Buying first hammock and stand! need advice.

**B-san** · 06-08-2010, 05:34

OK so firstly like to say Hello as i am new

Secondly i need some help on choosing between 3 hammock stands, they are the only ones available to by where i live.

The first 2 are found at, http://www.hammockco.com.au/hammockframes.html

The first one's instructions and details are at,
http://www.hammockco.com.au/universalframeinst.pdf

The second one's instructions and details are at,
http://www.hammockco.com.au/adjustableframeinst.pdf

The third hammock stand is found at, http://www.rangeroutdoors.com.au/content/hammock-and-frame-combo . If you click on the pic it shows up bigger.

Sorry if it is bit to full of websites i just really need some help on choosing. I plan to use it to sleep in at night in my room.

Thanks any suggestions or comments much appretiated ay

**B-san** · 06-08-2010, 08:16

Any thoughts at all Anyone ?

**bigbamaguy** · 06-08-2010, 09:01

B-san:
Have you given thought to possibly making your own hammock stand. There are several threads on these stands and they range from inexpensive, minimalist designs to elaborate works of art that HF members have built themselves. I have built the 2X4 stand, not quite sturdy enough for my large "frame", and will be shortly building a 4X4 stand. Do a search on these type stands and see what you think.

**B-san** · 06-08-2010, 18:35

Yeah making one would be great and i would like to do that in the future but at the moment i don't have anytime to do that or the equipment. I just wanted to buy one for starters.

**MikeN** · 06-08-2010, 18:38

Originally Posted by bigbamaguy

B-san:
I have built the 2X4 stand, not quite sturdy enough for my large "frame", and will be shortly building a 4X4 stand. Do a search on these type stands and see what you think.

Define "large frame", if you please. I weigh 240 (or so) and was planning on a 2x4 frame. What problems did you have?

**bigbamaguy** · 06-08-2010, 22:06

MikeN:
Large Frame= 6'1" tall 290+lbs. When I lay in the hammock my weight causes the arms to flex sideways. They do not flex far but they do flex. I worry that they may fatigue while I am on the hammock and that would be painful.

**MikeN** · 06-08-2010, 22:46

Appreciate the info, bigbamaguy. How much flex were you seeing? I'm guessing this was the ends of the hanging arms flexing in, correct?

**opie** · 06-09-2010, 04:48

Originally Posted by bigbamaguy

MikeN:
Large Frame= 6'1" tall 290+lbs. When I lay in the hammock my weight causes the arms to flex sideways. They do not flex far but they do flex. I worry that they may fatigue while I am on the hammock and that would be painful.

Bama, Im 6'4 and 275 and my 2x4 stand was rock solid. Yeah the arms would flex side to side if I swung, but never enough to worry about it tipping or breaking. They never flexed in. My RL was always tight when I got in so this is how I know there was no flex in towards the hammock. It never creaked. I also had 36" feet on it, roughly 15" on either side and it was plenty stable.

B-san... All you need to make the 2x4 stand is a hand saw, drill and the materials. It really is quite simple.

**oldgringo** · 06-09-2010, 04:55

The links don't work for me, but my take on store-bought stands is that they are generally built for spreader bar hammocks that are hung with less sag than is required for most of the gathered end, camping style hammocks commonly used by folks on HF. In short, they are either too long, too low, or both, and require modification to perform satisfactorily.

As mentioned above, a diy stand is probably a better solution, all things considered.

**gargoyle** · 06-09-2010, 05:14

Something like this?? is what I'm guessing your looking for?
The stand has worked for many, occasionally folks have to modify the stand, so that it works with camping hammocks. Since you may have to modify the store bought stand... suggestions have been made that folks know work well.
Buy the stand, and hang..it may work for you. Some folks like them, some don't?

If it doesn't work, take it back to the store.