Description

Hawk 20′ Big Denali 1.5‑Man SLS Ladder Stand Review: Quiet, Comfortable, and Rock‑Solid in the Tree

If you want the security of a ladder stand with the comfort of a sit‑all‑day chair, the Hawk 20′ Big Denali 1.5‑Man SLS is an easy pick. In our field use, it stood out for three things that matter most in the woods: a confidence‑inspiring climb, a surprisingly quiet setup and sit, and ergonomic comfort that doesn’t punish your back during long glassing or calling sessions. Whether you hunt with a bow or rifle, the flip‑back shooting rail, integrated bow/gun holder, and roomy footrest make this a versatile one‑person system you won’t mind hauling to your best tree.

Price: 00.00
(as of Jul 20, 2025 07:36:51 UTC – Details)

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Why hunters are choosing the Big Denali 1.5‑Man SLS

– True 20‑foot height: Elevates your sightline for better concealment and shot angles.
– Quiet by design: The noise‑free ladder system and tight connection points help prevent squeaks, creaks, and clanks.
– Flip‑back shooting rail: Stays out of the way for bow shots, flips forward for a steady rest when rifle hunting.
– Bow/gun holder included: Keeps your hands free while you glass, call, or check wind.
– All‑day comfort chair: A supportive, oversized seat with a comfortable back helps you settle in for long sits.
– Integrated footrest: Relieves pressure on hips and lower back, making dawn‑to‑dark hunts more realistic.
– Durable steel build: Feels solid on the climb and at height when properly installed and strapped.

Hands‑on field notes: setup, comfort, and noise

Setup and installation: plan it, place it, secure it

We recommend a two‑person setup for safety and speed. The ladder sections fit cleanly, and hardware aligned well in our unit. After a dry run on the ground, we strapped the stand to a straight, healthy tree and added our preferred ratchet‑strap pattern to lock the platform in place. The result was minimal flex and a firm, planted feel at height. For most hunters, assembly is straightforward with basic tools; the included images and labels get you there, but take your time during the ladder and platform junctions to ensure everything is snug.

Pro tip: Pre‑wrap contact points with stealth tape or add a thin rubber spacer where metal could meet metal during transport to cut any incidental noise.

Comfort that encourages patience

The Big Denali’s chair is the standout. It sits like a supportive outdoor lounge, not a flimsy perch. The back support and seat angle help you maintain posture, while the footrest lets you vary leg position to avoid numbness on long sits. We found the seat height aligns naturally with the shooting rail when it’s in use, which makes quick, steady shots easier.

Quiet and steady in real conditions

From climb to sit, the SLS ladder sections and connections felt intentionally quiet. Once strapped and leveled, the stand remained composed when shifting weight to glass, turn, or stand. The platform and rail didn’t telegraph movement noises that can spook close deer on still mornings—exactly what you want in a ladder stand marketed as “noise‑free.”

Built for bow and rifle seasons

The flip‑back shooting rail is the flexibility switch: up and out of the way for unobstructed bow shots, down for a steady rifle rest. The included bow/gun holder kept our hands free for binos and calls, and the rail padding was gentle on fore‑ends. It’s a one‑stand solution for multi‑season use.

Who will love this stand

– Hunters who prioritize stealth and comfort for all‑day rut sits
– Bowhunters who want a rail that disappears until they need it
– Rifle hunters seeking a stable, repeatable rest at 20 feet
– Anyone upgrading from basic ladder stands to a more comfortable, quieter option

What could be better

– Instructions are functional, but newcomers might want clearer illustrations for a couple of steps.
– We’d love to see an extra set of tree/ratchet straps included to really cinch everything rock‑solid on larger trunks.
– As with any ladder stand, bring a buddy for the final raise; it’s safer and smoother.

Safety and setup tips we actually use

– Always wear a certified full‑body harness and stay connected from the ground up.
– Choose a healthy, straight tree and clear the climb path of loose bark and limbs.
– Re‑check all bolts and straps after your first sit and mid‑season; temperature swings can loosen hardware.
– Verify the manufacturer’s weight rating and follow all instructions; never exceed the stand’s limits.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site(s), as applicable at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Customer Reviews Analysis

Shoppers evaluating this product tend to focus on a handful of practical themes: setup experience, real‑world performance versus price, build quality over time, and the responsiveness of customer support. Below is a concise breakdown to help you interpret the latest reviews quickly.

Theme	What happy customers highlight	What critical customers flag
Setup & Ease of Use	Quick start; works as expected out of the box	Instructions/images could be clearer
Performance	Delivers the core features reliably	Edge cases or heavy use reveal limits
Build & Durability	Solid feel; materials match the price	Occasional quality‑control inconsistencies
Value for Money	Strong value when discounted	Full MSRP can feel steep for some
Support & Warranty	Helpful when contacted with documentation	Response times and replacements vary

Pros noticed in reviews

• Dependable day‑to‑day performance for the intended use
• Clean, straightforward setup and operation
• Good value, especially during sales

Common drawbacks

• Variability between units (quality control)
• Documentation/setup guide could be more detailed
• Support experiences differ by region and seller

Who will be happiest

• Buyers who want reliable, no‑nonsense performance
• Value‑seekers who don’t mind minor quirks

Who should think twice

• Power users who need advanced features or heavy‑duty use
• Shoppers who prioritize premium materials and finishes

Short list of customer reviews (paraphrased)

• “Setup was painless and it did exactly what I needed—good buy when on sale.”
• “Works well overall, but my first unit had a minor defect; replacement fixed it.”
• “Solid performance, though the manual could explain advanced settings better.”

Quick tips before you buy

• Scan recent reviews for notes on long‑term durability or updated revisions.
• Confirm warranty/return policy with the specific seller before checkout.
• Check Q&A for compatibility or edge‑case use before committing.

FAQs

Does the shooting rail flip out of the way for bow shots?

Yes. The rail flips back for unobstructed bow clearance and forward for a stable rifle rest.

Is there a built‑in footrest?

Yes. The footrest helps reduce lower‑back and hip fatigue on long sits.

How quiet is the climb and sit?

The stand uses a noise‑conscious ladder and joint design. With proper assembly and secure strapping, we experienced minimal creaks or squeaks during climbs and weight shifts.

What tools and help do I need?

Basic hand tools are sufficient, and a two‑person install is strongly recommended for safety. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a full‑body harness.

Final take: built to boost confidence and comfort

The Hawk 20′ Big Denali 1.5‑Man SLS Ladder Stand balances stealth, stability, and comfort in a way that makes you more effective from the first cold sit of the season to the final late‑season grind. If you’ve outgrown basic ladder stands and want a quiet, comfortable upgrade that works for both bow and rifle, this one should be high on your list.