Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist Review

Let’s Dive into Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist is a seemingly simple, yet potentially crucial piece of kit designed to replace those tangled, knotted pull-up ropes that hunters have dealt with for generations. Offered by Hunter Safety System, the Gear Hoist promises a lightweight, compact, and tangle-free solution for raising your bow or other gear into your treestand. I first saw this product displayed at a local outfitter, and the promise of eliminating the tangled mess of rope in my pack immediately piqued my interest.

My primary motivation for seeking out a gear hoist was to streamline my treestand setup. I was tired of fumbling with a traditional pull-up rope, especially in low-light conditions. The promise of a tape-measure-like system that automatically unwinds as I climb seemed like a game-changer.

Upon unboxing, the Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist felt surprisingly lightweight. The ribbon material felt durable, and the overall construction appeared solid. Compared to a traditional rope, it was significantly more compact. I considered other options, like carabiner pulley systems, but they seemed bulky and overly complicated for my needs. The Gear Hoist won out for its simplicity and promised ease of use.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design was simple, and the concept was sound. I was eager to see if it would live up to the promise of a tangle-free and efficient gear hoisting experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test of the Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist took place during an early-season bow hunt in the hardwood forests of Pennsylvania. The weather was cool and damp, with a light drizzle falling. I attached the Gear Hoist to my climbing harness belt clip and the carabiner to my bow. As I ascended the tree, the line smoothly unwound as advertised.

The most significant initial benefit was the elimination of the dreaded rope tangle. I was able to focus on my climb without fighting a knotty mess. The wet conditions did make me slightly concerned about the ribbon’s grip, but it held securely throughout the ascent. There were no immediate issues or surprises, which was a positive start.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full deer season of using the Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist, it has proven to be a reliable, although not perfect, tool. The ribbon material has shown no significant signs of wear, despite being exposed to rain, snow, and mud. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Compared to my previous experiences with traditional pull-up ropes, the Gear Hoist is a clear upgrade in terms of convenience and organization. While it doesn’t magically make my gear lighter, it significantly reduces the hassle of getting it into the treestand. However, I did notice the retraction spring weakened towards the end of the season, making rewinding the ribbon a bit slower.

Breaking Down the Features of Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist

Specifications

• The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist is designed as an alternative to traditional pull-up ropes. It is intended to be lightweight, compact and never tangle.
• It features a lightweight ribbon instead of rope that retracts like a tape measure. This helps prevent tangles.
• A built-in belt clip allows for easy attachment to your hunting harness. This is great for keeping the hoist accessible.
• A carabiner is included for securely attaching your bow or other gear. This ensures a safe and reliable connection.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the Gear Hoist‘s usability and convenience in the field. The light weight and compact design make it easy to carry, while the built-in clip and carabiner ensure secure and accessible gear hoisting.

Performance & Functionality

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist performs its core function of raising and lowering gear reasonably well. It eliminates the tangles associated with traditional ropes, and the automatic unwinding feature is genuinely convenient. However, it’s not a perfect solution.

The retraction mechanism can sometimes be a bit sluggish, especially when the ribbon is wet or dirty. A stronger retraction spring would be a welcome improvement. Overall, it meets my expectations for a simple and convenient gear hoisting solution, but it’s not without its minor drawbacks.

Design & Ergonomics

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist boasts a simple, functional design. The materials are lightweight yet feel reasonably durable.

The belt clip is a convenient feature, allowing for hands-free carrying during the climb. However, the plastic housing feels somewhat flimsy and could benefit from a more robust construction.

Durability & Maintenance

The ribbon material appears to be fairly durable, showing minimal wear after a season of use. The retraction mechanism is the most vulnerable part, as its performance can degrade over time.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris. With proper care, the Gear Hoist should last for several hunting seasons, although the retraction spring might eventually need replacement (if possible).

Accessories and Customization Options

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist comes with a single carabiner. There are no other included accessories.

The Gear Hoist itself doesn’t offer many customization options. However, users can easily replace the included carabiner with a different style or size to suit their specific needs. The ribbon is not replaceable, as it is integrated into the retraction mechanism.

Pros and Cons of Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist

Who Should Buy Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist?

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist is perfect for:

• Hunters who use treestands regularly: Especially those tired of dealing with tangled ropes.
• Bowhunters: Provides a convenient and safe way to raise and lower their bows.
• Hunters who prioritize lightweight gear: Adds minimal weight to your pack.

Who should skip this product?

• Hunters who prefer traditional ropes: If you’re perfectly happy with your current system, this might not be a necessary upgrade.
• Hunters who need to hoist extremely heavy gear: The Gear Hoist has a limited weight capacity; for very heavy loads, a pulley system might be more appropriate.

A must-have modification is replacing the included carabiner with a locking carabiner for increased safety and peace of mind.

Conclusion on Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist

The Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist offers a convenient and effective solution for eliminating tangled pull-up ropes in the treestand. Its lightweight design, automatic unwinding feature, and built-in belt clip make it a worthwhile addition to any hunter’s kit. While the retraction mechanism could be stronger and the plastic housing more durable, the overall performance and functionality are satisfactory.

At a price of $41.49, the Gear Hoist represents a reasonable value for the convenience and organization it provides. I would personally recommend it to hunters who are looking to simplify their treestand setup and eliminate the hassle of traditional ropes.

If you’re tired of fighting tangled ropes in the dark, give the Hunter Safety System Gear Hoist a try – it might just make your next hunt a little more enjoyable.