Reviews

I have been hunting for 45 plus years here in Minnesota. I have used a summit Goliath for about 15 years. I was getting tired of the steep angle I would have to put on this stand in order to be level once I got up in the tree. By chance I came across a stand that could be adjusted as you go up the tree. I bought the equalizer 24in with the back rest. After using this for the first time this last year. I have to say this is by far a better climber than the summit. First easy assembly out of the box. Shoulder straps are a good length wearing a heavy jacket as I’m a big guy. Putting the two pieces together is a lot better than the summit. The top goes over the bottom, and you synch it down and it holds together nicely for transport. The back rest will have to be installed if that’s you option you chose, and it does not take much to install. Getting to the tree. In theory you can start level at the ground making it easier to get in and out. I did have one tree though I needed to have the bottom angled up a bit. 4 out of 5 trees not bad, so one tree needed a little more angle on the bottom. Going up the tree is far easier to climb than the summit due to foot placement. Forgot to mention when you get to the tree you need to extend both cables out. I like how the cable attaches. It’s better than the summit by far. Okay climbing up I went up and when it started to not be level. I adjusted the top first which works great to make level. Then tightened the two side straps to adjust the bottom. This is where it can get tricky to adjust. Mine has like a knob a wheel with no real handle meant to adjust with your boot. Going up I found it to be easier to use my hand. You can’t have your weight on either one when you adjust these. You will have to find what works best for you. Once up in the tree and the 2 straps tight. Man, I never felt safer in a stand. Then at this point I adjusted the back rest. To be honest I’m not used to facing the tree, but I tried, and the back rest Is very comfortable and can be adjusted to your needs and comfort. I used it as a platform for setting things on. I mounted cross mount gun holders on this towards the front which would be the back if you were facing the tree. I bought a strap with hooks to place on the tree for this position to hold my gun bow and a backpack. The seat can be easily adjusted to suit your needs either in the climbing position or in the back near the tree, so you can face away from the tree, and one more in the back as a but seat if you choose to stand. The back rest held my gear securely enough for me. I bought a cup holder and a velcro hook for strollers. Because the size of the bar for the back rest to hold my drink and backpack. Coming down in the stand I felt it was easier than going up. I didn’t fold down the back rest until I got down to the ground. Yes, I have a rope to lower my gear first. Put the seat back in the climbing position and unloosen the 2 strap and start descending the tree. On the way down you will have to level top first tighten the straps then the bottom now that foot knob works like a charm to adjust pretty much because of the direction of the turn. Once level untighten straps and continue down. When you get to the ground, I folded down the backrest to make it easier to step over to get out. I forgot to mention getting in or out of the stand I put the top close to the bottom and turn to one side slightly step one foot out then rotate more and step out and on to the ground. Same way to get in. Undo the cables, adjust all the way in lay out the synch cord then the bottom and put the top over the bottom synch up and you’re ready to go. Best climber by far. I’m honest here it’s going to take a minute to get up the tree with the adjustments that are made going up. Coming down is a lot easier. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time in the morning when you get to your tree. Very well made and I would recommend this stand for sure.

I actually have been hunting out of a Buckshot Cadillac stand for 40 years or so!  I thought you guys had went out of business for some reason, so was excited when I found your website.  I am engineer so the design on the equalizer looks great.  I debated between it and the big shot since it looks similar to the Cadillac, but I understand how the leveling will be a great feature, plus the cables are quieter.  Looking forward to climbing many trees with it.  I have harvested dozens of trophy bucks out of my Cadillac over the years!

In the fall of 2022, I purchased the Buckshot equalizer after exhaustive research online for the most dependable/adjustable hanging tree stand.  I have used it extensively these last two hunting seasons and absolutely love it. the cable and stand are a strong construction that makes me feel safe in the tree no matter how high.  A lot of the reason is the quiet adjustability of the stand so I can level of the platforms as I climb. Beyond that is the strength of the build…. I have sat in some steel stands that flex with your weight giving an uneasy feeling when trying to make a shot. Not so with this stand! I cannot imagine sitting in another stand after purchasing this product, cannot recommend it enough. 10/10

I’ve been using a big shot buck shot for over 25 yrs. Has to be one of the best stands I’ve ever bought.  Order some replacement parts on 4/22 and had them at my door step on 4/23. Best experience I have ever had from a company. Called and Matt walked me threw all the different parts for the model I have. Now I’m getting ready to order a new stand so I can just have one to leave at camp , and one to take to other states I hunt. By far one of the best tree stands on the market.  Been around for almost 30 yrs speaks for itself.  Thanks for a great product. 

