By Scott Bestul

OK. So it’s supposed to be an eye-catching headline. But all it means is this; country boy (me) goes to archery show crammed with people (the Archery Trade Association’s annual show) and gets whopped with flu bug. Returned last weekend and have been flat on my back since. For those who’ve been looking for fresh material here, I apologize for my tardy return.

Generally, I thought the ATA show was good, and the organization’s own stats seem to bear this out. There were 478 exhibitors (25 more than last year), including 90 first-timers and 24 start-up companies. CEO Jay McAninch called the mood at the show—held in Columbus, Ohio Jan 13-15—“the most upbeat” he’d seen in his 10 years with the organization. ATA’s post-show press release stated they hoped the robust show was sign that “the bowhunting industry is cautiously optimistic about 2010.” Hope they’re right.

I’m not much of a crowd person (see paragraph one), but I enjoy attending this show every year to catch up with old friends, look for interesting/innovative new items, and keep track of trends. I’ll use the next couple of posts to tell you what I saw, especially in the last category.

One trend that has been growing for the last couple of years is the popularity of ladder stands. As a long-time hang-and-hunt guy, I was dismissive of this movement at first, but after last-year’s show—and having hunted from more ladders—I could no longer stick my head in the sand. Ladders are not only here to stay, but they’re getting better and better. Frankly, I’m tickled to see it.

I’ve long admired Gorilla for their commitment to making safe, effective and affordable products. Pictured here is their new King Kong Expedition Ladder Stand, a comfy two-seater (another trend, by the way) that’s perfect for hunting with a kid or spouse. Its 15’ to the seat, attaches to the tree with four ratchet straps, weighs 80 pounds, and sports welded steel construction. And one of my favorite features of all Gorilla stands? Nylon washers at every bolted connection. There’s no metal-to-metal contact here folks, just a solid, comfortable stand that won’t squeak even when it gets cold. I like it...a lot.

Comments (8)

from Cgull wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I like thesedouble seaters also, not only do they give room for children or spouses, when hunting alone it give the hunter ample space for leaning out or just taking an extra step to clear that shot ending limb or tree. I have 3 now and would love to have 3 more by next october.

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from buckhunter wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I had every intention on going to the ATA show in Columbus but got busy with family things. I heard from several people I know it went very well.

I love my gorilla 2 seater. I have an extra section of ladder making it a bit higher. I sit in it with my kids and wife.

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from tbogg10 wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

man i wish i knew about that show, is there anyplace that tells you a listing of when and where these shows are?

i just bought a gorilla climber, and am very pleased with it, it is sturdy comfy, and easy to use, and best of all it was affordable, unlike some otheres that were reccommended to me.

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from seneca_slabs wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I would love to give this stand a try!

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from Clay Cooper wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

Almost wide enough to lay down and take a nap!

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from stickbow13 wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

there's a couple of shows coming up here in wi in march n i can't wait, don't like the crowds but like to see all the up coming (goodes) would like to try the stand out it looks comfy

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from ricefarm wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

When my son drug me into deer hunting, I bought a two man because he was a few years from being able to hunt with a gun by himself. I bought 2 more in ensuing years to increase our hunting territory. This was the first year he could hunt on his own and I bought a 1 seater to go with 3 2 seaters. I found out real quick that while the 1 seater is easier to put up, I would much rather sit in the 2. I can spread my legs out, lean the gun up in a corner and not have it right next to my head and have room to set something else up there. The 2 man also gives you room to slide around and look behind you. I don't know how guys go up in those little one seat deals and sit still for hours, but my body just won't let me do it.

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from libertyfirst wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I've always liked the double. Great when you have kids. I bet that this a great new stand.

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from dahlstrommt wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

This stand looks nice. I wouldnt mind goin out and buying one to try out

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from seneca_slabs wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I would love to give this stand a try!

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from ricefarm wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

When my son drug me into deer hunting, I bought a two man because he was a few years from being able to hunt with a gun by himself. I bought 2 more in ensuing years to increase our hunting territory. This was the first year he could hunt on his own and I bought a 1 seater to go with 3 2 seaters. I found out real quick that while the 1 seater is easier to put up, I would much rather sit in the 2. I can spread my legs out, lean the gun up in a corner and not have it right next to my head and have room to set something else up there. The 2 man also gives you room to slide around and look behind you. I don't know how guys go up in those little one seat deals and sit still for hours, but my body just won't let me do it.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Cgull wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I like thesedouble seaters also, not only do they give room for children or spouses, when hunting alone it give the hunter ample space for leaning out or just taking an extra step to clear that shot ending limb or tree. I have 3 now and would love to have 3 more by next october.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from buckhunter wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

I had every intention on going to the ATA show in Columbus but got busy with family things. I heard from several people I know it went very well.

I love my gorilla 2 seater. I have an extra section of ladder making it a bit higher. I sit in it with my kids and wife.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from tbogg10 wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

man i wish i knew about that show, is there anyplace that tells you a listing of when and where these shows are?

i just bought a gorilla climber, and am very pleased with it, it is sturdy comfy, and easy to use, and best of all it was affordable, unlike some otheres that were reccommended to me.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Clay Cooper wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

Almost wide enough to lay down and take a nap!

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from stickbow13 wrote 2 years 17 weeks ago

there's a couple of shows coming up here in wi in march n i can't wait, don't like the crowds but like to see all the up coming (goodes) would like to try the stand out it looks comfy

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from libertyfirst wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

I've always liked the double. Great when you have kids. I bet that this a great new stand.

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from dahlstrommt wrote 2 years 16 weeks ago

This stand looks nice. I wouldnt mind goin out and buying one to try out

0 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.