Best Ladder Stand For Bow Hunting (2018 Reviews)
In this guide, I’ll show you some best ladder stand for bow hunting reviews, with pros and cons of each product. Later we are also discuss how to choose good ladder stands and some pro tips helping your hunting days more comfortable and efficient. Check it out!
Best 2 Man Tree Stand:
1. X-Stand The Jayhawk Ladder Stand, Black
2. Muddy Nexus 2-Man Ladderstand
3. Rivers Edge 2 Man Bowman Ladder Stand
(Editor's Choice)
4. Guide Gear 2 Person 20' Double Rail
5. Summit Dual Performer Ladder Stand
Best Archery Ladder Stand:
6. Millennium Treestands L100 Single Ladder Stand
7. Summit Treestands The Vine Single
(Editor's Choice)
8. X-Stand The Duke Ladder Stand, Black
9. Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
Product Name | Image | Seat size (Width x Deep) | Platform Size (Width x Deep) | Stand Weight | Stand Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39" x 17" | 42" x 34" | 122 lbs | 20’ | |
| 39” x 17” | 42” x 34” | 116 lbs | 20’ | |
| 18" x 15.5" | 69" x 31" | 94 lbs | 19’9” | |
| 36" x 14" | 55" x 14" | 90 lbs | 20' | |
| 37.55” x 14” | 38.25” x 14.25” | 63 lbs | 17’ | |
| 20” x 17” | 20” x 16” | 80 lbs | 21’ | |
| 18” x 16” | 24" x 25.5” | 110 lbs | 20' | |
| 22" x 16" | 18" x 26" | 79 lbs | 20' | |
| 13.25" x 26.25" | 24" x 25" | 68.5 lbs | 18' |
Best Ladder Stand for Bow Hunting Reviews
In this chapter, I review deeply some best ladder stands. In next chapter, I'll share with you the important factors to distinguish top rated ladder stands from others. Here's the deal:
Best 2 Man Ladder Stand
1. X-Stand The Jayhawk Ladder Stand, Black
Via Amazon.com
The beautiful thing about this ladder stand is its well-thought-out design to accommodate two persons conveniently. You and your hunting partners will find the 2 drink holders pretty handy to help spice up your hunting experience. Although it’s bulky and heavy, but solid and safe for you.
Height and Weight
With a design of 122 lbs, this stand can conveniently carry up to 500 lbs weight capacity.
Comfort
The X-stand Comfort-flex comes with a mesh seat, which flips up and out to help you efficiently target deer. You still get the same padded armrest and adjustable footrest for added comfort.
Construction
The two man deer stand also comes with a stealth silencer, which includes a self-lubricating nylon washer for quiet operation. The Jayhawk also sports an expanded metal for added durability and sturdiness.
The Helix Oval tubing makes up for extreme strength, sturdiness, and durability. The main catch is that it offers a seat of 39”x 17” and a platform size of 42”x32” to accommodate you and your hunting partner comfortably.
Pros
- Heavy-duty build
- The dual seat is super comfy for long-lasting use
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Heavily built
2. MLS2600-Muddy Nexus 2-Man Ladderstand
Via Amazon.com
When it comes to having 2 seater deer stands that offer the most extensive platform to carry out an accurate short at any given position of your choice, the Muddy MLS2600 comes to mind. The six position adjustable seat stock is a pretty spot on that allows you to aim your target at any given position. It has same features as X-stand but lighter weight.
Height and Weight
The height of this treestand is 20', and it also offers a 500 lbs weight capacity with just a design weight of 166 lbs weight.
Comfort
With a seat size of 39”×17”, this Muddy 2 person ladder stands also took a page from the X-stand by offering 2-drink holders and accessory hooks to make your hunting expenditure more fun and refreshing. Another nice feature is that the stand delivers a combination of footrest and mesh seats that looks like that of a recliner.
Construction
While the Muddy wields a platform size of 42×34”, it also stood out tall among the most comfortable 2 man ladder stand, by featuring a sturdy and durable design. You’ll still get the same flip back footrest, a padded armrest, and adjustable shooting rail.
