thunderbolt Report post Posted January 23, 2007 Well i just purchased a kong lounger XLS from the sportsman warehouse. I have no experience in setting one up with all the straps that go with it. What is the best way to get one set up?? I thought of taking my 15 foot ladder out to the woods to help with the set up. Also what about chains and locks to keep it from getting stolen? Are there any other devices out there to keep the thieves from steeling it or at least make it real hard to take it? I've used a blind and have had deer come near, but i think they winded me and took off. I just wanted to take a stab at treestands but have no direction now that i have one. (not looking for advice on where to place a stand) any info would be appreciated, JERRY Q Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
galiuro mountain man Report post Posted January 23, 2007 To get it in the tree, there are strap on steps you can use. The ones I have seen use ratchet straps to put them on the trees. Most of the time the reason stands get stolen is because people see the steps or the climing stand is close to the ground. With this type, you can remove them when you arent there. That alone will help with theft. Also, there is a good lock called a python lock. This lock is probably the best I have used for attaching things to trees. Just remember to wear a harness, even when setting it up and taking it down. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted January 23, 2007 Get a safety vest.. they are much better and easier to use than a harness... J- Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted January 23, 2007 Good suggestion Jamaro. I'm not familiar with the brand you bought, but most stands (at least API and Summit) come with instructional DVD's. Putting a stand in a tree can be dangerous, life threatening dangerous. A few rules of thumb: 1. Always wear a harness or vest when climbing, sitting in or decending from your stand. 2. Never climb limbs--always use either climbing steps or ladder. 3. Make sure the tree you pick is sturdy enough that when the wind blows it doesn't make you seasick while sitting in it. 4. Try to place your stand where either the cover of the tree it is in or a tree in front of you will provide cover while drawing your bow. 5. Use a rope to pull your unloaded gun or bow up the tree once you are seated. Never carry equipment up the tree when you are climbing. 6. Always inspect your steps, stand and harness for wear, looseness etc. Don't rely on anything man made, it can and will fail! 7. Did I mention using a harness or vest everytime you climb, sit or decend from your stand? Buy a climbing system that uses a prusic knot that you can slip up but not fall down. The extra time it takes to climb is worth your life and limbs! Good luck and be safe! Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
thunderbolt Report post Posted January 24, 2007 Thanks for the info guys. Where would i find this python lock at? well i'm gonna keep the harness for a while, i was just happy to have a free harness with the purchase of the treestand. i tried the harness on last night to see what strap went where. It seemed there were two seperate straps to hook up to the harness, one strap to hook up a tree in front of you while you climb and put up the stand, and the other strap to hook up to your harness at the upper back to the tree slightly above you. Is this right??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
galiuro mountain man Report post Posted February 1, 2007 You can get python locks at Wal-Mart in the bike section. If they dont have them Home Depot has the bigger ones, they are usually towards the fron of the store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mattys281 Report post Posted February 1, 2007 In addition to checking the condition of your tree, also take a look at trees around you. This year was pretty wet, but the last several years of drought & bark beetle infestations have a lot of timber falling. I've seen a lot of dead falls leaning against live trees. If a dead tree falls on a hunter in the woods, and no one's there to hear it, does it still make a sound? I don't know, but it will still hurt like heck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TREESTANDMAN Report post Posted February 1, 2007 Kevin, I wish I would have read your post 2 months ago. As a result of not checking the nuts and bolts on my armest from my Kong Lounger I now have a broken leg, back, and shoulder that is healing from being dislocated! Take Kevin's advice!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin Report post Posted February 1, 2007 OUCH! Sorry to hear that. I hope you mend quickly and completely. Kevin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
