Rivers Edge...

[cupper]

Hey folks. I am looking into getting a climbing style treestand, but cannot afford the the Summitt or Lone Wolf. I saw a rivers edge gator climbing stand on Sale for $80. Now, I have always gone by the theory that you get what you pay for so I am skeptical, but I was wondering if anyone has had some experience with this stand before. This will be my first climber.

Thanks for any input.

-cupper

[Neiko]

I own 3 Stands by Rivers Edge. Also a Yukon blind and a Eskimo Fish house. They are all made by a company named Ardisam and are located in Cumberland,WI. I believe these are some of the best products for the money and there customer service is great. My friend bought a Big Game stand at Menards because of price and they are not as sturdy as a Rivers Edge. Buy it you won't be dissapointed.

[Powerstroke]

I have a Rivers Edge stand. It was a very good stand for two years. I say was because I didn't care for it very well and now it will need to be rebuilt or scrapped. Pay attention to the maintenance of the stand by checking bolts and keeping things clean and lubed.

Its a great stand for the price. I will say you do get what you pay for. A $100 stand is still better than the $40 one and I totally believe that my money was worth it when I bought my Lone Wolf. It has many great points that they don't advertise about. Get the RE stand, but start saving for the next one.

[harvey lee]

I have never used thier climbers but do own 1 of thier hang on aluminum stands. A very good hang on but I paid more for the hang on than the price for the climber from them that you are talking about. Seems to be awful cheap for a climber. It may be a good stand but I question why one can purchase a climber for so little.

[DooWap]

Seems cheap even for a steel climber, but the advantages you'll be losing out on are most likely weight and quietness. Cheaper steel climbers are usually very heavy, 35-40 lbs and are also not very silent. Another thing they're notorious for is how well they climb, somtimes they can slip.

[snapcrackpop]

I have one of the V-bar styles and they are heavy (33), but work well, but noisy (putting on the steel bars and nuts), but grab the tree well and you feel secure, but did I mention they are heavy...and noisy?

For your 1st climber you will like it.

Eventually you will buy the Summit or Lone Wolf.

DooWap, the only time I had trouble with mine slipping is if you bump the top section, then CLANG, BANG! If your sides don't brush the railings when you turn around (thin) and you NEVER lift up on the top section (seat area) it won't slip.

Be sure to practice in your yard a few feet off the ground to get the hang of it. Especially practice putting it on and taking it off the tree to cut down on the noise.