Written By John VanDerLaan
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Are you looking to take a kid, or maybe your wife or a hunting partner with you? We have our top picks for the best two man ladder stand rated and reviewed below.
Sharing your hunting experience with another person can lead to some of the most memorable moments in a deer hunter's life.
We are real hunters that actually use these two man ladder stands so that we can review them honestly and help you to find the best one for you.
These are the two man ladder stands that came out on top after extensive testing and rating.
How We Tested And Rated The Two Man Ladder Stands
Our team of deer hunters tested 10 two man ladder stands on a variety of criteria and came up with this list of four that we are confident to recommend and we tell you why in detail below.
Here are the criteria on which we rated these ladder stands. Every member of our staff rated each two man stand on a scale of one to five for each of the criteria below, with five being the highest.
By using this method of testing and rating, it quickly became clear which ladder stands were better than others.
- Comfort: Comfort is a huge factor when choosing a stand. The more comfortable you are, the more time you will spend in the stand and the better your chances of a successful hunt. This is especially true if you are taking children hunting with you. The more comfortable the child is, the less fidgety they will be.
- Platform Size: Platform size varies dramatically between different double ladder stands. You need a platform that is large enough for 2 persons and gear.
- Sturdiness: Some cheap ladder stands are so flimsy that they bend when you are climbing and they creak and squeak when you shift your weight. We tested and rated each stand on how strong and sturdy it is.
- Noise: We rated each stand on how quiet it is. Some are definitely better than others and quiet is key when hunting deer. Things like teflon washers and lubricated washers made a huge difference.
- Value: We rated each stand on how much value you get for your dollar. Our top pick hit that sweet spot of excellent ratings at a reasonable price point.
Best Two Man Ladder Stand Reviews And Recommendations
Best Overall: Rivers Edge Lockdown Wide
The Rivers Edge Lockdown is the tallest two person ladder stand on our list at 21 feet to the safety rail and a top rated stand for big guys.
It has the TearTuff™ mesh bench seat without a center bar so that it can be used as a one or 2 person stand. Big guys can sit right in the middle.
The seat is 42 inches wide and 16 inches deep, which is plenty big enough for 2 people or one of the big guys.
It is a super comfortable stand with a backrest that extends all the way across the seat.
The foot platform size measures 42 inches wide by 32.5 inches deep.
The Ultimate Shooting Rail™ on the Lockdown stand can be adjusted for both height and length, making it ideal for bowhunting, rifle hunting or crossbow.
The Lockdown™ Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology lets you pull the platform straps up to the top of the platform and ratchet them tight to the tree while standing on the ground.
Heavy duty, sturdy construction with octagonal ladder rails, LadderLock™ connections, and a third ladder rail make this an extremely sturdy stand, but that comes at a price.
It is very heavy, weighing in at 129 pounds, which will require a minimum of 3 or 4 people to get this stand set up against the tree and it has a 500 pound weight capacity.
It is one of the quietest stands that we tested thanks to vinyl dipped parts, which also provide some protection and add to the durability of this stand.
It also incorporates all of the safety features that we have become accustomed to from Rivers Edge treestands.
Features:
- The Lockdown™ Ground-Level Ratcheting Technology- Securely ratchet your stand tight to the tree without leaving the ground.
- No-split TEARTUFF™ Mesh Seat - Bench seat is ideal for big guys that can sit right in the middle, or wide enough for 2 adults.
- The ULTIMATE SHOOTING RAIL™ can be adjusted for both height and length for bowhunting, gun hunting or crossbow hunting.
- LadderLock™ connections for noiseless climbing.
- A 3rd ladder rail makes the ladder stiff and sturdy.
- Vinyl dipped parts for sound reduction and durability.
- The footrest can be tucked away providing use if the full platform.
- The shooting rail can be tucked away into slots when not in use.
- Includes 2 safety harnesses.
What We Like
- We like the bench seat which ideal for big hunters or two smaller hunters.
- We like the LockDown technology. It makes it much safer to climb the ladder for the first time and secure the two ratchet straps to the tree.
- It is one of the sturdiest and solid 2 person tree stands that we have tested.
- We love the height. At 21 feet, it is the tallest stand in our lineup.
