Has anyone used a GKD portable high seat?!

[Mr. Gain]

Nobody mentioned climbers. I've only been talking about a high quality hangon which can go on almost any tree that fits within the design spec of 6-22 inches diameter and not more than 15 degrees slope.

Thanks for the clarification. We don't really see hang-ons here, and even in Europe they're mostly modest, ground-level seats.

The point about trees still applies though. I think I've only once found a tree less than 22" in diameter to attach a ladder-stand to on my ground as it's all mature oaks and beech, or thick hedgerow. There aren't even a lot of telephone poles.

BTW, do you use a shooting rest when on your hang-on, or shoot offhand?

 

[mchughcb]

If you use an extention strap, which I haven't tried yet, my guess is you could go much further but with the GKD design there is also a limit on the maximum tree width size with the ratchet strap they provide. In essence what I'm saying is that any strap you can get around for GKD you can get around for a millennium and potentially the lone wolf. I have a few types of climbing sticks as well. One of which uses a harken cam cleat. Currently I have a 2.1m rope but you could put much larger, like a 4m if you can get it around the tree. Failing that you can use the screw in steps but my guess this will affect the tree and the landowner probably won't appreciate it.

I don't use a shooting rest for the hangons, even though I have a shooting rail for the millenium, its just too much stuff to carry. Haven't missed any shots off it yet as the quarry has been less than 100m and you can shoot resting off your crossed leg if you have to. Although I do see Primos make a nice little shooting stick with base for hangons that I may invest in later.

 

[mchughcb]

There aren't even a lot of telephone poles.

Well if that is the case then, if the farmer had a posthole borer wouldn't take long to put a few 3m+ x 100mm poles around the place and I'd think that would be perfect. Then the skies the limit and setup would be no problem. Even with a climber.

 

[mchughcb]

Just to test this concept I went and got a 6', 4" pole and ratcheted it to a small tree, no problem. So with a spacer and ratcheted to a large tree shouldn't be a problem. Then you only have to get several locations setup and you'd be in position in minutes and takedown when you finish. Worst case scenario, leave the poles and take the ratchet straps but its only 3 minutes to re-install a 15" pole. This seat is infinitely more comfortable than a the GKD and I've spent hours in both.

 

[chrishorner]

looks a good set up

 

[Mr. Gain]

A canny idea. Thanks McH.

 

[mchughcb]

Well only two sticks up and a 80cm stretch between sticks gets you up a good 3.2m or 10 1/2 feet to your platform. Seat would be at 3.6m. This seat is comfortable for a good 4 hours no problems with plenty of leg room to stand, plenty of lumbar support to lay back and relax. Just a thought.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

It is a patented design from Switzerland I first saw in 1999 called the Miratel which is using the same extending ladder as is used by many fire brigades in Europe (a Swedish made quality ladder which alone costs 200 quid) these chinese knockoff copies use a chinese cheapo ladder as sold in discount builders merchants and in B&~ chains for around 90 quid, so put your life into your hands if you wish as they have as far as I am aware not got the certification.
Now I will get some flak from dealers who may have ordered a pile of them but free exchange of information is the whole idea of the internet,
I am not writing this to to pee on someones party.
Martin

 

[mchughcb]

very interesting. I'm assuming they'd have less flex than the GKD and the other 3.8m telescoping ladder I have. Interestingly a mate told me there is one of the market that uses a 3.8m ladder not the smaller 2.4m ladder which I have. I'd be pretty nervous going up 3.8m to secure it. Rather stick to the climbing sticks and hangon stand.

 

[Mr. Gain]

It is a patented design from Switzerland I first saw in 1999 called the Miratel

Interesting, but Google appears not to have heard of it. Do you have a link?

 

[mchughcb]

A canny idea. Thanks McH.

This is a better video to show you how much room and comfort there is for a pretty light setup. I was successful yesterday after sitting for two hours and getting a shot off at 50m.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Interesting, but Google appears not to have heard of it. Do you have a link?

Here is the original article about it as it was featured in the German hunting press from 2001, it had at the time won a Swiss design award.
Martin
View attachment 54592

 

[Klenchblaize]

Here is the original article about it as it was featured in the German hunting press from 2001, it had at the time won a Swiss design award.
Martin
View attachment 54592

That highseat is very interesting as it is the closest I’ve seen to a unit I purchased back in c2007. It was unfortunately destroyed by a 300-year old storm-blown tree when leaving in the same position for over 5 years!

It cost nearly £500 and I have been unable to find one like it since or recall who I purchased it from. Somewhere I have the instructions for erection which in truth should have been a clue that it may have been portable but was some considerable way from easily deployed. Indeed none are if you strap them properly to a tree as what could be finer for attracting deer attention than the sound of a ratchet tightening webbing at 04:00hrs??

Cheers

K