After having my Old Summit Switch blade climber stolen, I'm looking to buy a new Summit climber stand. My switch blade had a bar that went around the front of it that wasn't removable and felt it was nothing but in the way when it came to archery hunting with my compound.. I see Summit now has the Cobra Model which is open in the front.. I find summit to be the most comfortable, easy to move from place to place, quiet and stable climber I've tried (not that I've tried too many different climber stands). Soooo, I was wondering if there was anything else out on the market as far as climber stands that might be comparable to the Cobra but maybe a little easier on the pockets? I'm dead set on getting a Cobra, because I know I'll be happy with my purchase, but they are so damn expensive.
I have Summit and Lone Wolf Climbers. The Summit (Bushmaster from 2004ish) is far and above more comfortable, however for me its noisy to pack and set up but much easier to climb. The Lone Wolf is much lighter, quieter while walking, and more packable, but its not as comfortable and its the Hand Climber so it is more difficult to climb with. On the scale they weigh about the same, but the LW packs flat so it feels MUCH lighter on my back and it doesn't get snagged on as many branches when I'm moving through thicker cover. I bought my LW used on this site for the same price as a Summit. It depends on what you're looking for, really. If you have a long hike to your tree and getting in silent is a priority, I'd suggest something other than the Summit. If you're doing long sits and you want comfort, the Summit is the way to go.
Yeah, I've looked into the Lone Wolfs, I know the guys on the bow hunt or die series are extremely happy with them. If I could have it my way I'd buy both and use which ever fit my agenda lol, but due to other expenses I'm gonna have to settle with only one climber stand this season. I already have 2 ladder stands set up, so I do have other options in areas to sit, but I still like to at least have a climber that I can move around easily.. I generally have pretty short hikes and easy access to the areas I will be hunting and will more than likely probably keep my climbers in one spot for a few sits depending on the deer movement. Thanks for the feed back though I will def. keep both in mind and will give a few things to think about before making my purchase.
If you're going to be leaving it, I'd go with the summit. That's what I do with mine. I'll relocate when I'm done with my hunt and set up for the next hunt. If plans change, I take the LW. For you, you have the ladder stands so you can still be flexible if the wind changes, etc.
http://www.eders.com/xop-enforcer-tree-stand.html http://www.eders.com/xop-strike-force-tree-stand.html Hey are some other options too.
Well I went ahead and purchased the Summit Cobra SD.. At only 19 lbs and knowing the comfort of these stands I don't think I made the wrong choice. That Enforcer really seems like a awesome stand as well, made with great quality, but I have a hard time buying a product I have no experience with and don't even know where to find them where I can't see them in person (photos can be deceiving)..
I also purchased the "Hunter Safety System Ultralite Flex Harness" to go along with it. I don't care for the Harnesses that come with the Summit stands, they're not the most comfortable things to wear lol.. The buckles are too bulky and they have no flex to them at all.
Do yourself a favor and get some stabilizer straps and the bow holder from Thirdhand archery. The stabilizer straps make the stand rock solid on the tree, just as solid as a hang on stand. I will never ever use a climber without them. The bowholder is different then others because you can CLIMB with the bow in the holder! It eliminates the need for a bow rope. I am not affiliated with this company in anyway, but I swear by them on my kids life. You will not regret it, I promise you!!!! Check out there website and watch the videos, you will see what I'm talking about! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Since you ask, I have to say my LW sit and climb is the only stand I'll hunt with. I have an Assault hang-on with sticks as well, but the climber gets most of the use. Summit makes a great stand, I just prefer my LW. I honestly believe the sit and climb is the most quiet stand out there.
I have a Summit climber and have been pretty happy with it overall...only downsides are the noise-factor and it is pretty bulky to pack. I just tried out my friend's LW climber the other day and was very impressed by the quietness, ease of carrying, etc. Can't afford one right now, but maybe someday.