- It is very quiet, thanks to the heavy duty construction and vinyl dipped parts.
- We love the footrest. It makes this stand very comfortable on long hunts.
What We Don't Like
- The whole construction is steel which makes it really heavy. You are going to need at least 3 or 4 people to set this against the tree.
- It is expensive.
Here's a video that shows how the Lockdown Technology works for setting up the stand.
It is very innovative and a game changer for safely setting up ladder stands.
During our testing and rating of two person ladder stands, we asked each of our staff; What is the most comfortable two man stand that you have tested?
The Rivers Edge LockDown was the overwhelming response from our staff of hunters. It has plenty of room for using a compound bow or crossbow and it is the best 2 man ladder stand that we tested.
Best For The Money: Rivers Edge Twoplex
The Rivers Edge TwoPlex is our top pick under $300.
It is also a great stand for big guys and here's why:
Many of the big guys on our staff like to use a two person ladder stand because of the extra room and the 500 lbs weight limit.
The problem is that many of the two person ladder stands on the market today have 2 separate padded seats, but the Rivers Edge TwoPlex has one wide bench seat that is perfect for the big guys looking to use it as a one man stand.
The seat also has a very comfortable mesh backrest.
The seat is 37 inches wide by 14 inches deep, which is wide enough for a big guy and all his gear.
The seat does flip up out of the way if you prefer to shoot standing up with more room.
The stand is a good height for bowhunting at 17 feet to the padded shooting rail, which can be flipped up out of the way.
The foot platform size measures 40 inches wide by 26 inches deep, which ideal for the solo hunter.
The TwoPlex is not nearly as heavy as the best 2-man stands above, weighing in at only 86 pounds with a 500 lbs weight capacity.
Let's take a look at the features of the Rivers Edge TwoPlex.
Features:
- Comfortable, TearTuff™ mesh bench seat that flips up out of the way.
- Flip up, padded shooting rail that is 2 way adjustable for both height and depth.
- Uses dual tree blades to improve the stability of the platform.
- Includes two ratchet straps and stability straps.
- Includes an adjustable stabilizer bar.
- Includes 2 full body harnesses, but you should consider getting the best tree stand safety harness for big guys that you can afford.
What We Like
- We like the mesh bench seat and backrest which are ideal for big guys.
- The height is right in the sweet spot at 17 feet.
- The Hercules cross grip safety system does help with securing the stand to the tree before climbing.
- The adjustable safety rail is perfect for crossbow or firearm and can be flipped up out of the way for bowhunting, if you prefer.
- Not as heavy as the other stands.
- Available at a decent price.
What We Don't Like
- Does not have a footrest.
- Not as comfortable as the other top rated two man stands.
Here is a video showing the complete assembly and set up in the tree of the Rivers Edge TwoPlex.
If you are looking for the best ladder stand for big guys, then you need one with a comfortable bench seat and a 500 lbs weight rating.
The River Edge TwoPlex fits that criteria and should be your number one choice.
Best Value: Ol'Man Treestands Assassin Lite Double Ladder Stand
We found the Ol'Man Treestands Assassin Lite Double Ladder Stand to be very comfortable and a great value under $300.
This one is kind of bare bones, but it gets the job done and our staff has taken plenty of deer out of this ladder stand.
The platform is quite wide at 39 inches, but it is not very deep, only measuring 22 inches front to back.
The ComfortMAX contoured sling seat measures 40 inches wide by 16.5 inches deep and is comfortable enough at this price point.
The stand is 18' high to the shooting rail and 15' high to the platform.
It is heavy, thanks to the powder coated steel construction, weighing in at 94 pounds.
Let's take a look at some of the features of this stand.
Features:
- Sturdy steel construction
- Flip up padded shooting rail
- Contoured sling seat
- Uses dual tree blades to improve the stability of the platform.
- Includes two ratchet straps and stability straps
- Includes an adjustable stabilizer bar
- Includes 2 full body harnesses
- Accessory hooks for hanging binoculars, calls and other gear.
What We Like
- We love the price
- The ComfortMax Sling seat is very comfortable
- One wide seat works well for big guys
What We Don't Like
- Not as high quality as our top picks
- Heavy
This is a great two man stand for the money, but it is a big step down from the more expensive models.
