Contrary to popular belief, I do own a "manufactured" treestand. Actually, I've owned 2 API's that seem to do the trick. The main reason I use one is due to the fact that they are light. I am more inclined to move a stand if it is light, easy and fast. The API (while not perfect) fits the bill. However; I find pro's and con's to both.
Homemade:
| Cheap to build |
| Fun to build |
| Fun to camo paint |
| You can build several and leave them up in trees year round |
| You don't care is someone steals your stand, just build more |
| THEY WORK! |
| They are quite |
| Work best on your own land, where you can place several around and leave them up |
Store bought:
| They are light (certain models) |
| They work (but are noisy) |
I like my API...but it is very noisy. This seems to be trait of metal treestands. The manufacturer installs or requests that you install anti-slip strips on the base. DO NOT DO THIS. If you have, remove them. THEY ARE NOISY!! Instead glue down some low nap carpet strips on the base AND any verticals that might come into contact with a noisy buckle, release aid (while climbing in) etc. Try adding some self-adhearing camo material such as moleskin. This will help prevent the loud clanging of metal on metal.
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