I purchased the equalizer over 10 years ago. It’s the best climbing stand I ever owned. I’m 63 y/o. With this stand you can start climb level and reach your height still be level. It’s the best safe climbing stand on the market. The adjustable hand cranks keep your stand level while climbing. I have other stands that I have to put on a tree at an angle and hope I put the right angle. With this stand you don’t have that worry. I orders some parts for it and they sent it to me within 3-5 days. Great service.

I have been using the Equalizer tree stand since 2005 and it still going strong. I have used Lone Wolf, Loggy old and new type stand, Tree Lounge, Big Hunter, few homemade ones, and some I can’t remember the names. I also sold many different types of stands such as Summits at Bass Pro when I worked there. It took me a long time to buy it because of the price but from trying a friends Equalizer, I fell in love with it so I put one on layaway during the summer and got it as soon as the 2005 season started. The best thing I have ever bought. The best part of the stand to be able to adjust your stand as you climb. I don’t know how many times I was only able to climb so high because the stand will not be level.  Many times I had to put the nonlevel stands up high so I will be able to climb higher. I have used this stand in many states on the east coast Maryland, New York, PA, Maine, SC, NC, Tenn. and VA. I have climbed all different type of trees with it from pine to hickory and it never slipped. I love the cushion seat myself I sit all days at times. I average over 100 hunts a year with a average 6 hours a hunt most of the time in the rut I will sit all day. When I come down it is because I want to. Most stands I had I came down because I am cramped.  I am a big guy still able to climb with it and get in and out of it. This will be the last stand you ever buy trust me 

I purchased the buckshot equalizer due to some problems with my summit treestand. I have been shooting out of the equalizer the past few days and I absolutely love it. I can actually shoot all around the stand with no interference from the arm bar the problem I had with my other stand. It bites into the trees good both hardwood and pine. The stand feels super safe and secure due to there positive locking system.

I purchased Buckshot Bigshot stands for me and my son in ~1997. I have used it every year since and it still works perfectly. It’s easy to pack a long way back in the woods (I’m now 71). It’s the safest and most sensible stand that I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot. Its very simple to attach to the tree. After 2 of my buddies saw mine in use for a few years, they both bought a Bigshot. For some reason, after a few years they both bought a Summit. Now they’ve gone back to using their Bigshot. Oh well, I could have told them.
I routinely go up 40 ft and always feel very safe. When the stand is cinched down with the security ropes, it’s absolutely rock solid. I use the facing the tree position primarily, but have used the back-to-the-tree position for archery. Facing the tree works for the crossbow. I expect that this stand will last for the rest of my hunting career and then be passed on to a grandson. If you buy this stand, you won’t be sorry. 

I haven’t purchased this particular product but I own what I think is the original BuckShotBigShot. 19.5 width with welded metal mesh platform. I’m guessing I’ve owned it for 20-25 years, used it EVERY deer season, and am just NOW having to replace a couple of parts. Not because they have failed but because of safety reasons. I am a large man, weighing anywhere between 240 and 300# since I’ve owned this stand. I. Have never felt like my safety was in jeopardy at any time. I will be purchasing another BigShot in a couple of months and I HIGHLY recommend this stand to anyone looking for a safe, quality tree stand. Other than the safety aspect, what I like most about this stand is the simplicity of it’s use. I foolishly bought a different climbing tree stand a few years ago (Viper) and the calisthenics it forced me to do in the dark high up in a tree just trying to get turned around to hunt was enough to make me leave it in the barn. (I think I used it twice) The BigShot is a FANTASTIC stand. GET IT….I promise you won’t be disappointed. Five Stars all the way.

I have been using my Equalizer for 2 years now and I have to say that is by far the best treestand I have ever owned. I primarily hunt whitetails in Northern Maine; where the conditions can be harsh. The second week in November this season found me hunting in morning temperatures of 15 degrees over snow. The excellent design of the equalizer ensured that it operated smoothly and quietly even in these frigid temps; the crank system worked flawlessly and because I could level both sections of the stand I was able to comfortably sit for hours. The manufacturer stands behind the product 100% and when I needed help with a small part they quickly and cheerfully fixed the issue and got me back in the woods in no time. Some of my hunting buddies have noticed that I was able to stay out hunting longer when the conditions were challenging and that is because when you are comfortable it makes the hunt more fun and you can hunt longer. I also believe that it is safer due to its design. I use backpack straps and hike with my stand until I find an area I want to hunt; now I can easily find a tree to climb; even those that have alot of taper because the Equalizer can easily adjust to any diameter. I would certainly recommend the Equalizer to anyone that likes to hunt from treestands and like me; likes to hunt up high for both sight and scent advantage. In fact, when it is very cold I bring a little sportcat propane heater with me and I stay warm and being up high the deer are unaffected…several have walked directly beneath me unaware of my presence….clearly an advantage of climbing. I look forward to many more  hunting seasons with my Equalizer.

