Gorilla Tree Stands - Are They Any Good?

[Ebiz]

Was wondering if anyone has had any experience (good/bad) with the Gorilla brand of climber tree stands. Wal-Mart has them on clearance for $44 and I'm tempted to pick on up. However, if they're no good I'd rather invest in something of better quality.

Any input is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[troutmaster]

although i can't tell you if they are any good because i've never used one, but i got a summit viper SS and it works great there alittle on the spendy side though so i don't know what your budget is however remember this. You get what you pay for.

[Powerstroke]

I think the Gorilla stands area pretty nice. They aren't the lightest nor the heaviest. They are a pretty good size and they have a neat adjustment feature under the seat to tighten the stand to the tree. I don't know if thats on all the models, but my buddy has one and its pretty nice.

For $44 I would be worried that this is the chain-on model. Not that there is anything wrong with the stand, I don't like chains because they are noisy to hang and noisy to transport. I do have 1 chain on stand and thats what all my fmaily had untill we all had to bite the bullet and get ones with the ratchet strap. Lighter, quieter and safer cause they get tighter.

If you're looking at a model with the strap on it I say go fir it. I always look for end of the year deals on treestands. You can never have enough. Its nice to leave a few in places you plan on hunting.

[shamalex72]

I've been using a gorilla climber for two years now. It's a decent stand for the money. Easy to set up and take down, packs up nice and it's comfortable. For $44 I say go for it.

[chris63]

I second the the climber!Im 250 lbs and I really like the climber model.No problems,I paid 50 for mine so I say go for it too!!!!c63

[LaVoi]

I am not familiar with the Gorilla treestands, but a feww years ago my brother bought a Grizzly climber for dirt cheap at Gander. I call it the "death trap". I can't believe they allowed an item like it to be sold. I used it once and was scared s*&#less. The bottom dropped on me several times and when I had pressure on the bottom the top would slide right down the tree. It just would not dig into the tree at all. Anyway, what I am trying to say is we can get by cheap on some things but in my opinion when it comes to keeping me safe at fifteen feet off the ground I would do your homework to make sure it is a safe stand. As mentioned above I have no experience with the Gorillas and if they are a good stand you sure can't pass one up for $44. Good luck

[DooWap]

If you're going to buy a climber you might want to invest some money in it. First of all for $44 I'm sure it's a steel climber and those are rather heavy. Plus, as previously mentioned, the cheaper climbers have trouble gripping the trees. Summits and Lone Wolfs have GREAT gripping ability, even on smoother barked trees. They're spendier but they're aluminum construction with better gripping teeth. I bought a summit razor and never have had any problems. And P.S. you should always attach the two pieces with rope so you don't lose the bottom and are stuck hanging from the tree.

[chris63]

Hello,These climbing stands are 28 pounds.They don't seem to heavy for me but Im a newby when it comes to climbers.I am 250+pounds and I have used one of these alot this season.No troubles as far as gripping the trees.(smooth bark or otherwise.)Also these Gorrillas come with a strap that holds the stands together in case you drop the bottom.It also has an awesome full body harness that would hold a Gorrilla like me if I slip.I say these are fine and safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!c63

[chris63]

Oh yea I foregot to mention that the climbers have a stainless steel rubber coated strap(not a chain)and are VERY quiet to set up!c63

[Swill]

Buy a lone wolf tree stand. They are very quiet, safe and light. I bought the alpha climb on hanging stand and there is not a tree out there I can not hang that stand on. It has many unique things to adjust to all kinds of trees. I hunt in a lot of oak trees, so a climber is really not a good choice for many of them.

Again, Lone Wolf stands are worth the money!

[sportfish]

I have the gorilla grayback mag. climber. I think its got a lot of great features for the money got it on clearence for $139. I feel safe even at 30 feet in the air. It back backs better then summit stands,and hugs the tree tight,with no shifting around. As far as a climber for $44 I have a $40 climber and Its a death trap. spend a little more and feel safe.

[chris63]

This climber stand i got clearenced out for 50 it was normaly 120 and it is a fine(SAFE)tree stand.No problems whatsoever!!!!c63

[basskid]

just bought the same one for 35 bucks,

what the hay! I practically stole it

[Scott M]

so it sounds like the best idea in general is to just not go cheap on climbers, look for straps, and go light?

Somebody summarize it for me before I buy my 2nd, nonladder stand....

[Deitz Dittrich]

da- its up to you... Light is nice, if you have to carry a long ways in and have all your gear, every little pound feels heavier with each step you take. As far as a climber goes I have a summit and really like it. I do have a few Gorilla hang on stands that I think for the money were not too bad.

I do feel often times as far as stands go, you get what you pay for...

[fishwithteeth]

I have a Gorilla hang-on and like it. I use Lone Wolf climbing sticks. They are both light enough to carry into the woods a long ways, and more importantly, they tie securely to the tree. This year I put up a ladder stand, and I will use the hang-on if I need to get mobile. Good luck.

FWT

[brassman]

tonight I just bought my second lone wolf, this time it was the alpha sit and climb, looks gorgeous, my other stand is the middle hang on not the biggest but not the smaller one, sat in it for 4 hours and was as comfortable as all getout. comfort is what keeps you out in the stand longer and when deer are moving, also I have complete confidence in both systems. thats enough for me. buy the best you can afford. you only have to do it once that way.