If you are looking for a lightweight, two-piece climbing treestand - You've found it!

How many times can they improve the “climber” tree stand?  At least one more. The New X-1 Treestand is a revolutionary concept in treestand design with its flexible arms that flex inwards as the cable cinches to firmly grip the tree and outwards to open the cable for easy climbing. Under 12 pounds, the New X-1 is one of the lightest tree stands available.

Treestand companies were everywhere at the ATA show. Big companies, small companies and everything in between. While everyone flocked to the major, well known booths, I looked for the small treestand companies because I have seen a lot of innovation from companies like that in the past. This show was no exception.

As we walked up to the X-1 booth I knew this was something different. I knew I was seeing the innovation I was looking for. Personally, I hunt out of climbers and lock on stands. This looked like a lock on but was actually a climber! Super light weight (under 12 lbs) yet sturdy and stable. I had to have a closer look. Their staff was ready and willing to give us a demonstration and we took notes and photos. I was impressed that they had addressed some of the simple yet annoying problems associated with climbers. For example, the strap that goes over your feet to lift the bottom platform stood up on its own so no more bending over to get your feet under the strap. Yet it flattened down when you needed to stand there so it wasn’t in the way.

The cables also flexed away from the tree while climbing then tightened around the tree once weight was placed on it. This is due to the “Flex Arms” that support the cable. Very cool idea.

Over all, I was very impressed with this stand. It was comfortable, very light and seemed very easy to climb with. A light weight stand with a large standing platform boasting easier than ever use, made from 60/61 T6 aircraft aluminum and fiberglass flexible arms for under $300.  If you have ever tried climbing a tree that you pruned of limbs, the idea of a climbing stand that won’t hang up on you sounds pretty good.  Built in backpack straps make it easy to carry and straps that tie around your waist keep it snug to your back.

I can see me adding this stand to my deer hunting arsenal next year…

Visit them at www.x-stand.com

By Robert Householder

Robert was introduced to hunting by his uncle, Jeff Hendricks, at a very young age. He grew up in the outdoors, hunting and fishing at every opportunity. He started, as most boys do, with hunting squirrels and rabbits but was soon deer hunting with his uncle and thus started a true love for deer hunting. Jeff and Robert were two of a kind and stayed in the woods or on the water as much as possible until his uncles death in 2007.

Robert was introduced to turkey hunting by a close friend, Jerry Golden, and soon developed a passion for hunting this elusive bird. It remains one of his favorite game to hunt.

Robert has branched out of just hunting in Alabama to include states like Iowa, Mississippi and Georgia. He hopes to continue to hunt game in other states in the future. Robert is a veteran of the first Gulf war and served in the USAF for a total of 7 years, including assignments in Germany, Nebraska, Texas and Illinois.

Robert is the owner of an IT Managed Services company (www.gtinow.com) in Greenville, Alabama and is the founder of TalkHunting. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Annette, since 1985 and has 3 grown children, 2 sons and a daughter. He also has one grand daughter, (Katie) and one Grandson (Jake). Robert is also a hobbyist beekeeper.

God, Family and the outdoors are his life.....

Comments(1):

1. I like this design.

   I am not a scaredy cat, but I also don't like taking chances high in a tree. I like that this system helps you keep from snagging on a piece of bark are the stump of a cut limb. I like the light weight and the "convenience" features. I'd like to try one out.

   Sunday, February 13, 2011 Brent