Last Updated on November 29, 2020 by Michael J. Branco
My friends have started calling me a professional hunter, even since I brought this fantastic ladder stands for bow hunting. Being alone in a jungle, on a mission to hunt, always made me face some trouble. But my spirits were high, and I never hesitated to go back again and again. Since I came across these ladder stands designed for hunting, all of my problems have gone away. It seems as if these ladder stands are mainly designed for the hunters who hunt alone because they are so convenient to handle alone; you can easily carry them from your car parking to the destined place and set them up. They are stable, safe, and reliable. They are hands down one of the best ladders stands for bow hunting.
What is Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting?
As the name implies, ladder stands have a ladder, and a wide-spaced platform, where a hunter or two can sit and stand beside. Since bow hunting involves aiming for a hunt from a long distance, it is practically impossible to hunt from a distance in a jungle. Neither can the hunters climb up on a tree and shoot from there. Therefore, ladder stands have become necessary for the bow hunters as it provides them comfort and ease to do their job. These stands also help the hunters to be in a good position while seeking a hunt. These stands again usually come with a full-body harness, so there is a meager chance of tree-related injury.
Benefits of Owing a Ladder Stand for Bow Hunting?
There are many benefits of owning a ladder stand for bow hunting. Such as:
Ease of Use
Ladder stands are extremely easy to use for people of all age groups. All the instructions are given on the booklet inside the package, and the parts are easy to assemble. They make the whole hunting process very easy and fun.
Source of Comfort
Bow hunting is not an easy task. You have to wait for the right moment to steady an aim, so it takes a lot of time. Ladder stands, provide comfort and support in these times. A hunter can sit in a comfortable position, rest on the padded backseat or armrest, and aim for the hunt even while sitting.
Help you keep Company
Many ladder stands can accommodate two persons at once. This way, you can keep the company while hunting. Or your friend can accompany you, and both of you can aim while being on the ladder stand.
You can take out kids
Since many of the ladder stands are designed to accommodate two persons, you can also take your kid with you on weekends to either teach them bow hunting or just to let them enjoy their weekend.
Easily Portable
Ladder stands for bow hunting are easy to assemble and set up and easily portable too. They are usually light in weight but can bear lots of weight. They also provide security and safety in the jungles.
All these factors make owning a ladder stand compulsory if you love bow hunting. They have proven to be very beneficial and a source of ease and comfort for the hunters.
Types of Ladder Stand
Ladder stand, or ladder treestand itself, is one of the types of treestands. There are three main types of treestands, specially designed for hunters. These are:
Hang On Treestands
These are versatile are easy to use. You climb the tree using portable ladder sections that can be attached temporarily to the tree. However, these treestands do not offer a greater degree of protection to the hunters, and they have to be cautious while aiming for the hunt.
Climber Treestands
These treestands have two sections. The upper section/piece is the seat, and the lower one is the platform. This stand is used to climb the tree, so there is no need for a ladder or steps.
Ladder Treestands
Ladder treestands include the platform, seat, and ladder, all in one package. They do require a bit of effort to assemble but are secure and comfortable. They are very safe; even a kid can stand/sit on the stand.
Comparison Table for Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting
6 Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting Product Review, Features
01- Summit Treestands SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand
SUMMIT TREESTANDS are known to make the best ladder stands for bow hunting, and their products prove it. The tree stands do not produce loud noises, as the advanced technology used by SUMMIT TREESTANDS reduces the noise by many folds. Not only this, but their cable retention system is also the fastest and helps you get concealed in the trees rather easily. Their ladder stands are secure and reliable to use. To learn further about their ladder stands, head on to the features section;
Features
- The ladder’s stands are secure and do not let your boots slip.
- Sound Deadening Technology makes the ladder stand very quiet.
- The noise-reducing feature provides you additional safety in the jungle.
- A cable retention system is the fastest.
- A cable retention system prevents you from fumbling with the pins, knobs, nuts, etc.
- These ladder stands can be climbed easily.
- Maximum strength makes this ladder stands the superior one.
- Before welding the joints, they are locked into their places for maximum precision.
