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Hunter's View Wildcat Tree Stands
Tree Stands Manufacturer: Hunter's View
Hunter's View Model: Wildcat
Review Category: Tree Stands
Purchase: Tree Stands I wanted a portable treestand that was relatively inexpensive and fairly lightweght. I came across a left over display model of the Wildcat at The Sports Authority and managed to get it for $40. This is a bare bones fixed metal tree stand, the platform is 18"x24", with a 9.5"x13.5" seat.
Things I like about the Hunter's View Wildcat Tree Stands: At 16 pounds this stand is pretty easy to carry in. The platform, although sometimes a tight squeeze, is adequate for what it's supposed to do. If you are careful you can quietly turn to face any direction to take a shot. The same goes for the seat; it's small but enough to realistically sit on. The whole thing is painted a dull "army" green to camouflage it. I also like being able to rest my feet off the end of the stand. It is about as good a stand as you can get for $40.
What I don't like about the Hunter's View Wildcat : Most of all I dislike the fact that all Wildcats sold between Mar. and Aug. 2001 need to have their cables fixed because of a SAFETY RECALL. Other Hunter's View Stands are affected as well, and are listed at: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01229.html Now that I know this I'm going to find out whether my stand needs the repair. I can remember when I bought the stand I thought, "Those cables don't look very reassuring, but I guess they work." Although reportedly no stands have had a failure, it isn't very reassuring. Besides the safety isssue, I didn't like the cables because they effectively cut you off from a little bit of the platform area. The seat is small, and having to sit with your back right next to the tree the whole time is a little uncomfortable. After being left out for maybe a week, parts of the stand are already showing signs of rust. Maybe this is because this is my first manufactured treestand, but the way it is held on by the friction generated by the occupant's weight is a little disconcerting. Of course the safety recall now gives me another reason to wear a safety harness, but I honestly wouldn't have felt safe in this stand without one anyway. It is so small that moving around without wearing a safety harness could be dangerous. Finally, if you're not careful when packing this thing in and out the chain will bang against the stand and making a noise reminiscent of a tuba truck hitting a marble factory.
Tree Stands Wildcat quality: I thought it was pretty good quality besides its propensity to rust a little bit, but the safety recall made me think (though I assume the newer stands have been tested to higher standards). I'm also still wary of how this thing actually sticks to the tree, but that hasn't proved to be a problem (though the stand has slipped down after I have gotten off of it, removing my weight).
Wildcat summary: Although I'm not worried about my own safety in this stand (partially because I always wear a safety harness) I'm not sure I'd want a kid using it. It's not that comfortable, which isn't the end of the world, but also isn't really a plus. Assuming this stand wasn't affected by the recall I'd say it is a decent stand for $40. I think it could be easily improved by making the seat stick out a little farther from the tree.
Rating for this Hunter's View product: 2
Author of this review on Hunter's View Tree Stands: Fishin' Phil
Date: 2004-03-31
Usefulness Rating: 4.8 out of 5.
5 reader(s) voted.
This Hunter's View Tree Stands review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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