Let’s Talk About Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands
The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands aims to provide a stable and comfortable hunting platform at a reasonable price. Big Game Treestands has long been a recognizable name in the hunting world, and this particular model promises a blend of affordability and essential features for the deer hunter. This includes a flip-back seat and shooting rail.
My property is relatively flat, but the deer tend to travel near the edges of a small ravine; I needed a stand that would give me enough height to see into and across it effectively. After years of using hang-on stands and climbing sticks, my knees were starting to protest. A ladder stand seemed the logical next step.
Unboxing the Warrior Elite was straightforward. The steel components felt solid, if a bit heavier than expected, and the included safety harness was a welcome addition. The Flex-Tek seat material seemed like a significant upgrade from the typical hard plastic seats found on entry-level stands.
I considered the Muddy Outdoors Boss Hawg and the Rivers Edge Lockdown 21′ Ladder Stand. I picked the Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands due to its balance of price and features. It seemed to offer the best value for the money.
Initially, I was optimistic. The stand seemed well-built for the price, and the promise of a comfortable seat at 17 feet had me excited for the upcoming season. My first impression was cautiously optimistic.
Real-World Testing: Putting Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands to the Test
First Use Experience
I set up the Warrior Elite on the edge of my property bordering a thicket that deer frequently use as a bedding area. The weather was mild, but there was a light drizzle. The setup process was a bit cumbersome, taking nearly two hours with a friend’s help.
Despite the rain, the powder-coated steel offered good grip, and the included straps secured the stand firmly to the tree. The seat was indeed comfortable, and the flip-back shooting rail provided a stable rest for my rifle. The 17-foot height gave me the vantage point I was hoping for.
After about three hours in the stand, I noticed a slight creaking sound with every movement. This was concerning, as deer have keen ears, and any unexpected noise could spook them. No deer harvested that day, but valuable lessons learned.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Warrior Elite showed some signs of wear, particularly in the paint finish where metal components rubbed together during assembly and disassembly. The seat remained comfortable, but the fabric showed some minor staining from exposure to the elements.
The creaking persisted, even after tightening all the bolts and lubricating the joints with silicone spray. I also noticed some minor rust forming on the ladder sections where the paint had chipped. While the stand still felt structurally sound, I began to question its long-term durability in harsh conditions.
Compared to my previous experiences with hang-on stands, the Warrior Elite offered significantly more comfort and stability, but at the cost of increased weight and reduced portability. Ultimately, it met my basic needs, but didn’t exceed expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands
Specifications
- The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands boasts a 17-foot height to the shooting rail, providing an elevated hunting position. This height is ideal for clearing ground cover and gaining a better field of view.
- It features a steel construction, ensuring a robust and stable platform with a weight capacity of 300 lbs. The steel frame contributes to the stand’s overall durability.
- The stand comes with a Flex-Tek seat and backrest, designed to conform to the hunter’s body for enhanced comfort. This is a significant upgrade from traditional hard seats.
- The included accessories are a 1pc 1in ratchet strap and 2pcs 1in stabilizer strap, providing secure attachment to the tree. These straps are essential for safety and stability.
- A full-body fall arrest system (FAS) is included, emphasizing safety while climbing and hunting from the stand. The FAS is a crucial safety component.
These specifications are vital for a safe and comfortable hunting experience. The height provides a better vantage point, while the weight capacity ensures safety for a wide range of hunters.
Performance & Functionality
The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands performs its primary job of providing an elevated hunting platform adequately. The height allows for improved visibility.
Its strengths lie in its relatively low price point and comfortable seat. The weaknesses include its weight, cumbersome assembly, and potential for noise.
The Warrior Elite mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly ladder stand, but it doesn’t exceed them in terms of overall quality and noise reduction. The value for money is decent, but some sacrifices have been made.
Design & Ergonomics
The Warrior Elite features a standard ladder stand design with three single-rail ladder sections. The design is functional, but not particularly innovative.
The materials used are primarily powder-coated steel, which provides decent weather resistance but adds significant weight. The seat is comfortable, but the overall ergonomics are somewhat lacking due to the ladder’s narrow steps and the stand’s weight.
The stand has a moderate learning curve for assembly and setup, primarily due to its weight and the need for two people. Once assembled, it’s relatively easy to use.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, the Warrior Elite should last for several hunting seasons. The steel construction is durable, but the paint finish is susceptible to chipping and rust.
Maintenance involves regular cleaning, lubrication of joints, and inspection of straps for wear and tear. Repairing damaged paint or replacing worn straps is relatively straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands comes with essential accessories. This includes a ratchet strap, stabilizer straps, and a full-body fall arrest system.
Customization options are limited, but hunters can add aftermarket accessories such as padded armrests or a bow holder. The stand is compatible with most universal tree stand accessories.
Pros and Cons of Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands
Pros
- Affordable price point: The Warrior Elite offers a good value for hunters on a budget.
- Comfortable Flex-Tek seat: The seat provides excellent comfort for long hunting sessions.
- Included safety harness: The full-body fall arrest system enhances safety.
- Decent height: The 17-foot height provides a good vantage point.
- Sturdy steel construction: Offers a stable and secure hunting platform.
Cons
- Heavy and cumbersome to assemble: The stand’s weight makes it difficult to transport and set up alone.
- Potential for noise (creaking): The stand can produce creaking sounds that may spook game.
- Limited customization options: Lacks advanced features or extensive customization possibilities.
Who Should Buy Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands?
The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands is perfect for budget-conscious deer hunters who prioritize comfort and stability over portability and stealth. It’s ideal for hunters with relatively easy access to their hunting locations and who hunt in areas where a slightly noisy stand won’t be a major disadvantage.
Hunters who require a lightweight and easily portable stand or who hunt in areas where silence is critical should skip this product. Those seeking advanced features like a swiveling seat or adjustable shooting rail should also look elsewhere.
Must-have accessories or modifications include a high-quality lubricant to minimize creaking and additional padding for the ladder steps for added comfort during climbing.
Conclusion on Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands
The Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands offers a decent value proposition for hunters seeking an affordable and comfortable ladder stand. The price is justified by the features and functionality it provides, but the potential for noise and its heavy weight are drawbacks to consider.
I would personally recommend it to hunters on a budget who understand its limitations. It’s a solid entry-level ladder stand that gets the job done.
If you’re looking for an affordable and reasonably comfortable way to get elevated in the woods, the Big Game Treestands Warrior Elite 17ft Ladderstands is worth considering. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout during setup and remember to bring some lubricant!