Equalizer Tree Stand Review

I’m going to start off the review section of my blog writing about one of my most used hunting items.  Right before the 2007 deer season began here in Mississippi, I began my search for a new climbing stand.  I bought my first climbing stand when I was 14 for around $80.  This stand proved to me over and again that there is definitely some truth in the old saying, “you get what you pay for”.   I wont even to begin to list the problems I had with that stand but I will say that the weight alone (28lbs) was enough to make me realize something had to change. 

            I researched, borrowed stands from friends and did all I could to make sure I made a wise decision this time around.  I narrowed my search down to three stands: Grand Ol’ Man, Summit Viper and The Equalizer.  I had hunted out of each of the first two, and had great experiences with both.  However, after reading a few reviews and watching a short video about The Equalizer, I just knew it fit my needs perfectly.  Weighing it at 20 lbs, it wasn’t the lightest option I had available but the other features made hauling around a few extra pounds seem like a small price to pay.  My favorite feature about The Equalizer tree stand was the geared leveling system.  One of the most difficult things about hunting out of a climbing stand, in my opinion, is placing the stand at the correct angle at the base of the tree to allow it to be level once you get to your desired climbing height.  I can’t count the number of times I climbed 8 ft up a tree, only to realize, I had to come right back down to adjust the angle of my stand.  With the leveling system on The Equalizer, this guessing game is no longer an issue.  With the simple turn of a handle, (be sure you have all weight off the platform when leveling) you can adjust the angle of both the top and bottom platform to level them out.  Another thing that I found to be very nice about the stand how quietly you could place it on a tree.  With no metal pins to fool with, putting this stand on a tree was not only quite, but much faster as well. The final thing I want to mention about this stand is the seat.  The seat that comes with each stand sits on top of the frame, making it very easy to stand up, which is a must for bow hunters.  I will say that if you ever make any all day hunts, this seat may not be your best option as far as comfort goes. I purchased a sling seat from Summit Tree Stands and attach it to my equalizer when I am hunting with a rifle.  I hope that this short review helps you in making your decision.  Let me know if you have any question or if I could help you in any way.  Here is a link to The Equalizer website if you are interested in seeing for yourself what all this stand has to offer: (http://www.buckshot-stands.com/).

WD