- SUMMIT TREESTANDS are built to last.
- These ladder stands come with a five-year warranty.
Noise Reduction
Summit treestands use an advanced dead metal sound deadening technology that reduces the noise by filling in the parts or ladder stand with specially engineered expanding foam. This not only reduces the sound but also makes a stand more reliable and secure for you.
Cable Retention System
The cable retention system used by Summit Treestands is fast and easy. It prevents you from fumbling with nuts, bolts—knots, and pibs, etc. You only need to insert the cable into the bracket, adjust the cable to fit the tree diameter, pull the cable to the back of the bracket until the QuickDraw “trigger” locks into the place automatically. This makes this ladder stand easier to use.
Maximum Strength
Precision welds with absolute rigidity and high-quality Aluminum give SUMMIT ladder stand extreme strength. Before welding, each joint is “locked” into its place; this way, stress on the weld is minimized. Therefore, these ladder stands are quietly, secure, safe, and concealed.
Why should you buy this?
SUMMIT TREESTANDS make sure that you get the best quality product. These ladder stands have maximum strength and are secure to use. They provide you increased security due to strong aluminum core and precision welds. So buying this product will do wonders if you love hunting.
02- Summit Treestands Mini Viper SD Climbing Treestand
If you hunt regularly, you must be aware of the hazard loud noises can cause. Summit ladder stands are extraordinarily quiet because they fill the ladder’s critical parts with specially engineered foam that prevents the cracking sounds from producing. Its various features make this ladder stand one of the best ladders stands for bow hunting, and to learn more about it, head on to its features section.
Features
- The quietest cable system gives it superiority over others.
- The cable retention system saves you time and hassle.
- Expanding foam fills the critical parts and reduces the noise.
- The aluminum core prevents it from the rust.
- RapidClimb stirrups are convenient to use.
- RapidClimb stirrups can be adjusted to fit any boot.
- The back of the ladder stand is 12 x 20 inches, which is comfortably wide.
- SUMMIT ladder stand is built to last.
- The foam-padded seat also has a comfortable backrest.
- It provides you complete concealment and safety in the jungle.
RapidClimb Stirrups
RapidClimb Stirrups cable retention system of SUMMIT ladder stands is not only the fastest but also the quietest. It does not let you fumble with knobs, nuts, bolts, and pins, and the attachment is silent and safe.
Aluminum Core
Summit ladder stands have an Aluminum core, which gives them extreme strength and rigidity. The precise welding and joints lock make the structure secure, safe, and quiet for use.
Ideal Stand
Mini Viper SD stand makes the ideal stand. Although smile in size, it features the same comfort as the Viper SD. It is more ideal for the short hunter, and he can proceed with ease.
Why should you buy it?
Summit ladder stands are strong and quiet. They provide perfect concealment and safety in jungles. The backseat and the appropriate weight make them one of the best ladders stands for bow hunting. They also have a five-year warranty, which is evidence of their outstanding quality. So, if you love hunting, you definitely should buy it.
03- Guide Gear 18′ Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
If you go hunting regularly and want something durable and can stand different weather, then the guide gear ladder stand got you covered. It is large, strong, and comfortable. To help you steady your shot, armrests provide you the ease and comfort. Features are mentioned below to explain this product in detail.
Features
- Its steel construction makes it last for years.
- The top provides extra room.
- The foot platform provides space for stretching feet.
- A flip-up seat is a source of comfort at all times.
- Comfortable armrests achieve a steady shot.
- Three pinned ladder sections ensure easy transport.
- Ladder sections also provide space for storage.
- An adjustable support bar helps secure attachments.
- This ladder set provides a full-body harness.
- A flip-up shooting rail also ensures shooting stability.
Larger and Better
Guide gear makes the ladder stands that are larger and equally better and its given size of the armrests and backrest help in steady shots.
Durable
Guide Gear ladder stands are made up of rugged steel, which is why they can last for years. The steel core also gives them strength and makes them reliable for all kinds of weather and climates.
Weight Bearing Capacity
The ladder itself weighs only 78 pounds but can bear up to 300 lbs of weight. The steel core also helps in providing additional strength.
