Let’s Talk About Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands promises a comfortable and secure hunting experience for two. Built by Hawk Treestands, this stand emphasizes space, comfort, and stability. Its key features include extra-large padded seats, a spacious platform, and robust construction.
I’ve been guiding father-son hunting trips for years, and finding a reliable, comfortable 2-man stand has always been a challenge. Most options sacrifice comfort for portability, or stability for weight. The Big Denali’s emphasis on both comfort and security caught my eye immediately.
Unboxing the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands, I was immediately impressed by the sheer size of the components. The steel tubing felt substantial, and the powder coat finish looked durable. The seats, with their MeshComfort design, felt more like patio furniture than hunting equipment.
I considered several other options, like the Rivers Edge Lockdown 2-Man Ladder Stand, and the Millennium L220 2-Man Ladder Stand. However, the Hawk’s larger platform and more generously sized seats appeared to offer a superior comfort level for extended hunts. This, combined with Hawk’s reputation for quality construction, ultimately swayed my decision.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the stand appeared incredibly well-built, the weight was definitely noticeable. I was eager to see if the comfort and stability lived up to the initial promise, justifying the effort of getting it into the woods.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands on a five-day whitetail hunt in the rolling hills of Southern Ohio. The weather ranged from a crisp 35 degrees with light snow to a milder 50 degrees with a steady drizzle. This trip provided a good mix of conditions to evaluate the stand’s performance.
The stand performed admirably in both wet and cold conditions. The Safe-Tread steps provided excellent grip even when covered in a thin layer of ice. The MeshComfort seats, while not waterproof, dried relatively quickly and remained comfortable even after prolonged exposure to dampness.
The stand took about an hour to assemble and install with two people. The instructions were clear, but maneuvering the heavy components into position required some effort. Once secured with the heavy-duty ratchet straps, the stand felt incredibly solid.
The biggest surprise during the first use was the sheer amount of space. Even with two adults, there was ample room to move around without feeling cramped. The integrated footrest and flip-back shooting rail added significantly to the overall comfort and functionality.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season, the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands has proven to be a reliable and durable piece of equipment. There are no signs of rust or corrosion, and the MeshComfort seats have retained their shape and comfort. The bolted sections remain tight and secure.
After repeated use, the powder coat finish has shown some minor scratches from branches and gear. However, the underlying steel remains protected. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth has been sufficient to maintain the stand’s appearance and functionality.
Compared to previous experiences with smaller, less robust stands, the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands is a significant upgrade. The added comfort and stability have made long sits in the stand far more enjoyable and productive. It definitively outperforms cheaper, less well-designed options.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands
Specifications
- Material: Constructed from heavy-duty steel with a textured powder coat finish, providing strength and resistance to corrosion. This ensures long-term durability, even in harsh weather conditions.
- Height: The stand reaches a height of 18 feet, offering an elevated vantage point for improved visibility and shot opportunities. This height is ideal for most wooded environments, providing a good balance between concealment and field of view.
- Weight: The stand weighs 108 lbs, reflecting its robust construction and spacious design. This weight necessitates careful planning for transportation and installation.
- Weight Capacity: It boasts a weight capacity of 500 lbs, comfortably accommodating two adult hunters and their gear. This capacity provides peace of mind and allows for extended hunting sessions.
- Seat Dimensions: Each seat is 18 inches long and 23 inches high, offering ample room and back support for enhanced comfort. The patio-chair sized design minimizes fatigue during long periods of sitting.
- Platform Dimensions: The platform measures 51 inches in width and 17 inches in length, providing an extremely spacious and stable base for movement and shooting. This generous platform enhances safety and comfort for two hunters.
- Features: Includes two XXL MeshComfort lounger seats, heavy-duty ratchet straps, oversized oval tubing, Safe-Tread steps, integrated footrest, flip-back shooting rail, and a centered armrest. These features combine to deliver a premium hunting experience with maximum comfort, security, and convenience.
Performance & Functionality
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands excels at providing a comfortable and stable platform for two hunters. Its spacious design allows for easy movement and prevents the cramped feeling common in smaller stands.
The heavy-duty construction and ratchet straps ensure a secure and wobble-free setup. This stability is crucial for accurate shooting and overall safety.
However, the stand’s weight can be a limiting factor, making it challenging to move and install in remote locations. The MeshComfort seats, while comfortable, are not completely waterproof and can become damp in heavy rain.
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands meets and even exceeds expectations in terms of comfort, stability, and overall build quality. Its drawbacks are mainly related to its weight and the lack of waterproof seating.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent, with robust steel construction and a durable powder coat finish. The stand feels solid and well-engineered.
The MeshComfort seats are exceptionally comfortable, providing excellent back support and minimizing fatigue. The spacious platform and integrated footrest further enhance the ergonomic design.
The assembly process requires some time and effort, but the clear instructions and well-designed components make it manageable. A second person is definitely recommended for installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The heavy-duty steel construction and powder coat finish ensure long-term durability. With proper care, the stand should last for many hunting seasons.
Maintenance is relatively simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. Tightening the bolts periodically will help maintain stability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands comes standard with heavy-duty ratchet straps for secure attachment. Aftermarket accessories like padded shooting rests and gear hooks can further enhance the stand’s functionality.
The stand is compatible with most universal ladder stand accessories. This allows users to customize the stand to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands
Pros
- *XXL *MeshComfort* Lounger Seats*: Provides exceptional comfort for long hunting sessions, significantly reducing fatigue. The patio-chair sized design truly sets this stand apart.
- Spacious Platform: Offers ample room for two hunters to move around safely and comfortably. This spaciousness is especially beneficial for bowhunters.
- Heavy-Duty Construction: Built with robust steel and a durable powder coat finish, ensuring long-term reliability and resistance to the elements. The stand feels incredibly solid and secure.
- Rock-Solid Stability: Heavy-duty ratchet straps and bolted sections provide exceptional stability, minimizing wobble and enhancing safety. This stability improves shooting accuracy and reduces anxiety.
- **Hawk Treestands Safe-Tread Steps*: Provides excellent grip, even in wet or icy conditions, ensuring safe climbing. The textured surface minimizes the risk of slips and falls.
Cons
- Heavy Weight: At 108 lbs, the stand is quite heavy, making it challenging to transport and install in remote locations. This weight necessitates careful planning and potentially requires assistance.
- Seats Not Waterproof: The MeshComfort seats, while comfortable, are not completely waterproof and can become damp in heavy rain. This can be a minor inconvenience in inclement weather.
Who Should Buy Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands?
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands is perfect for hunters who prioritize comfort and stability, especially those who hunt with a partner, child, or mentor. It’s ideal for extended sits during deer season or turkey hunts where patience is key.
This stand is not the best choice for hunters who frequently move their stands or hunt in extremely remote locations where weight is a major concern. Those seeking a lightweight, highly portable option should consider alternative solutions.
Must-have accessories include a good quality safety harness for each hunter, padded shooting rest, and gear hooks for organizing equipment. A waterproof seat cover can also be beneficial for added comfort in wet weather.
Conclusion on Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands
The Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands offers an unparalleled combination of comfort, stability, and spaciousness for two-person hunting. While the weight is a factor to consider, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for those seeking a premium hunting experience.
The price of $379.99 is justified by the stand’s exceptional build quality, comfortable seating, and robust construction. It’s an investment in a more enjoyable and productive hunting season.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands to anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and safe 2-man hunting stand. If you value comfort and security above all else, this is the stand for you. Upgrade your hunting experience today and invest in the Hawk Treestands Big Denali 2-Man Tree Stands!