I go about 255lbs. I have been using a summit viper when I use the climber. Thinking about upgrading to the Goliath. Might be nicer to have a little more room. I have always been nervouse using a climber. The more I use it the more comfortable I get with it. I always use a safety rope all the way up and take my time. The third hand archery straps are a great modification to the stand that makes it real solid. I have used some hang Ons but really don't like stepping on and off the platform. No doubt ladder stands are secure and comfortable but I constantly feel the need to get more mobile.
I like the summit, at first it will take some getting used to, but any new stand will. The more practice you get with a climber the more you will like it and depend on it.
Do your research get the best stand you can afford. It's you butt 25' in the air. Always think safety!! Visit BuckShots web site as well as others.
Just picked this up and love it. Its the Maxim by Big Game treestands. It has a huge platform, almost twice as big as my climber and it seems twice as sturdy in the air. Ive only had it at 11ft but im sure it would be the same at 17.
I'm 6 '4 and weighing in at 230, I have always felt safe and comfortable climbing in my Ol'man vision and API(can't remember name of model).
I hunt mostly out of ladder stands but when I hunt public land or someplace I don't have stands up my Summit Viper is my only thing I will even consider! Its so comfortable and very secure. If your wanting a bigger stand with a higher weight limit I would go with the Goliath. Killed my biggest buck out of it! One thing I would recommend you getting is the foot rest, it really helps on those all day sits.
well for my input. Summit builds one for up to 350 lbs.Ive hunted from climbers most of my life and feel safe in them. I tried a hang-on last year I left it where it was in Maryland. I really felt uncomfortable transitioning from the steps to the seat itself. I thought there would be a better advantage to being able to use many different types of trees to hunt from. I really like my summit 180.I can scoot up a tree in no time and the sky's the limit. Not so with carrying sticks around with you.one trick I do is always put a bungee on the climber for extra security but have never had one slip.im about 215lbs.Last but most important use a harness.and make sure you can rescue yourself with it.
I would never trust a bungee cord on something to secure it. I worked in carpentry, and can't count the amount of bungees I've snapped when tarping something, just by pulling on it too hard.
I got a summit viper classic about half way through the season last year and only got a few used out of it. I have read some great reviews about it and have heard it is a very sturdy climber but there is a bit of a learning curve with it. Some of my problems stemmed from not choosing the right tree and not adjusting the bottom portion correctly. This year before I hit the woods I plan to practice a bunch more and I'm sure the stand will live up to all of the reviews. Overall the stand looks and feels sturdy, this comes with the downside of being a bit heavy. Whatever climber you choose, practice a lot.
I agree with Fuzz. I have a climber and have not used it in over 10 years. I never felt comfortable in the tree when I did use it. Safety first!
The Summit Viper Goliath is a awesome stand. I guy i hunt the river (public land) has one and he weighs a easy 275 and he loves it. I'm 205 and use the summit viper(i have alot of them) its the only climber i would use.
