Trouble with Climber

[Hooves]

I have been using a climber tree stand for the past two rifle seasons and I have been having trouble with it slipping. While climbing up and down the tree the straps will slip an inch or two. I always attach them so the stand is at an angle and my brother in-law uses a climber so he has tried to help but nither of us know what the problem is. When I get to my desired hight I use a ratchet strap to secure myself. I like the mobility of the climber but I don't feel safe using it and will most likely switch to a ladder stand unless anyone has some tips of how to fix this. Thanks

[going4it]

What kind of climber is it?

[fivebucks]

I would like to know the brand also. My cable loops sometimes slip a little on popple but not much at all. I have a Summit and I feel safer in that stand than almost any other stand except maybe a ground blind

[Wensel]

I have the summit and the lone wolf, both will slip a bit on wet popple.

If it is a LW you may want to order new straps and try that.

Statistics show hunters using climbers have fewer falls, just a though on the ladder, you call fall off those too.

[huntnfish]

I haven't had any issues with the cable slipping on my Summit but like the others have said. On trees like Popple, I take smaller steps up the tree to make sure.

[Bear55]

Summits on popple will slip from time to time, usually just the seat when you don't have a lot of pressure on it to lock it in.

I would steal an idea from lone wolf, they have straps that tighten the outer edge of the seat to the floor section of your climber. This helps lock everything down and prevent slippage.

[nofishfisherman]

I have a cheaper climber but have never had any significant slipping.

I think in part it has to do with the type of trees I have in my hunting area. Most have rough/ridged bark that allows alot of bite. I also am very dilligent about making sure the teeth on the V portion are getting sunk in nice and tight.

Is the slipping when climbing or once set up in the tree and in a seated position?

[Hooves]

It is a Guide Gear climber from sportsmen guide. Most the slipping occurs while climbing, there is also slipping after I have reach the height I want but I think thats from not keeping presure on the seat. Its not the teeth just the straps that slip. I might try to add something like those lone wolf straps, do you clip those once your already up or are they on as you climb as well.

[Bear55]

Hooves they are expandible so I have them clipped when climbing just in case I drop the bottom, then tighten them when I reach my height.

If you are having slipping problems when climbing that is a little scary. I would avoid the trees you are having problems with and maybe even buy a new stand. No reason to get injured or worse.

[nofishfisherman]

It is a Guide Gear climber from sportsmen guide. Most the slipping occurs while climbing, there is also slipping after I have reach the height I want but I think thats from not keeping presure on the seat. Its not the teeth just the straps that slip. I might try to add something like those lone wolf straps, do you clip those once your already up or are they on as you climb as well.

Thats almost the same exact stand that I have. I've never had any real issue with slipping although I've had it slip slightly when climbing but nothing major cetainly nothing more than an inch or two. So its the rubber coated metal straps that go around the tree that slip? Are you setting them so that they are tight enough around the tree? I find that when I put the straps around the tree the seat and foot portions need to be pointing up at a slight angle. That way when i put my weight on it it will push down level. That should also put more pressure on the straps and help keep them from slipping. If I set the stand level to start with i find it will actually point down a little and slip more once my weight is on it.

I think this stand also comes with nylon straps that you can use to secure the straps around the tree once at your desired height. YOu just wrap the nylon strap around the rubber straps on the side of the tree you are sitting on and then tighten, it will pull the rubber straps together snugging them around the tree.

[B-man715]

If it was me, I'd get a new climber...... Lot's of good ones out there. I have a Lone Wolf that bites a tree like a mean dog, but it is on the heavy side (20 lbs)

Got my eye on the new Summit. Specialist 14 actual pounds is hard to beat

[Hooves]

Thanks for the tips guys I think I will give it one more season.

[nofishfisherman]

I'd probably start taking it out his summer and practicing on it to see if you can figure out how to keep it from slipping. That way if its just not going to work you can find out before hunting season. If all else fails I've seen climbers like yours listed on List O' Craig for $75-$100 so you could probably get most your money back from it if you wanted to sell it. Or you could try returning it if possible.

When you practicing make sure to have a safety harness on just in case. Hate to end your hunting season months before it even starts.

[harvey lee]

I would agree that I would sell it and go for a newer Summit or LW. I have both of those stands and they are very well built and I have yet to have a serious slippage issue.

[rbs]

As far as the top section moving on you when you are in position check out the side straps at Third Hand Archery...look them up on the web. I made my own like his and they work awesome. Locks the top section and it doesn't move a bit!

[bigbucks]

I've had some trouble with both my LW & Gator Jaws climbers slipping, when in position. Usually it's the seat portion. I'll stand up or bump it funny somehow & clang it's basically resting on the foot portion. I've found the easiest way to avoid this it to keep a bungee cord with the stand & then once I'm in position hook it near the teeth portion, go around the tree & hook it again on that portion. That way the seat can't tip up without considerable leverage on it.