Why should you buy this?
Guide Gear provides you a perfect ladder stand for a reasonable price. IT is large, very comfortable, and quiet. It provides storage space and extra room for comfort and even to stretch your feet. The armrests help you steady your shot.
04- BIG GAME LS3811 17′ Warrior Dxt Ladderstand
Big Game ladder stand is hands-down one of the best ladders stands for bow hunting, and its features prove this statement. It is reliable, secure, safe, quiet, and very convenient to move around. It also has a mounting system and supports. The padded shooting rail, backrest, and a Flex-Tec seat add to the comfort this ladder stand provides. The feature’s sections further explain its qualities in detail.
Features
- Light in weight and easy to move around.
- The mounting system provides additional support.
- The backrest and Flex-Tec seat provide extreme levels of comfort.
- The padded shooting rails help make a steady shot.
- It can bear up to 300 lbs of weight.
- The support bar is adjustable.
- Available in Camo and Black color.
- The core material is steel. Hence, it is very strong.
- It weighs only 48 pounds and does not cause any hassle.
- The package also includes one ratchet strap and two stabilizer straps.
Stability
BIG GAME ladder stands are stable. Their core construction material is steel; at the same time, they are light in weight and can bear up to 300 lbs of weight. The solid stand and lightweight makes it stable and easy to carry around.
Additional Comfort
The backrest and Flex-Tec seat provide the added comfort to the hunter. The stabilizer strap, sturdy round steel tubing, and adjustable support bar make the experience wonderful.
Ease To Shoot
The padded shooting rail on this ladder stand helps the hunter to aim for a good shot. The shooting rail flips up to open the shooting lane, which does the job effectively.
Why should you buy this?
The big game ladder stand is light in weight and heavily reliable. Although it is a one-person stand only, it provides comfort and eases the hunter to aim a steady shot. This ladder stand has all the requisite qualities that any hunter might be looking for.
05- Rivers Edge RE665 TWOPLEX 2-Man, Black
Rivers edge makes ladder stands that have a flip-up bench seat that has enough space for two hunters. It is particularly great for the people who are accompanied by their friends on a hunt. The 40 inches wide platform also provides plenty of room for standing shots. All these features make this one of the best ladders stands for bow hunting. Now, head on to the features section to learn more about this product;
Features
- A flip-up bench that can accommodate two hunters at once.
- The 40-inch wide platform allows standing shots with ease.
- Two-way adjustable shooting rail.
- Adjustable height and depth that works for you.
- Rivers Edge ladder stands are highly reliable.
- These are stable and safe to use.
- The core material is steel that gives them immense strength.
- This ladder stand is available in black color.
- It also comes with a one year warranty.
- Rivers Edge ladder stands have solid stability.
Standing Shots Space
Rivers Edge ladder shots have a 40-inch wide platform that’s particular for standing shots. It provides enough space for two hunters to aim steady shots with ease without hassle.
Steel Core
Rivers Edge ladder stand’s core material is steel. Steel makes it reliable, stable, and very strong. Steel core makes the ladder stand last for years and also makes it durable.
One Year Warranty
Rivers Edge ladder stands come with one year warranty. If you find the product flawed, you can just get it exchanged or simply get your money back.
Why should you buy it?
Rivers edge ladder stands are reliable due to their core strength and their ability to accommodate two hunters at once. The standing shots platform and all the qualities make them a great deal and a must-have.
06- Muddy MLS2251 Stronghold 2.5 XTL Tree Stand
The Muddy ladder stands are considered one of the best ladders for bow hunting because of their numerous qualities. They have padded armrests and adjustable shooting rails, all of which provide increased comfort and make the task of a steady shot easier. These ladder stands are also very secure and prevent any sliding. Further details are explained in the feature section given below.
Features
- Heavy-duty construction offers excellent stability.
- One inch, thick padded armrests provide comfort.
- The padded armrests also help to steady a shot.
- This ladder stand also has one inch thick padded adjustable shooting rail.
- It is very secure and prevents any kind of sliding.
- The backrest and Flex-Tec seat is very comfortable.
