Treewalker treestands

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it’s a whopping 999.00.

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That’s asinine. How is that different from an ol’man?

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Aren't the ol' mans made in China? Just checked the sight that the OP linked and it states the stands are 100% made in America.

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Good point, that makes more sense now. Made in Lafayette too.

I have a Treewalker that I bought around 2014. It really is the best designed and highest quality stand I've ever used. The owner died of cancer and the family chose not to continue the business. I saw that the new company Heartland Climbers is making the same stand for $999. So I messaged them a nasty message about the price and copying off Treewalker etc. What happened next was a surprise.

The owner of Heartland Climbers, Derek Kennedy, called my cell and wanted to chat. I ended up talking with him for 45 minutes and had a great conversation about stands, hunting, family etc. The cliff notes are he was in constant contact with Mr. Jerry (Treewalker) over the years. They were planning on doing a transfer of the company to Heartland, but Mr. Jerry died before it was all finalized. What they found out is Treewalker never carried insurance, therefore taking on any of the previous stands was an extreme liability. Just carrying insurance is like $25k a year in premiums. This is a side business for Derek and his son. They use 3 retired welders in Lafayette to do all of there welding. Some improvements have been made from the original Treewalker. He laid out all of his cost including materials, labor, 3rd party materials like the seat, pins, etc., insurance, shipping and all.

I firmly believe that Heartland isn't trying to gouge or put themselves in position to maximize profits. They are a very small, family operation that makes a killer product. Not the big boy like Summit, Hawk, Muddy. All American made. I paid $450 in 2014. $999 might seem like a lot even with inflation, but for example a Lone Wolf 1.0 Hang on is $599, a 2.0 is $699. That is for just the stand. A 4 pack of Trophyline Hyperlite climbing sticks are $449. Lone Wolf Micro double climbing sticks are $150 each. I plan on buying a Heartland Climber in the future. I totally changed my opinion after speaking with Derek.

Also as a bonus, I have a Sherpa cart for my Treewalker that converts my climber into a cart. Unfortunately Sherpa is no longer in business.

Lone wolf’s crossover climber is $999.99, so it’s definitely comparable.

Thanks for sharing the background info. I don’t think I’ll ever use another stand besides my lone wolf hand climber… but I do miss being able to prop my feet up sometimes.

I have a treewalker.
It is bar none the best climbing stand I’ve used. Never slips, and comfy as all get out.

So yes, I’d paid $999 to have one that’s similar to it without second guessing.

I still believe the original APIs cannot be beaten. There has never been sharper biting points, and the chain system fits any tree.

The leveling feature is about the only thing that would get be to buy a new stand.

It’s 21 lbs. I use molle straps and I’m 51 I have no issues whatsoever.

This thread has me wondering where I left my ol’ man

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Aren't the ol' mans made in China? Just checked the sight that the OP linked and it states the stands are 100% made in America.

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The original Ol Man’s were made just out of Hattiesburg if I remember correctly.