I have been hunting from a tree stand now for 30 + years.  I have owned countless tree stands and currently own 4 of the most popular brands on the market.  The Equalizer is the Only one I use.  It literally takes any of the anxiety out of estimating the taper of a tree.  One of my biggest problems when I get to a tree (especially a tree I’ve never hunted before) is, in the dark I don’t want to shine my light up the tree trying to figure out how to set my stand.  With this stand I simply set it level and start climbing!  Quiet, Easy to climb with, and packs even easier!  So glad I have one!  I absolutely love this stand!!

I purchased my BuckShot BigShot back in 1997.  I’ve had several climbers, but not can compare. I’ve climbed w/this stand w/o safety harnesses for years till one of my friends’s other type of  climber gave way and he became disabled.  Now, I use safety harnesses.  I have made all day hunts and feel confident when climbing.  This stand has never slipped on me while climbing.  After this season, I might consider buying the 24″ model for the wider trees.  Glad to see you are selling parts again, ‘cus I’ve wore out some of the seats and other hardware…not because the parts are cheap, it;s because I use the heck out of it.  This is the Cadillac of all climbers…period!!

I just received my Equalizer Tree Stand via Fed X today, and must say in 35 years of hunting, and no less than 12 climbers, this is the best stand I have ever used!!  I assembled it (IL. Shotgun opens tomorrow) and ran down to the woods to try it.  Needless to say it worked perfectly!!  I recently had a right knee injury; therefore, setting the platform at severe angles did not bode well with my knee.  The leveling innovations incorporated with this stand prevents me from having to start at 45-60 degree angles.  I have climbed for 35 years.  Therefore, I went up approximately 12′ and the stand is absolutely rock solid!  The seat is as comfortable as my recliner!!  Kudos to the engineers/folks involved with this innovative design, it is simply the best stand I have ever used!!!  P.S. your YouTube video is perfect in regards to assembling!  For the guy who loves to be mobile, this stand allows me to do just that!  Again, my right knee injury had hampered my ability to use my climber due to the angles I often find myself facing.  However, your product has eliminated this and has allowed me the freedom to pursue my passion.  Once again, thank you for an awesome product!! 

Barbara, this is Bradford S. I recently purchased an Equalizer 21.5 from you. I am very well pleased with the stand. I have previously owned this stand before as I have spoken to you about it also. I haven’t tried out this particular one, but it came well shipped, packaged well. I just want you to know that I will be putting you guys some reviews out once I get to the stand and trying it out. I greatly appreciate your customer service as I spoke to you several times and you were very generous. I actually purchased this stand through the e-Gift Certificates until I got it paid off. Will get you guy some reveiws out, thank you very much Barbara. Have a great day.  

I am 64 year old baby boomer who is fussy about hunting gear and wants to keep things easy and safe. The equalizer is a class act! It packs well only one strap to hold it together you don’t have a bunch of bungee cords to deal with. The design of the stand is compact it doesn’t hit the back of your legs as your walking through the woods and it doesn’t extend over your head so you can walk through thick brush without catching it on everything. The shoulder straps allow you to easily adjust them to put the weight on your shoulders or your lower back when you are walking. Both sections  attach to the tree very easily, in the dark no problem. Leveling the stand as you climb is one of the best features. I used other climbers the bottom section is tilted so bad I couldn’t even climb the tree. Another great feature is the locking straps. once you lock the straps the platforms are tight to the tree not like other climber stands when you stand on the platform they tilt side to side or you stand up and the seat section lifts up from your clothes catching it. When I am in my equalizer stand I always feel safe. I watch other hunters fill their trucks with climbing sticks and hang on trees stands. Its crazy carrying all that out in the woods get it set up, then have to move it to adjust to deer movement. You spend all day just moving stands and putting your scent in your hunt area. Why not just pack a equalizer and eliminate all that nonsense.