I have several permanent stands on my property and I hunted out of them zero times last year. I love my summit goliath and feel 100 times more safe in it. The versatility allows you to multiply you options when trying to adjust to the deer patterns. Just make sure you bring a pair of clippers and a small saw with you to trim small branches and limbs.
I have used / made hang-ons for years....years....and broke down and bought gorilla climber. After one season I went to a Summit (aluminum) and have no intention of ever going back.. Light,easy setup,versitile,and I can move closer (or further) from the trail to suit my setup. And as for safety, I fell out of a hang-on,(purchased not homemade) through no mechanical fault of the stand,just poor descision making on my part, and I still feel waaaay safer in my climber... Try one n find your own preferances..
I have a Loggy Bayou Mega Transformer and like it. My buddy got the Summit Viper. Both do the same thing, the main reason I bought the L B M T is that it breaks down flat and is easier to pack into the woods.
http://www.summitstands.com/catalog.aspx?catid=goliath I just bought the Goliath SS from Summit Stands and I really like it so far. I guess the only thing (as of now) that I would recommend they change is to add a crank or turn knob of some kind; so you can make fine tune adjustments to the cables if the tree narrows or widens at all.
Yeah everyone recommends the Viper. Great stand. Don't forget about the Summit Goliath. It's the same stand as the Viper but just a little wider for a little extra comfort. It only adds 1 pound as well. Good luck.