- This pack comes with orange nylon washers.
- Drink holders are also available in the package.
- The adjustable support bar increases the security of the hunter.
- This ladder stand is very quiet and offers complete safety.
Comfortable
This ladder stand comes with a spacious Flex-Tec backrest and seat, which make it extremely comfortable.
Steady Shot
The Muddy ladder stand helps the hunter aim for a steady shot due to equipment of one-inch padded armrests and one inch padded shooting rail, which is adjustable.
Lightweight
The ladder stand weighs only 24 pounds and is very easy to move around.
Why should you buy this?
It is secured to use and light in weight. It is reliable, durable, and comfortable.
Buyers Guide on Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting
Given above is the detailed review of the six best ladder stands for bow hunting. If you love bow hunting or are familiar with it, you must know the hassle the hunter has to go through. A ladder stand is a great invention for the ease and comfort of the hunters.
There are several brands making ladder stands with features every hunter usually looks for; however, it’s better to be safe before investing a handsome sum. We have made a detailed list of the things you should make sure of while purchasing a ladder stand for bow hunting. Generally, all the product details and instructions are given in the manual, but it is better if you are already prepared.
Strong Core
Most of the ladder stands have cores made up of steel or Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and strong. Steel, too, is durable and is built to last for a long time. No matter the core material, the stand frame’s strength matters the most, as it supports the platform, backseat, and the hunter.
Noise Reduction Feature
Many ladder stands are built so that their frame’s critical parts are filled with specially engineered expanding foam. The presence of foam in the cracks reduces any noise produced and keeps you safe and secures this way.
Cable Retention System
The cable retention system should be fast and quiet. It should not be messy or involve knobs, nuts, bolts, or pins, etc., as they are time-consuming. Choose the QuickDraw cable system as it the fastest and quietest and does not consume any time.
Stability
The stand should be stable. A stable ladder stand supports the hunter the best. It should not have any sliding chances, as it should attach to the tree quickly too. Its welding plays an important role in determining the stability of the ladder stand. In many cases, the joints are locked in their respective positions before being welded. This provides them a precision welding and makes the frame strong and stable.
Safe
The ladder stand must be safe. Since the hunter relies solely on the ladder stand connected to the tree, it should be safe for the hunter to stand or even sit on. It should be strongly built and attach to the tree tightly and easily. There should not be any chance of sliding.
Full Body Harness
A full-body harness prevents you from getting tree injuries if you slide from your ladder stand or fall down the tree while climbing up or down. So make sure that the product package includes the full-body harness pack as well.
Comfortable
It should be comfortable, so the ease of the hunter is ensured. Padded armrests, padded seatback, and the seat itself do wonders. They are very comfortable and secure to use.
Wide Platform
Whether the ladder stand is for one person or two, the platform should be wide enough so that you can sit and stand freely. It should not make you uneasy or cause other difficulties. So check out the platform’s measurements as well while purchasing a ladder stand.
Easily Portable
Finally, the ladder stand should be easily portable, regardless of its size and weight. The more easily portable it is, the easier is the moving and setting up process.
All of this information is given in the manual so go through it before finalizing the deal.
How do you set up a Ladder Stand?
Setting up a ladder stand can be a bit of an effort if you are new to this. First of all, you must be sure of the direction. Bow hunting is all about aiming to hunt something from a distance. Analyze your location and think about the direction that an animal will approach from most probably a deer. Ideally, set up your stand downwind off to the side of the trail, within an oak tree or a dense conifer, which has enough cover to hide your silhouette.
This set up is considered an ideal one because it allows you to hunt the prey without scaring them off. Your set up also depends on the style of the stand you are using.
However, if you leave home for a solo hunt, you must be aware of setting up a stand all by yourself.
In this case, you start with your bow first. Try to get hold of an automatic bow hold that can be attached to a tree, so you do not have to keep holding it all the time as it ends up tiring you.
Finally, get binoculars to identify your prey from a distance, so when it comes near, you are all set to aim a shot.