Best Budget: Guide Gear 2 Man Ladder Stand
We realize that there are some hunters out there that don't want to spend a lot of money on a ladder stand, so we have included the Guide Gear tree stand as the best budget 2 man ladder stand.
We have to mention here that this stand is not even close to the other 2 person ladder stands that we have recommended in terms of quality and comfort, but it will get the job done at an affordable price.
The bench seat measures 38 inches wide by 12 inches deep and would work for big guys because you can sit in the middle.
This is the smallest double ladder stand that we have tested. The foot platform size measures only 38 inches wide by 12 inches deep.
It is also the lightest stand in our lineup at only 80 pounds, despite its all steel construction and it still has a 500 pound weight capacity. It definitely lacks the sturdiness of the stands reviewed above.
Even though it is the lightest stand, you will still need at least 2 people to set it up against the tree.
It is not a great height for bowhunting at 16.5 feet to the shooting rail.
Features:
- Ultra light bench seat.
- Flip up, padded shooting rail is ideal as a gun rest for rifle and crossbow.
- Sturdy construction.
- 16.5 feet high.
- Adjustable support bar.
- Includes 1 ratchet strap and 2 stabilizer straps.
- Includes 2 full body harnesses.
What We Like
- The price tag. You are not going to find a better two man stand for this price.
- With the bench seat and the 500 pound weight capacity, it works for big guys, although it is pretty cramped.
- It was easy to assemble.
What We Don't Like
- Not very comfortable for two adults.
We have only included this 2 person stand because we wanted to offer an affordable option to the hunters out there that are budget minded. There are better options out there.
This stand is one of the cheaper models and you get what you pay for.
If you are looking for the best budget two man stand, then the Guide Gear stand is for you, but it is a no frills, cheap stand that is not very comfortable and will not last more than a few years in the elements.
We would highly recommend that you spend a little more money and buy one of the 2 person ladder stands above.
Things to Consider When Choosing The Best 2 Man Ladder Stand
Buying a 2 person stand is an expensive investment and you should take the time to make sure that you have covered all of the bases so that you can choose the right model for your needs.
Here are the important things that you need to consider.
Comfort
Comfort comes down to a number of factors.
Let's take a look at each of them:
Comfortable Seat
The seat is the number one factor to consider when you are looking for the most comfortable stand.
The main types of seats today are the mesh style seats. Other types of seats are cushioned bench style seats.
The new mesh style seats in the ladder stands above are super comfortable.
Pay attention to seat size as well. If you are a bigger hunter, you are going to want to look for a seat size that will fit you. That may mean going to a bench style seat design.
The best seats consits of two parts, the seat and the backrest. Make sure that the seat has a backrest. Look for a stand with the contoured mesh backrest that is part of the seat for the most comfortable hunts.
Also consider the seat height. Taller hunters will be more comfortable with a higher seat height.
Also, a seat that flips up out of the way will allow you to stand comfortably to stretch or to make an accurate shot.
Padded Armrests
All of the most comfortable stands will have padded armrests. This may not sound very important, but when you are sitting for hours on end, padded armrests will help to keep you comfortable and in the stand longer.
Footrest
Footrests are another important thing that you may not think of when shopping for ladder stands, but once you hunt with one, you will find it hard to sit in a stand without one.
Some stands have stationary footrests, but other models have flip out footrests that can be flipped out of the way when you don't need them, which we prefer.
A good footrest along with padded armrests and a comfortable seat can make sitting in your stand like sitting in your easy chair at home.
You should consider adding a tree stand umbrella for maximum comfort in all weather conditions.
Being comfortable in your stand means that you will stay longer and increase your chances at that deer you have had your eye on.
If you are looking for comfort and the ability to move your stand, check out our climbing tree stand reviews.
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Platform Size
As you have seen in the reviews above, foot platform size varies dramatically between different double ladder stands.
Make sure the stand that you are considering provides enough space for two people.
For instance, two hunters that are adults need more room than an adult hunter and a child.
One large hunter will also need more space for all of his or her gear and a large platform size will provide extra space.
