Some of us enjoy company when hunting. Some of us really want to bring on the younger generation. And some of us like a bit of extra space in our ladder stands!
Whatever your situation, if you’re in the market for the best 2 person ladder stand we’ve got some excellent recommendations here.
- The Rivers Edge Lockdown is overall probably the best 2 man ladder stand for most people, most of the time. It’s large, stable, silent and comfortable.
- For those on a budget, the Guide Gear 2-Man is about as straightforward, no-nonsense as you can get. No frills. Just 16.5′ of rock-solid ladder stand.
- Anyone looking for a seriously big ladder stand should definitely check out the Muddy Stronghold 2.5. It’s double seat is a whopping 50″ wide and it is a very, very comfortable stand.
And if none of those float your boat, then you should probably also check out the Rivers Edge 18ft 2-Man, X Stand’s The Jayhawk 20 and the Hawk Big Denali 2. All excellent
Rivers Edge Lockdown – Best 2 Man Ladder Stand
Specs
The Rivers Edge Lockdown tree stand stands at the height of 21 feet and has a deep 32.5-inch platform. The foot platform is 42 inches wide.
It has an adjustable padded shooting rail and durable tear-resistant bench-style seat design that conveniently flips up and down.
This two-man ladder stand also has a patent-pending ground-level ratcheting technology. This system enables you to use ratchet straps to secure the stand to a tree while you’re still on the ground.
Its all-steel construction and octagonal tubings are additional safety and protective measures. It also has vinyl-dipped parts so that the stand remains quiet and non-disruptive while in use.
For additional safety, this tree stand includes a safety harness for each person. It has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
This ladder tree stand also has a single person version. It has all the same features as the two-man ladder stand except it has a single seat rather than a bench.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for stability, you’ll have a hard time finding a better two-man tree stand than the Rivers Edge Lockdown stand. All parts of the ladder stand are sturdy. The ladder sections are extra stiff because of the third ladder rail, and the platform fits securely with various tree sizes.
This tree ladder stand has all the necessities to withstand an all-day hunt. The design enables you to stretch and move around on the platform. It also has comfortable seats so that you can both rest and stay focused for longer periods.
It’s also the tallest ladder stand we could find that’s currently available on the market and makes our list of the best all-round ladder stands. So if you’re in the market for a new stand, don’t overlook it!
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In Summary
If you enjoy all-day hunting, you’ll appreciate how every feature on this tree stand provides comfort, convenience, and safety. The Rivers Edge Lockdown may not be the cheapest option, but you also won’t be spending a fortune.
Overall, this is a well-thought-out two-person ladder stand. It has safe and secure technology so that you don’t have to worry about swaying and instability.
The seats, railing, and footrests are all flippable so that you can comfortably adjust your position. Also, it’ll last you a long time because it consists of high-quality material.
Guide Gear 2-Man – Best Value Two-Man Ladder Stand
Specs
One of the best values you can find is the Guide Gear 2 man ladder stand. This two-man ladder stand weight is 76 pounds, and the height is 16.5 feet. It has a 38-inch foot platform and a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
The steel parts are powder-coated for long-lasting durability. It also has pinned ladder sections for additional security.
The platform has 38-inch padded seats. It also has a shooting rail that conveniently flips up for easy entry and exit.
The Verdict
It’s hard to find a cheap ladder stand that doesn’t compromise durability and safety. Because of the affordability, a lot of people end up buying several of these ladder stands. Then, they set them up at their favorite hunting spots.
However, this ladder stand tends to be a little small for two hunters. The platform size is good if you’re looking for extra elbow room as a solo hunter. It can also be a decent-sized platform if you have a child who is learning to hunt from you.
Available From:
- Amazon >>
- Sportsman’s Guide >>
In Summary
Overall, Guide Gear manufactured an affordable and quality two-man ladder stand. If you’re a beginner or teaching your kids to hunt, this would meet all the requirements to get them started.