Pros
- Well-made and easy to put together
- Offer the largest platform
- Super comfy seat
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Young hunters might find the rail too high
3. Rivers Edge 2 Man Bowman Ladder Stand
Via Amazon.com
The unique feature of the Rivers edges 2- man Treestand is its V-shape design, which gives a broader vision of your game. But my main gripe with this Stand is that it has no handrail and not suitable if you go out with kids.
Even with all its pros, I still think the Rivers Edge misses out by not offering a backrest, making the treestand not comfortable for a long sit.
Height and Weight
With a height of 19.9,” you and your hunting partner will have a clear view of the big bulk and fire out an accurate shot. While it offers a 94 lbs weight design, this stand is rated to carry up to 500 lbs weight capacity.
Via Amazon.com
Comfort
If you decide to choose the Rivers as your 2 man treestand for hunting, you will get an 18”×15 seat dimension, which will give you and your hunting partner extra elbow room to carry out your hunting comfortably.
You will also find a Mesh seat, which is durable, super comfy and has an extra elbow room to carry out your hunt conveniently.
Construction
No, this double tree stand isn't noisy; it is as quiet as it would be. With a solid steel construction and a powder coated design, this treestand is built to last you all through. You will also get tree straps and 2 harnesses to hold the stand firmly together.
Pros
- Easy to put together
- Powder coated design
- Sturdily built to last forever
Cons
- The Ratchet Strap is a little bit cheap
- Not safe for kids due to its V-shape design
- No backrest to aid long sitting comfort
- No handrail
4. Guide Gear 2 Person 20' Double Rail Ladder Tree Stand With Hunting Blind
Via Amazon.com
The Guide Gear is one of those few 2 man ladder stand with blind for proper concealment from deer and help you cover better. Its curved design for seat and platform giving more shooting space to archers.
Height and Weight
While the Guide Gear two man ladder stand sports a 90 lbs, lightweight design, it has been tipped to carry up to 500 lbs weight capacity without moving or making noise-thanks to its sturdy steel design.
Also, the Stand features a height of 20” and still includes two ratchet straps to secure a tight hold on any tree of your choice.
Comfort
With a seat size of 36” x 14”, the Guide sports a curved padded seat and makes it safe and comfortable. It also includes an extensive mesh platform to give you all the needed comfort as you concentrate taking out your game.
Construction
With a platform size of 55”×14”, this design comes in handy for any beginner to practice with. This is due to its easy and straightforward design. The Guide Gear also comes with a double-tube construction and a double rail that is durably built to hold up to 500 lbs weight without moving or making noise.
The padded shooting rail, and the pinned ladder sections, as well as the support bar, all makeup for its sturdy construction and design that can last you for a lifetime.
Pros
- It comes with a blind
- Pinned Ladder sections make out for easy assembly
- An adjustable ladder support bar
- Great for kids to practice with
- Comes with enough elbow room
- Curve padded seat and platform
Cons
- The seat doesn't fold up like others
- No ribbon to pull up a gun
5. Summit Dual Performer Ladder Stand
Via Amazon.com
The Summit Dual Performer offers a lot of great features on its sleeve. One of this unique features is the removable gun rail, which is perfect for bow hunting. It also sports a lightweight design, which makes it easy to take down and move around effortlessly - a lightweight ladder stand for deer hunting.
But the only problem about this treestand as regards to comfort is that it doesn't come with a footrest, which makes your legs a little bit tiring.
Comfort
The stand also comes with a large platform that has a flip-up seat, which allows you and your partner to lean against the tree. It also features a Bench style padded seat and a padded backrest to give you maximum comfort while you wait for that big buck.
Construction
With a 38.25” x 14.25 platform size, the Summit Dual also offers a sturdy Powder-coated steel design and a full backrest that is attached directly the frame to last you for a lifetime.
Pros
- Double powder coating for a sturdy construction
- Easy to set up and assemble
- Plenty of room accommodates two people conveniently
- Light stand weight--easy to take down and move
Cons
- No footrest
Best Single Ladder Stand
6. Millennium Treestands L100 21 ft. Single Ladder Stand (Includes SafeLink Safety Line)
Via Amazon.com
What sets the Millennium Treestand apart from others on the market is its dual rail ladder. The rail is skillfully and durably constructed with the great steel material to hold up to 300 lbs weight. The adjustable rail comes in handy if you're a rifle hunter as it helps you to get to the level you need it.
