I honestly learned the hard way right after they came out. I said “ what is this all this extra crap I don’t need that will just potentially make noise. I took them off and tossed them in the back of the truck. I was sitting in it with my back to the tree (Slick barked hardwood) like you’re doing and the next thing I knew my ass was on the bottom platform with my knees hitting me in the chin. Safety harness probably kept me from getting tossed out since it was tight. Got repositioned very very carefully and climbed down. Spooked me pretty bad. Another member told me he’d done the same thing and explained Why it works. I went back and read the manual on it and then it all makes sense. When you connect those two and pull them tight, they make a complete loop around the tree with the cable. Manual specifically says do not sit or hunt from the stand without those straps in place. It is virtually impossible for the stand to slip or even move on the tree when they are properly attached and cinched down. Both should be pulled up to the top of the posts on both sides and secured/ tightened in place there. I still tie my bottom to the top as an additional safety measure but when used properly, neither piece is going anywhere. Try it like I’m saying and you’ll be amazed at the difference in stability. Even on hard slick trees.

I trust an Ol'man as a ground sitting perch on a tree that's it, even will my safety gear attached! 2009 9000 recalled. I never seen a stand peel off about a foot of a green pine tree bark before like that flat design like happen to me, crazy. Lot of accidents and injuries even when used as instructed. If you must use it have all safety gear attached at all times, phone on speed dial setup for ER 😃, and good straps attached to top and bottom when getting to top of tree just in case it slips or you step a couple of inches forward. I would suggest tossing all and going to a new design proven over the years that are less prone to slippage, period! Maybe weld all the parts together, put a chain to hang on tree on them, and use as a permanent stand. Seems they are made out of good steel. The only thing good going for them.

Ever person i ever met that didnt like ol man stands didnt know how to use them the right way..or they were to dang fat an shoulda stayed on the ground no matter what they used. I dont usem much anymore..cause they are heavy..all mine were old gen 1 with blades...never a manufactuered defect in mine...they did need work tho...they could be made into an amazingly quiet stand in the hands of the skilled..if modified. I never met many people that was ver good with climbing stands of any kind...most people suck cause they dont practice...and it shows. Newer ol mans suck...along with every other climbin stand. Everbody has an oppinion..an mine is most people suck at usin a climbin stand..its a comical chitshow. In the hands of somebody that knows what they are doin...there aint a better stand made(for non fat people) than a gen 1 straight arm ol man multivision..with certain modifications. If you aint got a top an bottom teather on any stand you use an slip straps...you need to stay at the house.

Carbonclimber i like them because theyre quiet and climb easy. Never had any issues with them. We do modify the foot straps to our comfort but other than that we like them pretty good.

I have two that I've been using since 99 and never had a minutes problem out of either one. This year I was attaching one to a tree and the weld was broke on one of the blades so I use the platform off of the other one. Yes most people don't use the straps and you have to use the straps to cinch the stand to the tree. I feel as safe in an Ol Man than any climber I have used

Have an ex-BIL that hunts out of olman climbers (he’s pushing 65) overweight and never checks them. Disaster waiting to happen but hey he’s an attorney and knows all.

I have never had an issue with the old man and have owned several for a very long time. I had a friend that had a serious accident with one. He thought he had put the pin through the loop in the cable but did not. He was able to climb but when he reached the top, he sat back and the cable came loose.

I own 6. It’s the only climber I use. I’m 57. Used safety harness the last 5 years. I called the factory in Brandon, Ms. and had new pens sent. Check them every year. I’ve never had anything dramatic happen. I doubt any of you have heard of them, as I grew up in OK., but I still use a 3 piece ladder called an Ambuher that I’ve had for 30+ years. Lot of guys in AR/OK had them. Great safe non climber stand that I’d but 3 more now if I could. Stay safe and thanks for the suggestions on the Ol Man.

I’ll climb a pine with them all day long. Hardwood nope.

have 3 old models ( all 10+ years) and bought a branch new one this year. Always check them out pre-season , have never had an issue. If I pick a place to leave a stand long term, I use an Ol 'Man. If I am going to walk in and climb and bring it out I use one of my two Summits.

Never had any issues out of my Ole Man climber. There were some hardwood trees that it wouldn't bite into that I learned to avoid.

THE slipping problem is caused by people not climbing properly. A climbing stand is a lever, and if you stand too close to the tree, you won’t have enough counter weight to hold yourself up. Especially if your a heavier person, you need to stand out close to the end and it won’t slip. Obviously some trees are more prone to slippage too.

IWon't use a ladder stand much less a bolt on climber

I don’t use a climber any more. I used to have an ol man and never had any problems with it. I could climb a tree like a squirrel.

Heard a million peeps saying a ol man would slip. Never had one let go and climbed a power pole yrs ago un marion county

Ever tteestand ever made will slip if the conditions are right..i like to got my butt killed in a summit viper i borrowed...awkward climbin bastage...never had used one...buddy let me borrow it cause i had a stand blow off on the interstate( i was younger an dumber) an didnt have an extra. I looked like a monkey ridin a football..totally out of my element. I think summits are chit...cause i cant climb worth a chit in one...an i think thats 99% why anybody doesnt like something at first..we dont use it enough to understand it..im guilty of it..and anybody else who says they are not is uhh fibbin...

20-30 years ago no, now absolutely.

In 2007 they started making the old man with a bow in the arms. For reasons I don’t understand the pressure on the arms could cause the pins held with a clip to pop loose. Happened to me and I hung upside down until I could break the foot strap buckle. Fortunately I was only 10 feet off the ground. Don’t even remember how I landed. Get the pins that secure with a wing nut.

Iv got several old man climbers. Most are 15 years old or better. One is aluminum and pretty light. I put the rail down and prop up a knee to shoot.I got api and other climbers but the aluminum old man is hands down the best. The way it packs and how quiet it is on your back make it #1 in my opinion.I’m 215lb and feel 100% safe in all of em.Some times I’ll take a rope and wrap the shooting rail/footrest and face the tree.Super comfortable and you can use the tree to hide. Killed a shucks ton a deer out a old man stands.