What's the best climber as far as value goes? I know the lone wolf ones look awesome but as a college student I can't just be dropping 400 bills on a tree stand..god knows I want to.
I would also recommend a Summit. Don't skimp on a climber because you're eventually have to buy another one...so get a Summit from the start. A lot of people will recommend a Summit Viper but the Summit Razor is better IMO. It has the bar so you can sit and climb (like the Viper) but you can fold it underneath you when you reach your desired height. So you don't have to worry about a bar being in your way. In the pic, the bar is in the down position as it would be when you're climbing. It will fold right under the seat and out of the way. Great stand! Been using mine since 2005.
I would assume so except the fact that you don't have a front rail. I have the basic viper and love it, as said above buy a summit once instead of buying multiple cheaper stands. I love my summit!
I have the summit razor as well, and the more I use it the more I love it. I bought mine new from ebay last fall for $230 to my door.
I like the summit stands, you can find nice used ones on craigslist if you dont want to spend alot of money. They hold up well, and are pretty comfy. I have two right now
Depends entirely on your goals and style of hunting... I've owned several Summits and know their product pretty well and I hunt out of a Lone Wolf Alpha Hand Climber. No better stand in the world for PURE bowhunting, IMO.
To answer the OP's question though... for sheer bang for your buck, I'd look for a Summit Bushmaster or used Cobra... make sure you get aluminum and not some crappy steel version some company is pawning off to get rid of...
As another, less expensive, option try looking into the Gorillla Greyback climber. I think they start at $150 (I found a couple online coupons and managed to get it for $100 shipped). Easy climbing, seat is comfortable, quiet. I like having the climbing bar in front of me for rifle season so I have a solid steady base. I think it's heavier than the summits by a couple pounds, but for the money (and maybe your budget) it might be worth looking into.
I have the Open Shot and it is a great stand. I would prefer the platform to be a little bit bigger though. Its easy to pack in and pack out. Climbing takes more upper body strength since it don't have the rail, but its not bad one you figure out how to lay your forearms on the side rails on the top section. The biggest selling point on the Open Shot for me was the fold up seat. It really helps with the smaller platform and you can stand closer to the tree.
Thanks for all the tips. Just got back from cabelas and got the summit viper ultra on sale for 220$. I think i'll be happy with it
I have 2 Summits, and just love them. I use one and my son uses the other. have a couple friends with other climbers that will ask if I'm using mine that day and try to borrow them for an evening. For the money, I don't tink they can be beat.
Right here its made by Summit , i have one and its awsome , nice and light too , http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/prod...oryId=104650380&productId=745380&type=product
A buddy bought a gorilla climber against my advice a month ago, after hunting with him hes looking at getting a summit. when I hear people not liking a climber its seldom a summit, I'm looking at buying another, maybe an open shot for short sits and use my viper for the longer sits so a nap can be taken!
