StakeOut's Trail Camera Mounting System comes in three main models -- Screw-it, Stick-it and Strap-it.  Each has its pros and cons, but there is no doubt that this product has made it much easier to set up and move trail cameras around on a property.

Quick Summary of Each Model

Each model basically has two parts, the base and the main unit.  


In the Screw-It, the base screws into the tree.


In the Strap-It, the base wraps around the tree.


In the Stick-It, the base sticks in the ground.

As you can see, base is the differentiating feature for each, and the main unit simply fits into each base via a ball joint.

The ball joint is really neat, because it lets you swivel the trail camera, allowing you to set it at the perfect angle. The days of putting a stick behind your camera are over.  

Versatility

StakeOut's Original Plate with Arms	StakeOut's New Direct Mount

Each StakeOut model works with all game cameras, though the original models has some issues with the smaller cameras.  We sometimes have to secure the camera using just one of the arms.  It is doable, but not optimal.

Recently they came out with the "Direct-Mount" models, which I think is the best option because there are no more arms.  Each trail camera is secured solidly to the main unit.   The "Direct-Mount" also increases the ease of checking of the cameras, because you don't have to fool with the arms wrapped around it.  

Flexibility

Each StakeOut model gives you a lot more flexibility in where you set up cameras.  



On our property, we don't have a lot of big trees in certain areas, especially young forests and food plots.  The Stick-it works great in this situation, allowing us to track deer movement in places where we normally couldn't. 



There are also areas where we have found a good trail, but there isn't an "optimal" tree to allow us to point the trail camera north and still get the trail we want.   You might find a smaller tree or even a limb, and use the Screw-it or Strap-it. The base might be pointing in the one direction, but you can simply rotate the head and get the angle you want.

It also works fantastic for rolling land.  Our property is very hilly in places, and the ball joint allows you to rotate the trail camera to give you level shots.  

Maneuverability

Because of the design, moving the main unit from tree to tree is a breeze.  

I.e. Let's say you have three cameras but you have 10 areas you want to cover.  You could buy three Screw-it units and seven extra bases.  Put the bases up at each of the 10 areas, and simply pop the Screw-it units off and on as the season goes.  

Any Cons?

The main con I have is with the Stick-it.  It's great that it can go anywhere, but security is a huge issue.  If there weren't criminals in this world, then I would probably use the Stick-it everywhere.  Unfortunately this isn't the case.

The cons with the Screw-it and Strap-it, is that you have to have a tree to use them.  

The original ball joints also slipped when it got too hot.  StakeOut responded to this issue quickly and it was fixed in November 2010 and that is no longer a problem.  

Conclusion

If you are serious about getting the best shots of your deer on your trail cams, then this product is a must-have. Nature doesn't always give us a perfect tree to allow us to get a level shot on a trail, while also facing north to avoid sun shots.  The StakeOut products give you that.  I highly recommend it.

You can purchase the StakeOut products in our store.