Height and Weight
The L110 offers a height of 21 feet, making it the tallest ladder stand you can find around to give you with a broad field view. The Treestand also joined the league of high-end with its 300 lbs weight capacity and 92 lbs design.
Comfort
As a bowhunter, you will find the millennium seat very comfortable, and also flexible when shooting at game. All you have to do is to push that seat right backward to give you plenty of room to take your shot at a game.
The footrests feature is also another excellent addition that allows you relax on it while waiting for your white tail.
Via Amazon.com
Construction
Regarding construction, the millennium Treestand is weatherproof--thanks to its power coating steel design, which ensures that the Stand stays rust-free in all elements.
You will get a safety link strap coupled with an adjustable brace to help you attached to the treestand.
Pros
- Super comfortable seat to hunt all through
- Rock-solid and well built to last a lifetime
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable seat to suit any position
Cons
- Quite expensive
- The height is a little bit intimidating for some people
7. Summit Treestands The Vine Single Hunter Ladder Stand
Via Amazon.com
With a seat size of 25’’W x 14”D, and a platform size of 24’’x 25.5’’, this Ladder stand happens to be one of the largest platforms on this list.
Height and Weight
As a 20 feet Ladder stand, this unit is sure to keep you safe and secure without being detected. With a lightweight design of 95 lbs, the frame of this stand is rock-solid and can carry up to 300 lbs to keep you up high in the tree without making noise or moves as you climb.
Comfort
The seat is made of a contoured mesh-style to give you great comfort all day long. I also love the fact that it features a classic padded armrest coupled with an attached full backrest as well as a shooting rail to give you the best shooting position on that big bulk.
Via Amazon.com
Construction
In terms of a sturdy construction, I’ll give the Summit ladder stand a high-five. I can say that the engineers did put in a lot of work to ensure that your safety is guaranteed with its well-built design.
It can easily withstand any weather elements even if you plan to set it up and leave it outside all through the year without moving.
Drawback
But, my complaint about the design is that it’s on the heavy side, making it difficult to move around.
Pros
- Powder coated steel design to ensure it is rust-free
- Perfect for both rainy, sunny and windy days
- The curved vine design, conceal its identity from deer
- The ladder section connects perfectly
- It’s stable and quiet
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- There are chances that the grip tape will fall off
- It is a little bit heavier hauling it out of the woods
8. X-Stand The Duke Ladder Stand, Black
Via Amazon.com
The unique spot about this stand is its 2 accessories hooks and 2 drink holders that give you more space for hanging hunting gears. In fact everything about this Ladder Stand preaches convenience and comfort.
Height and Weight
The x-stand also comes with 79 lbs weight design which is sturdy enough to carry up to 300 lbs weight capacity conveniently without wobbly or making noise. The x-stand also took a page from other brands on this list by offering 20 feet height with 100% safety.
Comfort
The seat features a 22’’ seat size design which gives you plenty of room and comfort to sit all day. The ladder also sports an adjustable comfort-flex mesh seat for convenient use.
Just like other top rated ladder tree stands on this list, the X-stand also joined the wagon by offering a padded armrest, an adjustable shooting rail, and a footrest to maximize comfort. The best part is that you can decide to remove the shooting rail or flip it backward to whatever suits you.
Via x-stand.com
Construction
With a platform size of 18’’x 26”, this powder-coated treestand is sturdily built with extreme strength and durability to defend against unfavorable elements—thanks to its expanded metal and Helix Oval Tubing for added strength, traction, silencing, and sturdiness.
Pros
- Super solid and stable
- Added to 2 accessories hooks and 2 drink holders
- Offers a locking system to secure it to the tree for added safety
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Still a little bit heavy to drag alone to the woods
9. Guide Gear 18' Jumbo Ladder Tree Stand
Via Amazon.com
One of the unique features of the Guide Gear is its lightweight design (68.5 lbs), which allows you to move around the woods easily (although it’s not recommended for a ladder stand). And you can even set it up by yourself without needing help from partners. One of my favorite lightweight portable ladder tree stands.
Height and Weight
While the Guide Gear offers a 68.5 lbs weight design, it can still hold up to 300 lbs weight capacity without wobbly or make any squeaking noise.
Even at a lightweight design, this Stand didn't fail to include a 3-pinned ladder section, which makes hauling the stand a lot more fun.
