowsmith, bow tuning kit, digital bow scale, pro-archery pliers, and Bohning mini-server too. Also, it would pay to have an economy vise with you at all times.

As far as safety tips go, you need to be focused and always put your game face on when out bow hunting to prevent any mishaps or injuries. Always, carry a first aid kit with you, water, and any safety tools like fire and bug repellant kits at all times. GPS, flashlight, and cellphone are also must-haves when going out on a trip.

Learn how to use these gears, find a good tree for your ladder stand, and of course, observe good hunting practices.

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the best ladder stand for bowhunting. These tools will help you experience a good hunting trip. Picking a good one is essential not just for its functionality but also for your safety when out in the woods hunting.

Having the best available tool at our disposal at all times is one huge plus for our chances for success. And so let’s not disregard any and try to get our hands on the best available and what we can afford.

Durability, effectiveness, and comfort are also some of the aspects that the product we listed offers. So stop thinking twice and go grab one and be sure to ready at all times. Follow our advice read on our know facts and you’ll reduce your risk of failing.

Stay safe and ENJOY!