The Best Lock On Tree Stand of 2023

There just isn’t a replacement for a good lock on tree stand if you’re a serious deer hunter. Sure, climbers are popular in the Deep South piney woods. Of course, plenty of deer are killed from ground blinds. And yes, I’m very aware that tree saddles are gaining a devout following in recent years. But a good lock on is to deer hunting what a rubber worm is to bass fishing. You can technically get by without it, but why on earth would you want to?

Lock on tree stands provide a safe, comfortable, and effective way to set up in almost any tree. Big trees, little trees, crooked trees, and gnarly little trees with more branches than open trunk. Whether you’re looking for an uber-comfortable, late-season rut lounge or a svelte, public land mobile setup, we’ve put together a list of lock on tree stands that you can count on to get you in the “killing tree” this fall.

Lock On Tree Stand Comparison Chart

(swipe left to view)

	Summit	Millennium	Novix	Hawk	Beast Gear	Millennium	Lone Wolf Custom Gear
	Dual Axis	M150 Monster	Helo	Helium Pro	Hang-On	M50	D'acquisto Series
Platform Dimensions	24" W x 34" D	24” W x 37” D	16” W x 26.5” D	24" W x 30" D	16" W x 29" D	24” W x 33” D	19.5" W x 27" D
Weight	16 lbs	19.5 lbs	9.2 lbs	12 lbs	6.8 lbs	20 lbs	8.1 lbs
Weight Rating	300 lbs	300 lbs	300 lbs	300 lbs	275 lbs	300 lbs	300 lbs
Seat Dimensions	18" W x 13" D	20" W x 17" D	14" W x 12" D	16" W x 10" D	11.5" W x 9" D	20” W x 16” D	11" W x 8.75" D
	SEE IT	SEE IT	SEE IT	SEE IT	SEE IT	SEE IT	SEE IT

Lock On Tree Stand Top Picks

Summit Dual Axis

Features

• Weight: 16lbs
• Tree Diameter: 8″ to 20″ in”
• Uses two ratchet straps  

Pros

• Bites the tree exceptionally well
• Easy to go from seated to standing
• Silent once attached 

Cons

• Not ideal for mobile hunting 

Millennium M150 Monster

Features 

• Weight: 19.5lbs
• Adjusts to leaning trees up to 15 degrees
• Platform Dimensions: 24″ wide and 37″ deep

Pros

• Comfortable
• Giant Platform 
• Easy to hang

Cons

• Some movement to the stand

Novix Helo

Key Features 

• Weight: 9.2lbs
• Platform Dimensions: 26.5”L x 16”W
• All-Aluminum Construction
• Platform Leveling Feature

Pros

• Fast to hang
• Silent
• Easy to pack

Cons

• Seat is uncomfortable for long sits 

Hawk Helium Pro

Features 

• Weight: 12lbs
• Platform leveling adjustment 
• Platform Dimensions: 24″ wide and 30″ deep

Pros

• Easy to level
• Fast to hang 

Cons

• Needs upgraded backpack straps

Beast Gear Hang On

Features 

• Weight: 6.8lbs
• Platform Dimensions: 29”x16”
• Machined aluminum construction

Pros

• Lightweight, but relatively roomy
• Brainchild of Dan Infalt, “The Big Buck Serial Killer”

Cons

• Frequently backordered
• Some users report flexing and stand noise

Millennium M50

Features 

• Weight: 20lbs
• Platform Dimensions: 24”x33”
• Mesh Seat

Pros

• ComfortMAX Seat
• Adjustable Footrest
• Fold-Flat Design

Cons

• Heavy Steel Construction

Lone Wolf Custom Gear

Features 

• Weight: 8.1lbs
• Platform Dimensions: 27”x19.5”
• Machined Aluminum Construction

Pros

• Strong but lightweight machined aluminum construction
• Comes with premium backpack straps
• Pair exceptionally well with LWCG Sticks and Stand Pack Accessories

Cons

• Premium Pricetag

How To Choose A Lock On Tree Stand

Choosing the right hang-on tree stand is essential for a comfortable and safe hunting experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you select a suitable hang-on tree stand:

Assess your hunting needs: Consider the type of hunting you’ll be doing, the terrain you’ll be in, and the duration of your hunts. This will help you determine the features you require in a tree stand.

Evaluate weight capacity: Check the weight capacity of the tree stand to ensure it can safely support your body weight along with your hunting gear. Consider any additional accessories you may want to bring along, such as a backpack or equipment.

Consider the platform size: Look for a tree stand with a platform size that provides sufficient space for you to stand comfortably and maintain a stable shooting position. A larger platform can offer more versatility and maneuverability.

Assess seat comfort and adjustability: The seat of the tree stand should be comfortable for extended periods of sitting. Look for a seat with adequate padding and back support. Consider whether you prefer a fixed seat or one that is adjustable for height and angle.

Evaluate portability: Determine how easily the tree stand can be transported to and from your hunting location. Consider the weight of the stand, as well as any additional features such as backpack straps or carrying handles that can make it more convenient to carry.

Read reviews and seek recommendations: Research online reviews and seek recommendations from experienced hunters or outdoor enthusiasts. They can provide insights into the performance, durability, and reliability of different tree stand models.

Set a budget: Determine your budget for the tree stand and find a balance between quality and cost. While it’s important to invest in a reliable and safe tree stand, you should also consider your financial constraints.

Lock On Tree Stand FAQs

How much does a hang-on tree stand cost? 

Lock on tree stands run anywhere from $60 for budget steel models all the way up to $700 for top-of-the-line, machined aluminum models. There’s something on the market for everybody, whether they’re looking to pick up a few extras to leave on traditional hot spots on the family farm or looking for an ultralight and perfectly thought out mobile stand. 

When setting your budget, be sure to remember to factor in the cost of climbing sticks. A hang-on without sticks is just a chair! Sticks make up half of your lock on setup, and can cost an additional $50 to $500 dollars. 

What is the most comfortable hang-on stand?

What is the best-tasting lite beer? It depends on who you ask. But generally, features like foot rests, arm rests, high back rests with lumbar support, padded or mesh seats, and large platforms make for more comfortable sits. 

What is the lightest hang-on tree stand?

Currently Lone Wolf Custom Gear wins the featherweight division, advertising just 5.8lbs on their website. But some other manufacturers come close. Millennial’s M7 Microlite is a popular lightweight hang-on at an advertised 6.8lbs. The Beast Gear Hang-on also has a strong following at the same weight. And Out-On-A-Limb’s HUSH weighs in at a slightly heavier, but still meager 8.2lbs.

Lock On Tree Stand Closing Thoughts

Lock on tree stands have come a long way since the early Loc-On and Loggy Bayou models. Today’s models are safer, quieter, lighter, more comfortable, and more user-friendly than ever before. Whether you’re looking for armchair comfort, extreme packability, or just an affordable and practical way to get elevated this year, lock ons offer a great solution for deer hunters everywhere.

Full Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. There’s no extra charge to our readers for using these.

Nicholas Williams

Nick Williams is the Managing Editor for Great Days Outdoors and the host of the Alabama Freshwater Fishing Report podcast. He has managed to sneak into CNN and Petersen’s Bowhunting Magazine, and writes regularly for Mobile Baykeeper’s quarterly Currents publication. He named his dog after a man of the cloth, and is currently trying to catch a fish on a fly in every county in his home state of Alabama.