Safety Guide with Ladder Stand
There are a few tips that need to be kept in mind to avoid any accidents. Most of the accidents occur when hunters are climbing or down the trees. To avoid getting tree injuries, always use the body harness. Newer body harness models also provide more protection than the older ones.
Please read the instructions carefully on your body harness manual, and look for its expiry date.
Never carry equipment with you whenever you are climbing up the tree. Make sure your guns are not loaded. At all times, while you are climbing, the mule should be climbing downwards.
Do not try to modify your tree stand in any way. Neither carries anything in your hands or on your back while climbing. Try to eliminate all the possibilities that might lead to an injury.
B wary of the slippery steps, and wear non-skid soles boots, and avoid slippery steps.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting
How high should a tree stand be for bow hunting?
A 17 to 20 feet tall tree is sufficiently tall for your tree stands for bow hunting to be set up. Any tree shorter than this will affect the range being covered by you and taller will affect the aim’s clarity and precision.
Are ladder stands for bow hunting hard to set up?
Ladder stands are not hard to set up. All the instructions are given in the manual. However, if the ladder stand is large, assembling, it might be difficult for one person alone.
How safe are ladder stands?
They are pretty safe to rely on if you have some experience with them. However, most common accidents or injuries occur when people are climbing up or down the tree. In this case, a full-body harness proves to be helpful.
Are ladder stands good for bow hunting?
Ladder stands are secure, quiet, and very comfortable for bow hunting. They not only allow a safe position to stand on and aim from but are very reliable and effective.
What is the most comfortable ladder stand?
Summit Treestands are the most comfortable ladder treestands. They are safe, reliable, comfortable, and do not make any noise.
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stand
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo
- Weighs 20 lbs. and holds up to 300 lbs. Green Utility Strap
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 20” W x 26.5" D platform size
- Includes Full-Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware. Versatility, comfort and functionality while being lightweight
What is the best two-person ladder stand?
There are many best ladder stands for two people available on market. But according to our research Rivers Edge RE665 TWOPLEX 2-Man, Black is the best one.
- Height to Shooting Rail 17'1"
- Height to Seat 16'1"
- Solid stability
- Durable and ruggid
Can I paint the ladder stand?
Ladder stands are usually made up of steel. So it is possible to paint them with good paint colors.
Is one person ladder stand okay to be used by two persons?
One man might provide enough space for a second person to hop on, but it is not safe to do this. It may also cause trouble to both hunters.
Where can I store the ladder stand?
You can store it inside to keep it safe from the effects of changing weather. However, taking it out a night before the hunt and spraying it increases its durability.
How the ladder helps you in your bowhunting?
The ladder helps you to climb up the tree and safely set up your stand. Once you reach your stand, you are free and secure to aim a hunt.
Our Recommendation for the on Best Ladder Stands for Bow Hunting
Although all the ladder stands reviewed above are the best ladder stands for bow hunting, our recommender is Summit Treestand SU81119 Goliath SD Climbing Treestand. It is extremely secure, reliable, and comfortable to use. Its critical parts have been filled with specially engineered expanding foam, which lowers the noise produced.
Its core material is Aluminum, which gives it maximum strength and makes it lightweight. Due to less weight, it’s easy to move around. It can also bear weight many times than its own.
- Closed-front aluminum climbing stand with Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish
- Suspended foam-padded seat with backrest
- Weighs 25 lbs. and holds up to 350 lbs.
- 18” W x 12” D seat size, 21”W x 30.75” D platform size
- Includes Full Body Fall Arrest Harness System and all necessary hardware
Read More: Best Arrow Rest for Compound Bow Hunting
Last Words
This article thoroughly reviewed and mentioned features in detail of the six best ladder stands for bow hunting. For your ease, we also compiled a list of all the tips and features that should be looked for and kept in mind while purchasing a ladder stand for bow hunting. Furthermore, some of the frequently asked questions regarding the ladder stands have also been answered. We are hopeful that you will find it helpful and guide you in making a great decision. Thank you for reading. Good Bye!
Robert A. McLean is the Editorial Director of Easy Trip Guides. He is an enthusiastic outdoorsman in training, outside experience instruction, ski guidance, and writing,
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API