Tomcat treestands were many hunters’ best friends. They were lightweight, durable, and easy-to-use treestands. Having sharp teeth-like spikes that bite deep into the tree bark makes them a sturdy and safe treestand to use.

Tomcat treestands could be easily attached and locked onto the trees with slide-on adjustable hooks and pins. They come loaded with a foldable seat and backpacking straps, allowing users to sit facing the tree or away from it.

Tomcat Treestands – Brief Introduction

Manufactured by T.C. Manufacturing Incorporation, Tomcat treestands have been the industry leader since 1981. The Company took pride in manufacturing the most affordable, comfortable, lightweight climbing tree stands that customers adore.

After being in the market and serving the hunting community for more than two decades, T.C. Manufacturing Incorporation was taken over by Tom Cat Manufacturing Incorporation in 2002.

Although the names sounded very similar, there was no connection between them, as they were both completely separate and independent business entities. After years of efforts, in 2007, Tomcat climbing stands returned to their original owners and the manufacturing location.

These ownership transfers did not affect the reputation or sales of T.C. Mfg Incorporation. Instead, the customers were delighted to know that Tomcat treestands had returned to their original owners.

The sales and orders continued to grow, but this growth did not last very long. The Company permanently shut down its operations in 2018 due to the aging of its owner, Marlyn Graham, and the multiple health issues of her husband that required her time and attention.

However, despite all that, Tomcat climbing stands had been, and still are, many hunters’ favorite treestands. Many hunters who have used these tomcat treestands swear by them as being the best in the market during the early days.

Many hunters have owned these tomcat treestands through the 80s & 90s, and most of them are still in perfect running condition and can often be found on sale online at second-hand hunting gear stores.

The hunting community immensely loved the Tomcat treestands due to their affordability, comfort, and ease of use. Even though these treestands are not in production anymore, their reputation and popularity among treestand enthusiasts remain intact.

This is why they are still very much in demand, and hunters are always looking to buy a good condition used tomcat treestand.

Best Tomcat Treestands

We have shortlisted the best of the Tomcat treestands and highlighted their unique features and positives and negatives for your ease.

Although these stands are no longer available on the market, if you get lucky enough, you might get your hands on a preloved one if someone is selling theirs! Following are the three best Tomcat stands:

1. Tomcat 1 Tree Stand

The Tomcat family’s first and most popular treestand is the Tomcat-I model, highly known for its affordability and comfort. It is made of high-quality welded steel, making it a durable and corrosion-resistant treestand.

It has a steel frame, a cushioned wooden seat, straps, and a safety harness. The stand weighs around 20 lb and can easily hold up to 250 pounds.

 

2. Tomcat 2 Tree Stand

Tomcat-2 treestand weighs around 21 lbs, making it slightly heavier than its older brother Tomcat-1 Treestand. And apart from its heavier weight, wider straps, and an adjustable seat platform, it almost has the same qualities and features as the Tomcat-1 Treestand.

This model of Tomcat Treestands has a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 300 lbs and offers excellent stability when attached to a tree.

 

3. Big Dog Tomcat Treestand

Big Tomcat Treestand is a quiet, comfortable, easy-to-use, and solidly-built treestand, which came at a very economical price tag.

It consists of a steel mesh platform built on four bars, a steel frame with a wooden seat, a 2-inch-wide secure main strap, heavy-duty suspension cables, and a safety harness.

One major drawback of this model is that its platform is too small, which causes inconvenience when one has to sit on it for a long time.

It is an excellent option for beginners and young people but not for professionals. The stand weighs about 16 lbs, making it lighter than the other two models.

Despite being a very lightweight treestand, it has a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 300 lbs, making it one of the most sought-after treestands among the Tomcat Treestand family.

 

Conclusion

Tomcat climbing stands have dominated the treestand market for more than two decades. Many hunters who bought these treestands during the 80s and 90s still own them to date. Though Tomcat treestands were discontinued in 2018 and are no longer available on the market, they are still most hunters’ No. 1 choice in treestands.