Let’s Talk About Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands promises lightweight comfort and a spacious platform for the discerning hunter. Hawk Treestands aims to deliver a stand that’s easy to transport without sacrificing the crucial comfort needed for long hours in the stand. The MeshComfort Textiline seat, combined with the Kickback footrest, is designed to provide exceptional comfort, while the aluminum construction keeps the weight down.
After years of lugging heavy steel stands into the woods, I was searching for a lighter alternative that wouldn’t compromise on comfort or stability. My ideal stand would be easy to set up, offer a large platform for freedom of movement, and keep me comfortable throughout those long, cold sits during the rut. The promises of the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands seemed to address all these concerns.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the relatively light weight of the stand, a welcome change from my usual steel behemoths. The aluminum construction felt robust, and the MeshComfort seat had a quality feel. The textured powder coating looked durable and ready to withstand the rigors of the hunt.
Compared to my old Gorilla stand and a friend’s Millennium M100U, the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands seemed to strike a better balance between weight and platform size. The Gorilla, while sturdy, felt like it weighed a ton, and the Millennium, although comfortable, had a smaller platform. This Hawk Treestands model seemed to offer the best of both worlds.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The lightweight design and spacious platform were exciting, but I was eager to see how it performed in a real hunting scenario. Would it live up to the promise of comfort and stability?
Real-World Testing: Putting Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands during a week-long deer hunt in the rugged hills of Southern Ohio. The weather ranged from crisp, dry mornings to damp, chilly afternoons, providing a good range of conditions to assess its performance. Setting up the stand was straightforward, thanks to the included tree strap and the intuitive design.
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands performed admirably in varying weather. The MeshComfort seat shed water effectively, preventing that uncomfortable soaked-bottom feeling, and the aluminum frame didn’t seem to retain the cold like steel stands do. The Tree Digger Teeth provided a secure grip on the tree, even in the damp conditions.
The stand was easy to use right from the start. The platform size allowed for easy movement and repositioning, which was crucial for those fidgety moments when waiting for a deer to appear. I did not need any time to get used to the setup or maneuvering around the stand.
After my first sit, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the seat was, even after several hours. The Kickback footrest was a welcome addition, taking pressure off my lower back and allowing me to fully relax. The initial setup and use were significantly better than I anticipated.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands has proven to be a reliable and durable hunting companion. There are no signs of significant wear and tear, despite being exposed to rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. The textured powder coating has held up well, resisting scratches and maintaining its grip.
Maintenance has been minimal. A quick wipe down after each hunt has been sufficient to keep the stand clean and functioning smoothly. The self-lubricating Teflon washers have prevented any annoying squeaks or creaks, maintaining stealth in the woods.
Compared to my older steel stands, the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands is a clear winner in terms of weight, comfort, and ease of use. It has definitely exceeded my expectations and has become my go-to stand for most of my hunts. The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands allows for quick setup and movement between hunting locations without fatigue.
Breaking Down the Features of Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands
Specifications
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands boasts an aluminum construction designed for lightweight portability. The stand weighs in at 82lbs, balancing portability with stability. The platform size measures 23.5 inches wide by 30 inches deep, providing ample space for movement.
The MeshComfort Lounger seat measures 25 inches wide, 17 inches deep, and 16 inches high, prioritizing comfort for extended sits. The stand also features Tree Digger Teeth for secure attachment and No Squeak, No Noise technology for silent operation. It has a weight capacity of 300lbs, accommodating most hunters.
The aluminum construction directly impacts the stand’s weight, making it significantly easier to carry long distances. The generous platform size enhances safety and comfort by allowing for more natural movements while hunting. The MeshComfort seat ensures hunters can remain comfortable and focused for longer periods.
Performance & Functionality
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands performs its job exceptionally well, providing a secure and comfortable hunting platform. The Tree Digger Teeth bite aggressively into the tree bark, creating a rock-solid anchor point. The spacious platform allows for easy maneuvering, even with bulky hunting gear.
The stand’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, comfortable seat, and stable platform. The main weakness is its bulkiness. While light, the stand’s size can make navigating dense brush challenging.
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands largely meets my expectations, providing a comfortable and reliable hunting experience. However, its size can sometimes be a drawback in tightly wooded areas. The aluminum build allows for quick adjustment to hunting strategies with little effort.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands is impressive, with durable aluminum construction and a robust powder coating. The stand’s weight is manageable, and the MeshComfort seat provides excellent support. The stand is reasonably easy to carry, though its wide frame can be awkward in tight spots.
The design is user-friendly, with intuitive attachment mechanisms and a comfortable seating position. There is minimal learning curve, making it accessible for both experienced and novice hunters. The seat design and construction promote correct posture.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands is built to last, with high-quality materials and a durable finish. With proper care, it should provide many years of reliable service. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication.
Repairing any potential damage should be relatively easy, thanks to the straightforward design and readily available replacement parts from Hawk Treestands. Simple maintenance routines ensure a long product life.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands comes standard with a tree strap for secure attachment. While there are no included accessories for this model, it’s compatible with Hawk Treestands’ line of accessory pouches and gear hooks. The stand can be customized with aftermarket seating pads for added comfort, if desired.
The stand is not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands. However, universal tree stand accessories, like bow hangers and drink holders, can often be adapted for use. The open design allows for easy adaption to other manufacturers equipment.
Pros and Cons of Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum construction makes it easy to carry and set up.
- Spacious platform provides ample room for movement and comfortable shooting positions.
- MeshComfort Lounger seat offers exceptional comfort for long hunts.
- Tree Digger Teeth ensure a secure and stable attachment to the tree.
- Durable powder coating protects against the elements and resists wear and tear.
Cons
- Bulky design can be difficult to maneuver through dense brush.
- The Height (20ft) listed in the product details actually refers to the Bighorn Ladderstand and is a misprint. The Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stand itself is not 20ft tall.
Who Should Buy Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands?
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands is perfect for hunters who prioritize lightweight portability and all-day comfort. It’s ideal for those who frequently move their stands or hunt in areas that require long walks to reach their hunting spots. Hunters looking for a spacious and stable platform will also appreciate this stand.
Those who primarily hunt in extremely dense or confined areas might find the stand’s bulkiness to be a disadvantage and should skip this product. Also, hunters who require a stand with built-in climbing aids should consider alternative options.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality safety harness for secure climbing and hunting. A comfortable backpack or carrying system can also make transporting the stand much easier, particularly over long distances. A bow or gun holder attached to the tree will free up your hands and provide added convenience.
Conclusion on Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands
The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands offers a compelling combination of lightweight portability, spacious comfort, and reliable stability. While its bulkiness can be a drawback in some situations, the stand’s overall performance and durability make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. The Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands strikes a beautiful balance of lightweight design with long-lasting construction.
At $239.99, the price is justified by the stand’s quality construction, comfortable design, and the increased mobility it offers. The investment in comfort and portability translates to longer, more enjoyable, and ultimately more successful hunts.
I would absolutely recommend the Hawk Treestands Helium Kickback LVL Hang-On Tree Stands to anyone looking to upgrade their hunting experience. If you’re tired of lugging heavy, uncomfortable stands into the woods, this is the perfect solution. Invest in your comfort and mobility – you won’t regret it!