Hands down to the Cadillac treestands for imparting more versatility to climbing treestands. Experts from Tree Stand Ranger made a detailed cadillac tree stand review.
I can tell you that the Cadillac Tree Stand was a popular hunting tree stand brand in the past, but I do not know if it is still available in the market or if the company is still operating.
While we appreciate all kinds of tree stands employed for deer hunting, climbing tree stands are quite dynamic. But what about all those negatives associated with climber tree stands? Are they actually clanky? Aren’t they safer?
Well, if you’re skeptical about giving climbing tree stands a shot, you might find it easier to start your sit and climb hunting journey with a Cadillac style tree stand.
Like all standard climbing tree stands, a Cadillac Tree stand also has two separate pieces. A foot platform and a seat. However, over the years, the popularity of these tree stands faced a decline since the tree digger teeth of its platform are prone to damage the cambium of the tree.
Nevertheless, Cadillac tree stands are the ultimate climber stands for gun as well as rifle and bow hunting.
What Is A Cadillac Tree Stand?
A Cadillac tree stand is an older climber stand which was invented in the late 80s. At that time, this climbing stand was solely meant to be used by hunters who hunted facing the tree. The Old version of the Cadillac tree stand was made with all steel welded construction, which had made it sturdier, yet bulkier to carry in and out in the woods.
It’s hype went down a lot over time. Summit’s Viper is one of the best and common climbing stands among hunters today.
This popularity of Cadillac Treestands enticed several treestand manufacturing companies to make their Cadillac climber models. However, only fortunate get a chance to establish its impact; BuckShot Manufacturing is lucky enough to make its name in the industry for making premium quality Cadillac tree stands for the last 40 years.
The older all steel welded construction got replaced with superior quality aluminum to reduce its weight. BuckShot Mfg. did quite a lot to improve this tree stand’s overall efficiency.
The last versions of Cadillac tree stands which is rarely seen today are lighter, more comfortable, and capable of bow and gun hunting.
Cadillac Tree Stand Review – Specifications
Its common specs include:
- Enclosed construction
- Foot platform
- Rigid arms
- Adjustable seat with camo cushion
- Welded aluminum tubes
- Backpacking straps
Difference Between Cable Style Climber Stand Vs Cadillac Tree Stand
As far as the utility of both climbing stands is concerned, both work the same way. Both have two sections; a foot platform and a seat platform. A hunter constantly shifts his weight on the foot section to move it and his seat section until he reach desired height.
For tethering both sections to the tree, a cable style climber stand uses cables. On the opposite, a Cadillac tree stand has rigid arms that go behind the tree for keeping the stand tethered. The foot piece of the Cadillac tree stand has teeth that penetrate through the tree to get stability.
A cable style climber stand usually has an enclosed or open front construction. However, Cadillac tree stands are strictly enclosed.
Generally, both styles bear all weld aluminum construction to significantly reduce the unit’s total weight. But since a Cadillac tree stand climber is engineered with more aluminum, the weight is relatively heavier than any of its conventional counterparts. Never to mention it is less packability factor that comes as a consequence of its bulky nature.
Versatility
Meanwhile, when saddle platforms and lock on tree stands are becoming an obsession among bow hunters for their compactness, toting an oversized Cadillac tree stand looks quite absurd.
A cadillac tree stand versatility bespeaks when a hunter can adjust his seat in three different positions to practice his favourite hunting style. Whether you bow hunt or rifle hunt, adjust its bench seat to face the tree, away from the tree, or lean it against the bark of the tree to take your favourite shooting angle.
Without restricting the shooting sight, a cadillac stand provides a hunter full coverage to keep an eagle’s eye on the prey. Speaking of versatility, recently, I have tested several best aluminium tripod hunting stands that prove to be the best 360 degree elevated hunting gear in area with no rugged trees.
Safety
Safety shouldn’t come into play, no matter whatever treestand you use. Climbing stands are often taken as the most dangerous ones. The cables, if broken or worn out, can put a hunter’s life at stake.
However, as per my experience, cadillac stand was safer option until manufacturer went out of business. Buckshot Mfg is not very interested in selling these tree stands. Therefore, I will recommend a latest, advanced built summit stand.
Before purchasing any type of deer hunting stand, look for the weight capacity mentioned to retain safety and always use best safety harness if your stand is supported by tree stem.
Safety is priority and for that I personally feel safest in best quadpod hunting stand also called hunting tower stands.
Affordability
In past, a single cadillac hunting stand comes in around $300 to $400 price range. Lock on deer stands and saddle platform are inexpensive, but they require aiding tools such as climbing sticks or screw in steps to climb the tree. This results in increasing the overall cost of the entire hunting system.
So there is not a win win situation when it comes to the best budget deal for a climb and sit hunt. It’s your turn to decide! We have listed some of the best cheap deer hunting stands for beginner hunters out there as well.
Less Packable
As told earlier, cadillac treestands are bulkier and bigger, so they’re less packable. But the good thing is with a bigger platform and seat dimensions, they are relatively more comfortable than any climbing stand of the genre.
BuckShot Cadillac Tree Stand Review
Among a few popular brands dealing in Cadillac treestands, BuckShot has made its name.
The BigShot is the very first Cadillac tree stand from the BuckShot. It featured all the mentioned characteristics of a Cadillac tree stand and aced the climb and sit hunt aptly. A trusted hunter vows the stand’s worthfulness by giving remarks “ the most sensible stand, felt very safe when going 40” above the tree, simple to use” and whatnot.
To provide a secure connection between the tree stand and the tree, use v bracket for tree stand. These are made of aluminium or steel.
After the success of the BigShot, the CenterShort was introduced with some improved bells and whistles.
The BuckShot never stopped its journey unless it had made the most convenient and easiest to use Cadillac tree stand in history the BuckShot Equalizer Geared Levelling treestand.
Eliminating the guesswork to level a hunter’s position along the tree, Equalizer is by far the greatest Cadillac treestand.
Is A Cadillac Tree Stand Worth It?
For three way hunting option, a cadillac treestand is worth its value. However, since many variants of cadillac tree stand is discontinued, I would prefer Summit. The reason is it is backed by strong brand name.
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