Height
Most ladder stands will be between 15 and 21 feet high. We have found that around 20 feet is ideal for bowhunting, while also being good for rifle hunting.
If you want to climb higher than 21 feet to get a better vantage point, you are going to need a climbing stand or a hang on stand and climbing sticks.
Weight Limit
The weight limits on all of the two man ladder stands on our list is 500 pounds. Keep in mind that 500 pounds is for hunters and all of their gear.
Gear includes your weapons, clothes that you are wearing, boots, hunting backpacks and anything else that you are bring up into the stand with you.
Two hunters that weigh 250 pounds each could not hunt out of these stands together because they would exceed the weight rating with their hunting gear.
You should never exceed the weight capacity of any tree stand.
For some of the big guys out there, 2 person stands may be there only option, because one person stands don't usually have a high enough weight rating for larger size hunters.
Weight
While the weight of the stand should be a consideration when you are deciding on a two man stand, keep in mind that the heavier stands weigh more because they are more heavy duty.
This means that they are a more sturdy stand and have more stability, which also means that they are better quality.
You should be leary of any super lightweight double ladder stand because they are going to be flimsy and may flex and move when you are climbing or even just when you stand up.
The point that we are trying to make is that a heavy 2 person stand is usually a higher quality construction than a light one.
You are going to need multiple people to set up a two man stand anyway, so you may as well choose the higher quality construction.
Setting It Up
Setting up a one person ladder stand can be a bit difficult and setting up a two man is even more so.
These stands are heavy and they are going to require at least two people to stand up against the tree.
You will assemble the stand on the ground, at the base of the tree that you have chosen.
Then, two people will lift the stand from the top and walk the stand up against the tree while walking their hands up the ladder.
The sturdier the construction of the stand, the easier this is, even though it is heavier, because the flex and flimsiness will make the stand difficult to control as you walk it up.
Be prepared, as the whole process of assembly and set up can take hours with some models.
One thing to keep in mind is that ladder stands should be set up well before the hunting season to allow the deer to become accustomed to them.
Be sure to follow our deer stand placement strategies to increase your chances of a successful hunt.
There are plenty of videos on YouTube showing how to set up two man ladder stands and be sure to follow the instruction manual that came with your stand.
RELATED: How To Maintain Your Tree Stand In The Off Season
Price
While price should be a consideration, keep in mind that you get what you pay for and most models are going to be quite expensive.
That being said, there are some top rated two man ladder stands that we have recommended above that are under $400, with some around $300.
Any two man stand under $300 is not very high quality and will not last as long as the more expensive stands will.
Conclusion
The best two man ladder stands are great for hunting with a companion, whether it is your child, your wife, a best friend or just a hunting buddy.
If you are taking your child hunting with you, get him or her a good beginner compound bow and start creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Our team of hunters have spent countless hours in these tree stands testing and rating them so that we could share with you our top picks in multiple categories.
We are confident that you will be satisfied with any of our recommendations above on your next hunting trip.
We have also included some frequently asked questions below. If you have any other questions or would like to leave a comment, please do so below.
Happy Hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tallest 2 man ladder stand?
The tallest 2 man ladder stand is the Rivers Edge Lockdown Wide ladder stand at 21 feet tall.
How wide is a two man ladder stand?
Two man ladder stands vary in width, from 73 inches in the X-Stand Comrade to 40 inches for the Rivers Edge TwoPlex.
Are two man ladder stands safe?
Yes, two man ladder stands are safe when you follow the instruction manual included with your stand. Today’s tree stands include many safety features and adhere to TMA safety standards. Most tree stand accidents occur when you are entering or exiting the stand, so make sure that you pay attention and you are wearing a tree stand safety harness and are connected to the tree via a safety line anytime that your feet are off the ground.
Do ladder stands spook deer?
Some deer find ladder stands intrusive and they may spook deer when they are first set up. Ladder stands should be set up at least 4 – 6 weeks before the hunting season so that deer become accustomed to them.
You can also camouflage them by attaching natural branches and boughs to the ladder and stand with zip ties.
How much weight can a two man ladder stand hold?
Most two man ladder stands have a 500 pound weight capacity. Do not exceed the weight capacity of any tree stand, and remember, the weight capacity refers to the hunter and gear.
