Alright, here's my dilemma. I'm hunting a field/wooded area on State Game Lands and have found a beautiful spot. From people I have talked to, since I am hunting a wooded field area a tree stand is the better option, being that a blind would be a little conspicuous. I've been leaning towards the Summit Viper SD climbing tree stands and would like to know if anyone has one or another Summit product? I have read a lot of reviews mostly good and some bad and would like to know other opinions.
It is a heavy stand and it can be hard to take on a long hike. However, there is not a more comfortable stand to hunt out of. In fact, I wish my living room furniture was as comfortable. I have even taken some 20 feet up naps in it! The cable do get worn out after a lot of use, but that will happen with any stand. I bought mine right, $20 in craigslist. I hate ladder stands, and use hang-on stands a lot, but I would pick this climber every chance I get. Just hope I don't have carry it 2 miles, with the bow and a backpack.
Lone Wolf stuff is awesome, but the price is out of my range! $280 for the Summit and $420 for the sit-n-climb??? Extra $140 for boots or some new arrows and/or broadheads?
I'm borrowing a summit viper SD from a friend, I didn't know I could be so comfortable in a tree before. It's nice but the bulk is there for packing, I'm probably going to pick up a summit open shot or the mlb specialist.
I have and use an Ol'Man Multivision aluminum climber. It is a great climber at a great price. Super easy to use. A lot more comfortable than it looks and more comfy than I expected. Easy to pack in and setup and use. The only downside to climbers is the need for trees with no obstructions on the way up. For this reason the next stand I will be getting is a hang on and sticks. Solely for the fact of being able to put it in trees not feasible for a climber.
Summit Open shot is also a good choice. I would'nt recommend taking a nap in it, but you can definitely do some bowhunting out of it.
I've got a Summit Viper without SD, I love mine, can be a pain lugging around, I guess that's bowhunting. They are comfy!
I have a big game cobalt, and it has lots of room, so it is big, weighs only 20 lbs also. Also to point out, everyone wants a extremely light weight climber, how every it wasn't that long ago that they were made out of steel and weighed quit a bit more. Just something to think about.
I'm in the same boat. I'd like something in the 15lb range. I've had a gorilla stand for 7 years or so. Probably gonna sell it. Weighs 28lbs. Since I've moved to Wyoming, I've learned the need to pack light. Dunno if the $100+ is worth the LW price or if XOP or Summit would do the trick.
my summit viper weighs 22lbs dont buy the steel one make sure you get the Aluminum. brand new i paid 260. it's the most comfortable/secure ive ever been in a tree for the money you can't beat it
I have the steel one, it is heavy and it can make a bunch of noise, but I only paid $20 for it and it was the best $20 I ever spent. Would I love to have a 22 pound aluminum one? YES!!!!
Fill the tubing with spray foam in the off season and i use a small non rachet tiedown to hold it tight while im packing it in. if i remember ill post a pic. i can climb up 20 feet dead quiet and be set up ready to shoot in 5-10 min
Summit Open shot is very light and easy to pack in and out of state land. Weighing in at 13 lbs you will hardly notice it. Can be tricky to find the right tree and hand climbers can be a workout. I would think that a sit and climb would be a little easier to climb with but if you are going for lightweight and comfort the open shot SD is a great little climbing tree stand.
yes, that sounds like a good plan. All my stands could use some off season work. That sounds like a good plan. I also need new cables for it. Several stands could use a little wire brush and some fresh camo spray paint! Maybe add a little spray foam as well?
