First Impressions of Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand arrives promising a blend of stability, comfort, and a two-person capacity, all essential for a successful and enjoyable hunt. Coming from Trophy Treestands, a name generally associated with reliable hunting gear, this ladder stand piqued my interest as a potential upgrade to my existing solo stand. I’ve spent countless hours perched in trees, and the prospect of sharing the experience with a hunting buddy while maintaining safety and comfort was appealing.
For years, I’ve relied on a single-person climber, but its limitations in space and the inherent risk during ascent and descent prompted me to explore a more stable and spacious option. I needed something that could accommodate two hunters comfortably, provide a stable shooting platform, and offer a safer alternative to climbing stands. The Skywalker seemed to address these concerns, particularly its Jaw Safety System and the Flip Up Shooting Rail. My current stand felt claustrophobic after long sits, and the idea of a wider, more open platform with a shooting rail was highly attractive.
Unboxing the Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand, I was immediately struck by the heft of the steel construction. The individual ladder sections were substantial, and the seat material felt durable. I was hoping for lighter materials, but the trade-off for added strength and stability seemed reasonable. Compared to my lightweight climber (a Lone Wolf Alpha II) and a cheaper ladder stand I’d used years ago (a Big Dog Treestands Guardian), the Skywalker appeared to be a significant step up in build quality and overall size, promising a more secure and comfortable hunting experience, specifically for a second hunter.
Initially, I was excited by the potential for shared hunts and the added stability. While the weight was a concern, the promise of enhanced safety and comfort outweighed my reservations. The sheer size of the platform and the inclusion of the Flip Up Shooting Rail gave me confidence that this stand could truly improve my hunting setup.
Real-World Testing: Putting Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand took place on a scouting trip in the hardwood bottoms of my family’s property. The area is known for its mature oaks and heavy deer traffic, making it an ideal location to assess the stand’s functionality in a realistic hunting environment. I focused on ease of setup and stability, as well as the practicality of the shooting rail. Setting up the Skywalker was more involved than my climber, unsurprisingly. It required two people to safely raise the ladder sections and secure them to the tree. This highlights that this is not a one person set up.
The conditions were slightly damp, which made me appreciate the textured finish on the ladder rungs. I was also testing the stand’s grip in wet conditions. The stand felt remarkably solid once secured to the tree, and the Jaw Safety System provided a noticeable sense of security. The Textilene Seat Material shed water well and seemed to offer decent comfort, but the real test would come during a longer sit. The Flip Up Shooting Rail was easy to operate and felt sturdy enough to provide a stable rest for my rifle.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during the pre-season scouting and the opening days of deer season, the Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand has proven to be a reliable and comfortable platform. The stand exhibits no signs of significant wear and tear, even after exposure to rain and temperature fluctuations. Minimal rust has formed on the joints, but nothing that affects the integrity of the ladderstand.
The powder-coated steel construction appears to be holding up well, resisting scratches and corrosion. Maintenance has been minimal, primarily consisting of wiping down the seat and ladder sections after use. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper ladder stands that would creak and groan with every movement, the Skywalker remains remarkably quiet and stable, a crucial factor for successful hunting. The Jaw Safety System continues to provide a sense of security during ascent and descent, and the Flip Up Shooting Rail has proven invaluable for steadying my aim on several occasions. However, the weight is still a factor, making it less suitable for frequently changing locations.
Breaking Down the Features of Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand
Specifications
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand is a two-person ladder stand constructed from heavy-duty steel. It features a brown finish for concealment and reaches a height of 16 feet. The stand includes a Jaw Safety System, a Flip Up Shooting Rail, a flip-up seat, and Textilene Seat Material.
- Height: 16 feet. This provides a good vantage point for observing game while remaining concealed in the tree canopy.
- Construction: Steel. This offers excellent durability and stability, albeit at the cost of increased weight.
- Capacity: Two-person. Allows for hunting with a partner or simply provides extra space for solo hunters.
- Features: Jaw Safety System, Flip Up Shooting Rail, Flip up seat, Shooting Rest, and Textilene Seat Material. These features enhance safety, comfort, and shooting accuracy.
- Color: Brown. This helps the stand blend into the natural environment, minimizing its visibility to game.
Performance & Functionality
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand performs its primary function of providing a safe and stable elevated hunting platform exceptionally well. The Jaw Safety System is a standout feature, instilling confidence during setup and use. The Flip Up Shooting Rail offers a steady rest for rifles, crossbows, or even binoculars, significantly improving shooting accuracy.
The seat, while not plush, is comfortable enough for extended sits, thanks to the breathable Textilene Seat Material. The stand’s width provides ample space for two hunters to maneuver without feeling cramped. One area for improvement is the seat cushion, which could be a bit thicker for enhanced comfort during all-day hunts.
Design & Ergonomics
The Skywalker’s design prioritizes stability and functionality over lightweight portability. The steel construction is robust, but it adds significant weight, making it less ideal for mobile hunters who frequently change locations. The ladder sections are well-designed, with textured rungs providing a secure grip, even in wet conditions.
The Flip Up Shooting Rail is conveniently positioned and easy to adjust. The spacious platform offers plenty of room to stand and stretch, a welcome feature during long hunts. The Flip up seat is convenient, as well, enabling hunters to stand freely for a better vantage point or a shot at game animals.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction and powder-coated finish, the Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With proper care, this stand should last for many seasons.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of moving parts. Regular inspection of the ladder sections and the Jaw Safety System is recommended to ensure continued safe operation.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand comes as a complete unit, with no included accessories beyond the standard safety harness. Aftermarket options are available to enhance comfort and convenience. Aftermarket seat cushions can significantly improve comfort during long sits.
Camouflage netting can be added to further conceal the stand. Additional ratchet straps and tree braces can provide even greater stability, especially on uneven terrain.
Pros and Cons of Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand
Pros
- Jaw Safety System: Provides enhanced safety and stability during ascent and descent.
- Two-Person Capacity: Allows for shared hunting experiences or ample space for solo hunters.
- Flip Up Shooting Rail: Offers a stable and adjustable rest for improved shooting accuracy.
- Durable Steel Construction: Ensures long-lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear.
- Spacious Platform: Provides ample room to stand, stretch, and maneuver comfortably.
Cons
- Weight: The heavy steel construction makes it less suitable for mobile hunters.
- Setup Requires Two People: Installing the stand safely requires two individuals.
Who Should Buy Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand?
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand is perfect for hunters who prioritize safety, stability, and comfort, especially those who hunt with a partner or desire a spacious platform for extended sits. It’s ideal for hunters who have a designated hunting location and do not frequently move their stands. This stand would also be a great choice for landowners who want to set up multiple stands on their property.
This product might not be the best choice for mobile hunters who prioritize lightweight gear and frequently change locations. Solo hunters who prefer to set up their stands independently might also find the two-person setup requirement inconvenient. A must-have accessory would be a more comfortable seat cushion for all-day hunts.
Conclusion on Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand
The Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand delivers on its promise of providing a safe, stable, and spacious elevated hunting platform. The Jaw Safety System and the Flip Up Shooting Rail are standout features that enhance safety and accuracy.
While the weight may be a drawback for some, the added stability and durability are well worth the trade-off for hunters who prioritize a fixed hunting location. At $309.99, the price is justified considering the build quality, features, and two-person capacity. I would personally recommend the Skywalker to any hunter seeking a reliable and comfortable ladder stand that can accommodate two people, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. Upgrade your hunt today with the Trophy Treestands Skywalker Tree Stand!