Tip: When you attach the climber at the base of the tree adjust the platform so it is tipping up a bit. In most cases when you climb a tree the trunk gets narrower the higher you go. If you don't adjust for this in the begining you will end up with the platform tilted downwards when you get to the top which is dangerous. And wear your harness.
You will be fine. Trust me. Its easy. Just practice a little bit. You will figure it out quick which trees work and once ones don't.
I have a Summit Viper SD as well. Amazing stand. Without needing to be said, a harness and a strap to secure the top of the stand are a must. I have Third Hand Archery's climber stabilization straps to hold the two parts together rock solidly and their bow holder attached to the side so I can climb with everything attached to the stand. I also mounted a 7" curved pruning saw to the other side to help me get a little farther up in non-perfect trees. “In a civilized and cultivated country, wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Great thread I just picked up my first climber a summit razor I liked the drop away front bar I will be getting the third hand stuff it looks as must have. I set ladder stands but they are a pain to move. This should work when I visit other property to hunt that I would not set a ladder
congrats on the new stand!! My stand of choice! I have the thirdhand items and wouldnt think of using the climber again without them! I also recomend the hazmore seat, the stock seat is incredibley comfy, but cumbersome. I use a bungee to strap my pack to the stand. i also recomend taking a look at molle straps or the treestand transport system to make packing/carrying the stand in a thousand times more comfy!!!
I used bungee balls. When you get to your desired hunting height make sure you have room to draw and take a close shot if need be. That front bar can get in the way Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Don't be afraid to over estimate the angle at the bottom of the tree. Especially if the tree is much smaller up top than it is at the base. Better to have your base pointing up a little bit than half it pointing down a little bit. Put a couple hooks in the tree for you to hang your bag on and bow so that you get set up at the same high and position every time.
The scariest and safest feel for me have been in a climber. Scary was being a da and trying to adjust the top and it slipped. I would just use rope to tie my pack to the top side of my stand and even climb with it there. Then there was no messing with extra screw ins.
First rule of thumb, hickory trees are the devil. Next it will happen and it's inevitable when it will. But sometimes as you're climbing and even when you're settling in your bottoms will slip (especially on hickory) a couple inches your top will too sometimes when you sit down but usually when it happens the stand gets a better bite into the tree. But when it happens your blood will run cold for a few seconds but remember it's better to have a little fear of the stand and respect it than to have no fear and get hurt. Hope this helps
If it's a seat climber make sure the top and bottom sections are tied together. I have had the bottom section come off my feet and go down a few feet.
I've got the same climber and love it. Advice wise I'd say don't be in a rush. Sounds simple but it is easy to get rushed and make a mistake.
Sounds simple but I promise you'll do it eventually, especially if you're late getting in the woods: Remember to tie your gear and bow to the hoist rope...and to the stand. I've gotten to the tree and been so excited to get up I've left my gear at the bottom. I've also tied my gear to the rope and forgotten to tie the rope to the stand. Also, I have dropped sweatshirts, backpacks, gloves, hats, etc while up in the tree. Instead of climbing back down tie your hoist line to a tree hook and try to fish it back up. Many times it works, other times you hunt a little cold. One of the coldest hunts I've ever had was actually opening day last year. It was unseasonably cold this September (about 47 degrees) but I dropped my sweatshirt and was left in just a tee shirt. Doesn't seem too bad in 50 degrees till you sweat on the way in and sit there wet for 5 hours.
Pick a good straight tree, hook up the climber with both parts tilted up to accommodate the tree getting smaller at the top, hook up your hoist line or attacht all your equipment to the stand whatever you prefer. Wear your safety harness, for one it could save your life and two it will give you confidence knowing it is there to hold you. Make sure your top climber peice is attached to the bottom climber piece with a rope. Take it slow and DON'T over extend yourself when climbing, slow small climbs and you'll be up in no time without sweating. Bring a tree saw just in case, also if using the same tree over and over again tree hooks will help hold your bow and gear to give you more room in your stand and to give you a stopping point when climbing. Practice your shots from the stand and practice different angles of shots for different hieghts. Also if it is cold out, I will attacht my jacket and gloves to my hoist rope/stand and climb without it so you dont work up a sweat and then freeze once settled in.
practice climbing, getting set-up & shooting from the stand at home in the yard. Practice makes everything easier. The summit saddlebags are also pretty handy.
Yes dropping things it will happen!! I dont know if it is made anymore. I have a device called the booger. I picked it up years ago at a shot show. Basically it is two claws that are spring loaded. When you lock it open and lower it on your dropped item the trigger will close the claws and grab most anything. Mine has grabbed arrows and even my cell phone. I will try to post a picture of it when I get home.
Like others said...be sure to practice first, both climbing and shooting out of it. It takes a bit of getting used to, but very versatile to use.
I agree with all the tips that have been mentioned. The one thing I have not heard mentioned is the life line, which I have questions about. Is this something you climb up and down with the stand, then tie into your tree strap or do you climb up once and leave it for future hunts? Also do you clip in to your tree strap or keep it separate?