Because the platform is a couple of inches narrower than typical 2 man ladder stands, there’s not a lot of room for two adults. If you’re just one person looking for extra space or teaching a smaller child to hunt, this sturdy stand would be a sufficient option.
Muddy Stronghold 2.5 – Largest 2-Man Ladder Stand
Specs
You’ll find that the Muddy Stronghold 2.5 is probably the largest 2-man ladder stand you can buy. It has a platform size of 50 inches and has a design truly meant for two people.
This 2 man ladder stand is 18 feet tall and has two comfortable Flex-Tek seats and backrests. The seats are 24 inches wide and 17 inches deep, and a padded armrest also separates them. It comes with two drink holders, two accessory hooks, and two safety harnesses.
The two man ladder tree stand itself weighs 101 pounds and can stand weight up to 500 pounds. It uses the Muddy Tree-Lok System, which lets you stand on the ground and secure the stand to a tree. You can mount the tree stand with ratchet straps, stabilizer straps, and an adjustable support bar.
The Verdict
Many two man ladder stands claim to fit two people. However, they’re often better suited for a single person looking for a little extra space. The Muddy Stronghold 2.5 is a ladder stand that actually has room for two people.
If you like hunting with a companion, this ladder tree stand is a good option for your next outing because it has enough space for two hunters. It conveniently offers accessories in sets of two, such as two full body harnesses.
You also have plenty of space to use this ladder stand without sacrificing comfort.
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In Summary
It makes sense to consider the Muddy Stronghold 2.5 if you enjoy hunting with a hunting partner. It has more room than other ladder tree stands. It also has one of the most comfortable seating arrangements. The padded armrest and seats can help you stay on the platform for hours at a time.
This two-person ladder stand does run on the heavier side compared to other ones. Therefore, it can be a little more challenging to set up by yourself. However, this won’t be too much of a problem if you’re with a friend who can help.
Rivers Edge 18ft 2-Man – Good Budget Double Ladder Stand
Specs
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Rivers Edge 18ft two-man, double-rail ladder tree stand is a great choice. It weighs 63 pounds and has a weight capacity of 500 pounds.
It’s sturdy and made of steel. It has dual tree blades that help stabilize the platform. For additional safety, the tree stand comes with a safety harness for each person.
The platform provides ample space for two people. It comes with a cushioned bench seat and a padded shooting rail that flips back for accessible entry and exit.
The Verdict
The Rivers Edge 18ft two man double rail ladder tree stand is a solid first investment for beginner hunters. It’s an affordable option that has all the basic necessities in a good 2 man ladder stand. You can start with this tree stand and use it to learn your preferences.
Also, if you enjoy rifle or crossbow hunting, you’ll benefit the most because of the shooting rail. It provides extra support and stability to increase your shooting accuracy.
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In Summary
If you’re on a budget, you should consider this double ladder stand. You can bring a companion with you and enjoy a day hunting with a rifle or crossbow. You can also go solo to practice and improve your skills.
This 2 man ladder tree stand is also very lightweight compared to other ones and is easy to assemble. Therefore, it’s possible to set it up on your own. Most other ladder tree stands require at least two or three people to attach to trees.
Just note that this 2 man ladder tree stand doesn’t work best for bow hunting. The shooting rail gets in the way, so bow hunters will feel awkward if they try to maneuver around it. This ladder tree stand will work best when you’re hunting with a rifle.
X Stand The Jayhawk 20 – One Of The Safest 2 Person Ladder Stands
Specs
The X Stand The Jayhawk 20 is a 2 man ladder tree stand that’s 20 feet tall and has a 42-inch platform. It has steel construction and a weight limit of 500 pounds.
It comes with two footrests and comfort-flex mesh seats that flip up when you want to stand. If you’re looking for shooting rails, this two man ladder stand has an adjustable flip up shooting rail.
