| I have been fortunate enough to grow up on a farm and have close to
600 acres available for hunting. Bowhunting the area for over 25
years has been invaluable as to distinguishing the deer patterns and movements.
To hunt these travel corridors I use exclusively hang-on stands that go
up in August and don't come down till after the season at the end of January.
For this reason I need a tough stand that can withstand the elements and
is dependable when a mature whitetail comes into range. I had the
opportunity to put the North Star Mega Starr treestand and Quiet Starr
Folding Step Stix through their paces and believe I have found a true winning
combination that delivers durability, comfort and roominess. (See Quiet
Starr Evaluation.)
Mega Starr Treestand
The Mega Starr abounds with features that you will not find on others
within the hang on category.
To make it easy to get the Mega Starr to and from your stand site backpack
straps are included. The stand also comes with not one but two ratcheting
straps. The HD ratchet utilizes "J" hooks for easy attachment and
secures the stand with the steel brackets located behind the seat.
It is the main strap for attaching the stand with a 4000-lb. test rating.
 The
second strap, called the LD ratchet, utilizes "S" hooks and is used at
the bottom of the stand for stabilizing with a 1200-lb. test rating.
I feel that ratchet straps are the best devices available for attaching
your stand or stix quickly, securely and quietly to a tree. Simply
attach, pull up the slack and ratchet tight.
In addition to anchoring and securing the stand they can also serve
other purposes. Strap them around the seat assembly and they keep
the stand noise free while traveling to and from your stand site.
If you are using step stix they too can be held securely in place while
backpacking the stand. What is also great about both straps is that
they are open-ended, allowing you to secure your stand from either the
right or left side of the tree. How many times have you gone to attach
a stand to a tree and find out the strap was permanently fastened to the
stand on the side you are on? It then takes some acrobatics to reach
around the tree to attach the other side of the strap to the stand.
A standard feature included with each Mega Starr to aid in attaching
the stand to a tree is the Hunter Helper hanging aid. This nifty
little "L" shaped device straps to the tree and holds the treestand in
place while you attach the ratchets. While using a safety harness,
which North Starr and I recommend, it allows both hands to be free.
After securing the stand it makes a great utility hook to hang your bowhunting
essentials while on stand, like binoculars, rattling antlers or fanny pack.
 With
one of the largest platforms on the market, the 24 x 32 mesh platform of
the Mega Starr is sturdy enough to hold up to 400 lbs. Not that I
am a hefty fellow, but that is 100 pounds more than most stands in the
industry. The mesh is a great feature because as you move your foot
it will not roll off the sides of a tubular constructed stand. I
encountered this experience years ago on a wet drizzly morning. I
went to take a wide stance and placed the instep of my foot on the outside
edge of the second tube. It slipped off and not only startled me
but made an unnatural sound, not to mention some choice words under my
breath.
The stand comes in either a standard 21-inch seat or a 25-inch for hunters
taller than 6'4 inch. This roomy seat measures a large 10x19 and
comes with a waterproof closed cell foam seat cushion and includes a second
cushion to strap on the tree as a back rest. A great feature for
not only comfort but also quieting noisy barked trees as you lean and pivot
against it. It also makes handy padding when placed against the stand
while backpacking in and out of your stand site. However the best
feature of the seat is the manner in which it is positioned away from the
tree trunk adding to the comfort. I find that if a seat is too close
to the tree my lower back gets fatigued. Being uncomfortable causes
unnecessary movement as well as a shorter stay on stand.
 The
stand is anchored securely to the tree by not only the ratchet straps mentioned
earlier but also by the Mega Claw contact tips. These hardened steel
tips dig into the tree providing a rock solid bite. They are fastened
to the stand with hardware that includes silent Teflon lock nuts.
You never have to worry about unwanted squeaks or noises due to the Mega
Claw and ratchet combination. I hung mine out purposely before leaving
for a lengthy vacation. While away temperatures reached just over
100 degrees, followed by heavy rainstorms and then a cool front, which
caused nighttime temperatures to be in the low fifties. Climbing
to my perch after my return caused no creaking or loud pops.
The Mega Starr also comes with a universal mounting bow holder.
"Universal" because it can hold any type of bow as well as being positioned
anywhere on the stand. It attaches to the stand with two bolts assuring
a tight grip. The holder is coated with a soft rubber so as to not
mar a bow or cause unwanted noise when placing or retrieving.
Mega Starr Treestand Features:
-
For a large stand it weighs in at 12 pounds
-
Stand Capacity 400 lbs.
-
Seat size 10"X19" with closed cell foam
-
Stand platform 24"X32"
-
Mesh platform for secure footing
-
21" seat height (optional 25")
-
Back Pack Straps
-
Bow Holder
-
Hunter helper hanging aid
-
BackRest (closed cell foam)
-
HD Ratchet strap with 4000 lb. test strength
-
LD Ratchet strap with 1200 lb. test strength
Options:
-
Camo Kit
-
Foam padded arm rest kit
-
Foot Rest Kit
-
Shooting Rail - foam padded
-
Climbing/Safety Belt
Design 4.5 out of 5
The design offers one of the largest platforms on the market while
at the same time keeping the weight down to an acceptable level.
The double ratchet system combined with the clever Mega Claw system ensures
security along with a 400-pound rating. The included accessories,
bow holder, backrest and hanging aid are a real plus and usually optional
items on other brands.
Comfort 4 of 5
The seat extends away from the tree just enough to make this stand
very comfortable. It reduces fatigue and allows you to stay on stand
for hours at a time. If you prefer standing, the seat easily flips
out of your way with a push from your hand or back of your thigh.
The closed cell seat is weatherproof and will not soak up water but can
be a little damp after a steady rainfall.
Ease of Use 5 of 5
For a large stand the Mega Starr incorporates features that make it
quick and easy to hang. The included Hunter Helper Aid allows both
hands to be free, a real plus for safety when combined with a safety restraint.
The ratchets with the open ends allow you to hang them on your belt or
belt loop and put them at arms length when needed. No worrying about
attached straps dangling and causing loud noises.
Quality 5 of 5
All joints and seams were precisely welded with no shortcuts made.
All pieces fit together within tolerances and produced no unwanted noises.
The mesh platform allows for safe feet positions, especially important
when maneuvering for a shot on a mature trophy of a lifetime. I have
a perfect place in a group of tall mature pines overlooking a field and
brush edge. The 17.5 feet will be perfect height to place the stand
and nestle me into position among the limbs.
For information on this and other North
Starr Treestands products contact:
North Starr Treestands
2351 E Bear Lake Road
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Phone: 517-439-1313
Fax: 517-439- 1933
Web Site: http://www.northstarrtreestands.com
Email: info@NorthStarrTreestands.com |
