Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform Review

Let’s Talk About Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform promises a lightweight and mobile hunting solution for saddle hunters. This platform is designed to attach to the top of Hawk Treestands Helium Sticks, creating a secure and comfortable perch. Saddle hunting has exploded in popularity in recent years, and the promise of increased mobility and a smaller footprint in the woods is very appealing to those looking to get away from pressured hunting spots.

I’d been searching for a lighter, more packable alternative to my traditional climbing stand. I wanted something that allowed me to get into hard-to-reach areas and adapt to changing deer patterns quickly, so the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform seemed like a good option. Upon unboxing, I was immediately impressed by the platform’s minimal design and light weight, it appeared to be well-made and ready to hit the woods.

Comparing the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform to similar products like the Tethrd Predator Platform and the Out On A Limb Podium, the Hawk stood out due to its lower price point and the fact that it’s intended to integrate seamlessly with existing Hawk climbing sticks. My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the size seemed a little small, but I was eager to see how it performed in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place on a public land hunting trip in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. The terrain was steep and rugged, the conditions were damp and cool. Setting up the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform for the first time took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, attaching it to the Helium Sticks was relatively straightforward using the quick-set snap pins.

The platform felt secure once attached, but I immediately noticed that its small size (10″ x 6″) made it feel a bit cramped, especially when wearing bulky hunting boots. The damp conditions didn’t affect the aluminum’s grip, but I was constantly aware of the limited space available. The learning curve was moderate, requiring some adjustments to my saddle setup and shooting form to accommodate the smaller platform.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform on various hunts, the durability has held up well. There are no signs of bending or structural weakness, even after multiple climbs and descents. Cleaning the platform is simple; a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth removes mud and debris.

Compared to my previous experience with a larger fixed platform, the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform offers significantly improved mobility but sacrifices comfort and stability. While it allows me to access tighter spots and adjust my setup quickly, the smaller platform size requires more attention to balance and foot placement.

Breaking Down the Features of Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hawk Treestands.
• Color: Gray.
• Fabric/Material: Aluminum.
• Dimensions: 10″ x 6″.
• Weight Rating: 300 lbs.
• Attachment Method: Quick-set snap pins to Hawk Treestands Helium Sticks (sold separately).

These specifications are important because they dictate the platform’s weight, strength, and compatibility with existing gear. The aluminum construction ensures a lightweight yet durable design, while the weight rating provides peace of mind for hunters of various sizes. The quick-set snap pins are convenient for fast and secure attachment.

Performance & Functionality

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform performs its primary function of providing a stable base for saddle hunting. However, its limited size is a significant constraint. While the aluminum construction offers good grip, the small platform requires precise foot placement and can become uncomfortable during long sits.

The platform’s strengths lie in its portability and ease of attachment, but its weakness is undoubtedly its small size, which impacts comfort and stability. While it meets the basic expectations of a mobile platform, it falls short in terms of comfort for extended hunting sessions.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform features a minimalist design focused on weight reduction. The aluminum construction is sturdy but not particularly forgiving. The platform’s small size impacts its ergonomics, requiring constant adjustment and limiting freedom of movement.

While the platform is easy to attach and detach, the small surface area makes it less user-friendly for those accustomed to larger platforms. There is a learning curve associated with adapting to the restricted space, especially when wearing heavy hunting boots.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its aluminum construction, the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform should last for many seasons with proper care. The simple design minimizes potential points of failure, enhancing its long-term reliability. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform doesn’t come with any additional accessories, as it’s designed to be used in conjunction with Hawk Treestands Helium Sticks and a saddle system. There are limited customization options available for the platform itself. It’s inherently compatible with any saddle system, but modifications like adding padding or traction strips would need to be custom-made.

Pros and Cons of Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform

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Who Should Buy Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform?

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform is perfect for hunters who prioritize mobility and packability above all else. It’s a good choice for saddle hunters on a budget, or for those already invested in the Hawk Treestands Helium Stick system. This is also a solid starting point for new saddle hunters who want to test the waters before committing to more premium systems.

Hunters who prefer a larger, more stable platform or those who plan on spending long hours in the stand should probably skip this product. They might consider investing in a larger platform for greater comfort. Must-have accessories would include a high-quality saddle, a lineman’s rope for safe climbing, and potentially some aftermarket padding for increased comfort on the platform.

Conclusion on Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform

The Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform offers a solid entry point into the world of mobile saddle hunting. Its lightweight design, durable construction, and easy attachment system make it a practical option for hunters on the go. However, the small platform size significantly impacts comfort and stability, making it less suitable for extended sits.

The price is justified for what you get, a solid, well-made, but minimalist platform. I would recommend it to hunters who understand its limitations and prioritize mobility above all else. Despite its drawbacks, the Hawk Treestands Helium HSP Platform is a functional and affordable option for getting into saddle hunting, and for pairing with existing Hawk climbing stick setups. If you’re looking to lighten your load and explore new hunting areas, give it a try!