Comfort
The high-quality padded armrest is a pretty spot on. This creates more room for extreme comfort. Also, you’ll get a flip-up shooting rail for a stable shot on target.
Via sportsmansguide.com
Construction
Even as a budget ladder stand, the Guide also maintained a robust and rugged steel construction, just like other high-end Stand on the market. Included too, in this stand are 2 stabilizer straps, an adjustable support bar, and a single ratchet strap.
With a seat size of 13.25” × 26.25” , the Guide Gear also offers two seat pad silencer that is located under the frame to keep your movement on the stand as quiet as possible.
In my opinion, this is one of the few best ladder stand for big guys with large platform (24" x 25").
Drawback
But, I find its 18” height a little bit low compared to other stands on this list that offer a 20” height. However, this will be a good choice if you don't need a stand that is on the high side.
Pros
- Lightweight design and very quiet
- Enough room to fit two average persons
- The seat flips up and back
- Easy assembly and sturdy design
Cons
- The directions are hard to follow
- The paint on the stand are susceptible to rust
Types of Ladder Stands for Deer Hunting
Ladder stands for bow hunting are divided into two types:
- One Man Ladder Tree Stands
- 2 person tree stand
These two elevated platforms allow you to sit and wait for the game to approach your target location before taking a clean shot at them. For the purpose of this topic, let's take a look at what each of them has to offer.
One Man Ladder Tree Stands
As the name implies, this kind of ladder stand is built to accommodate only one person. The design is usually lightweight and is constructed so that a single person can easily haul the stand through the woods.
Also, a single ladder stand comprises a ladder for climbing and a seat for the hunter to rest while awaiting the game. Most of the seats have a backrest which you can recline on for maximum comfort as you wait for the prey to come to your targeted spot.
Double Man Ladder Stands
Via hawkhunting.com
Just like the single ladder stand, the 2 man ladder stand comprises a ladder (for climbing into the stand) and a seat for the hunter.
However, the 2 Man Ladder Stand can accommodate two hunters conveniently without any discomfort. It comes with a seat wide enough to contain you and your hunting partner, and it’s also stable enough to hold the occupants due to its firm and durable design that is well-rooted to the ground.
If you wish to have your kids or wife to talk to while waiting for the game to come by, then having a 2 man ladder stand will be a great idea.
How to Choose the Best Ladder Tree Stand
Choosing a best ladder stand for bow hunting proves to be difficult, isn't it? This is because there are a lot of top ladder stands available on the market.
For this reason, I’m going to show you how to pick the best and the factors to consider when choosing a good stand. In next section, I collected some pro tips helping your stand hunting days more efficient.
Our recommended setting for a top rated ladder stand for bowhunting
How Comfortable is the Seat?
When making a choice of a treestand, the seat should be one of the major priorities to consider:
- First, it must be wide with a cushion to accommodate you and also give you the needed flexibility to shoot on games. Don’t go for a metal seat due to inconvenience.
- Secondly, the backrest is needed to avoid hurting your back in a long sitting.
- And most importantly, the seat must fold up flat against the tree to give you more space for shooting when the deer or hogs appear in your range.
What's the Platform Size of the Stand?
Via sportsmansguide.com
Before taking the plunge on a single ladder stand ensure you figure out if the platform size is big enough to enable you to stand and lean your back against the tree for maximum comfort.
For the best result, the ladder stand should come with a platform that extends backward as close to the tree as possible, so you won’t get picked off.
In the case of a 2-man ladder stand, I recommend you get the one that has a full platform that can accommodate your feet, instead of the one that gets your feet swinging in the air when sitting on it.
This feature alone makes a world of difference as it will prevent you from dropping some stuff on the ground, which is common with a half platform ladder stand.
Does the Ladder Stand Offer A Footrest?
Via midwayusa.com
A good stand should have a footrest as this prevents the legs from hanging in the air while waiting for a big bulk.
Why is this important?
There are days you're sitting on the stand from sunrise to sunset without a footrest, it can soon make your foot tired.
So, ensure you consider choosing a ladder stand that has provision for a footrest so your feet will be relaxed while waiting for your game.
What is the Height of the Stand to the Rail?
One of the drawbacks I have noticed about ladder stands, in my opinion, is that most of them aren't tall enough. A ladder stand should be at least 20 feet so as to keep you out of sight as much as possible.
