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June 21, 2005 – Tahsin Industrial Corp USA of Randolph, New Jersey recalled about 480 Ameristep Model 9203 Hang-on treestands from the Grizzly Treestand Line sold from July 2004 through June 2005 for $36 to $50 after receiving one report of a person falling from an unknown elevation when the steel bracket bent, causing the chain to disengage and the stand to separate from the tree [1].
One Fall Reported
Tahsin received one report of a hunter falling when using the recalled treestand. The company didn’t disclose the height of the fall or the severity of injuries, referring only to “an unknown elevation.”
The Bracket Bending Problem
The steel bracket that secures the stand to the tree can bend if not properly secured by the chain and if weight is applied. Once the bracket bends, the chain disengages from the stand, causing the entire platform to separate from the tree.
Improper Setup Blamed
The recall notice states the bracket bends “if not secured properly by a chain.” This language attempts to shift responsibility to users for improper installation rather than acknowledging a bracket design or manufacturing defect.
Instructions as the Remedy
Rather than offering replacement stands or redesigned brackets, Tahsin’s remedy was simply providing supplemental instructions on proper setup. The assumption was that better instructions would prevent brackets from bending under load.
The $36 to $50 Price Point
At $36 to $50, these were budget-priced hang-on stands. Low pricing suggests minimal materials, thinner steel, and manufacturing processes that may compromise structural integrity to hit aggressive cost targets.
Steel Construction Limitations
The Model 9203 uses steel construction for the frame and bracket. While steel is strong, thin-gauge steel used in budget products can bend under loading, especially if brackets are improperly hardened or heat-treated during manufacturing.
Chain Attachment Dependency
The stand relies on a steel chain for tree attachment. If the bracket supporting the chain bends even slightly, the chain can slip out of position and disengage, causing immediate stand collapse.
Camouflage Seat Covering
The recalled stand features a camouflage-covered seat. Fabric covering over a basic metal seat adds minimal cost while creating the appearance of a more substantial product than the $36 price suggests.
Grizzly Treestand Line
Model 9203 came from Ameristep’s Grizzly Treestand Line. The “Grizzly” branding implies strength and durability, yet the actual product used brackets that bent under normal use.
Unknown Fall Height
The CPSC noted the fall occurred from “an unknown elevation.” Whether the hunter fell from 10 feet or 25 feet dramatically affects injury severity, yet Tahsin either didn’t investigate thoroughly or chose not to disclose this critical detail.
Four Retail Locations
The recalled stands sold through just four retailers: Kame’s Sports Center, Kentucky Lake Outdoors, Sportsmen Center, and North Sylva Company stores. Limited distribution suggests a small production run or test market for the budget model.
One-Year Sales Window
Sales ran from July 2004 through June 2005—exactly one year. The quick recall after just 12 months suggests the bracket problem became apparent almost immediately once hunters actually used the stands.
Fixed-Position Design
The Model 9203 is a fixed-position hang-on stand, meaning it attaches to the tree at one location and doesn’t adjust. Once installed, hunters have no way to modify bracket positioning if initial setup isn’t perfect.
Manufactured in China
Tahsin imported these treestands from China. International manufacturing creates quality control challenges, especially for budget products where cost pressures may compromise material specifications or inspection procedures.
The Proper Setup Question
Requiring “proper setup” to prevent bracket bending suggests the design has no safety margin for installation variability. Products should tolerate minor setup imperfections without catastrophic failures.
Contact Information Remedy
Consumers had to call Ameristep Customer Service or visit websites to print supplemental instructions. This places the burden on hunters to seek out safety information rather than the company proactively sending corrected instructions to all purchasers.
Bracket Material Thickness
Budget stands often use minimum-gauge steel to reduce weight and cost. Brackets made from thin steel lack the strength to resist bending when subjected to the dynamic loads of hunters climbing, shifting weight, and drawing weapons.
The Chain Release Mechanism
When brackets bend, they change the geometry of the chain attachment points. Even slight distortion can create enough slack for chains to slip free, especially when weight shifts during climbing or hunting movements.
No Injury Details Disclosed
Despite one reported fall, Tahsin provided no information about injuries sustained. This omission prevents consumers from understanding the actual danger level and potential consequences of bracket failure.
Contact an Attorney
If you fell from a Tahsin or Ameristep Model 9203 Grizzly hang-on treestand after the bracket bent and chain disengaged, contact a product liability attorney immediately. Preserve the failed stand with the bent bracket exactly as it is, photograph the bracket deformation and chain attachment points, save purchase receipts and any instructions received, and gather medical records documenting your fall injuries and treatment.
References
1. https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2005/cpsc-tahsin-industrial-corp-announce-recall-of-treestands