The ladder stand parts are of X Force expanded metal and powder-coated. They also connect with self-lubricating nylon washers. This combination makes the product silent and stealthy.
A notable feature of the Jayhawk 20 is the X Stand Ladderstand Jaw Safety System. This system eliminates swaying so that you can stand on a sturdy platform. It also has a set of steel dual jaws that lock tightly around trees for added stability.
For additional safety, X Stand treestands include a safety harness with every purchase.
The Verdict
People know X Stand Treestands for their solid construction. If you want to hunt without worrying about your platform’s stability, look no further. The dual jaws clamp securely to trees, and the x force expandable metal is durable enough to support your weight and movement.
You also don’t have to sacrifice height for safety. The Jayhawk 20 reaches a height of 20 feet, which is one of the taller options in this review. It’s not just a great buddy stand, it also makes our list of the best ladder stands for bow hunting. You can rest assured in knowing that this is a quality two man ladder stand that can keep up with your hunting trips.
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In Summary
The Jayhawk 20 is stable, safe, and comfortable. If you enjoy all-day hunting trips, this 2 man ladder stand can keep up with you. It can withstand the elements, and it has comfortable seating so that you can stay up on the platform for long periods.
You also can’t find ladder stands that have a sturdy construction like the Jayhawk 20. X Stand specializes in safety and prides itself in exceeding safety standards. Therefore, you can hunt without having to worry about any swaying or standing on a wobbly platform.
The only caveat is that this ladder stand is heavier compared to the other two man ladder stands. It’ll require at least three people to set up, but the assembly and installation are relatively simple.
Hawk Big Denali 2.0
Specs
The Hawk Big Denali 2.0 has a height of 18 feet and a platform that’s 51 inches wide. It has a maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds. It uses a ratchet strap and crossing strap tensioner to attach itself to trees.
It also feels like a luxury experience when you use this tree ladder stand. The MeshComfort seats and kick-out footrests make it a very comfortable hunting perch. As an added convenience, the shooting rail can be reversed to become a gun rest.
This ladder stand also includes features to ensure your safety. The ladder sections use Safe-Tread technology so that you can still climb on them with muddy or wet shoes. They’re also extra wide and have oval tubing, which makes them easy to grip.
Lastly, this ladder stand has a quiet design that reduces unnecessary noises. It has a bolted ladder and uses PTFE washers. The platform is also just one piece.
The Verdict
This tree stand is a great choice if you regularly go on outings with a hunting buddy. It has one of the widest platforms and seats, so it has plenty of space for two people to use. The seats are also contoured to provide even more comfort and support.
You also don’t have to worry about compromising safety. The combination of the ratchet strap and crossing strap tensioner ensures a sturdy attachment to trees.
The platform will stay in place without any swaying. The ladder also has grooved rungs so that you can maintain a good grip, even with wet shoes.
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In Summary
The Hawk Big Denali 2.0 puts luxury into your hunting outings. It puts special attention on safety and comfort so that you and your hunting buddies can truly enjoy hunting without having to worry about the details. The shooting rail even includes a unique feature where it can transform into a gun rest.
Because it brings an elevated experience, this ladder stand isn’t the most budget-friendly option. You do get your money’s worth, but if you’re not looking to spend a lot on a ladder stand, the Guide Gear 2-Man or River’s Edge would be better options to consider.
How to Choose the Best 2 Man Ladder Stand
As your shopping around, you’ll start to notice that there’s an extensive amount of features for ladder stands. Make sure to pay attention to these key factors.
How Quiet is it?
The last thing you want is to have a shot wasted from unnecessary noise. When the woods are dead quiet, creaking metal or rustling mesh can become very prominent sounds that easily scare away animals.
Many manufacturers use noise-reducing material or technology to address this issue. Nylon washers and vinyl-dipped washers are common materials that connect ladder sections to reduce the sound of metal clinking against each other.
You can also try to look for a tree stand that doesn’t have too many separate parts. For example, platforms made of one piece will reduce creaking sounds.