This is truth about stand height:
The higher stand is, the less chance you get cought by deer. So you should be off sight as much as possible.
Handrail
Any ladder stand you are opting for may likely have a handrail-this is optional! Typically, handrails add more security for the hunter while sitting inside the stand.
But, their common drawback is that they ususally in the way of bow shooting, so choose ones that are adjustable or removable. So, check it out to see if the Stand you are going to offers this feature.
Is the Stand Solid Enough?
No hunter will like to fall off the stand while sitting on it. To avoid this, you want to choose a ladder stand that is made of steel material. Our recommended weight capacity:
- 300 lbs weight capacity for a single ladder stand
- 500 lbs weight capacity for a double man ladder stand
Is it Quiet?
The quietude of the ladder stand is another determinant of selecting one. Don't opt for one that is likely to squeak with every movement made on it. A good one should be quiet not only when moving but when climbing.
Easy to Install
Finally, choose a ladder stand that will be easier for you to install. Preferably, choose one that you can install by yourself.
Pro Tips
I'll share with you some pro tips to make your hunting days much more comfortable in this section. Keep reading:
Safety Guide with Ladder Stand:
Your safety is paramount, and you should do all you can to stay safe in the ladder stand.
- The first step to safety starts with setting the ladder stand up and securing it well enough to avoid falling off.
- Always put on a safety harness/lifeline when on the stand so you'll be safe even falling off.
How to Set Up a Ladder Stand with Ratchet Strap?
- Attach two long ratchet straps to the top of the ladder and allow someone to help you lift up the ladder to lie against the tree.
- Cross the straps behind the tree and bring them down to the frame of the ladder after it must have been lifted up.
- Climb the ladder stand and attach the strap to the top back of the tree.
How to Prevent Rust for Ladder Stand:
Via Amazon.com
One of the most effective ways to prevent rust for your ladder stand is to spray truck bed liner to the stands to prevent rusk and make it look muddy.
How to Find a Good Tree for Ladder Stand:
Find a good tree that has lots of covers (leaves). This will ensure you are not noticed on top of the stand where you are waiting for the game.
Take Care of Wind:
Wind proves to be a security risk which ranges from pulling your ladder down to tossing off your bows and arrows where you hung them. Take extra precaution to forestall experiencing deadlock as a result of the wind's activities.
How to Free Your Hands With Bow Hanger:
You might not always keep your bow to your body, so find a bow hanger to keep your bow, quiver or grunt tube in place. You can screw the hanger into the tree and hang your bow there and only take hold of it when your targeted game is around.
Take care with how you hang your bow because the wind might move it a bit, which will attract the attention of the deer (if it's close-by).
In some locales, screwing bow hangers into the trees is illegal as well as harm the trees. So verify the conditions of using such there before doing so, or you can make use of a Third Hand Universal Tree Stand Bow Holder.
Camouflage Blind:
Via Amazon.com
You should take the precaution of being on camouflage when bow hunting. This act will easily hide you and your presence won't be noticed. When doing so, you can use a camouflage blind that is the same as the leaves of the tree where your ladder is.
The Bottom Line
The pretty exhaustive list, right? It’s just that I have a special place in my hearts for cool ladder stand, and I really appreciate products that put in more work to add an extra level of polish.
Editors' Choice:
Via Amazon.com
Summit Treestands The Vine Single
Via Amazon.com
Rivers Edge 2 Man Bowman Ladder Stand
The reason for this pick is because they offer:
- A unique camouflage design that naturally blends with your surroundings
- 20 feet Ladder stand to keep you safe and secure without being detected
- Solid frame design that is rock-solid and can carry up to 300 lbs and 500 lbs
- Features a classic padded armrest coupled with an attached full backrest as well as a shooting rail to give you the best shooting position on that big bulk.
- Sturdy construction, and well-built design
- Offers the largest platform to accommodate you and your partner.
- Seats made of a contoured mesh-style to give you great comfort all day long
- Powder coated steel design to ensure it is rust-free
- Perfect for both rainy, sunny and windy days
- Quiet and stable to give you a perfect shot
What is the best ladder stand for bow hunting you have used and had a great hunting experience? Hit me up in the comments so I can check them out!