Overall, look for long-lasting quality material. These types of material will put off deterioration and rust, which will ultimately keep your ladder tree stand quiet.
Comfort
A two man ladder tree stand is a long-term investment, so you want to make sure that you find one that’s a comfortable fit for you.
You’ll most likely spend long hours perched on your ladder stand, so look for seats with contours or comfortable padding.
Many ladder stands have seats that flip up so that you can stand comfortably and periodically stretch. Footrests and padded armrests are also great features to consider.
If you hunt with rifles or crossbows, make sure to pay attention to the shooting rail. A good shooting rail will have padding, and it should be adjustable to fit your height. If you enjoy bow hunting, make sure to find a removable one.
Size
Most two man ladder stands are between 42 inches – 52 inches wide. When you consider the space that additional gear takes up, anything less than 42 inches isn’t a whole lot of room.
If you tend to hunt with others, look for a platform with a width of at least 50 inches. If you’re hunting with your child, you might be able to pass for a slightly narrower platform.
Many people purchase two man ladder stands for the extra legroom. If this is the case for you, then a 42-inch platform will have an ample amount of room for you.
Just remember that a larger platform tends to require more people to assemble and install the ladder stand. Some smaller ladder stands can be attached to trees by one person.
Height
The height of most ladder stands ranges between 15 feet to 25 feet. Generally, you don’t want to go lower than 15 feet. A lower height makes you visible to deer, and they can easily pick up your scent.
However, higher doesn’t always equal better. For safety reasons, you don’t want to go past 30 feet. It can be a significant fall, and you can end up swaying more as you climb higher up a tree trunk. It’s not worth sacrificing safety for height.
In typical circumstances, 20 feet is a good height. This height is enough to keep you out of a deer’s line of sight, and it’s more difficult for them to pick up your scent.
If you purchase a ladder stand with a lower height, you can look into buying ladder extensions.
Many manufacturers provide ladder extensions for their line of ladder stands. You can also look for extensions that have the same thickness as the ladder stand.
If you’re interested in ladder extensions, just make sure to consult with the manufacturer so that you’re within safety guidelines.
Price
Two man ladder stands can start at $150 and increase to $500. However, they average between $250 to $350. If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, try looking into a climbing tree stand or hang on stand.
When you opt for a cheaper ladder stand, you often compromise on stealth and quality. Cheaper material can cause more noise, especially if they deteriorate more quickly.
There are also some treestands that use poor quality material that can be hazardous to your health, such as the Summit Treestands Steel Ladder. This is a more affordable option, but it can also expose consumers to harmful chemicals, like lead. Therefore, never sacrifice safety for a cheaper price.
However, you can find a cheap ladder stand that has the essentials, such as a secure and safe attachment system and a shooting rail. The Rivers Edge 18ft 2-man ladder stand is a great example of a budget-friendly and good quality option.
If you want to invest in a more expensive ladder stand, look for ones that are known for their durable construction. A $400 to $500 ladder stand should give you a solid tree clamping setup, a large platform, and ergonomic padded seats.
A two-man ladder stand within this same price range often includes other accessories, such as a gun rest, full-body harness, and flip-out footrests.
Conclusion
The best two man ladder stand is the Rivers Edge Lockdown. It’s a solid ladder stand with a decent platform size, great safety features, and sturdy construction. It also has all of the qualities you’d want to find in tree stands.
The Muddy Stronghold 2.5 is a close runner-up because it meets the criteria for a quality two man ladder stand. However, the Rivers Edge Lockdown tree stand has one of the easiest assembly processes and renowned safety features.
It also has the optimal height to avoid being seen by deer and other game. The vinyl-dipped washers make you even more stealthy. The platform has a little more space than other tree stands, so you can bring along a hunting partner or have extra elbow room if you’re alone.
It’s a reliable option that will enhance and take your hunting experience to the next level.
